The 10 things to avoid in trading cards investment

1. **Ignoring the Condition:** The condition of a card is crucial when considering its value. A card in poor condition will be worth much less than the same card in near-mint or mint condition. Before investing, understand how to evaluate a card's condition and consider professional grading for more valuable cards.

2. **Lack of Research:** Just because a card features a well-known player doesn't necessarily mean it's valuable. Different sets, years, and card variations can drastically affect value. Thoroughly research a card's value before investing.

3. **Overproduction Era Missteps:** Many cards produced during the "junk wax" era (mid-1980s to mid-1990s) were heavily overproduced, leading to a surplus that can make these cards less valuable. Be cautious when investing in cards from this era.

4. **Impulse Buying:** Avoid the temptation to purchase a card or sealed product impulsively. Always research the potential long-term value and consider the price you're paying.

5. **Failing to Diversify:** As with any investment, it's essential not to put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your sports card investments across different sports, players, and card sets to mitigate risk.

6. **Ignoring Market Trends:** Stay updated with the sports card market's trends and shifts. Pay attention to which players and card sets are rising or falling in value.

7. **Forgetting Storage and Protection:** Neglecting to properly store and protect your cards can lead to damage, which will reduce their value. Use protective sleeves, top loaders, and storage boxes to keep your cards safe.

8. **Buying Counterfeit Cards:** Unfortunately, counterfeit cards do exist in the market. Before making a significant investment, ensure the card's authenticity. Purchasing graded cards from reputable sources can help avoid this issue.

9. **Overpaying at Auctions:** When bidding at auctions, it's easy to get caught up in the moment and overpay. Set a budget before you start bidding and stick to it to avoid overpaying.

10. **Forgetting the Fun:** While sports card investing can be profitable, it should also be enjoyable. The sports card hobby is about more than just making money – it's about the love of the sport, the thrill of pulling a great card, and the community of collectors. Don't lose sight of the joy of collecting in pursuit of profit.

HERE ARE SOME STEPS TO TAKE TO AVOID THOSE MISTAKES. 

1. **Ignoring the Condition:** 

   - **Step 1:** Learn how to evaluate a card's condition. Check for things like sharpness of corners, surface scratches, centering, and the clarity of the image.

   - **Step 2:** For higher-value cards, consider using a professional grading service like PSA, Beckett, or SGC. They will provide an unbiased assessment of the card's condition.

2. **Lack of Research:** 

   - **Step 1:** Before purchasing a card, research its value using resources like eBay's sold listings or price guide websites.

   - **Step 2:** Learn about the various factors that can influence a card's value, such as the player's performance, card rarity, and condition.

3. **Overproduction Era Missteps:**

   - **Step 1:** Be aware of the "junk wax" era (mid-1980s to mid-1990s) and the overproduction of cards during this period.

   - **Step 2:** Do your research before investing in cards from this era. While there are some valuable cards, many are not due to their high supply.

4. **Impulse Buying:**

   - **Step 1:** Always take time to think about a potential purchase. Consider if the price is fair and if the card aligns with your investment strategy.

   - **Step 2:** Do not rush into buying a card just because it appears to be a good deal. Research is key.

5. **Failing to Diversify:**

   - **Step 1:** Don't limit your collection to just one sport, player, or type of card.

   - **Step 2:** Consider investing in a variety of cards to spread the risk.

6. **Ignoring Market Trends:**

   - **Step 1:** Stay informed about the trading card market. Websites, forums, and social media can be good sources of information.

   - **Step 2:** Use this information to make informed decisions about when to buy or sell.

7. **Forgetting Storage and Protection:**

   - **Step 1:** Invest in protective card supplies such as sleeves, top loaders, and storage boxes.

   - **Step 2:** Keep your cards in a safe place where they won't be exposed to damaging conditions like sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures.

8. **Buying Counterfeit Cards:**

   - **Step 1:** Purchase from reputable dealers or sources. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

   - **Step 2:** For high-value cards, consider purchasing graded cards, as they have been authenticated and checked for alterations.

9. **Overpaying at Auctions:**

   - **Step 1:** Set a budget before participating in an auction and stick to it.

   - **Step 2:** Don't get caught up in the heat of bidding. Remember, there will always be more cards and more opportunities.

10. **Forgetting the Fun:**

   - **Step 1:** Remember to enjoy the process of collecting. Celebrate the cards you love and the joy of finding a card you've been searching for.

   - **Step 2:** Connect with other collectors and share your experiences. The community is a significant part of the hobby.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the process of collecting sports cards and make more informed decisions to support your investment strategy. Happy collecting!