5 Mistakes Collectors Make That Ruin Their Collection

[@thegreattitan762]

The biggest mistake is collecting how others want to collect. If you enjoy opening packs, do that. If you only enjoy a specific card, buy the single. If you like sealed then buy sealed. Do what you want! Everyone has a different way of doing it and find joys in various ways in the hobby.

[@Og.quizzes]

Agreed. There’s no such thing as a “collecting mistakes” it’s all subjective imo.

[@trcnts]

ya this guys kind of a clown. collect wtvr tf you want, how you wanna do it, and where you want to store them

[@jooter8214]

​@@trcnts but hes not wrong either, his opinions are his and yours are yours.

[@drewcanning3594]

there is definitely a smart and a stupid way to do this.

[@Charliebzo]

When I think of “wrong ways” it’s anything that only brings short term happiness in a moment but sets you back and brings unhappiness later. The key is to have something that you can look at later and it brings you joy. There are people only who enjoy chasing the money and flipping, and that’s fine, BUT if they aren’t doing it well, are uneducated on the hobby, and are losing money in a way that makes them unhappy, it’s fair to say they’re collecting wrong. Take Jake’s POV more as warnings of what to be cautious of rather collecting rules/law.

[@mikeleonard8521]

My collection has started being "sets" because I found that I was really opening cards and if the "hit" of the pack wasn't a V or better, I was really disappointed. Making sets for me has made me excited to pull that random uncommon or common that for whatever reason I had not gotten before! Is that the same rush from pulling an alt art? No, but it brings more value to the opening because the 'win' doesn't need to be all or nothing. Thanks for the video and thoughts!

[@FaZe-StyL]

I do this with another tcg as well I also sell commons Un commons as well, since many people need or want a specific card they’re missing and I don’t mind the $0.99 cents it adds up to actually be a lot

[@mikeleonard8521]

@@FaZe-StyL I definitely need to start doing that. It's very time consuming to list all of the cards on eBay. I'm sure if you sell 20 cards, it pays for the time!

[@TruMOXIE]

@@mikeleonard8521 it’s time consuming and can get a little costly when shipping out cards on eBay for $1 (about .63 per oz) so I like to bundle a few low value cards together in a sale to get that profit margin higher. You can still mail about 3-5 cards together for that same .63 cents. Just make sure you weigh the package before shipping.

[@am_KorD]

bro i've gotten back into collecting recently and do the same thing. It's the best feeling getting that random common or uncommon.

[@Onyx_Dripp]

⁠@@am_KorDI’m going to start collecting soon but I’m already looking to do the same thing I’m hoping to collect all of the original pokemon cards as a start

[@mike_kracken6396]

Having a goal is extremely important. When I first started out I collected everything, but there’s too much to collect. Once I started focusing on goals I started to notice that I was able to get more rare and more expensive items in my collection. Instead of buying 10 etbs and spending over 400$ I would save up and buy a gold star card. Having clear goals is where it’s at

[@BoardgamerAnne]

I agree on this one!

[@zweinhanderhiruzen9811]

Same here. I started buying everything... now I only buy salamences. Not the biggest or the most expensive collection, but its mine!

[@cortster12]

My goal is all the SIR eeveelution cards. Particularly the vmaxes.

[@honestlynate7922]

I literally just bought my first packs this week and I pulled a gold star card. Is that important?

[@mike_kracken6396]

@@honestlynate7922 if you’re being truthful that’s insanely important. Which gold star did you pull? If you’re lucky you can typically pull one out of every 72 ish packs, and with the average pack being $400-$500 they are very hard to pull

[@AddySinghNY]

This is a great reminder to keep ourselves grounded. Collecting can be very overwhelming, and FOMO really kicks in. Thanks, Jake

[@TruMOXIE]

When I got back into collecting in 2021, I had so much fun that I got carried away and felt like I needed to buy several booster boxes of every set. Started seeing my bank account decline 😢

[@Purepichu]

I did the same, I was trying to keep up with a case of bbs and etbs a set

[@sauceygems]

Same 😅

[@briansprague3427]

Soon we’re gonna see commercials “do you have a Pokemon card collecting problem? Call 1-800…. lol

[@DrEnzyme]

I just got back into it and I limit myself to opening 1 pack a day. That way the joy of opening a booster pack doesn't diminish and I get to enjoy what I've bought for a longer period of time. Not for everyone but it can help with the urge to keep opening stuff.

[@TheUnboxingFamily]

@@DrEnzyme how much do you generally pay for 1 booster in where you live?

[@ChilledNurse]

I started collecting only Umbreon, because collecting every set or every pokemon I like is just wayyyyy too much. Definitely smart to pick something you absolutely love. It makes the collection more near and dear to you.

[@robertromero8094]

Same I buy for investment. But I collect charizard only.

