One of the most powerful tools that a collector can have is information. Collecting sports cards can be a very arduous task, especially when relating to finding out the value or authenticy of one’s personal collection. The more information a sports card collector has about the hobby, the better equipped they will be when making decisions that concern investing and purchasing sports cards. A collector’s knowledge is what keeps them posted on the cutting edge of all the hobby happenings. Keeping abreast on what’s up to date, also plays an important part in decision making when purchasing sport cards from dealers or online sources. This information is especially important to new collectors, due to the magnitude of sports memorabilia available to the sports card collector today. Even the novice and well seasoned sports card collector will enjoy the bevy of free services and resources that are available online. Even though magazines do offer the same information as the online sites, the difference is that these sites are designed to educate and help the card collector when logged on to a specific site.
#1 Memory Lane Incorporated is an online auction house that offer the sports card collector an in-depth view into the world of graded cards and rare memorabilia. All collectors will need to register to become a part of the online site; it only takes a few minutes to register to become a part of the site. Upon an email confirmation, the collector will have access to the entire network of free services and information. Memory Lane also has an eBay store that collectors can bid on upcoming new auction releases. Sports card collectors can also submit their cards for evaluation, this is not a free service, it is a part of their online auction house.
Resources: http://www.memorylaneinc.com/
#2 Sports Collectors Digest is one of the oldest and most reliable online sites that offer the sports card collector a plethora of services and information. As a matter of fact, this site has become one of the most important and valuable resources – where collectors can view upcoming press releases and news of the hobby world that have an impact on the collecting community. The site has many articles that deal with vintage card collecting, tips on graded cards, how to buy discounted sports cards and how to maintain a collection. There is no registration required, just log-in to the site to begin enjoying the features of this online magazine. The Collectors Digest site has several monthly giveaways, and also has a daily sweepstakes to win precious memorabilia. SCD has a free Email newsletter for any collector wishing to receive information on free news, special offers and tips for all sport fans.
Resources: http://www.sportscollectorsdigest.com/GeneralMenu/
#3 Beckett Grading Services is one of the top online sites that deal with many types of sport cards and vintage sports memorabilia. This site requires all visitors to become a member of their online site. Beckett Grading Service also has an abundance of information contained within their sister sites. These online sites have articles for the pokemon card collector, vintage card collector, the racing card collector, Dragon Ball Z card collector, and several odd-ball – hard to find cards. Beckett online magazine also feature much diverse and in-depth news on what is happening in the hobby, the ins and outs about everything under the sun, literally. Beckett is a third party grading service that grade many types and sizes of cards at an affordable price. The site also has monthly contest and discounted graded cards from month to month.
Resources: http://www.beckett.com/bccg/
