Trading Cards: 7 Mistakes Almost Every Beginner Makes
Trading cards is a rewarding and addictive hobby, but when starting out it's easy to make mistakes that can be costly and take away the fun of the hobby. Whether you're interested in hockey cards, Pokémon cards, or other collectible cards, there are certain pitfalls that are common to all.
In this article, I will share seven common mistakes that many beginning collectors make – and how you can avoid them right from the start.
1. You buy cards without comparing prices
This is perhaps the most common stumbling block. It's easy to get carried away and buy a card as soon as it catches your eye.
List prices don't always reflect what people actually pay for cards. To get an idea of the value of cards, check actual sale prices at auctions, for example on eBay, using the 'sold listings' feature, or by comparing with reputable trading card stores. Other useful tools include Terapeak , 130 Point and Card Ladder (fee required).
For EU-citizens, remember to take this into account when comparing prices: if you buy cards from outside the EU, you will have to pay 25.5% tax/customs duty on both the cards and the postage.
Of course, if it's a really rare card that you've been looking for for a long time, even years, it may be justified to pay above the market price.
2. You don't take into account the condition of the card
The condition of a card has a decisive impact on its value. Surprisingly many people buy a card based on a blurry image, without noticing corner damage or dents.
The condition of the cards is assessed based on four categories:
1) Corners
2) Pages
3) Surface
4) Centralization
These are also the basis of professional grading services. Always ask for additional photos or verify condition before purchasing. In our online store, each card is accurately photographed on both sides, and any errors are clearly indicated. You can also take a closer look at the card using the zoom function.
Also remember to pack the cards carefully when mailing: protect the cards from bumps with, for example, a toploader , a piece of cardboard , bubble wrap , and from moisture with a Team Bag .
3. You forget your budget and spend too much money
Trading card hobby can be exciting, especially if you come across childhood dream cards. But without a budget, your purchases can get out of hand.
Also consider which makes more sense: buying individual cards or opening card bags and boxes .
- If you are collecting a specific series, bags and boxes are a good way to start.
- If you're looking for a specific player or Pokémon, it's cheaper to buy the card directly from the secondary market.
Opening trading card packs and boxes is always full of excitement and surprises. I've opened Pokémon boxes with my son, and every time we cross our fingers, hoping to pull some of the rarest cards in the series. If luck is on our side, we might just find some real treasures inside.
If your goal is to find cards of a specific player, you save money by buying them directly from the secondary market than by opening boxes. This is because the cards found in boxes are not always the ones you need for your collection. You will be left with cards you don't want and you will have to find buyers for them or trade them for other cards.
And if you happen to open a bad box, you might end up disappointed stuck with cards worth a fraction of what you paid. With that same money, you could have bought the exact cards you actually wanted for your collection. The odds of pulling the best card in a given set are usually quite low.
Discover our selection of over 4,000 loose cards here
4. The collection has no focus
In the beginning, you often feel like buying a little bit of everything. It can be difficult to narrow down your collection when you haven't yet defined your collection.
Try to find your own interest. What sport or which Pokémon do you like and know the most about? Think about which era, series, or player you want to collect. Check out the checklists for different series and choose your target.
Buy cards that bring you joy. When I started collecting again about 10 years ago, I chose my favorite childhood player and idol, Saku Koivu. Also, my favorite 90s series from my childhood made me fall in love with collecting again.
Over time, some of the rarer Finnish cards and all-time legends have made their way into my collection.
5. You don't Protect or Store your Cards properly
This is a classic beginner mistake, and unfortunately, an expensive one. A card left unprotected can easily get scratched or permanently damaged. It happens all the time when cards are stacked, kept loose in a pocker, or stored in a binder without proper protection.
Always protect your cards with a soft sleeve and store them in a toploader , one-touch or high-quality binder page.
6. Collecting Alone isn't as Fun
Collecting cards is way more fun when you’re not doing it alone. Personally, I've gotten valuable tips from other collectors and avoided costly mistakes thanks to their advice. Building connections can also open up opportunities to trade or buy cards you might never come across otherwise. When other collectors know what you're into, they can offer you cards directly or give you a heads-up if something rare pops up.
There are trading card shows held all over Finland. They’re a great way to meet other hobbyists face-to-face. You can always find an up-to-date list of the events we're attending in our online store.
Join Finnish card collecting communities on Facebook:
Korttifriikit.fi – Marketplace for collectible cards
Also follow Mikander Sports Cards on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.
7. You don't watch out for scammers
Unfortunately, there are quite a few scammers online. When you are doing business with a new acquaintance, for example in a Facebook group, it is worth checking the person's previous activity in the group. Ask other group members for recommendations on the business partner before finalizing the transaction.
Facebook groups have admins who monitor the business and users, but sometimes scammers get through even the most careful screening. If the price sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Always choose trusted sellers and make sure that your transaction is secure.
Trading cards is a fun and rewarding hobby that is suitable for all ages. But it's worth going into it smartly: with knowledge, a plan, and community support. I hope these tips are helpful to you – especially if you're new to this great hobby!
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or need any tips, feel free to send me a message . I'd be happy to help.
Best regards,
Christopher "Toffe" Mikander
Card enthusiast & online retailer