[@noahrocks2819]

Feraligatr for myself, still waiting for a full art feraligatr card❤

[@Stabilization]

@@noahrocks2819whoa there seriously isn’t a full art feraligatr after all of this time? Dang man, that sucks :( I hope it comes this Gen!! There’s not even ancient trait cards like I thought there would be, dang :/

[@Stabilization]

Also I collect several pokemon but I kind of have them all in one binder and most of them have very few cards. The most notable examples are Hawlucha (I only need the Scarlet Violet build and buy promo and then I’ll go into variants but technically I’ll be done then!) Archen (only need 1! Only has 4 cards) and Archeops (which would be fine but ho god the Dark Explorers Archeops??? Sheeeeessssshhh I’m gonna have to trade for that). I do collect other more popular pokemon, notably Eevee and the eeveelutions, but it’s because those lines just have so many cards that collecting just like 10 of each eeveelution feels like a massive accomplishment. In my binder I gave most of my eeveelutions two pages despite my espeon spread having literally 4 cards in it. And then there’s Sprigatito s line, but since it’s all modern they’re a lot easier to obtain! It gives me a limit while still giving me space to add to the binder without pulling out every card in the binder to add new ones

[@rutabagaleroy]

I bought a $12 pack for my 9 yo son at Walmart and opened the two packs with him. Pulled an Umbreon VMax in the second pack. Fortunately I was the one handling the cards and saw that looked different than the others. Was surprised when I googled it. Beginners luck. We just sent it in for grading. Fingers crossed.

[@TheBdog113]

Buyee is crap. First order was "out of stock" and they've held my money since. Multiple emails with no reply.

[@AlbertoJMarcano]

My first year of collecting I wasted a lot of money opening packs chasing cards. Now I stick to my niche Art style cards, like the Stamp box, Munch, Yu Nagaba, and Van Gogh. I've also moved away from vintage, and stick the Japanese side of the hobby.

[@horizonfan]

Jap will be saturated especially in the us market and Japan market I wouldn’t get in it

[@kylehawkins7457]

I’m interested in Japanese collecting. What is the difference and why is it better?

[@tyrants3062]

And in your second year of collecting you wasted lots of money on Van Gogh Pikachu following everyone else

[@AlbertoJMarcano]

@@tyrants3062 Nah, I bought two Van Gogh's for £45 each (when the restock happened and people wanted to unload them) off eBay and got one off the Pokémon Centre.

[@v1rtual0asis]

@alabamaauditor7007I think he means modern Japanese bro.

[@NicholasArmitage]

Buying singles and learning your way around Ebay are both really important at the beginning. Buying lots of sealed to chase cards is okay for a while but you get tired of seeing the same things and also started realizing you’ve spent much more than you would’ve just buying them online. If you like opening packs maybe go for an ETB of the set or have a sealed budget that you hit before buying singles. I usually say one ETB and maybe a booster bundle then if I didn’t pull it I’ll buy it or let it be

[@glenvious]

My plan exactly. I literally only started collecting a week ago after not buying any cards since I was a kid around 15 years ago. Every new set I want to buy an ETB and then maybe a booster box, afterwards, any card I really want I would just buy. My goal isn’t really to complete these sets, because it would just be way too expensive, but rather see how close I can get to completion after I’ve done all of the above. I find this to be the most enjoyable way. And if I decide I don’t like a set much, then I won’t bother investing much money into it, like with paldean fates. Once I realized a lot of the commons and uncommons were just reprints of other SV sets, I wasn’t too interested anymore. Needless to say, I’m not planning on buying any more paldean dates boosters 😂

[@glenvious]

I also want to play the actual game more, so I’m also planning on using any and all cards in my collection while playing, and then put them back on display when I’m not using them

[@lisa.66]

This is exactly what I do, except I'll buy like 10 booster packs. I'm curious, why the etb? Is it for the nice box as a way to store easier or do you play the actual card game? Cause I don't play the game so I figured I dont need all the dice and coins and whatnot.

[@NicholasArmitage]

@@lisa.66 the ETB is usually available online for between 35-50 depending on set and in the SV era it has a promo card that’s usually pretty solid. It’s been 9 packs which is about the threshold I set before I stop opening sealed. ETB is just a good sealed price point especially for SV, but I could also see why you’d just do two booster bundles and call it there.

[@lisa.66]

@@NicholasArmitage oooh I see! I didn't realise etbs were available for under $50 (I usually only shop for sealed stuff in stores, not online). I just figured they cost an extra $5 (9 individual booster packs usually cost $45 unless I'm doing that wrong too 😅) if you're into the card game or like the box/player's guide. Solid advice, I'm thinking the next time a new good set comes out, I'm buying 2 of the etbs; one for myself to open and one to keep sealed as an investment. 🫣

[@troyrootbeer13]

That 10 ETB comment smacked me right in the face. Realised I loved looking through sets so I have decided to do mastersets. Have been clearing my sealed as it just takes away space I could have for another masterset binder. Changed my whole perspective on the hobby when I finally had collection goals in mind. Saved me money from aimlessly claiming cards on Facebook too.

