Allanon

Too many times these days we hear these words: recession, bailouts, economic stimulus package. So far, I have been lucky enough to avoid most of the economic fallout that has occurred in the last year or so (except for my 401k, which I’ve stopped checking – ignorance is bliss!) and, honestly, I’ve had some extra cash to invest into my favorite hobby – baseball cards. However, as I make my rounds to some of my favorite brick-and-mortar hobby shops, I always check in with the owner to see how business is going and if the current state of the economy has had an impact. Usually, I get the same answer; business is fine and actually growing.

I’ve had some time to think this one over and have come to the following conclusion; people are taking their extra money and investing it into something less expensive that they can still have some fun with. Sports card collecting can get very expensive at times, but I don’t think it compares to the $2000 Disney Vacation (which is on the low side and only lasts a week!) or to the $2500 front row seats to Yankee Stadium (don’t even get me started). Plus, those things only last as long as the photos don’t get forgotten. Sports cards are something (especially for the everyday fan) that can be invested in, sometimes even provide a return, and will most likely be something that doesn’t get lost in the attic (maybe).

The other thing it offers is an opportunity for sports fans to get together, share in something cool, and not have to pay $10 for a bottle of beer and a hot dog. I mean, come on, going to a game is expensive these days… you know they have all those multi-million dollar contracts to pay off!

Where am I going with this? Well, my thought is this; if you’ve ever seriously thought about opening up your own store, now might be the best time to do it. It seems people are after some cheap pleasures and sports fans are turning to trading cards to satisfy their needs.

Thoughts?