Shows
10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingWhen Being Right Isn’t Enough: Prediction Markets Vs. Sports CardsCollectors often think buying a rookie card is the best way to “bet” on a player’s future—but the market doesn’t always reward you, even when the player meets expectations. In this episode, I break down why rookie cards can stagnate or fall despite strong on-field performance, and why prediction markets offer a different way to forecast players careers (in certain cases).
2025-12-0613 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingCool Designs, Low Ceilings: My Problem with Unlicensed CardsIn this episode, I share my honest take on unlicensed cards — why they can look great, have strong designs, and still struggle to appreciate meaningfully over time. I break down the structural challenges they face, how collectors treat them, and why I don’t see them becoming long-term value drivers in the hobby.
2025-12-0613 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingWhy I’m Buying Less — Even in a Hot Card MarketIn this episode, I explain why I’ve slowed down my buying even though the card market is performing well. I break down how staying disciplined helps me avoid purchases I might regret—and why holding cash now sets me up for better opportunities later.
2025-11-1608 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingTrading Lebron & Wemby for MJ, Kobe, & Caitlin ClarkIn this episode, I break down a trade I recently made — sending out a 2003 Topps Chrome LeBron and a 2023 Prizm Victor Wembanyama in exchange for a mix of Caitlin Clark, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant cards. I walk through why I felt it was the right time to move off two modern stars, what appealed to me about the pieces I got back, and how this trade fits into my broader collecting strategy. Whether you’re reshaping your own collection or just curious about the thought process behind higher-end swaps, this one offers a real look into how I eval...
2025-11-1317 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingStrong Market, Smart Moves: Reviewing Your Card PortfolioThe sports card market has been on a strong run lately — prices are up, auctions are competitive, and demand feels higher than it’s been in a while. But when the market heats up, it’s also the perfect time to take a step back.In this episode, I talk about why it might make sense to lock in some profits, how I think about which cards are true long-term holds versus short-term flips, and why having a clear portfolio strategy matters just as much in cards as it does in traditional investing.
2025-10-2716 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingEvolving as a Collector: Staying Flexible in a Changing HobbyIn this episode, I take a step back to reflect on how my collecting strategy has evolved over time—and why being flexible is one of the most valuable skills you can have in the hobby. From focusing on certain players and sets to shifting my buying and selling approach, I share the lessons I’ve learned along the way and how adapting your strategy can help you find more enjoyment, better deals, and a clearer sense of purpose as a collector.
2025-10-2014 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingFlipping a Card vs. Investing in the S&P 500In this episode, I break down one of my more successful card flips — how I bought a card for $665, sold it for $1,099, and ended up outperforming the S&P 500 over the same period. But while the profit was great, I use it as a reality check: even when things go well, sports cards aren’t a guaranteed way to beat the market. I talk through the math, the timeline, and what this example can teach us about balancing passion, risk, and realistic expectations in the hobby.
2025-10-1911 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingThe Redemption Card Discount — and Why It ExistsIn this episode, I share my experience buying my first redemption card — and why it ended up being way cheaper than just buying the actual card outright. I break down how redemption cards work, why many collectors avoid them, and how that creates a pricing gap that savvy buyers can take advantage of. Plus, I talk through what to watch out for when buying redemptions and how long the wait really is to get the card fulfilled.
2025-10-0616 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingWhy Selling Through PSA or Fanatics Collect Might Cost Less Than Your Own eBay StoreIn this episode, I break down why selling through consigners like PSA or Fanatics Collect can sometimes actually cost you less in fees than running your own eBay store. While it might seem counterintuitive, consigners often get preferred fee structures, better visibility, and added trust that leads to stronger final sale prices. I talk through the math, compare it with eBay’s standard seller fees, and share how you can decide whether consigning makes sense for your situation.
2025-10-0415 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingPSA 10s Are Overrated — Here’s My StrategyIn this episode, I share why I’m shifting my collecting focus away from chasing PSA 10s and instead putting more attention on picking up PSA 8s and 9s at a discount. From price gaps between grades to the risk/reward tradeoff, I talk about how this approach fits my collecting strategy, why I think it creates better value over the long run, and how it can still give you cards you’re excited to own without breaking the bank.
2025-09-2714 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingThe Pickle Vault: Crypto Meets Pickleball CardsA new initiative called the Pickle Vault just launched, aiming to corner the market on Ben Johns rookie pickleball cards by tying them to a crypto token. In this episode, I break down what the Pickle Vault is, how it works, and share my honest thoughts on whether it’s an innovative idea or just a bit too shady.