[@trex103tz]

pick up a card and talk about it for HOURS? sheesh hours though?

[@aruraven]

I literally just started my collection last week. I'm an artist and had always have nothing but respect for the artists that feature in these cards. Some are just incredibly beautiful. So I've always thought of owning some. I'm glad I ran into this video. I was already almost buying different sets just because, or getting doubles of cards and thinking of trading or giving them away and then think "but what if they become useful in a deck sometime? Will I need multiple copies?". I want to play too. Bc it looks fun. I'm not going to any regional anytime soon so this video took me back to Earth. I can go with my original plan, keep the ones I like, possibly collect all miraidon card bc I love them, and let others enjoy the rest of the cards too.

[@magg93]

But I need to catch 'em all and be the very best, like no one ever was

[@ryanhiggins3942]

Dam straight

[@Dartwind]

Great tips Jake! I definitely do think some folks go overboard with new sealed stuff especially. I tend to collect sealed stuff with a limit of 3 per product, though the vast majority of my sealed boxes are 1-2 at a time, with an emphasis on stuff I think looks nice with equally as nice sets. While it's true sets can go up in value substantially over time, it's important for folks to realize that can take many years to be worthwhile, and that not every set is as valuable (see evolving skies vs. rebel clash).

[@Lesnooch]

I just got into the hobby again and because I am on a budget I went through all the sets on Pokéllector to make a list of cards I want to collect (mostly centered around pokémon I like). Having a list keeps me grounded, and I only buy sealed product if I like it for myself, not just for value.

[@pmula10]

Ive downsized my collection a ton in the past year!! Sold alot of my singles & sealed collection. Now my main PC & sealed collection consists of stuff with lucario on it

[@VertigoTCG]

something that’s helped me appreciate my collection is actually learning the tcg and playing. i’m finally putting my extras to use!

[@PootLoops]

My goal is still to collect every set (set number wise, not master sets, and any condition is game). It definitely gets stressful, but now that I'm chunking it and focusing on specific sets it's a lot more enjoyable.

[@Jonathanflash1985]

My collection is predominantly vintage , but when I do collect modern, it’s definitely with limits.

[@anklez8623]

My daughter likes to open packs, that’s her main thing. But she does like collecting eeveelutions, piplup and Pikachu. I like to buy some stuff for us to open together then singles with artwork I really like.

[@ChumpyGames]

I started collecting this month. I didn't even realize that I needed to hear this! Setting a goal is a great one to end on, because after the initial rush of getting a few trainer boxes to start out, now I have to cool off and figure out my next goal. I think I'm going to build a deck around some of my favorite Pokemon, and collect the cards I need to do it! And that's how I'll proceed in my collection: deck by deck :D

[@NextGenerationEx]

Great video, hits you hard in the face when you realise pretty much what you have said is true and is me as well I’ve been in debt for 3 years since lockdown since I start collecting again after so long and just wanting to buy one of everything for the sealed and randomly buying cards I like on eBay and using payment options that let you pay in 3, when I knew I should have stopped a long time ago it’s cost me relationships, family, bad credit score and now trying to sort myself off and pay off my debts and overdraft and stop collecting one of everything and just solely buying maybe a booster box of a new set and keep exclusive product like from PC in the collection

[@Sjarmander]

Lovely video, thanks for the insights! Totally love collecting still, even after all these years. The happiest part of my collection is a bunch of Charmanders, and a binder full of cards from Tomokazu. Seeing all the artwork from a specific artist evolving over the years is just amazing.

[@legogenius22]

Phenomenal tips. I've made most of these mistakes while getting back into the hobby a few years back and now I've learned and self corrected over years since. I've focused on specific cards and eras that I really enjoy over just buying stuff to buy stuff.

[@MrKyle333]

I just got back into the hobby a couple months ago and my big problem right now is not budgeting appropriately and it’s really easy to go broke doing this. Just this morning I was watching a drip stream and blew through $100 on the off chance that I might win one of the cards. After I was really kicking myself because I could have just spent that money on a card I really want instead of gambling it… I try to stick to a $50 a week budget, but it’s been really hard to keep the cost down that low. Don’t tell my wife 😅😅

[@lisa.66]

Do you have any update? I just started collecting a few weeks ago and got carried away, already spent about $500 between target, best buy, poshmark and other sites... I realllyyy have to slow down, but its so addictive! I guess my excuse is that it was a learning experience; taking a 20 year break from collecting I had no idea what I was doing. Now I kinda get it and have a clearer view of what I actually want to collect. 😅

[@thebakedtoast]

​​@@lisa.66man, I bought a private collection because I didn't have enough cards to make decks. This was one week ago. I've now spent like 100€ in one week. And next weeks gonna be another 100€ because the new sets release and I want the Halloween boosters 🥲 All of this because in the first booster pack ordered just for free shipping was an ultra rare charizard 👌

