In this episode, Ron McKeefery interviews Nick, known as MiniGraphs99 on TikTok, who shares his journey in autograph collecting and the sports card business. Nick discusses the origins of his passion for collecting autographs, the strategies he employs for authentication and selling, and the balance between his hobby and business. He provides valuable tips for aspiring collectors, insights into the impact of social media on his brand, and future opportunities in the hobby. The conversation highlights the importance of dedication, creativity, and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of sports collectibles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MiniGraphs99

01:57 The Journey of Autograph Collecting

06:06 Authentication and Selling Strategies

09:52 Tips for Collecting Autographs

12:02 Balancing Hobby and Business

15:47 Managing Collections and Storage

19:51 Strategies for Acquiring Collections

21:58 The Thrill of Card Shows

25:34 Essential Tools for Card Collecting

27:52 Leveraging Social Media for Growth

31:45 Opportunities in the Hobby Business

34:09 Building a Sustainable Card Business

35:15 Personal Favorites and Future Aspirations

Takeaways

• Nick started collecting autographs in high school, inspired by his early experiences at sporting events.

• He emphasizes the personal connection that comes with obtaining autographs from players.

• Nick has developed a unique business model that combines in-person autographs with online sales.

• He believes that authentication is not always necessary for personal collections, preferring raw items.

• Nick uses technology, like meta glasses, to document the signing process for authenticity.

• He advises collectors to manage expectations when meeting athletes, as experiences can vary widely.

• Preparation is key for autograph hunting; knowing where players will enter and exit is crucial.

• Nick has a personal collection of Hall of Fame autographs, which he tracks and shares online.

• He balances his hobby with business by setting spending limits and focusing on profitable items.

• Nick leverages social media to grow his brand and connect with the collecting community.

#autographcollecting, #sportscards, #TTM, #memorabilia, #socialmedia, #businessstrategies, #authentication, #collectingtips, #sportscollectibles, #eBayselling