2025-09-2111 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingThe Blueprint for a Profitable Sports Card BusinessRunning a sports card business isn’t as simple as flipping singles on eBay—especially when fees eat into every sale. In this episode, I break down what it really takes to make a card business sustainable. From cutting out marketplace fees, to getting access to better inventory, to building out a middleman or content-driven model, I share the three paths that I think can actually work in the long run—and why most successful businesses blend more than one.
2025-09-0613 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingHow to Protect Yourself from Shill BiddingIn this episode, I break down one of the most frustrating parts of the card market: shill bidding. I share what shill bidding actually is, how it impacts collectors, and an example I recently came across that raised red flags for me.
2025-09-0613 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingVaulting 101: What Sports Card Collectors Need to KnowIn this episode, I break down how card vaults like PSA Vault and Fanatics Collect Vault actually work. From sales tax advantages on purchases to what really happens when you withdraw your cards, I share the key details every collector should understand to help decide if vaulting is worth it.
2025-08-3113 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingBalancing High-End Grails and Lower-End GemsIn this episode, I share how my collecting strategy has taken me down two very different paths. On one side, I’ve been narrowing in and targeting certain high-end cards—focusing my budget and attention on cornerstone pieces that I really want in my collection. On the other, I’ve widened my aperture, exploring lower-value cards that are fun, affordable, and open up new opportunities to experiment. I talk through why I’m pursuing both paths, what I’ve learned from each, and how it’s shaping the way I think about my collection moving forward.
2025-08-3012 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingMy First eBay Auction: A Better Result Than ExpectedIn this episode, I share my first experience selling a card through eBay’s auction format—and how the outcome turned out much better than I expected. I talk about what made me try auction instead of Buy It Now, the nerves of letting the market decide the price, and the lessons I learned that might help other sellers thinking about testing out auctions.
2025-08-2612 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingLaunching the $25 Card Hunt: One Card, Every DayIn this episode, I’m excited to share a new project I’m launching — The $25 Card Hunt. Every day, I’ll be buying and showcasing one sports card under $25, focusing on undervalued legends, hidden gems, and cards with stories worth telling.This is about the fun of collecting, not financial advice — and I’ll be posting every pickup daily across my blog, social, and a brand new Substack newsletter.👉 Subscribe to the newsletter here: https://substack.com/@10kcardjourney
2025-08-2111 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingDelivery Headaches: My Recent eBay Standard Envelope ExperiencesIn this episode, I share a couple of recent experiences I’ve had selling cards with eBay Standard Envelope—one where tracking never updated to “delivered” and another where the package was marked as delivered but didn’t actually show up. These situations highlight some of the risks and quirks sellers face when using eBay’s cheapest shipping option. I’ll break down what happened, what I learned, and what every seller should keep in mind for eBay Standard Envelope.
2025-08-1811 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingThe Hidden Perk of Selling on eBay: Business Credit CardsIn this episode, I dive into how opening an eBay seller account has done more than just help me move cards—it’s also helped me qualify for business credit cards I couldn’t access before. I share why these cards can matter, the perks they bring to my sports card collecting journey, and how other sellers can use the same strategy to maximize rewards and savings.
2025-08-1811 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingCard Sales Momentum: What’s Working and What I’ve LearnedIn this episode, I share my recent experience selling sports cards and the types of cards that have been gaining traction—older patch cards, unique cards of niche players, and cards of legends (who in my opinion have always been severely undervalued compared to prospects). I also reflect on the lessons I’ve learned along the way, from pricing strategies to understanding buyer demand.
2025-08-1610 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingHobby Lessons from Two Very Different PurchasesIn this episode of 10KCardJourney, I share two exciting recent additions to my collection — a vintage 1965 Swedish Candy Cassius Clay and a modern JuJu Watkins 1st Bowman Auto PSA 9. Beyond the cards themselves, I break down the key takeaways from each purchase, from staying true to your price while also being comfortable putting a take it or leave it offer. Whether you’re into boxing legends or the next big thing in basketball, these lessons can help you make smarter buys.
2025-08-1311 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingUnderstanding Comps: How I Use (and Don’t Use) ThemIn this episode of 10KCardJourney, I dive into one of the most commonly used (and misunderstood) concepts in the hobby: comps. While past sales are helpful in setting a general price range, they don’t tell the full story. I talk about why comps should be treated as a baseline—not a rulebook, and explore the many factors that can affect a card’s true value: platform, grading, rarity, the seller’s reputation, and more.I also tackle the question many collectors ask: Should card show prices be lower or higher than comps? With no eBay fees but a mo...