[@GreggGardner]

I just started got my first box set 151 from Japan I’m hooked good thing I’m 70 if I started this earlier I would’ve lost my mind and lots of money collecting 😂 love Pokemon cards are the best

[@rosariourielmariebelviz5502]

These are amazing tips especially as someone who has been collecting as young as 5 years old, but in my case it was pokemon plushies and figurines (because my goal at the time was to collect every pokemon 💀) and now that im 21 im stuck with pokemon plushies that most just make me sad because im not able to care for all of them because I dont have enough space. So thats how I learned it the hard way now that I collect cards my goal is all Pikachu and Dedenne cards because those two are my favourite pokemon and maybe a few other full arts that i love the art. Now I'm much happier and organised with my collection and constantly gush over my collection.

[@britainlott1602]

You really opened my eyes when you asked "what is your goal" to me it should be more than making a quick buck or wanting to collect all the cards. It's about making a community around the cards and thriving as a community to keep something like this lasting the long run. That is truly wonderful, you have a brilliant mind

[@itachi112ify]

I usually go for full art cards and old school cards, lately I’ve just been buying the cards I want through the TCG app whenever I want to buy single cards and I occasionally buy ETBs whenever I go to target

[@UntiltedName]

Your backdrop sets a fine example for a collection. A collection is something that you can display for others to look at and enjoy. In a way that people not even familiar with the items can appreciate. If not the items specifically, then at least your interest in them as it relates to who you are as a person. It can also be about the hunt for something that is truly challenging to find. Man, I still occasionally talk to a guy who I used to trade L5R cards with 20 years ago. Back then he helped me build up a collection for the clan and characters that I liked. I still have those cards in a binder, out like a coffee table book, for friends to look at.

[@sparkysshocker]

After getting back into the hobby after 23 years, couldnt agree more with Jakes tips. I set myself some goals for collections and aside from the lack of affordable 151 packs at times I am having a blast. Currently I have my eyes on Paldean Fates, and am currently prepping binders for my childhood goal of having a Complete PokeDex Set of Cards with my favorite art, which with modern sets and their Secret Rares, may make for a cool evolving collection.

[@michaelbrown1724]

Oh thats such a cool idea!! Just full pokedex but you choose the specific card for each mon so its all just alt arts! haha that'll be so sick!

[@Poketrulla]

Oh this sounds like something I would enjoy in the future. As of now I mainly enjoy opening products with my kids and seeing their excitement. Teaching them how to handle their cards properly (our parents never taught us and all our old cards ended up in the trash at some point 😭). I want to complete the 151 Master and am hoping to find another set that excites me as much in the future. Until then I plan to learn more about deck building as the kids really enjoy playing the game.

[@michaelbrown1724]

@@Poketrulla Crown Zenith is super affordable right now and a fun one to master.

[@Poketrulla]

@@michaelbrown1724 Not in German unfortunately. But I did get some for decent prices for my kid for Christmas.

[@pokeedge]

I decided to just become mainly a sealed product collector, so I have thousands of packs, booster boxes, tins, and promo boxes. Yeah, some are expensive and take up a lot of space, but I have the means and the space to expand my collection several fold. Also, any singles cards I usually just buy it, so I don't need to spend a ton of time opening anything. Everyone has different ways of collecting and displaying their collections. I know some collectors who only open until they pull what they want and then stop buying that set completely and some who buy bulk to sell

[@MachineR5000]

Remember everyone, there is no feeling quite like pulling your chase card yourself, however, sometimes its better to just buy the card youd like! No harm in ripping a few packs from a new set, but dont waste hundreds of your dollars chasing cards. Often times, by the time you pull the card you want, youve spent more than it would have cost to buy it by itself. Also, like the video says, not every new set that is released will be a hot commodity, and its not worth it to dump a ton of money into them.

[@tower8810]

That's the mistake I made when I first started to collect again ( which was when Obsidian Flames came out ) I was buying booster boxes ETBs and single boosters like crazy. Lesson learn I only buy tye card I want now. I'll buy a booster pack here and there I won't lie. I'm also focusing only buying base card now

[@tstreb66]

I used to tear open into booster after booster trying to pull a card I wanted from a set, but after awhile I couldn't financially afford it, so I started buying directly off of TCG player website instead of wasting money on cards I didn't want. Some people like the excitement and the mystery of getting cards like this and I am one of them, but it just burns a whole in my pocket too often. The good thing is when I do get the card online, I feel like I'm saving more money this way. So yes, collect how you see fit that is reasonable and makes you happy. ❤

[@TexasMadeCruz]

My daughter got me back into it this past year. I learned quick to just hunt specific cards for her and myself Vs buying ETBs. Got tired of opening the same doubles. Now we hunt the good stuff

[@haroldbright8362]

This is actually pretty good advice. I’m someone who tends to throw myself completely into new hobbies and this is definitely not the type of hobby to do that for someone without unlimited financial resources.

