How a Sports Card Passion Turned Into a 6-Figure Business

Discover how a sports card shop earns high 6 figures.
This video is sponsored by 2DayBanners. Visit this link: bit.ly/3hZx3D5 to get 10% OFF any purchase.
Have you ever wanted to start a sports card business, quit your 9-to-5, and start your own awesome company? That’s what Don did when he started DJs Sportscards.
Don’s store sits in his childhood stomping ground. He also grew up around baseball cards, football cards, and comic books. So he always had a foot inside of the trading cards world. He got his first chance to get into baseball card flipping while he was still in high school, and he jumped at the opportunity.
And today, he’s crushing it with his very own card shop.
In this video interview, you’ll learn about how Don grew his sports card business to the high 6 figures with only 7 employees. Even better, he started this incredible business with just $700.
This sports card store is doing so well, in fact, that they even received the coveted ‘Steve James’ Award from Upper Deck!
Learn how Don earns up to 100%-200% markup on his products, his views on not always being the cheapest at what you do, and how he drives so much business with completely free advertising!
You’ll also learn how Don got started, how he overcame scaling challenges early on in his business, how he prices his products (hint: he doesn’t use random internet prices), how you can get started in the sports card business for a very limited investment, and how you can use Don’s model to maximize your own business to get the best returns possible.
Anyone who’s wondering how to start a sports card business will learn a ton from this interview!
You can learn more about Don and his shop at: djssportscards.com.
Want more business advice from real-world entrepreneurs? Check out our blog: www.upflip.com/blog.
Or you can watch some of our other interviews:
How He Started a $62,000/Month Business Selling Sports Cards ►
• How He Started a $62,0...
Resources:
www.upflip.com/academy - Launch and scale your business with our expert-led Academy
www.upflip.com/equipment-list... Premier Equipment List
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:36 Meeting Don
2:55 Initial Budget
3:40 Business Mistakes Not To Make
4:25 Building A Customer Base
5:53 Sales Revenue for 2021
6:12 Online Sales vs In-Store Sales
8:02 Business Mistakes To Avoid
8:59 Best Sellers
10:21 How To Become a Card Seller
11:32 Buying Inventory
13:10 - Finding Employees
14:24 How to Beat Competitors
15:31 Best Return from Online
16:54 High-Profit Margin Sellers
18:34 Knowledge and Skills Needed
19:48 How Don is Successful
20:49 Culture at the Store
21:37 Blitz
22:58 Location
25:33 Loyal Customers
26:29 Entrepreneur Advice
#sportscards #baseballcards #footballcards

[@UpFlip]

UpFlip Academy helps fast-track your journey from startup to success story, join us at: www.upflip.com/academy

[@rogergriffith123]

I have thousands of cards all kinds so how y look up value s

[@vivalapanda3094]

All of this information good and what not, but the barrier of entry is different 30 years ago from now. I was looking to get into the sports card business, but the cost for rental space, investing to cards to stock up for inventory, and then getting an account from distributors is way more than $700. I think you should find a sports card that opened up within the last 5 years and get their perspective and knowledge from.

[@LITMOVIESCENES]

take what plunge? cards arent a career...does it come with health insurance or 401k? How about social security later on? Its a hustle not a career

[@LITMOVIESCENES]

@@vivalapanda3094 industry will he dead again soon...a recession is imminent..noone buys cards in recessions..happens all the time in this biz

[@Tony_Pepperoni]

@@LITMOVIESCENES go be miserable elsewhere. I’ve heard that same crap since 2011.

[@OrenjiMochi]

“Don’t steal from me” is a pretty fair job requirement lol

[@UpFlip]

haha yes!

[@CarringtonKelleys]

I loved that.

[@justinhall6742]

My family loves going to DJs. We go at least once a month and Don and his team are fabulous. Great selection of cards, from singles to wax, he’s got it all! Friendly service has us as repeat customers!!

[@UpFlip]

That's awesome to hear Justin! DJ's is such a great place!

[@LeoLandaverde]

WOW! Starting with just $700? That's crazy. Don's passion jumps off the screen. Love it.

[@UpFlip]

We're so proud of his success!

