You are probably wondering – “Ohobby what are you on about? Of course, that’s obvious, the market is slowing down” – but hear me out.
Well I can agree with you, the main reason it’s that – the market is slowing down and correcting itself after a stupendous 2020 and 2021. But how can you explain that in 2022 I had a 228% increase in revenue when compared with 2021 sales and in 2023 I had an increase of 36% when compared with 2022? In 2024 alone, I have increased the number of total sales, when compared with 2023 for the first trimester and I’m on pace to have, yet again, another year of increased revenue.
What am I doing that’s different from the others? Why haven’t I gone missing, like them and why am I getting better results each year that goes by?
Simple and short answer: Strategy!
My goal is, and always will be, to provide people with what they are looking for. The less time I have the inventory the better. I once bought a card that was sold even before I got it shipped to me.
Domestic wise:
People collect Portuguese league stickers – so that’s what I do – I give them what they want. I have a few regulars now – I give them the best and most “in person online service” I can get to them. I offer them discounts, I care for the packaging. I don’t do short cuts, and by doing so. Word-of-Mouth Marketing!
The market in Portugal it’s a delicate one. You can make really good money on base cards – but it has to be the right ones. With numbered cards it’s the opposite. People don’t want to pay much for them. I bought a /10, this year, for 7,5€, dirt cheap. For some that’s a lot of money and they rather spent 1€ for the same card, but the base one. So why would I try and buy low numbered cards to sell in Portugal if the people don’t want it?
International wise:
When I want to buy inventory to sell on my online platforms (https://www.ebay.com/usr/ohobbyemportugues; https://www.vinted.pt/member/109270020 ) I always do the math on what the best price I can do the item for, or calculate the profit before doing the purchase. If the profit it’s low I don’t buy it. Rather spend it on another card/sticker.
FOMO (fear of missing out) it’s also a killer for some. I tend to wait for the good deal instead of being a quick finger on the “buy now” option on ebay. I try to optimize my $ spending and do the research before making a purchase. You might get bad deals! Study! Study a lot! The more time you dedicate to this, the better you will do!
Selling too soon can also be an issue. Patience it’s a virtue. I rather wait than sell on a loss. It took me 3 years to sell a José Sá /10, and sold for 5€ profit. Was it worth it? No. Did I lose money? No!78
Final Word
What can you get from this article? Well, the simple and short answer is: do your own strategy! And learn from those who have some kind of success – not the “ 7th day of the week “investors”” of the world wide web.
Thanks for reading!
Ohobby out.
