The case against sticker autographs ... and in defense of sticker autographs!
An encouragement for more "explicit" cards, that is, clearly spelling out slight differences in cards that can have big value implications. After all, the definition of explicit: stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion.
A discussion of what makes a beautiful, well-designed card - specifically the card front in this short mini-episode: name, logo, art, color, borders, portrait, in action, specialty, etc. If you have questions or comments, just contact doctorjamesbeckett...
A discussion of what an ideal card back could/should look like.
The physical aspects of excellent card design, including card shape, thickness, coating, embossing, etc.
We hear Rich Mueller's origin story of his collecting background as well as his sports broadcasting experience, culminating with his Sports Collectors Daily, which is free and highly recommended.
Chris Carlin, Upper Deck's Senior Manager of Customer Experience, gives us a preview of what to expect in 2020 from Upper Deck (upperdeck.com).
A tribute to my friend and former book publishing partner, Denny Eckes, and his major impacts on our industry, before his untimely passing in 1991.
Rich and I "encourage" the card companies to make the serial numbering of cards more visible, and, in general, more recognizable, without distracting from the aesthetics of the card.
Rich and I briefly discuss the merits of having a facsimile autograph on the front of the card.
Rich and I discuss the discouraging difficulty of alter-ability of cards with rounded corners.
Rich and I discuss the merits of having a second, non-duplicitous photo on the front of the card as an additional creative element.
Rich and I discuss how prominent the player's position should be on the card, if at all!
Rich and I discuss why vertically oriented cards are more popular and present better in slabs than horizontally designed cards.
How prominent should the team name be on the card front. Does the particular sport matter in this consideration?
Rich and I begin a series of episodes discussing our opinions on card design preferences, beginning with a discussion of the now-standard size, 2 1/2" by 3 1/2".
I take a look back at the past twenty episodes, adding and clarifying what was talked about, in part based on your feedback. Any feedback can be sent to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com - thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to you - no episode tomorrow - but back...
Sponsor Bill Huggins of Huggins & Scott Auctions joins me for a discussion of his origins within the sports collectibles industry as a collector, dealer, shop owner, and auctioneer - since 1979.
I sat down with Jimmy Fisher, part-time dealer from Tulsa, at the beginning of the last day (Sunday) of the three-day show here in the Dallas area, and we discussed his collecting journey as well as his dealing philosophies, which ironically are very muc...
Counter-instinctively, "Profit Maximization" is not always the best tactic or strategy, especially for long-term success in this hobby/industry. Questions or comments about this or any other episode - please contact me at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
Full-time is not necessarily better or more profitable than part-time when it comes to this hobby/industry.
I make the case that, in this hobby/industry, Demand is more important than Supply!
Sponsor Mike Fruitman joins for a discussion of what's going on in his local card shop in Aurora, CO, Mike's Stadium Sportscards.
Emily Kless (Topps Communications Manager) lets us in on some of Topps 2020 planning in this phone interview.