[@brandonjones4155]

Started my brick and mortar sports card shop in March. Always good to see others having success and providing tips and tricks to help those just getting started!!!

[@UpFlip]

Great to hear! Keep us updated :)

[@pfeiffdog0811]

I’m thinking of starting a card shop. Wondering how your shop is doing to this point

[@KrispysRC]

Don seems super genuine and passionate and transparent I can see why he does well. Great information! One day I will take the plunge to open my own shop!

[@UpFlip]

Go for it Joey!

[@Audio-qe7cs]

DJ is honestly one of the nicest individuals I’ve met

[@UpFlip]

He really is! When did you visit his store?

[@Bigcaesar410]

20 kids!! I have trouble with just 3. Praise to DJ for making it happen.

[@UpFlip]

He truly is amazing!!

[@MilaRoseCo]

haha seriously! I was just going to write the same thing that I can barely keep up with my 2!

[@Dedskees]

Normally I don't want to hear the kids come from different mothers, but that poor woman needs a break

[@toppchoicesportscards]

Great information for collectors and inspiring card shop owners but more importantly God Bless him for being a good human and for also giving those children a better chance and a better life.

[@UpFlip]

Indeed! He has created such a wonderful life for himself, his kids and now helping fellow business owners :)

[@chrisnezbit5500]

DJ could have his own show. He is exciting to listen to, and seems to be a very humble guy. I also really like how vocal he is about being a God-fearing man. Great episode!

[@SidewaysInTraffic]

I needed to hear this, thank you. I sell tools and people constantly send me links of items cheaper on eBay or Amazon and like Don said, you can only put the best price you can on things. There is no way a small business can beat every price out there.

[@UpFlip]

Indeed! We're happy what Don said made you feel better :)

[@deezroastedchestnuts189]

"I sell stolen tools" there I fixed it for you

[@LaroTayoPh]

Love your videos, especially the part when Don shared his faith. More power to your channel and DJs Sportscards! 🙏

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@adriant2737]

Great questions! You’ve unlocked a lot of gold, I appreciate your content!

[@UpFlip]

We're happy you enjoy our content Adrian! What was your favorite part of the video?

[@ogcardscammer4921]

Aloha And Mahalo 🤙 DJ is an absolute Living Legend in The Hobby !!! We Love ❤️ You !!! God Bless You!!!

[@UpFlip]

DJ really is! He's grown an amazing business!

[@CarringtonKelleys]

This was an amazing video. Thank you for the enlightening commentary. I love his honesty. 🤜🏾🤛🏻💯

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markcorrigan4252]

DJ is the best!!!!!!!!!!! One of the saddest things about moving away from the Seattle area is not being able to visit this store anymore!

[@UpFlip]

I'm sure he'll miss you, we hope you are able to visit him again sometime! What was your favorite thing to do when visiting his shop?

[@andrewkolb6309]

Where is his shop at??

[@dubs498]

This place is amazing, with great people and values. Everyone there helped me refind my passion in this hobby that I had when I was a kid. Glad the secret is out on this place.

[@UpFlip]

That's amazing James!

[@serks8297]

Awesome questions man..good work and the card owner seems very genuine and humble.

[@UpFlip]

DJ is an amazing person, we recommend visiting his store if you get the chance!

[@deadcenterfilms3878]

This is my local card shop, I love this place

[@UpFlip]

That's awesome! How often do you visit DJ's?

[@keegancabrera9858]

Me too Dead Center Films

[@deadcenterfilms3878]

@@keegancabrera9858 hello

[@MilaRoseCo]

Congrats on 150k subscribers!! I can’t wait to celebrate with you today 😀

[@UpFlip]

Thanks!!

[@ml8575]

Great perspective of the business! I appreciate the owners honesty.

[@UpFlip]

We appreciate your feedback ML.😁😁 Any content in particular you'd like to see on future videos?

[@bricksbamboos2552]

Amazing video..Amazing shop...Amazing person!!! My sister and I were adopted so this personally made me a feel a certain way...another great video, thank you!! 🙏💪🙌

[@UpFlip]

That's amazing to hear that, thank you for your comment!

