Is there such a thing as a "buying season"?

[Vintagevault13]

This may be a crazy question and, if it is, please don't bash me too badly. Here goes: Is there a better time to buy postwar baseball and football cards? I don't mean the Mantles and Jim Browns that are always strong regardless of the season. I am a set collector and I am wondering if better deals can be found on football cards during baseball season and vice versa. Does in-season interest drive up demand and prices?

[Exhibitman]

Best times I've found for buying cards online or via auctions are during the National and right after Christmas.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Good thread, Ed. I will admit to having thought about this, too. Now that he has mentioned it, I have found what Adam said to be true about buying after Christmas. It has seemed as though at least a few dealers have been a little more ready to push inventory out the door after Christmas and into the New Year. It could also be some collectors have sold some of their cards to pay for the holidays making those cards newly available. That being said, I can blow money on baseball cards anytime of year. Just ask my wife.

[the 'stache]

I agree, interesting thread, Ed.

I've noticed that for modern cards, at least, like the Bowman Chrome autos I like to collect, they tend to drop in price a few weeks before Christmas, too. I guess by then the baseball season has ended, the awards have all been handed out, and nobody is really thinking about baseball. It may be a simple "out of site, out of mind" situation. I know that the modern football card prices tend to ramp up a little as the season draws near.

I'd love for somebody to do a price analysis of a nice cross-reference of vintage baseball cards, and how the prices of those cards vary.

[1952boyntoncollector]

I don't think there is buying season..but I agree it would be seasonal for modern cards when the sport is about to start...

the vintage stuff I don't see much a difference

but when you about 2 months before the national.....dealers start the 'ill sell it at the national" when you don't offer their asking price..

after the national they seem more willing to negotiate..

[hammer]

Ed do you mean a buying frenzy? That's when you blow your wad of cash on Baseball Cards.