The field of trading cards has boomed in the last decade, which means more and more novices are entering the field of sports card collecting. It’s a fun hobby but can be tricky if you’re new to the space. Newbies tend to make some common sports card collecting mistakes, but you can steer clear of them with the right knowledge and understanding of the hobby.

Failing To Do Research

One of the worst things new card collectors can do in the trading card space is failing to do research on sports cards. In the world of sports trading cards, there’s so much more behind a card’s value than just the player. For example, plenty of LeBron James cards exist, but not every one is as valuable as his 2003-04 Exquisite Collection Rookie Parallel Card. Someone bought this card a couple of years ago for over $5 million!

You might find other valuable LeBron James cards and some with little to no value at all. Read up on sports card collecting to ensure you’re getting the right value for a card you’re selling and paying the right price for one before buying.

Overpaying for Ungraded Cards

A significant problem for sports card-collecting veterans and newcomers alike is overpaying for an ungraded card. The grading of a card is a huge determiner of its value, but that doesn’t stop people from selling cards without grading. Some sellers will try to maximize their profits by selling a card without grading and inflating the price to reflect a high grade.

Someone may sell a new Steph Curry card and list it at the price of a top grade. A high grade is difficult to achieve, so that card's real value is likely much lower than its listing. Don't fall for the bait when a seller offers ungraded cards at a premium price. Determine the average rate for an ungraded card to avoid getting scammed. Try to convince the seller to sell you the card at a fair price.

Losing Sight of Your Own Goal

Another mistake when collecting sports cards is getting lost in the hype and losing sight of your goal. Buy and sell cards because you want to do it. Before trying to get a new card that everyone’s bidding on, think about whether you actually want it or only want it because it’s valuable. Card collecting is a great hobby, so stick to what makes you happy, and figure out what you want in your possession.

As a rookie sports card collector, focus on building your collection. You won’t start with a big stock that awes other collectors, but you can get there by avoiding these common mistakes. If you’re unsure where to start and want to buy from a reputable supplier, look no further than JRI Cards. We’ve got any card you could ever want, including some vintage NBA cards that could serve as the stars of your assemblage. Don’t hesitate to browse through our selection today and find the cards or packs for your collection!