[@bigmikesto]

Thank you for your honesty sir. Great video!! I will be calling you soon to place an order.

[@UpFlip]

Sounds great! Do you also have the same hobby or perhaps you're planning to start your own card biz? 🤔

[@jimvujimvu835]

Wow,it’s nice video clip and thanks, also the owner is really cool

[@UpFlip]

He really is! We're glad you enjoyed the video Jim :)

[@topps85401]

Great shop, I recently called DJ’s shop and purchased a card over the phone!

[@windsorsportscards7569]

I really like DJ , you can tell he has integrity , with just a ton of knowledge ! Thanks for this !!

[@UpFlip]

We appreciate the feedback Windsor. 😀Should we do more videos in this industry?

[@windsorsportscards7569]

@@UpFlip yes most definitely, the hobby has grown even more since this video was published . I personally am always looking at ways to improve and be better , enjoyed the content you’ve done on the sports card industry immensely!!

[@RBSmith-ko3ed]

Amazing video. Great show and God Bless DJ!!!

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brockman562]

that cardshop looks like a true ol' skool cardshop. ..really inviting. I think that 'ultra modern looking' card shops nowadays don't have that authentic look like this shop IMO.

[@jerrysanchez8361]

Wow thanks for sharing this .. definitely going to his store ..I live in Quincy Washington never been to that store

[@UpFlip]

Let him know you came from the UpFlip video! we might do a follow up with him someday :)

[@ytduvalinsito1814]

Dj is awesome and his kids! Love him and the store 🙏 good prices and products.

[@UpFlip]

Awesome! Are you a regular?

[@Suorinz]

i buy almost everything from don!!!

[@UpFlip]

That's awesome Mason! How long have you been visiting his shop?

[@BBstudiosfilms]

I was surprised at how good his advice was

[@UpFlip]

Hey Staphane. That's awesome! Glad to hear it. Do you own a business as well?

[@lindsaymcaffrey6580]

Excellent Video ! Upflip techniques work well ! I have been alternate sites like Mercari to find great deals to PC and flip ! Keep up the informative videos. Keep ripping

[@UpFlip]

Mercari is great! Depop is also a great source!

[@intheneighborhood8552]

Twenty kids, this guy is a born collector

[@UpFlip]

Haha!

[@junkwaxmuseum8878]

The response to “paying for advertisement” was classic.

[@deesvintage1282]

Great interview!! Asked non cookie cutter questions that were very specific .

[@UpFlip]

We're glad you enjoyed! What was your favorite part of the video?

[@deesvintage1282]

@@UpFlip The fearless , financial questions you asked in regards to how he runs his business.

[@super_sports.cardsIG]

Anyone else see the 1968 Nolan Ryan rookie for $10 on one of the pages at 19:00 , I can’t imagine its not a reprint but if it was original and you find it there🤯

[@mlbolts72]

Great video .lots of great info Love cards ..good

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed Matt!

[@TheBnicholas1606]

Great video, great owner and store, however his biggest key is being able to buy direct. Allowing him to make those high margins. For anyone getting in now this will be best impossible to get, and you won't be able to make much profits on the boxes at the secondary market, and that is where his huge money is being made. He is paying 600 for a box you are having to pay over 1000 for on eBay

[@4O4sports]

Subbed! Killer video!

[@davidrojas971]

To be honest your videos motivate me to be an successful entrepreneur, I love the content. One minor setback I have is that I’m 20yrs old with lots of responsibilities so I don’t really have time or capital to invest in my business, do you know where I can go to investors with my ideas that I’m assured that will succeed in my area, sorry to bother you but I don’t like using the internet too many schemes and you’re just honest about everything if you can please let me know, thanks Sir God Bless!

[@zoom_wrld1084]

Bless this man

[@UpFlip]

He runs an amazing business and does feel very blessed :)

[@AreYouAfraidoftheLight]

Don is a Legend!

[@UpFlip]

Yes he is!

[@jarrettwhaley6885]

Great content!

[@agentlainez]

God bless you DJ.

[@UpFlip]

He's amazing! We're glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@davidmurray9844]

Wow great man. Blessings

[@UpFlip]

He truly is!

