I have been an avid sports card collector for years and if there is one thing I can say it is a great hobby. But for those unitiated in the ways of collecting the Ebay way I have some hints I hope will be a help to others on their way to making a great collection of memories of their own.

First and foremost is :

Research What you Want How much it cost in stores and how much you can normally buy it for on Ebay. I have to often bought something on impluse and later realized if I had waited on the next item or the next day I could have gotten it cheaper.

Secondly :

Read the entire depscription word for word. If you have questions ask before you bid, unless you want something really rare. There will always be another especially the way that cards are. There are so many variations and different brands something equally as acceptable or better might be cheaper down the line.

Thirdly :

Know what your going to buy and how much you are willing to pay. Meaning don't go hoping to find a 1983 Dan Marino Rookie in pristine shape for $50.00 and end up bidding on a collection of Random Marino cards or a lot that might contain that card and be dissapointed later.

Fourthly :

Access what is most important before you start. Is it price, shape, graded or ungraded, autographed or game used, or is it a Rookie or just have one of you favorite player. After you have decide narrow down your search by just including those things.

Also to those collecting to resell I am not trying to tell you your business but, it pays to wait till after the ambiance of new has worn off the hot of the press type cards. It also pays to know the grades for cards and know how to use them to your advantage most buyers for fun have no idea just how bad of shape a card can be in to be know as excellent condition. That excellent or very good can sound good to the young boy or girl trying to get the new Jeter auto or jersey card but to a card shop owner that is pretty much a beware sticker.