[@77714anthony]

Pokémon and investing should never be used in the same sentence.

[@lukerichards22]

Why not?

[@Lxquid_Spliff]

Unless justifying your addiction 🤣

[@RonnieSportz]

It’s a physical tangible asset. It checks the scarcity box. It’s an international product. The only thing it doesn’t rank sky high in is liquidity. But liquidity isn’t bad. Pokémon might be one of the absolute best investments out there.

[@Lxquid_Spliff]

@@RonnieSportz if done correctly i totally agree

[@snorlore]

I've been really tempted to try to master the S&V main sets because of the super low prices on all the booster boxes and the Vault-X SV binder series. Not sure if that's a realistic goal, but I may be happy to have partial sets and pick up a few cards for IRL league play.

[@themurphy1245]

Hello thank you for your tips. I returned to the hobby after 25 years thanks to 151. My goal were collecting a bunch of vintage I like to grade and completing jap151 and evolving skies. 151 is going well so far I even ripped a God pack! Evolving skies tho with the price and drop/rate isn’t worth it and I will just collect the single I like I think. Lastly, I’m all about showing my collection but I have just one concern: coudn’t sun light or moisture damage your cards if you keep them in the open like in this video behind you?

[@jordanhancock279]

Yes light and moisture will affect almost anything over time.

[@JediMasterT]

Couldn't agree more Jake, if i was to add one is try not to get overwhelmed, if your like me and come back into the hobby 2021ish after collecting the first 2 sets as a child, it is VERY overwhelming on the sheer amount of cards you want. I thought I knew what I wanted to collect but I'm constantly exposed to new amazing cards that I want as well.

[@maartenhartevelt6626]

I focus on sets I realy “feel”. The vibe of the set art and also I really enjoy from packs the dark and dragon types, so I’m having a blast going through some packs, conventions, collectors markets, joyful.

[@annemabrie2287]

I resale all my bulk pokemon cards to kids whenever there's a fleamarket in my town, it makes them happy and prevents me from having too much bulk :)

[@daryastark3314]

Solid advice, thanks! I’m a new collector, literally just started this week with a single pack of Obsidian Flames and the whole abundance of cards / sets is a bit overwhelming. It’s definitely very easy to get carried away, especially when watching big YT collectors who can literally spend tens of thousands dollars on cards. I decided to go with 151 and Obsidian Flames as my sets to collect and my bank account is already screaming after a booster box and a couple of ETBs 😱

[@sushileafbeats]

Iunno... Telling me not to keep sealed product with a wall of it behind you is... ehhhh. But I'm gonna let you cook and continue the video lol.

[@DriveRevive0491]

Great perspective, collect what you love and enjoy the TCG! I’m older and got into Pokémon in the early 90s WOTC days, I hung on to every pack I opened and all my cards, none of it was motivated by money, but for the love of the game

[@pika.journey4817]

Developing a niche and having specific goals is where I get the most enjoyment from this hobby. Unless you have unlimited money, collecting every item and card just won't happen, and isn't necessary. Workout what you love, what you enjoy, and start there 👍

[@itzzxtaichou]

After watching this video I opened my paldea fates 5 pack box from Costco and pulled that Mew EX SIR. I’m not saying you’ll get the insane luck all the time but do what makes you happy. Thank you for making this video man

[@evan17campos17]

Saying “open the box, it’s meant to be opened not be closed” proceeds to have sealed boxes behind him

[@bsephh6126]

He just means newer sets tho

[@futur3m3fr0mthepast]

Those where once new sets

[@gengar90]

Probably to make a pokemon themed background?

[@HubbieRobbie]

Those are rare boxes. The best is doing that for really hard tog eat boxes like the poncho pikachu.

[@CaptainKiteYT]

6. dont buy meta/hyped/expensive cards (to) early as a collector. Wait, until the price drops or look for other cards. Spending like 100-300$ on a card, that drops to 30-50$ is really stupid, if you are just a collector and dont need the card to play in tournaments.

[@michaelbrown1724]

I've never understood buying and saving every single set. Like for me personally I haven't enjoyed many of the newer sets at all. I do have a decent sized sealed collection but I only buy sets I find fun. Celebrations, Lost Origin, Evo skies, Crown Zenith, 151, etc. but I like your point on trading. I'm trying to put together a binder of every english Mew card right now and will most likely need to trade some of my lesser loved cards to complete that. I do like completing sets too when I feel it's possible but only the ones I really like. Most of the newer S&V sets only have a few cards each that I like so I'm just going to buy them as singles.

[@SpaceRanger117]

I think for most people, if you just invest in a single set you really like, you’ll still find a good amount of joy instead of spreading all your effort on a bunch of random things to try and feel like your not “missing out”.

[@pinkiepie9049]

Really nice video! I started collecting again when Obsidian Flames came out. I'm buying stuff from every set BUT before im checking cards, im picking cards i want, cards i need in deck and rest i'm selling. I dont need 10k+ bulk in my home :D Rest i'm organizing in binders, i'm trying to open max 10-15 booster boxes/ETB etc, rest cards i'm bying and going to next set.