[@MadReviewer007]

Make video on Agribusinesses like Dairy farm, Poultry farm, Hydroponics, Aquaponics

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@Al1978Newman]

What percentage of Purchases Vs Sales, are instore Vs online?

[@innerbliss108]

This has to be the greatest channel ever

[@UpFlip]

Well thank you Etuune. We're very happy that you feel this way. We love being able to provide valuable business information for those that may need it. 😀Are there any other types of businesses you'd like to see featured on the channel?

[@mcstudios4374]

He seems like a great dude

[@UpFlip]

He truly is! :)

[@daveparker5541]

This guys shop is nice

[@UpFlip]

It really is!

[@hitdealer]

Good guy

[@UpFlip]

Don really is! Thanks for your comment Rob :)

[@CoachTabe]

The Michael Jordan rookie in a surface-destroying big block holder just kills me.

[@Nelson-ys8pm]

20 kids 🤯

[@UpFlip]

It's amazing!

[@rhocke4590]

20 kids!!! I want to hear that story.

[@UpFlip]

He's amazing!

[@reidpribble3878]

There adopted there’s not much to it

[@daveparker5541]

That guys has 20 kids?? Where is this? Utah??????

[@nylontusk1289]

Where is his store located? If they said it during the video at some point I didn't hear it...thanks!

[@mrjsboxbreaks3335]

I’m ready to take the plunge, but there’s so much negativity out there about making no profit, owners not being able to pay themselves, etc. I need more positive examples of people getting started.

[@UpFlip]

Our best advice is for you to just do it. You'll never know unless you try. Yes, there are negativities, but there are also people also made it. So, which side would you belong to? ☺️

[@righttouchcleaningservices6680]

Great channel!! My wife has and interesting comic book collection. Do you guys know where I can get an appraisal for the books??

[@UpFlip]

Hello! Sell The Peak collectibles might have a price range on their site :)

[@righttouchcleaningservices6680]

@@UpFlip Thanks!!

[@lukecamilleri4996]

Another great story

[@eGolfCards]

Nice Video!

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rmacsportcg1319]

Once again great store. With that being said this is NOT the time to open a sports card shop. Fanatics is taking over the industry within the next 2-4 years and their goal is to get rid of card shops.

[@daveparker5541]

Never sell your collection less than 65-70% off what it can be bought on eBay.

[@UpFlip]

Great tip!

[@Kamehamebrah]

Been a stay at home parent for do long and was wanting to start something small online to see where it goes but it just seems so saturated and honestly not sure where or how to start.

[@UpFlip]

Starting a business definitely comes with risks and can be challenging. But with strategy and determination, you can be successful too. What are you passionate about?

[@DemonEyes622]

I wonder how much dealers have to deal with theft. he does seem to have a lot of product outside the glass. i'm sure the most valuable is protected. but what about the little things.

[@shanemaloy]

Do you have any interest in interviewing a wholesale only converted to Direct to consumer only house plant greenhouse where we grow and ship plants directly to customers? We went from 200k a year to 2.2M in annual sales in the first two years.

[@rogergriffith123]

How do u look up ever card for value. I have thousands .do u have a scanner to scan faster for value

[@UpFlip]

He looks up each card one by one :) However, there is a new kiosk called Card Score going around where fellow card collectors will score your cards. You can learn more about the kiosk in our video with Jim Sears called "How He Started a $62,000/Month Business Selling Sports Cards"

[@adamlynch1566]

Incredible. If people been collecting and has had crazy cards from the goats of the last 40 years, a 10000 dollar collection 3 years ago is now a mili .

[@UpFlip]

Yes, it's amazing how much the value goes up for some cards!

[@PMTCards]

This is what’s tough about this…I appreciate the motivation aspect but let’s say he made 750k revenue, and let’s say he actually averaged 33% margins on those sales.. that’s 247k in “profit”. That’s not accounting for taxes, employees, lease payments, utilities of the shop, and the constant purchasing of new product that has not yet sold..how much money does he actually get to keep to pay himself? At that point it doesn’t seem like much at all.. if you can only pay yourself 30-50k.. there’s so many other jobs that can cover that without the work to maintain this shop.

