I know, I know — you’re probably thinking, “Hey OHobby… another existential crisis!?”
And yes. Absolutely. 🤣 This is just me venting my thoughts about a certain topic — get used to it.
Card Shows, But Not the Way You Think
In 2025, I attended both card shows that happen in Portugal — one in Lisbon and the other in Porto.
And like I’ve said before (and I’ll say it again): I treat card shows mainly as a way to get inventory. I don’t plan, at least for the foreseeable future, to be a vendor or sell at a table.
Why? Because it feels like work.
For me, card shows are a special occasion — a chance to see friends, catch up, talk cards, and enjoy the hobby. I don’t want to turn that into another working day.
In fact, the Panini Futebol 2002-2003 sachet in the cover photo I got at a card show. It has the potential for the Cristiano Ronaldo rookie sticker!
The Once-a-Year People
There are a few people I only see once a year, at these events. Yet every time we meet, it feels like we’ve been connected for years — even though we only see each other annually. And that’s where something important happens.
That’s where trust is built. I know what certain people collect. They know what I collect. And when I find something they might like on the show floor, I’ll call them over to a booth — and they’ll do the same for me.
We actively help each other build our personal collections.
Why People Give You Cards
People come up to me at card shows and literally gift me Crystal Palace cards.
Why? Because they know what I like. No agenda. No trade. No expectation. Just mutual respect and understanding built over time. That doesn’t happen overnight. Heck, even Locky (SoccerStickersFC) sends me stuff from time to time! (and I send him back too, no questions asked).
Trust Goes a Long Way
Trust will take you very far in this hobby.
Treat people well, be genuine, and you’ll get something back — sometimes not in cards, but in opportunities, connections, and access.
I own some very rare cards — including extremely limited Neemias Queta rookie autographs — and there are only a handful of people I would ever sell those to.
Why? Simple. Trust.
Final Thoughts
That’s it for today’s venting session.
No deep strategy. No market analysis. Just a reminder that, in a hobby driven by people, relationships matter more than anything else.
OHobby out. 🎤