[@cortster12]

7:41 I want to trade, but I don’t know anyone in person, and I fear I'll get ripped off online.

[@newjerseyjustin]

i made a goal for a set that i really like and start by setting up a binder with the players guide from the set etb and go from there makes buying packs so much better finding that card you’ve been needing for your binder

[@tstreb66]

Whats better than collecting expensive/ultra rare cards, is using them to play in TCG because your card gets more attention and comments than it ever would in a binder.

[@TheRealHonestly]

Yeah, I went wild on champions path. It definitely brought me back to chasing after I stopped back at base set. I really stopped when the neo set came out since I focused on really playing the games more like when silver/gold/crystal.

[@andrewf6783]

Great advice Jake. It has helped me a ton to implement a lot of what you recommended. I enjoy selling extra cards and then finding a great deal on what I really want to collect

[@nickfeness]

I feel attacked 🤣 I love your point on making goals for the cards you collect. I officially made my first tangible goal recently of collecting the entire galarian gallery from Crown Zenith. I gotta says in been fun filling my first binder. I'll likely end up completing the full set when I'm done with the gallery.

[@Snipe50]

I decided to do this too! I think the gallery from CZ is the best modern one we have. I can't wait to have all 70

[@MikeSiegert]

The last tip, I think that’s a personal preference. I really enjoy collecting as I go and sort of making it up. It’s okay to have a goal, but I genuinely look forward to going to shops and shows and not knowing what I’m going to find. If I know exactly what I want to get, it begins to feel more like a shopping list and less like a hobby.

[@sampritchett8381]

Resonating with this a lot. I just moved and having all this sealed product was a big burden. Definitely makes me want to downsize and use those funds on cool cards and free up some space.

[@connerjoyce187]

The psa Latios alternate art in the back ! So sick

[@lwiay84]

I went balls deep into Pokémon 151

[@PokeDots369]

That's me with Paldean Fates 😂

[@Jed77777]

151 was a good one to get into imo.

[@christopherhowell755]

Same

[@ThomasFairbanks]

My son’s 12th Birthday was yesterday. We had so much fun opening packs. I got Him 3 Paldean Fates Etbs 6 of the divergent tins, and the 3 Galaranian Bird Tins with Crown Zenith. Of course my son wanted me to open pack for pack with him. Of course now we were trying to get a pull from the evolving skies packs. But it was amazing for me pulling the Shiny Mew the the Bubble AA from the Paldean Fates back to back double Banger. Awesome Moment. He said before he would trade , after he wouldn’t because of how they were pulled🙌🏼 (both look like 10a)

[@RenoFriends]

People who doubts and ask about collecting things in advance are more worried about the money than on cards enjoyment. That way you probably ruin your experience

[@melgar2755]

I know I am late to comment but I agree! After spending so much money on a set to get a Chase card, I decided to do the master set and it's was so much cheaper to buy the rest of my missing cards than buying booster boxes. When I started having a goal I started to enjoy it more. I have two master sets going (One from newer and one from vintage) and I collect my favorite pokemon card whenever it randomly comes up for a good price. What made me slow down was playing TCG, I started to focus on organizing my bulk cards to find what I needed for my deck😂 Now when I open packs, I organize and read the cards to see if it would worth going into a deck or not. Its fun!

[@LaineyDragonair]

I spent a couple of hundred bucks trying to chase the Paldean Fates secret art Mew EX, once that joy of opening packs dwindled, I found it at my card shop and said okay that’s enough PAF. I’m already over it 😪

[@0xGramajo]

The getting organized is a legit one. It took a while to get organized but once I did it, it was a weight off my shoulders. I literally just used notion instead of an app since I spend so much time in notion

[@Ndom93]

I started my collection proper by buying binders and toploaders instead of leaving my cards it in its own booster boxes and sleeves. Its a good start, and thanks to this video, I think I am setting out on buying more of a series that features my favourite Pokemon rather than blindly buying everything; although I do think its alright to buy a booster box/bundle of every new series only once if it does not have my favourites just for the fun of it i.e., Surging Sparks doesn't have Charizard or Rayquaza, so I'm just buying one booster box, and maybe 1 or 2 loose packs afterwards. I am curious if trying to splurge 151 and Paldea Fates now would be a great idea considering that not only this video is nearly a year old, both have been around more than a year now. Would it still be a great idea to try and complete either of the mentioned collection?

[@christhaconqueror7426]

Best advice I was given was “complete the whole set and either trade, sell, or just give the duplicates away because you can always find the ones you don’t have by doing that

[@selbymichael]

6th mistake...Stop grading low value cards hoping to make them valuable.

[@benkalcher]

This. The market is completely saturated in graded cards and most barely have any additional value.

