Father-Son Business: Our Journey in Sports Card Trading

Hi my name is West Kohlhausen, I am 10 years old. i have always wanted to make a web-sight by selling cards with my dad but now my dreams are now are a reality. Here you can find out how me and my dad's obsession over the hobby started and how it has grown.

The Beginning of Our Adventure

Our journey began on a school day in 2022, in the middle of the school year when i was in 1st grade. Every day at lunch and recess people would trade cards. Originally I was into Pokémon and would trade Pokémon, but other kids would trade sports cards and my friend Jack was giving out sports cards and I said can I have one. He said yes and gave me a Bip Roberts rookie card. Then when I came home I showed my dad and was so happy and excited. He wasn't ever pumped about the Pokémon cards I brought home before. So then he dragged me up to the attic and pulled out giant trunk I had never seen before. I was confused on how this had to deal with sports cards, but then i would be amazed....when he opened it up, the trunk was filled to the brim with cards and most were of his favorite player, Nolan Ryan. He had FIVE binders full of just Nolan Ryan cards. He had all the Sports Illustrated magazines of him and even had newspapers with articles about great games that he pitched. He then explained how all of this stuff he got with his dad (my grandfather). That got me thinking about all of the fun that we could have, so I asked him to take me to a card shop. My dad said "you bet." And that is how it all started.

That one day after school led to years of memories for us having fun in this crazy hobby. So I encourage dads who collected in the 90s and other years to get back in the hobby and maybe share their cards and memories and encourage your kids to get in the hobby too.

Learning the Ropes

As we dove deeper into the world of sports card trading, we quickly realized that there was a lot to learn. We spent hours online, watching videos and reading articles about card values, grading, and market trends. Here are some key lessons we learned:

• Research is Key: Understanding the market is crucial. We learned to check prices on platforms like eBay, Market Movers, and Card Ladder to gauge the value of cards.

  
  

• Condition Matters: The condition of a card can significantly affect its value. We learned about grading systems and how to protect our cards to maintain their condition.

  
  

• Networking: Connecting with other collectors and traders is essential. We joined online forums and local trading groups to share knowledge, find potential buyers and monitor the trends of what people were looking for.

  
  

Our First Trade

After weeks of research, we were ready for our first trade. We found a local card show happening that weekend. The excitement was palpable as we packed our cards and headed out.

At the show, we met many collectors. To our surprise, we made our first trade within an hour and we won that trade. We exchanged a few common rookie cards for a more rare rookie card of a popular player. The thrill of that trade was unforgettable.

Building Our Collection

With our first successful trade under our belts, we were eager to expand our collection. We started attending more card shows and exploring online marketplaces.

One of our best finds was a collection of vintage cards from the 1980s. We purchased the entire lot for a reasonable price. After some research, we discovered that several cards in the collection were highly sought after. This purchase taught us the importance of recognizing potential value in seemingly ordinary cards.

Facing Challenges

Like any business, our journey was not without challenges. We faced moments of doubt and frustration. Some cards we paid too much for. Some cards we sold for too little. Some trades were not that smart. Some cards that we thought would be a "sure thing" ended up in disaster...I'm looking at you Mac Jones!

These were tough lessons, but it taught us to be smart, patient and realistic.

The Importance of Patience

Patience has been a vital lesson in our trading journey. Not every card we bought turned out to be a gold mine. Some cards took time to appreciate in value. And yes, some cards we thought would go up eventually became worthless.....thanks Mac Jones :-)

For instance, we held onto a card of a young player who was not performing well at the time. Many collectors were quick to sell, but we decided to wait. A year later, the player had a breakout season, and the value of the card skyrocketed. This experience reinforced the idea that sometimes, good things come to those who wait.

Celebrating Successes

As we continued trading, we celebrated our successes together. Each time we made a profitable trade or found a rare card, we would high-five and share our excitement.

One of our proudest moments was when we sold a card for a significant profit. We had purchased it for a modest price and sold it for ten times what we paid. The joy of that success was not just in the money but in the teamwork and effort we put into it.

Expanding Our Horizons

As our knowledge and collection grew, we began to explore different aspects of the sports card industry. We started attending conventions and even participated in panel discussions about trading and collecting.

These experiences opened new doors for us. We met industry experts and learned about upcoming trends. We also discovered the world of grading services, which can significantly enhance the value of cards.

Giving Back to the Community

As our business grows, we feel a desire to give back to the community. Let's be honest, collecting cards is EXPENSIVE! We want every kid to enjoy the hobby. Not just kids whose parents have extra money to spend on cards. One of our goals is to find ways to give cards (cool cards) to kids who are less fortunate than me and whose parent don't have extra money to spend on cards. They should enjoy the hobby too because you do not need a $1,000,000 Mickey Mantle card to enjoy this hobby and learn from it.

The Future of Our Business

Looking ahead, we are excited about the future of our sports card trading business. We plan to expand our online presence by creating a website to showcase our collection and share tips with other collectors.

We also want to explore social media platforms to connect with a broader audience. The world of sports card trading is evolving, and we want to be part of that change. But in the end if the only thing we do is encourage one more father and son to pick up the hobby and spend time together, then we feel like we have done our job.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Reflecting on our journey, we have learned many valuable lessons. Here are some key takeaways:

• Teamwork is Essential: Working together has strengthened our bond. We have learned to communicate effectively and support each other.

  
  

• Stay Informed: The sports card market is constantly changing. Staying informed about trends and values is crucial for success.

  
  

• Enjoy the Process: While making a profit is great, the joy of collecting and trading is what truly matters. We have created lasting memories through this journey.

  
  

A Journey Worth Taking

Our journey in sports card trading has been an incredible experience. It has brought us closer together and taught us valuable life lessons.

As we continue to grow our business, we look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. Whether it is finding a rare card or sharing our knowledge with others, we are excited about what the future holds.

Me and my dad after a baseball game

This journey is not just about trading cards; it is about the memories we create and the lessons we learn along the way. We encourage other parents and children to explore their interests together. You never know where it might lead you.

So, grab a box of cards, do some research, and start your own adventure. The world of sports card trading awaits, and it might just be the perfect way to bond with your child.