In 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 more personal buying experience, it’s not always so clear-cut.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to price smarter, this episode is for you.

In 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/Fo7phpUSgdw

In 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.

Over 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 most of your own card journey.

Carlos 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 cards online.

• Tips and pitfalls to watch for if you’re hoping to land a grail card of your own.

In 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 time

• Meeting dealers, collectors, and everyone in between

• Learning the art (and nerves!) of negotiating for a card

• My process for selling cards and what I learned along the way

• The surprises, awkward moments, and wins of the day

Whether you’re thinking about hitting up your first show or want to relive the rush, join me for a real and personal look at the world of card shows and hobby trading.

Thinking 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 honest advice and actionable strategies.

In 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.

In 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.