This week, Ben is joined by the father-and-son team behind CLA Cards to talk about how a paper round, a few small card purchases, and a love for the NFL grew into their card business.
They talk through the early days of collecting, learning how to buy and trade at shows, and what they look for when deciding whether a card is worth picking up. They also get into what makes unusual cards stand out, selling online versus in person, dealing with repackers, and all the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep inventory organized and ready for shows.
They share how they prepared for their first time vending at the biggest card show in the US, what they’re hoping to trade for, and some of the cards they’re taking with them. Later, they discuss the growth of the UK NFL hobby, overrated players and sets, favorite cards, deals they wish they could take back, grading a Tom Brady rookie auto, and what could be next for CLA Cards as they look towards more international shows and growing their online presence.
Drop a like, subscribe if you’re new, and let us know what card you’d be hunting for at The National!
⏱️ Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 — Meet CLA Cards
00:06:00 — From Collecting to Vending
00:13:30 — Selling Online vs In Person
00:18:00 — Learning From Bad Buys
00:22:10 — Preparing for The National
00:30:10 — Repacks and Moving Inventory
00:36:25 — The Growth of the UK NFL Hobby
00:42:20 — Card Sets and Player Markets
00:52:20 — Managing Inventory
00:55:10 — Advice for New Collectors
01:02:00 — The Future of CLA Cards
01:09:55 — Grading a Tom Brady Rookie Auto
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