[@selbymichael]

@@benkalcher Recently I checked current ebay sales for PSA 10. Out of 766,000 sold listings 52% were either a loss or no value added. For 8's and 9's the percentage goes up to 72%. 10 PSA or 6 Beckett slabs weigh as much as 44 cards in top loaders and penny sleeves.

[@easymoneysha]

I love this! I just started collecting and the nostalgic feeling I get opening Packs is pure bliss. I was excited to find one of my favs, Lucario. So the Crown Zenith was a no brainer.

[@yayin21]

My way of collecting is going for completing sets. I’ve started with the easiest to get which is current Scarlet and Violet. I have them in binders and every time I go to the shop I try to get 1 or 2 singles of one of the sets i’m completing. Usually, when a new set comes out, I will buy a few products to get started and then get the rest off eBay. I hope to get a big hit in the products I buy, if not then I’ll get it online

[@BoosterBuffoon]

i agree with advice number 1. I used to see every set as an investment. Now i just buy what i like, open them and make some videos while opening. I really enjoy the hobby😊

[@unrivaledWF]

My biggest tip would be especially to new collectors. Before you start collecting realize and understand that being a completest with the Pokemon TCG is virtually impossible so if that's your end goal, Stop what you're doing. I know so many people who started, spent thousands on stuff and then they later realized they had barely scratched the surface and realized they were never going to be able to get everything which caused them to regret starting.

[@ChilleBruh]

Soooooo much out there. People have been building collections since the release over 25 years ago and still don’t have it all, you’re not going to manage it in a couple years! 😁

[@quentinjimenez3669]

Nice video and I totally agree! I fell in love " again " with pokemon cards when I travelled to Japan with my wife! We went to 4 Pokemon centers in Tokyo and I bought boosters from 2 different sets. Now trying to complete them :) I played pokemon cards being a kid, now at 34 I'm back in it 😂 what a cool feeling 😛 have a good day everybody and enjoyyy!!!

[@SwanteeSwe]

Can someone explain to me what a specialty set is and what differs from a regular set? Getting into collecting. Never really started but dipped my toes into this once a few years ago. Now I have plan how to start. It might not be the best plan but plans can change so I am not worried. Focus on one set - N/A (what set to choose?) 480 slot binder - check 400 Dragon Shield perfect fit - check 400 Dragon Shield standard sleeves - check 1-2 Display booster (36 pack) - N/A My problem is where to start. I wanna go for a new set. Going in fresh from the start. I feel specialty sets might not be the best ones to start with.

[@MrGentlly]

Focus on a Pokémon or a couple pokemon, collect the best ones/the ones that are trending up. Helps focus your collection. Like I collect Mewtwo mainly but I also grab trending eeeveelution’s. Sealed products I like to quick flip but that’s me. Singles and slabs are king imo if you get into them at the right time I obviously will grab a zard or high end card if I can for a good price but FOCUS YOUR COLLECTION. Just wanted to highlight the last point because it’s the biggest mistake I see in the hobby.

[@xdraconicgaming5204]

Hey Jake. Point #1 was spot on. Point #2 all I heard was sealed collections are a waste of space. You just reinforced my desire to only be a card collector. Point #3 was also spot on. I organize all my cards as I open them that way it's always 100% organized. Point #4 I understand what you mean, but I disagree especially on the longer term comment. I only sell/trade doubles and it essentially funds my collection. Point #5 was spot on.

[@djbullets5850]

You were obviously not listening then.he said nothing of the sort.he said keeping lots of new stuff sealed is a waste of time and should be opened and enjoyed.

[@BlakeLindeman1016]

Hey this is some great tips you have for pokemon card collectors and thank you! Also if i may ask, Where you got the trainer artwork behind you and Thanks Again for a very informative video!

[@jukeboxhero5]

Tip nr. 5 is a bit of a reach. Let people collect however they want to collect, aim or no aim.

[@TwicebakedJake]

It never hurts to have a goal

[@Fang_Face]

Well, it’s good to see I haven’t been making any real mistakes. I am all about 1999 and earlier Pokemon stuff. I strive to have an expressive collection of vintage Pokemon products.

[@ascendiinq]

I just wanted to start collecting again. Will be using the instructions mentioned ! Thanks for the video

[@MorkSD]

That's a video that everybody should see from time to time because it brings back the spirit of "collecting" to the hobby! Helps to pull yourself together and stop thinking as a toxic "collector"

[@gkcmspalzn]

tbh i love buying sealed stuff and buying single cards online so i buy the sealed stuff with cash only and single cards using my card/bank account. definitely helps my wallet a lot since most places don’t even take cash anymore 😭

[@KamisamanoOtaku]

As a former collector player of the Pokémon TCG from about 1999 to 2009, shortly after which I had to file for bankruptcy and liquidate my collection (was worth too much on paper), but was able to tough it out on the old Pokémon TCG Online program until around 2022 with a sizable "virtual" collection, *this cideo has great advice!* I made almost all these mistakes myself. ^^'

[@GreenGoblet22]

Focusing on collecting 151 and buying singles/sets that add playability to my battle decks has been a HUGE boon to my engagement with this hobby. While I'm always tempted to complete a master set of Pokemon GO or see what kind of awesome art rares I can pull out of Paldea Evolved, it's SO easy to overspend on Pokemon TCG.

