Want to Build a Sports Card Collection? Here’s How to Spend Less Than $100

By Oscar Magdaleno

Building a sports card collection is one of the most exciting ways to connect with your favorite athletes, learn about the game’s history, and join a thriving community of collectors. But with the skyrocketing value of certain cards and the flashy allure of high-end packs, starting a collection might seem intimidating, especially if you’re on a budget.

The good news? You don’t need thousands of dollars to build a meaningful sports card collection. In fact, with less than $100, you can kickstart a collection that’s both fun and rewarding!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you stretch your budget while diving into the thrilling world of sports card collecting!

Image: Beckett

Step 1: Decide What You Want to Collect

Before you spend a single dollar, define your focus. The sports card world is vast, and narrowing your scope will keep you from overspending. Some popular directions include:

• Specific Players: Collect cards of your favorite athlete, whether it’s LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, or Shohei Ohtani.
• Teams: Showcase your loyalty to a specific team by collecting cards of all their current and former players.
• Rookie Cards: Rookie cards often hold long-term value and are a great way to invest while collecting.
• Vintage Cards: Older cards (pre-1980s) are nostalgic and often affordable if you’re okay with lower grades or lesser-known players.
• Sets or Inserts: Try completing a base set or a specific insert series from one product.

Establishing a goal will keep your spending focused and purposeful!

Step 2: Learn the Basics of Sports Card Collecting

Knowledge is power, especially in a hobby where value can vary significantly. Spend time understanding key terms and categories:

• Base Cards: Standard cards in a set. Affordable and easy to collect.
• Parallels: Variants of base cards with unique designs, colors, or serial numbers (e.g., “Silver Prizm” or “Gold Refractor”).
• Autographs and Relics: Cards featuring player autographs or pieces of game-worn jerseys. Often pricier but highly sought after.
• Graded Cards: Cards professionally assessed for condition and assigned a grade (e.g., PSA 9 or BGS 10).

Dive into online forums, YouTube channels, and social media groups to learn from experienced collectors and stay informed about trends. 

Step 3: Set a Strict Budget

Your $100 budget might feel limiting, but it’s plenty to start strong. Divide your spending strategically, such as:

• $50 for Cards: Allocate this to purchasing individual cards or small lots.
• $30 for Sealed Products: Buy a blaster box or value packs for the thrill of ripping packs.
• $20 for Supplies: Invest in protective gear like penny sleeves, top loaders, and a card storage box to keep your collection safe.

Sticking to this budget ensures you can explore different parts of the hobby without overspending.

Step 4: Shop Smart for Individual Cards

Buying individual cards is one of the most cost-effective ways to build your collection. Focus on:

1. Player Lots: Many sellers bundle multiple cards of a specific player at a discount. For example, you might find a lot of 10 Ja Morant cards for $15-$20.

2. Affordable Rookies: Instead of chasing high-value rookies, target underrated or second-tier rookies. For example, you can find a 2022 NBA rookie like Jalen Williams for far less than top-tier players like Paolo Banchero.

3. Lower-Tier Parallels: While serial-numbered or shiny parallels can be pricey, some color variations or unnumbered parallels are still affordable and visually striking.

4. eBay Auctions: Take advantage of low starting bids on eBay. Many sellers list cards for $0.99 auctions, and with some patience, you can score great deals.

Step 5: Hunt for Bargains on Sealed Products

Opening packs is one of the most thrilling parts of the hobby. However, sealed products can eat up your budget quickly, so shop wisely:

• Blaster Boxes: These are retail-friendly products that typically cost $20-$35. While you might not hit rare cards, they’re a great way to build your base collection.
• Value Packs: Often priced at $5-$10, these packs provide a smaller rip experience with a chance to pull parallels or inserts.
• Clearance Sections: Check Walmart, Target, or your local hobby shop for discounted older products. While they may not feature the latest rookies, they’re still fun to open.

By combining sealed products with individual card purchases, you get the best of both worlds—thrill and targeted collecting.

Step 6: Check Out Local Card Shops and Shows

Your local card shop (LCS) or sports card show can be a goldmine for budget-conscious collectors. Here’s why:

• Bargain Bins: Most shops and shows feature bargain boxes with cards priced at $1 or less. Digging through these bins can uncover hidden gems.
• Bulk Deals: Dealers often offer discounts for buying in bulk, so don’t be afraid to negotiate.
• Community Insight: Shop owners and collectors at shows are often willing to share tips, trade cards, or point you toward great deals.

Pro tip: Bring cash to shows—it often gives you leverage for negotiating better prices.

Step 7: Explore Online Communities and Apps

The internet has made sports card collecting more accessible than ever. Use these platforms to find deals:

• eBay: One of the largest marketplaces for cards. Look for auctions, “Buy It Now” deals, and player lots.
• Facebook Groups: Join sports card communities where members buy, sell, and trade cards.
• TCGplayer: This platform is great for finding individual cards at competitive prices.
• Comc.com: A site that allows you to browse, purchase, and consolidate multiple cards in one order to save on shipping.
• Discord: Many collectors have set up dedicated channels for trading and sales.

By shopping online, you can often find better deals than at retail stores or hobby shops.

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Step 8: Protect Your Collection

Proper storage is critical for keeping your cards in mint condition. For your $100 budget, set aside $15-$20 for supplies, including:

• Penny Sleeves: Thin plastic sleeves to protect cards from scratches.
• Top Loaders: Rigid plastic cases for additional protection.
• Storage Box: A cardboard or plastic box to keep your cards organized.

Protecting your cards not only preserves their value but also makes your collection more enjoyable to display and trade.

Step 9: Keep an Eye on Value

While collecting should be fun first, it doesn’t hurt to keep track of potential future value. Use apps like Beckett, Market Movers, or 130point to research card values and track trends.

Focus on affordable cards with growth potential, such as up-and-coming players or lesser-known rookie cards. However, avoid treating your collection as a strict investment—chasing profits can take the joy out of the hobby.

Step 10: Join the Community

One of the best parts of sports card collecting is connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Engage with other collectors through:

• Social Media: Instagram and Twitter are popular platforms for sharing cards and making trades.
• YouTube Channels: Follow creators who rip packs, review products, and share tips for collecting.
• Local Events: Attend card shows, trade nights, or meetups to build relationships within the community.

By participating in the community, you’ll learn more, find inspiration, and enjoy the hobby even more.

Final Thoughts

Starting a sports card collection on a $100 budget may seem challenging, but it’s absolutely doable with a little strategy and creativity. By setting clear goals, shopping smartly, and connecting with the community, you can build a collection that’s meaningful, affordable, and uniquely yours.

Remember, the real joy of collecting isn’t just in the cards—it’s in the stories they tell and the memories you create along the way. So grab your budget, dive in, and happy collecting!