10K Card Journey: Sports Card Collecting and Investing Podcast

Tennis Card Collective Store: https://tenniscardcollective.com/Tennis Card Collective Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uaXAxMq5C7M5p05jRU1OH?si=Cn2S31uKRLO5Ox_wmbzjcATennis Card Collective YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TennisCardCollectiveAfter building 10K Card Journey through blog posts, podcasts, videos, and many hours in the sports card hobby, I’ve decided to officially move on from the project.In this final episode, I talk about why I’m shutting down 10K Card Journey, what I learned from the experience, and why I’ve decided to focus fully on a new niche I believe has long-term potential: tennis cards.I’ll also introduce my new project, Tennis Card Collective — a platform dedicated to tennis card collecting, education, and building one of the largest selections of tennis card singles available online.Whether you’ve followed 10K Card Journey from the beginning or just recently discovered the content, I truly appreciate all of the support along the way.

📩 Subscribe to my newsletter for deals, insights, and hobby thoughts: 10kcardjourney.beehiiv.comIn this episode, I take you inside my personal sports card collection and highlight some of my favorite cards — the ones that mean the most to me as a collector and investor.I share why I bought them, what makes them special, and how they fit into my long-term strategy for 10KCardJourney.This is my first time experimenting with a video format, so let me know if you’d like to see more collection showcases in the future.

📩 Subscribe to my newsletter for deals, insights, and hobby thoughts: 10kcardjourney.beehiiv.comIn this episode, I explore how broader economic trends can influence the sports card market — even if nothing about the cards themselves has changed.Sports cards may feel like their own world, but they’re still part of a larger economy. When consumer spending tightens or financial conditions change, it can affect how collectors buy, sell, and value cards.This episode isn’t about predicting a crash or telling anyone what to do — it’s simply about encouraging collectors to think about the bigger picture and how macroeconomic factors could influence the hobby.As always, this is just my personal perspective as I document my own journey building a sports card portfolio with a $10K starting budget.

📩 Subscribe to my newsletter for deals, insights, and hobby thoughts: 10kcardjourney.beehiiv.comIn this episode of 10K Card Journey, I talk about a recent opportunity I had to pick up a couple of cards on COMC that I’ve been really interested in. Rather than having them shipped to me first, I decided to try something a little different — sending them directly from COMC to PSA for grading.Now the waiting game begins.In about six months we’ll find out whether this turns into a great investment, an average one, or a lesson learned. Either way, it’s part of the process of experimenting, learning, and trying to find value in the sports card market.In this episode I talk about:Why I liked these particular cardsWhy COMC can be an interesting place to find dealsThe strategy behind buying raw cards with grading in mindWhy sometimes the best outcome is simply the learning experienceNo matter how this one turns out, it’s all part of the journey.

📩 Subscribe to my newsletter for deals, insights, and hobby thoughts:10kcardjourney.beehiiv.comIn this episode, I talk about some of my favorite tools that help me navigate the sports card hobby.But I also dive into a topic that many collectors have been feeling lately: the rapid increase in box prices. As products become more expensive, the gap between the cost of a box and the value collectors actually receive is starting to leave many people feeling unsettled.

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In this episode of 10KCardJourney, I break down how I use comps when buying and selling sports cards on eBay.I share how to think about comps strategically, when to lean on them, when to ignore them, and how to use them to your advantage depending on whether you’re buying or selling.I also touch on additional eBay factors that can impact pricing and understanding when you actually have pricing power.

In this episode, I walk through the specific attributes that enhance the value of a card in my eyes — beyond just grade. From serial number significance (1/xx, jersey match, bookends) to patch quality, autograph execution, production year context, and visual elements like color match, these are some of the smaller tangible factors I personally look for.

In this episode of 10K Card Journey, I break down a recent sports card sale from start to finish — including the purchase price, sale price, shipping costs, platform fees, and what I actually walked away with.What looked like a big win at first turned into a much smaller profit once the real numbers came in.If you're flipping cards or tracking your portfolio seriously, understanding true ROI is everything. This episode is a reminder that gross profit and net profit are two very different things in the hobby.

The CJ Stroud Downtown PSA 10 wasn’t meant to be a forever hold.It was a strategic buy.In this episode, I walk through how I flipped it into two cards that much better align with my long-term thesis.I talk:Liquidity vs. ConvictionHow flipping can fund higher-upside playsWhy experimentation helpsFlipping isn’t my core strategy by any means, but it is a part of the sports card collecting hobby that I'm becoming more familiar with.

