A card show may look like just a thing for hobbyists but for young collectors, it can be a low-stakes classroom for learning how to negotiate. A teenager was at a recent Rad Sports Card and TCG show at St. Clair College’s Sportsplex looking to buy a card. The seller told her it would cost $30 but countered quickly showing Djordje Stajic an image that showed it was worth $15. Stajic, who runs an Instagram page named simplepokecollections, pointed out the difference between the buyer’s claim and his card. “No, that one’s not a holo. Mine’s a holographic.” Replied Stajic. “C’mon guys, step up your games. You learn something every day.” School may be out for the summer but the lessons don’t stop. Card shows have become a place where young collectors learn the art of negotiating. “I’m mainly a sports card guy. Traditionally sports cards kind of dominate the market and now Pokémon is seeing a real resurgence.” said Robbie Durling, who runs the Rad show. “Sports cards and Pokémon has its own economy to it.” He says the trading card market has basically become its own stock market with players like Camden Gerard hoping for a return. Camden Gerard used to play with Pokémon cards when he was younger but the 16-year-old returned to collecting a few months ago. “There’s just something cool about having a piece of cardboard that’s worth more than a house. Is that not insane to say?” He said. Earlier this year a PSA 10 Illustrator Pikachu sold for $16.5-million and included a necklace worn at WrestleMania 38 and hand delivered to the winner by pro wrestler Logan Paul. Gerard enjoys the thrill of negotiating and was trying to exchange a Pokémon Elite Training Box or ETB. He suggested a trade with Stajic for an ETB would increase in value in two years but Stajic shut down the offer. “You’re right but I have to take a gamble. You don’t.” He then looked over and said, “He’s the sharpest kid today by far and I like that.” Gerard continued to haggle. “That ETB for that ETB with the card on top.” Stajic, “No I’m losing a hundred dollars.” Did Gerard leave happy? “I got two things out of it and I think the ETB I got will go up in value quicker and I’ll make more money on it.” If you have a collection, the homework starts before you get to the show. “If you have sports cards or have Pokémon and you don’t know the value, definitely don’t just get rid of them for pennies on the dollar.” Durling suggested. “Do your research. Make sure you know what you got and maybe you have a small fortune.”