2025-08-0511 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingMy Card Shipping Process: eBay Standard Envelope + USPS Ground AdvantageIn this episode of 10KCardJourney, I walk through exactly how I ship the sports cards I sell—whether they’re low-end singles under $20 or higher-value cards over $20. I cover the step-by-step process I use for eBay Standard Envelope and USPS Ground Advantage, plus the tools and supplies that make shipping faster, safer, and more efficient. Whether you're just starting out or looking to streamline your setup, this episode will help you save time and avoid mistakes that can cost you sales.Link to YouTube video with step-by-step process: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Fo7phpU...
2025-07-3110 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingThe Cardboard Trail: Stories & Lessons From My Collecting MilestonesIn this episode, I walk through the major milestones that have defined my return to the hobby—buying cards, navigating eBay sales and shipping, experiencing my first card show, and even sending in cards for grading. I’ll share stories, surprises, and the lessons I learned with each “first,” offering honest reflections for fellow collectors and anyone considering getting back in the game. Whether you’re new, returning, or a long-time collector, I hope my journey helps you celebrate your own hobby milestones and inspires your next one.
2025-07-2716 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingLessons Learned & Favorite Cards: A Mid-Year Review of My Sports Card Collecting JourneyOver the last six months, my sports card collecting journey has been packed with highs, surprises, and a few lessons learned the hard way. In this episode, I’m excited to share the top five cards I’ve added to my collection—what they mean to me and why I chased them. Plus, I break down the five most important lessons I’ve learned, from buying & selling to saving money & taking notes.Whether you’re just starting out or you’re deep into the collecting game, you’ll get honest insights and some actionable tips to help you make the m...
2025-07-2714 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingThe Ace I Couldn’t Catch: My Carlos Alcaraz NetPro Auto Saga and eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee HurdlesCarlos Alcaraz is electrifying tennis, and his 2022 NetPro autographed rookie cards have become grails for some collectors. In this episode, I dive deep into my own quest to add an Alcaraz auto to my collection, sharing the details behind my plan to secure not one, but four copies, and why the deal crashed thanks to eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee.Hear about:What makes the 2022 NetPro Carlos Alcaraz autos so sought-after.How eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee —meant to protect buyers—actually got in the way of my deal, and lessons learned for anyone chasing high-end...
2025-07-2615 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingAttending My First Card Show: Lessons Learned and Deals MadeIn this episode, I dive into my first-ever card show experience—from the moment I bought my ticket to the last handshake of the day. You'll hear about:What it’s actually like walking into a card show for the first timeMeeting dealers, collectors, and everyone in betweenLearning the art (and nerves!) of negotiating for a cardMy process for selling cards and what I learned along the wayThe surprises, awkward moments, and wins of the dayWhether you’re thinking about hitting up your f...
2025-07-2122 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingTurning Cardboard into Cash on eBay: Breaking Down a Recent SaleThinking of selling your sports cards on eBay but want to know what really goes into the process—and how much you actually earn after fees and supplies? In this episode, I walk you through my recent experience selling a 2005 Dwight Howard autograph: from accepting the offer and shipping to the buyer, to a transparent profit breakdown. I reveal every fee and packing cost, share what I learned, and offer practical tips to help you succeed as a card seller on eBay. Whether you’re just starting or looking for ways to streamline your process, this episode is packed with...
2025-07-1610 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingBeyond the Grade: Trusting Your Eye in Vintage Card CollectingIn this episode, I share why vintage card collectors should trust their own eyes sometimes rather than relying solely on grading labels. Using my recent purchase of a 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax SGC 1 as an example, I explain how eye appeal—centering, image quality, and condition nuances—can make a huge difference in value and enjoyment. Pick vintage cards that truly speak to you even beyond the grade.
2025-07-0409 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card Collecting6% Back on eBay Purchases? Breaking Down a New Credit Card Offer from Bank of AmericaIn this episode, I dive into the elevated 6% cash back offer on the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card and why it may be a fit for sports card collectors—especially those buying on eBay. I break down how the bonus works, the real-world upside for collectors, and why this no-annual-fee card is now my go-to for hobby purchases. If you want to maximize rewards and stretch your collecting budget, this episode is for you.
2025-06-2906 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingLow Fees, High Sale: My Veriswap Success StoryIn this episode, I break down my unexpected success selling a Francisco Alvarez/Mike Piazza dual auto /5 on Veriswap. I share my initial expectations, the comps I used to price the card, and how the platform’s low fees and trading focus made for a smooth and rewarding experience. If you’re curious about selling raw cards or looking for alternatives to eBay, this is a must-listen.
