❌ 10 mistakes every TCG collector should avoid

Learn from the most common failures in the scene – and do better from the start.

Whether Pokémon, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, or sports cards—anyone who gets into the TCG hobby will quickly realize: trading cards aren't just colorful pictures, they're a little universe of their own. But as in every universe, there are black holes: typical beginner mistakes that many of us have already made.

👉 In this guide we show you the top 10 mistakes that you should definitely avoid as a collector – honestly, understandably and with a wink.

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1. ❌ Just leave cards lying around loose

This is the classic: booster opened, card drawn – and then it lies on the desk, on the shelf or (worst of all) on the floor.
Why it's dangerous: Scratches, dog-ears, UV light, moisture – all of these things kill the value of your cards.

✅ Make it better:

• Immediately into a Penny Sleeve + Toploader

• Long-term storage in a box, magnet holder or folder with soft touch

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2. ❌ No protection for expensive pulls

If you're lucky, you might draw a Gold Charizard, Manga Rare, or Case Hit. But without proper protection, the joy is often quickly dampened.

✅ Pro tip: Place cards over €20 directly into a magnetic holder (35pt or 55pt depending on thickness) or frame – it's worth the investment. Kobra Collect Acrylic Magnetic Holder 35pt UV-Protected Black Border

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3. ❌ Buying the wrong accessories

Cheap Chinese sleeves, overly tight binders, discount store films? Sounds tempting, but often results in damage.

✅ Our advice: Treat yourself to accessories from Ultra Pro, Dragon Shield, Vault X, or similar brands. It's better to get the best deal once than three times. You can find the absolute premium products from Kobra Collect here: Buy TCG accessories – sleeves, toploaders, binders & more at Habibicards.

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4. ❌ Too much trust in private sales

You find a vintage display for €400 in the classifieds? Sounds good – but it's often too good to be true. Fake products, empty boxes, and scams are sadly commonplace.

✅ Tip:

• Always with buyer protection (e.g. PayPal Goods & Services)

• Or buy directly from a shop like habibicards 😉

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5. ❌ Not keeping an eye on the collection

Many people buy, open, and sort – but no one knows exactly what is there or what the cards are worth.

✅ Solution:

• Use tools like Pokellector or Cardmarket Watchlist

• Regularly check what is rising or falling

• For valuable cards, check grading or protective boxes

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6. ❌ Put all your eggs in one basket

Some people buy 10 displays of a single set in the hope of a high return. But diversification is key here, too.

✅ Make it better:

• Mixture of current sets, vintage and some sealed

• Different franchises (e.g. Pokémon, One Piece, Sports) spread

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7. ❌ Do not document performance

Do you have a display from 2020 in your closet – but have you forgotten what it cost back then or where you got it?

✅ Pro tip:
Keep a small list or Excel spreadsheet. This way, you'll keep track of your investment—and be doubly happy when you see how sets like Hidden Fates or Sun & Moon Team Up perform.

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8. ❌ Grading too late or not at all

You have a potential 10-piece, but you wait years – and then it's only a 7 due to improper storage at PSA.

✅ Make it better:

• Identify and protect top cards early

• Send early to PSA, CGC or a German grading company

• Or at least mark it as a potential card to be graded

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9. ❌ Only go for hype

"Oh, Labubu is hyped! I have to buy it!" – those who just follow the trend often have no real interest in the card and then sell it too late or too early.

✅ Our motto:
Collect what you love—not what's trending on TikTok. Emotion beats hype in the long run!

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10. ❌ Don't use a community

Collecting alone can be fun – but together it's magical. Those who never exchange ideas miss out on information, offers, and fun.

✅ Join in:

• Join our TikTok livestreams (99+)Habibicards (@habibicards) | TikTok

• Comment your opinion under our videos

• Exchange ideas on Discord, Reddit or in Facebook groups

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Conclusion: Collect with heart – but with mind 💡

Mistakes are part of the process—we've all made them. But if you want to develop further in your passion, it helps to learn from the experiences of others. Trading cards are more than just paper—they're memories, passions, sometimes investments, but always a piece of magic.

And now you:
👉 Which of these mistakes have you made yourself?
👉 What is your most important tip for new collectors?
Write it in the comments – and let’s learn from each other!