Most people only choose one category or niche to begin collecting sports memorabilia? If this is what you intend to do as well, learn it, research it, and invest iwisely so that you know what you are buying. For example. did you know that trading cards must be graded? This is only one example of some of the important information you need to know as a possible collector of genuine, valuable sports merchandise.

Be educated about the industry, equip yourself with knowledge and be a collector who doesn't just act like they know the art of recognizing authentic sports memorabilia, instead be one that truly knows.

If you come across a trader who does not respond to your questions to your gratification, it is best to follow your instincts and go to someone else. Dealer self-confidence is important, but don't confuse confidence with a the cockiness of a con man.

You should know the true worth of your items. It's not right to you or to the trader to buy an item and then find out it isn't nearly as valuable as you had first believed. A reputable trader will desire you to be pleased with your purchase so you will be able to be proud to do business with them and be willing to spread the good experience around to build their reputation. An unscrupulous dealer just wants you to rush up and spend your money and they are unlikely to stand behind the authenticity of their sports memorabilia. At the same time, it's unfair to the trader to buy with an attitude of "If I don't like it, I'll just return it." They want people who are as serious as they are about their sports memorabilia, just as much as you want authenticity. I you have any doubts it is better to go away, think it over, and return than to purchase in a rush. You might want to come back to the same dealer again in the future and should build a beneficial relationship with him or her.

You should also realize a certificate of authenticity doesn't guarantee that you are doing business with a reputable dealer, nor does the phrase 'mint condition'. As in other markets there is such a thing known as 'dealer bias'. It is among the negative facets of the business. You might try to come back to the same dealer and sell back the card they sold you for a high price in 'mint condition' only to find out they now they reduce the worth. They will not want to pay you what they said it was worth.

Don't ever allow the dealer to dictate which authentication service you will use. A respectable dealer will be fine with your pick no matter what. But at the same time you should realize that authenticators may not specialize in the item you are having evaluated.