What kind of card trader are you?

People collect baseball cards for all reasons. Some look at cards as an investment, others are fans of the players and teams, while some traders just like to collect things.

I am a little of all three, but I look at it as an investment. That is my number one rule when it comes to purchasing and trading cards. Staying strong to this rule has helped me make better trades over the years.

When I was younger I knew to look at my cards as an investment but didn't hold that above all else. I was a collector. I loved to collect sets, especially parallel sets. Parallel sets are hard to collect, you need to buy a lot of packs. I spent a lot of money when I was young chasing a complete parallel set. Looking back, I could have saved all that money and bought one really nice card. I could have gotten a Michael Jordan rookie.

Basic rules if you want to treat cards as an investment

• Do not chase sets. If you really want the set buy it as a whole. It will be a lot cheaper than buying packs.
• Understand that the card is only as valulable as someone is willing to pay for it.
• Know which cards and series to invest in.
• If you buy an expensive card make sure it is graded.
• Only purchase BGS graded cards.
• Rookies are where its at. Every player has one rookie card that is the best. Research and know which one to get.
• More cards doesn't mean better cards.
• You cards are not worth as much as Beckett says they are. The best way to research your cards worth is on eBay.
• Do not only collect your favorite player or team.