[@Zcc_00]

2:18 I bought 2 Lost Origin for fun. The first box i opened and the first pack i picked out had a Giratina V Alternate Full Art. Gave it away. Didn't know they had value. 😅😅😂

[@martinvargas1346]

I started collecting because I feel like I have addiction problems. Opening packs seems to fulfill some kind of need or want. When I started collecting right off the bat I spent almost $500 in a month before I realized I really needed so slow down. This video kind of helped me figure out what route I want to go down and not just the lottery aspect and value I get out of the cards

[@Jaeger556]

I enjoy opening packs but also want to invest in some solid slabs for long term hold what’s the best happy medium , and is it better to pull and grade or buy the gm mint 10 even if it’s a little extra money

[@M1keCollects]

really good advice! staying organized and not collecting everything i need to remind myself those things haha

[@rubblemadden]

Me and my son are new to this side of collecting. With organizing is it ok to mix set or do i need to buy a binder for each different set?

[@conspiraciesexposed7760]

I’ve got mine mixed but to each his own

[@alexkidd93]

Whatever you want, it's your collection. Personally I'd have a binder per set, unless the binder has enough pages to hold two sets.

[@SeanSnyder1993]

Since I know what kind of collector I am, one who wants to have a copy of every card from every set, I decided I'm not collecting Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh because I don't want to spend a cool couple hundred grand. Instead I'm collecting Digimon, since I actually have a connection with Digimon that I never had with the others. The reboot of the TCG is a great opportunity to start this collection, just a couple of years old, and I don't want like championship cards or anything like that, just a copy of each card (and parallel art variants) from each set. Having a goal is really important. I don't want to display them necessarily, I'm never going to resell them, I just like having them. They will join my LEGO lightsaber MOCs, Budweiser holiday steins, and my favorite author's first edition books as treasured parts of my collection.

[@JuliArtsy-u8i]

I just have started on the hobby so my collection is small at the moment and I'm learning along the way. Getting back to my comment and I'm still collecting cards but I don't stick to a specific set I just enjoy a long the way as for how I'm storing them I'm using a 3 ring binder that I already have and yes I do sleeve the cards so there's no major damage as for trading I'm not at that point yet I'm here to chill and enjoy the Hobbie

[@jhonnyfranz5905]

Collect what you really love. I came back this year on Pokémon cards, is 20 years that I don’t buy one, I am 28. I just saw is been released the 151 seat, I am just focusing on it, because is something which bring me back to when I was a kid. And than, I will be done with Pokémon again. If one day the complete set will be worth a lot of money good, otherwise I will give it to my future children or grandchildren. But anyway I have felt happiness on doing it (:

[@patrickbateman69420]

It's interesting that a lot of these points that apply to _collecting_ actually turn out to be pretty bad advice for _investing._

[@StephenSmith-xd5kp]

That’s cause he knows he has a influence on a decent amount of people and wants people to open sealed so a lot of his sealed goes up.

[@tamo_amo]

People when they view collecting as a hobby and not a means to grow their bank account 🤯🤯🤯

[@patrickbateman69420]

@tamo_amo most of us here view it as both, surely you know that?

[@themingler441]

Yeah it's kinda tragic how diametrically opposed they are. But I personally have some that I will never open and others that I will. I just sort of get two of everything. I think the ETB's are pretty amazing for that because of all the boosters they include, as well as the novelty foils etc. And they are a bit easier to store and take care of.

[@Tronjheimr]

My biggest mistake at the start was trying to buy all products during release. I am now mostly ignoring collection boxes/premium collection boxes and just focusing on BB/ETB. Unless they release hot products like the Eevee Vmax premium, I will mostly skipping those random boxes with half assed promos.

[@DJ-pp4mt]

I love alt arts so that is mainly what i collect. Theres so much enjoyment in getting those really detailed art cards. My favs are my galarian moltres V from chilling reign, and my espeon V from evolving skies

[@tylerprice1619]

I was buying cards randomly for a little while but quickly realized I needed to focus on specific goals so first I got a decent set of charizard cards, then on to mew and mewtwo, now I’m working on my eeveelutions, what do yall think I should go for next? I’m thinking Gyarados, snorlax, or some of the popular mythicals and legendaries I’m just not sure which.

[@120hz]

I remember doing just that when Es came out and had fun opening boosters, boy do I regret that decision 😂

[@christopherbrown5610]

You told us PF was going to be hot. Your takes are rank!

[@springbazz2202]

Excellent advice and very well articulated. I'm a little older and getting back into the hobby. Thanks, another great video!