There’s a good chance you’ll relate to this.
When I lost my job, tightening the purse strings meant cutting back on a lot of things—and unfortunately, my beloved sports card collection was one of them. I didn’t flip through my cards, sell any, or buy new ones. I stepped away from Facebook groups, turned off the podcasts, and took a total break from the hobby.
Why?
Because for me, the hobby is all-consuming. I’m either all in—neck-deep—or totally out. I knew if I kept selling, watching, or even talking about cards, the temptation to start buying again would be too strong.
Fast forward a few months, and I’ve jumped back in. And wow, it feels so great to be surrounded by my favorite cards again! But being in and out of collecting has given me some time to think about a big question:
What’s my ideal way to collect?
The Debate About “The Right Way” to Collect
The moment I re-entered the card community, I noticed something. Everyone had an opinion on “the right way” to be a collector.
Some people swear by card breaks. Others are hardcore investors focused solely on flipping for profit. And then there are those who collect purely for the love of owning beautiful, obscure cards of their favorite players or teams.
Here’s the thing, though—there’s no right way to collect.
I’ll admit, card breaks aren’t my thing (the stress alone!)—but if it’s yours, more power to you.
During my own collecting “journey” (because yes, that’s what it honestly feels like), I hopped through a few phases, trying to figure out how I could reconnect with my love of cards and make it sustainable.
Phase One: The $3K Wake-Up Call
When I got back into collecting in early 2021—which, shoutout to everyone who joined in the hobby revival—I went all in. Like…$3,000+ spent on random packs and boxes.
For a family with five kids and a tight-ish budget? Not great. Sure, it was thrilling at first every time I ripped open a new pack. But when I tallied up the potential ROI of the cards I pulled, reality hit hard.
It was fun, but at what cost?
Phase Two: The All-Profit Mindset
After that wake-up call, I switched gears completely. It was all about flipping for profit. I monitored Facebook groups like a hawk, pored over eBay auctions every day, and watched card price trends obsessively.
Spoiler alert—I burned out.
Tracking that level of detail 24/7? Yeah, not for me. I enjoy the chase and thrill of spotting great cards, but treating it like a full-time business ended up feeling more like work than fun.
Phase Three (Where I’m at Now): Collecting for Me
And this leads me to where I’ve landed—a middle ground that works for me. Here’s my approach to collecting now, broken down into three priorities.
1. Buy Cards I Love (to Display, Not Flip)
I focus on individual cards that catch my eye. Right now, I’m collecting autographs of players on the NBA Top 75 list.
Why? It’s personal. These cards tell a story and represent a history of basketball excellence, which I love. I’ve already got 24 autos and have them displayed by my work desk where I can see them every day. (P.S. If you like to display your cards too, here’s the link to the stand I use.)
2. Set a Budget for Ripping Packs
Ripping packs is addictive—a thrill I can’t fully give up. But I know myself; it’s a slippery slope if I don’t set limits. By giving myself a strict “ripping budget,” I can enjoy this aspect of the hobby without losing control.
Is the ROI of pack ripping low? Sure. But the rush of opening a pack and feeling the possibility of a Grail card is priceless to me.
3. Invest Thoughtfully (But Sparingly)
I still dabble in the “profit” side, but I don’t treat it as a business. It’s more for fun—as a game to see if I can pick the next trend or undervalued gem. Most of the profit I make goes toward buying more of my autographed Top-75 collection.
Why There’s No Right Way To Collect
Here’s the truth—collecting is personal.
It’s about what brings you joy. Is it the thrill of flipping a $1 card into $100? Is it completing your favorite team’s rookie lineup? Whatever it is, that’s what matters.
Lots of people online will tell you how you should collect. But I say, ignore the noise. Whether you’re into card breaks, obscure finds, or hunting for investment gems, own it.
For me, my current approach—a mix of personal passion and mindful investments—hits the sweet spot. I’ve found a way to love the hobby without letting it consume me.
How Do You Collect?
I’d love to know how you approach the hobby. Does your collection look anything like mine? Or are you deep into sports card investing, card breaks, or ripping packs?
Drop a comment or shoot me a message to share your story. After all, half the fun of this hobby is connecting with fellow collectors.
