Tips of the Day

For your high-value cards, always use a penny sleeve followed by a semi-rigid holder like a Card Saver 1. This prevents the card from moving and protects the corners from damage during shipping or storage. Avoid screw-down cases at all costs as they can compress the card surface.

We've noticed that card prices on eBay often dip on Tuesday mornings following a weekend of high-volume auctions. Sellers are often clearing out inventory from the weekend, making it the best time to place your bids. Set your alerts for Tuesday morning to catch the best deals.

Many sellers list cards on Sunday nights after games, leading to a supply surge. By Tuesday, prices often stabilize or dip, making it the best time to buy for value-conscious collectors.

Before sending a card to PSA or BGS, use a centering tool to check the 60/40 ratio. If the borders are visibly off-center, it will likely cap your grade at an 8 or 9 regardless of surface quality.

Before sending cards to PSA or BGS, use a high-intensity LED light to check for surface scratches or dimples. Wipe the card gently with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints, which can often be mistaken for surface damage by graders.

Always use a penny sleeve before placing a card into a top loader to prevent surface scratching. For high-value cards, use Ultra Pro or BCW semi-rigid holders to prevent corner damage during shipping.

When buying NBA rookies, ignore the box score and look at 'Usage Rate' on sites like Basketball-Reference. Players with a usage rate over 25% are statistically more likely to have price spikes in their rookie year.

If you live in a humid climate, your raw cards are at risk of warping. Use silica gel packets inside your storage boxes to maintain a stable environment for your collection.