💥Collectibles Coverage, Buyers Tips, & Sportscollectibles.com Review

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Are you ready for week 4 of college football? As a KU football fan I’m not, but I’m more than ready to help you find the most authentic, and limited edition collectibles on the market. Just keep scrolling!

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— Collectors Playbook Editor

KICK-OFF

The Athletic Launches Dedicated Collectibles Coverage

The Athletic, a prominent sports publication, has launched its first vertical dedicated to sports collectibles. This new section aims to provide in-depth coverage of the sports memorabilia market, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers.

The vertical will cover various aspects of collecting, including trading cards, game equipment, and autographs across all sports.

Unfortunately it’s not free like the Collectors Playbook, but don’t worry. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on whats important over there. (More)

Barbie Dominates Merchandise Sales

Did you catch the latest Barbie movie? I don’t blame you, but a whole lot of other people did!

Mattel's cash registers are singing to the tune of a whopping 16% revenue spike in the last quarter of 2023, thanks to all things Barbie. Can you believe it? That's a major jump from the modest 3% rise they saw the previous year. Barbie-themed swag is outselling Oppenheimer by a staggering 1,190%! Now, who would've thought? (More)

Freddie Mercury Memorabilia Auction

A recent auction of personal items from Queen's Freddie Mercury raised an impressive £12.4 million at Sotheby's on September 11, 2024. This sale included over 1,500 items, showcasing Mercury's eclectic taste and artistic flair, further solidifying his legacy in music history. (More)

BUYERS GUIDE

Navigating the Sports Collectibles Market

Ready to jump into the sports collectibles game? Great! But first, let's get you some street smarts. Whether you're already a pro or a rookie, knowing the lay of the land is key to winning. So let's start with the basics: prices, authenticity, and trends.

Dig into price guides, check out auction results, and keep an eye on what's hot (and what's not) for the items you're after. This will also help you to spot the real deal from the knock-offs. Knowing your grading scales and who the go-to authentication services are is half the battle.

Now, when it comes to building your collection, remember this golden rule: It's all about quality, not quantity. Mint-condition pieces are always a solid bet, and keep an eye out for rare or limited-edition swag, especially those linked to legendary athletes or unforgettable sports moments. Game-used gear, autographed memorabilia, or vintage trading cards from sports icons are the golden tickets in the world of collectors. These unique finds can take your collection to the next level and potentially offer a sweet return on your investment.

And speaking of investment, always ensure your high-value collectibles are authenticated by reputable third parties like PSA, JSA, or Beckett. It's your insurance policy against counterfeit items.

And remember, always buy from trusted sources. You're safer with established auction houses, online marketplaces, and licensed memorabilia dealers than with individual sellers. Don't shy away from memorabilia shows either; they're great places to network and inspect items up close. If you're buying from individuals, always make sure the items are authenticated before you hand over your cash.

If you're in it for the long haul, aim for items linked to the greats or iconic sports moments. These tend to hold or even increase in value. Remember, items linked to current players can rise and fall like the tide, depending on their performance or public perception. And at the end of the day, while there are no guarantees in this game, if you focus on pieces that you genuinely love, you're always a winner. (More)

DISPLAY TIPS

General Display Tips

Here's a little secret: the less you handle your memorabilia, the better it’ll keep. Kind of like a cake you don't want to crumble. Ever noticed how your skin leaves a mark on stuff? Those are oils and they're not a keepsake's best friend. So wash up or glove up before touching!

Now, let's talk environment. It's all about temperature and humidity control. Aim for a cool 20-22 degrees Celsius and keep it a bit moist (but not too moist, think 40-50% humidity). This will keep your treasures from turning into trash. 

Display Options for Sports Memorabilia

You want to keep your sports memorabilia in top shape, right? That's where protective display cases come in handy. They're like the bodyguard for your cherished items, shielding them from dust, light, and any accidental bumps or drops. And if you want to go the extra mile, opt for cases with UV protection. 

Frame those jerseys, posters, or signed photographs. They'll look like artwork on your walls! Speaking of artwork on walls a great way to make your collectible jerseys really pop is to pair them with one of Artwall’s canvas prints from their “Influence Collection”. 

Display Options for Movie Memorabilia

Movie memorabilia often includes a variety of items like posters, production stills, and lobby cards. Framing these pieces not only enhances their visual appeal but also protects them from potential damage. To take your collection to the next level, create thematic displays based on genres or specific films, which can make the overall presentation more engaging. Grouping items in this way adds a sense of coherence and storytelling, transforming your collection into a cinematic masterpiece.

COLLECTORS REVIEW

SportsCollectibles.com: A Mixed Bag for Memorabilia Hunters

SportsCollectibles.com offers a wide range of sports memorabilia, but potential buyers should approach with caution. The site has garnered mixed reviews from collectors, with an average rating of 3.0 stars out of 5.

Pros:

• Diverse selection of sports memorabilia

• Some customers report quick shipping and good customer service

• Occasional deals and fair pricing on certain items

Cons:

• Inconsistent inventory management

• Concerns about authenticity and misrepresentation of items

• Limited communication regarding order status.

One collector shared a positive experience, noting that despite initial hesitation due to negative reviews, they received their framed photo quickly and in perfect condition. However, they also mentioned the lack of order confirmation emails, which caused some anxiety.

Several reviewers have raised red flags about the site's practices. There are reports of the company listing items they don't actually possess, using photos from other sellers without permission, and attempting to sell already-sold unique items.

If you decide to purchase from SportsCollectibles.com, thoroughly research the item you're interested in. Cross-reference with other reputable sites and ensure that any autographed items come with proper authentication certificates.

Remember, in the world of sports collectibles, authenticity and trust are paramount. Always do your due diligence before making a purchase, regardless of the platform you choose.

COLLECTORS SPOTLIGHT

It could be you!

In this section of our newsletter we would like to feature a different subscribers collection each week!! 

The goal of this section is showcase your prized pieces and collecting journey. We want to keep this newsletter engaged and make you feel valued. 

Plus, we want to see what cool stuff our subscribers have! If you want to be featured you can simply respond to this email with your name, a brief write up of your collecting journey and a picture of your collection!

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