I recently lost out on a card that would’ve been a centerpiece of my collection.I didn’t name it publicly — but I felt it.In this episode, I talk about the disappointment, the second-guessing, and the “what if” spiral that comes after losing a big auction… especially when I was that close.But more importantly, I unpack what it taught me:• What makes a card a true grail• Why grail cards require different bidding psychology• When you should be willing to stretch• And how this actually made me more excited about the hobbyMissing this card didn’t discourage me — it clarified my strategy.

Shohei Ohtani’s card market has gone absolutely parabolic. With his continued dominance and global appeal, prices across his rookie cards have surged — especially graded base rookies.But are collectors overlooking something important?In this episode of 10K Card Journey, I break down:Why Ohtani’s market has accelerated so quicklyHow PSA pop reports impact long-term price ceilingsWhy high-pop rookie base cards may carry more downside risk than people think

In this episode of 10K Card Journey, I share my experience selling a card off eBay using PayPal Goods & Services for the first time.Up until now, most of my sales have been through eBay, where the platform handles payments, protection, and logistics. This time was different. I walk through why I agreed to the deal, what precautions I took, how the process works, and the risks that come with selling off-platform.For newer sellers, PayPal can feel intimidating — especially when it’s your first time. I break down what I learned and what I would (and wouldn’t) do again.I’ll follow up with a second episode once the card is delivered to share how everything ultimately plays out.

When buying high-end sports cards, recent comps often drive pricing decisions — but what happens when sales are infrequent and one new comp resets the entire market?In this episode, I break down the danger of relying too heavily on comps, especially for expensive or thinly traded cards. I discuss how low sales volume, auction dynamics, and outlier results can distort true value — and how I think about risk when buying higher-end cards.If you’re collecting or investing in sports cards or analyzing PSA comps before a purchase, this framework can be useful to avoid making costly mistakes.

In this episode, I break down my first visit to the newly opened CardVault by Tom Brady in San Francisco. I share my impressions of the store and some interesting offerings that it has.I also walk through a super risky purchase I recently made — a CJ Stroud Donruss Optic Downtown PSA 10. I discuss why I bought it, the potential upside / downside, and how it goes against my usual collecting strategy.

In this episode, I walk through how I’d approach the sports card hobby if I were starting over today — with the benefit of experience.I break down what I’d do differently and what I’d largely keep the same. Rather than a checklist of “must-buy” cards, this episode is about mindset, process, and learning how to navigate the hobby more intentionally.If you’re new to cards, getting back in after some time away, or simply reassessing your own approach, this episode is meant to help you think a little more clearly about how — and why — you collect.

In this episode, I break down one of the most meaningful purchases I’ve made in the hobby: a 2007 Upper Deck Employee Exclusive card featuring jersey patches from Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.I walk through why this card stood out to me and the process for me finally deciding to make a purchase for $1600 (after months of waiting for the right card to appear).

A recent controversy involving Packman has sparked a lot of uncomfortable conversations in the hobby — and I wanted to share my honest take. As someone who watches his YouTube content (but does not participate in his breaks), this situation hits closer to home. In this episode, I talk about the dangers of breaking, how pressure and incentives can distort decision-making, and why collectors need to be extremely cautious when buying into breaks.

The 2025 Topps Chrome Basketball release is producing some eye-popping prices — especially for cards like LeBron refractors. In this episode, I compare those prices to his 2003 rookie cards and explain why the market is valuing the cards so highly. We dig into card population, production era, and why not all “rare” cards are created equal — plus why I’m cautious about the long-term outlook for these modern cards (even if I end up being wrong).

After selling two basketball cards on the same day that had both been up for months, I'm wondering if the NBA card market is picking up. In this episode, I walk through the sales, net payouts, what surprised me, as well as a recent eBay store mistake that I hope you all do not make.

With baseball season approaching, I’ve started buying a small group of 1st Bowman autographs to better understand how prospect hype actually works. In this episode, I talk through why I’m doing this, how I’m thinking about timing the market, and what I hope to learn about when (and why) prospects peak in value

Collectors 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).

In 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.

In 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.

In 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 evaluate value, upside, and long-term appeal.

The 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

A 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.

Running 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

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 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 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.