[@UpFlip]

Thank you for watching and engaging with the content! ☺️

[@shuaibkadir8657]

I would like to buy my first card with the intention to sell it for a profit.. any one got tips for me ?

[@UpFlip]

Do some research, find a good deal on eBay or another source and then sell it for profit as it goes up in value :)

[@torch3316]

Why is that jordan rc not graded

[@RosandoHorsford]

Where are you located?

[@dtwdbkc2128]

Great story. But luck was involved. I can’t just go rent part of a store for 500$ up front.

[@UpFlip]

This is true, but gaining experience will help you a lot. As Don said in the video start off selling and buying some cards and work your way up :)

[@dtwdbkc2128]

@@UpFlip I mean I already do that through Instagram and eBay and such. But still need some sort of capital to have that storefront which is the ultimate dream. More like the couple that started with the 5,000. Great video though.

[@ROEMHILDT360]

Fanatics..... Fanatics is holding me back....

[@jamesmcdowell626]

I live right next to it

[@UpFlip]

That's awesome, James McDowell! Did you get some cards from him, or are you planning to start a card business too?

[@teresajones1879]

Where is this store

[@UpFlip]

DJ's store is located in Washington :)

[@AaronsHorse]

My biggest issue would be opening all the product.... LoL Oh he bought a box that means I get to open two. LoL

[@jeremyreynolds9120]

Why a 33% margin?

[@jonschaffer4410]

20 kids!!!

[@UpFlip]

He's truly amazing!

[@TerryT324]

How’s those taxes?

[@Jeffmtbr]

Anyone watch this to the end?? He has 20 kids!? Busy man.

[@JD-sy1ql]

4K for a mj that’s not graded lol that’s tuff

[@laurenwilliams777]

What city is this shop in?

[@UpFlip]

Renton, WA :)

[@Thecompound2021]

What happens to the video on the comic book store?

[@romanscardbreaks9002]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@rjgesq.8967]

my like is 667. couldnt stand seeing it there at 666 for this guy, God bless you sir and keep up the great work!

[@UpFlip]

You rock!

[@jackemerson1171]

Now is NOT the time to climb out on a financial limb - too much uncertainty the next few years with Fanatics

[@RBSmith-ko3ed]

You think they’ll sell cases to stores?

[@yolosolonorthwest6282]

Revenue is not important

[@GriseldaBSF410]

You mean its not the christian books that made the business boom?

[@natebAFC]

20 KIDS!?!?!?

[@reidpribble3878]

Probably adopted most of them 😅

[@MacGamingPlace]

Respect for this guy, till he said he has 20 kids. Thanks for taking care of the environment..

[@reidpribble3878]

There adopted bro what’s wrong with that

[@reidpribble3878]

😂😂😂

[@matthewsimpson1268]

Umm.. did he say he has 20 kids??

[@georgesniadoski5950]

Boomers be booming... Imagine being able to buy a store or portion of a store for $700. My how times have changed.

[@xyzcbafyp]

cards and christian books. nice. Jesus bless him.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching Raul. Are you new to the channel?

[@silkystrokesurvivor]

cap cap

[@mikegoblue68]

Twenty kids?????

[@UpFlip]

I know right? He's an amazing collector and amazing father!

[@adamthemango09]

I don't trust that Jordan rc, the fact that neither the original owner or DJ have gotten it graded. I don't think anyone will bite on that card until it's authenticated....

[@thedutra1]

Cool show but a little too scripted

[@cmorrow0231]

Great job..."Hey kids...bring me your hot cards so I can pay you 1/2 their value and mark up my wax 200%!!" Just amazes me these places are still in business - suckers running wild in Washington apparently

[@JeseeWalker]

My thoughts exactly :(

[@reidpribble3878]

Bro this is the best shop I’ve ever been to. like he said you can come in with a 1$ and you can get something. He literally has a tons of boxes with cards that you can pick out 4 cards for a 1$. Most places would sell those 4 cards for 4$ but here you can get it for 1. I also picked up a mint condition bobble head for 1$ here so by no means is this place overpriced

[@reidpribble3878]

@@JeseeWalker ^

[@Noah-jr5sh]

Covid and kobe helped