2025-06-1411 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingPaige Bueckers 1st Bowman Flip: The Numbers Behind the SaleIn this episode, I walk through my journey selling a Paige Bueckers 1st Bowman card. What looked like a small profit turned into a loss after factoring in shipping and selling fees. Tune in for a real-world look at the true costs of selling cards in today’s market.
2025-05-3108 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingSlab Pack Roulette: My Recent Experience Opening Arena Club Slab PacksIn this episode, I share my honest experience ripping two Arena Club slab packs—an Emerald and a Gold. From the thrill of chasing grail cards to the reality of pack odds, buyback options, and value, I break down what worked, what didn’t, and whether slab packs are worth it for collectors.
2025-05-2913 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingOverproduction Is Flooding the Hobby: How Grading Numbers Tell the StoryIn this episode, I dive into the explosion of overproduction in today’s sports card market. Using Jayden Daniels, Paul Skenes, and Victor Wembanyama as examples, I compare the staggering number of graded rookie cards for today’s stars to historical players. We’ll discuss what this means for scarcity, value, and the future of collecting.
2025-05-1109 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingArena Club Unpacked: Grading, Vaulting, Trading, Selling & Slab PacksIn this episode, I share my honest thoughts on Arena Club after exploring its five core features: grading, vaulting, trading, selling, and slab packs. I break down what I like-especially the vaulting, trading, and selling options-and what I think could be improved, including their grading process and the slab pack experience. Whether you’re curious about Arena Club or considering trying it yourself, tune in for a collector’s perspective on where the platform shines and where it still has room to grow.
2025-05-1014 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingVintage Cards "Eye Appeal": What Matters MostIn this episode, I break down the four major grading factors-centering, corners, edges, and surface-and explain which matter most when it comes to vintage cards. Learn why centering and surface often drive eye appeal and value, how grading standards can vary, and why two cards with the same grade can look (and sell) very differently. Whether you’re new to vintage or looking to sharpen your eye, this episode will help you understand what really matters when evaluating classic cardboard.
2025-05-0607 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingMy Sports Card Collecting Philosophy: Rookies, Graded Cards, and GOATsIn this episode, I break down my personal collecting philosophy and explain why I choose to focus exclusively on rookie cards, graded cards, and star players. I discuss the benefits of this approach, how it shapes my collection, and why it helps me avoid common pitfalls in the hobby. Whether you’re new to collecting or looking to refine your strategy, tune in for insights on building a focused and rewarding sports card collection.
2025-05-0413 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingUsing My $125 Fanatics Live Credit: Was Joining a Break Worth It?In this episode, I share my honest review of joining a card break on Fanatics Live-an experience I tried only because of a $125 credit from the PSA Collectors Club. I break down the auction process, the odds of hitting, what I actually received, and why I wouldn’t spend real money on breaks. If you’re curious about Fanatics Live or card breaks in general, tune in for a firsthand look at the pros, cons, and what to expect.
2025-05-0315 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingCOMC Behind the Sale: What I Really Made Using COMC AuctionsIn this episode, I share my firsthand experience using COMC’s auction service-from buying a Victor Wembanyama rookie to selling it at auction and breaking down the final numbers. Hear what went smoothly, the hidden costs and fees, and what I’d do differently next time. If you’re considering COMC for buying or selling sports cards, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest takeaways
2025-04-3013 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingEarning Cash Back on eBay Sports Card Purchases with Credit CardsIn this episode, I break down how to maximize using credit cards when buying sports cards on eBay. I share some credit cards that earn good cash back, as well as introduce the concept of sign-up bonuses. Learn how the right cards can help you save and earn more with every purchase.
2025-04-2110 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingShould You Use a Credit Card or Pay from Your Bank Account when Buying Sports Cards?In this episode, I break down the pros & cons of buying sports cards online with a credit card versus a bank transfer. I compare eBay, Fanatics Collect, and Arena Club, explaining where you’ll pay extra fees and where you won’t, and share my recommendations for making your purchases smarter and more rewarding.
2025-04-2006 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingPSA vs. BGS: Is There an Arbitrage Opportunity in Card Grading?In this episode, I dig into the price gap between PSA and BGS graded cards, using my recent 2009 Topps Stephen Curry rookie purchase as a case study. I discuss why PSA slabs command higher prices, what drives collector preferences, and whether there’s a potential arbitrage opportunity for savvy buyers in today’s market.
2025-04-2010 min10K Card Journey: Tips and Lessons for Sports Card CollectingIntroducing the 10K Card Journey PodcastIn this debut episode, I share why I’m starting the 10K Card Journey Podcast, what listeners can expect in future episodes, and my personal journey back into sports card collecting. From my early experiences to my passion for the hobby, join me as I explore the world of sports cards.
2025-04-1407 min