( 
) For many people, investing can be a source of income, from investing in stocks, real estate, bonds, coins, or really anything. There is a very real chance, if you know what you are doing, to make money investing in baseball rookie cards. A player's rookie card is nearly always his most valuable card; the Albert Pujols 2001 Bowman Chrome Autographed Rookie /500, which started at around $100, has sold for over $3000! That is quite the ROI.
Now let's start at the basics. Where to begin? Well, to be a successful investor, or prospector (when dealing with prospects, or unproven minor leaguers), you must have knowledge of the following things:
1) Products-players have so many rookie cards...which to buy? As a rule, Bowman Chrome (BC) and Bowman Chrome Draft Picks (BCDP) are the two best sets. As many prospectors will tell you, "Chrome is King". That isn't to say, though, that there is only money to be made with Chrome. Bowman Heritage, Bowman Sterling, Elite Extra Edition (EEE), and Tristar all offer alternatives. Keep your mind open, and don't follow the herd.
2) The market-knowing the market is key. I will repeat...knowing the market is key! This is probably the difference between an average investor/prospector and a great one. Don't go with the crowd, make your own path. Also know that players from cities such as Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, and L.A. drew huge premiums. You have to know what the market is thinking, before you make your next move.
3) Buy low, sell high. The most basic investment principle, but it is very true. If Player X's BCDP Auto rookie generally sells for $20, and you want a profit of 100%, you have to sell at $40, which is attainable if the player goes on a hot streak. However, if it generally sells for $20, and you are buying it for $25, you have to sell at $50 to make the same profit margin. Don't overpay whenever possible. Underpay when you can, and pay market value, but do not overpay, unless you are sure you will never see the card again.
4) Know the parallels-Bowman Chrome and BCDP have many parallels, from Ref, Xfractor (/250), Blue Ref (/150), Gold Ref (/50), Orange Ref (/25), Red Ref (/5) and SuperFractor (1/1). You must know which to buy. Obviously the rarer parallels will garner a huge premium, so they might be overpriced. However, the Blue is extremely popular due to it's affordablity and look. Blues are often great buys, but it will depend on the set and player.
5) Figure out a formula on which players you buy. Read as many scouting reports as possible, and watch videos of players if you can. Stats can only tell you so much, but some stats to look for in hitters include K:BB Ratio, OPS, HR, XBH, and AVG. In pitchers, look for K:BB Ratio, WHIP, ERA, K:IP Ratio, and others.
Now let's start at the basics. Where to begin? Well, to be a successful investor, or prospector (when dealing with prospects, or unproven minor leaguers), you must have knowledge of the following things:
1) Products-players have so many rookie cards...which to buy? As a rule, Bowman Chrome (BC) and Bowman Chrome Draft Picks (BCDP) are the two best sets. As many prospectors will tell you, "Chrome is King". That isn't to say, though, that there is only money to be made with Chrome. Bowman Heritage, Bowman Sterling, Elite Extra Edition (EEE), and Tristar all offer alternatives. Keep your mind open, and don't follow the herd.
2) The market-knowing the market is key. I will repeat...knowing the market is key! This is probably the difference between an average investor/prospector and a great one. Don't go with the crowd, make your own path. Also know that players from cities such as Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, and L.A. drew huge premiums. You have to know what the market is thinking, before you make your next move.
3) Buy low, sell high. The most basic investment principle, but it is very true. If Player X's BCDP Auto rookie generally sells for $20, and you want a profit of 100%, you have to sell at $40, which is attainable if the player goes on a hot streak. However, if it generally sells for $20, and you are buying it for $25, you have to sell at $50 to make the same profit margin. Don't overpay whenever possible. Underpay when you can, and pay market value, but do not overpay, unless you are sure you will never see the card again.
4) Know the parallels-Bowman Chrome and BCDP have many parallels, from Ref, Xfractor (/250), Blue Ref (/150), Gold Ref (/50), Orange Ref (/25), Red Ref (/5) and SuperFractor (1/1). You must know which to buy. Obviously the rarer parallels will garner a huge premium, so they might be overpriced. However, the Blue is extremely popular due to it's affordablity and look. Blues are often great buys, but it will depend on the set and player.
5) Figure out a formula on which players you buy. Read as many scouting reports as possible, and watch videos of players if you can. Stats can only tell you so much, but some stats to look for in hitters include K:BB Ratio, OPS, HR, XBH, and AVG. In pitchers, look for K:BB Ratio, WHIP, ERA, K:IP Ratio, and others.
Guide created: 12/31/07 (updated 05/28/10)
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