Economists would say that people are tightening their belts as the economy has tanked over the past year.  In most cases, they would be right, but today, in the world of sportscards, they are wrong.  DEAD WRONG.

As most regulars on the site are aware, in September 2008, I started a year long ‘flipping’ project.  I put $300 into a paypal account, and I continue to buy and sell to get myself a nice Walter Payton Autograph.  Now most of us know that $300 will get an ok Payton auto, but I want something nice.  I also want to do this and get paid along the way.  Well I have 2 months left to accomplish that goal.  There were several other parts of ‘the project.’  I wanted to end up with 50 Topps Chrome Autographs, 50 Bowman Chrome Autographs, 50 SP Authentic Autographs, 50 Contenders, and 50 Exquisite Autographs.

Hey, wait a minute?  How does someone get 250 premium autographs for $300.

Better yet, how does someone get 250 premium autographs AND a good Walter Payton autograph for $300.

Well, thats not all.  I also want to end with $600 in PayPal.  That’s the initial $300, $300 on the side, 200 ‘premium’ autographs, and a ‘good’ Walter Payton autograph.

Folks, in these ‘tough’ economic times, it has been a challenge.  Well, really it hasn’t been too difficult, but I digress.

So, September 7th, 2009 is the final day of ‘the project,’ where will I stand?

Well, I have a ’starter’ Walter Payton autograph.

I have $40.07 in PayPal.

I have $17.74 in eBay Bucks (certificate comes in July 9th).

I have $11,880.25 Beckett OPG “Value.”

I have 20 autographs incoming.

So what about those other ‘targets’ you ask?

Well I’m well behind…in a few sections.  I have 5 Bowman Chrome, 11 Topps Chrome, 49 Contenders, 62 SP Authentic, and a few Exquisite.  Well, more than a few Exquisite, 118 of them.  That gives me 245 ‘premium’ autographs, so really, almost to that point.

Total Autographs inhand 505.  Try it for yourself.  It is amazing what can be built in a year.  Takes some time, some effort, so luck, and that’s about it.

I’m pretty sure that I will not make the Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome goals, but the 250 ‘premium’ is going to happen.  I just need a little luck in training camp, and I will can get a VERY nice Payton autograph.  Until then, you can find me poking around eBay, looking for the next great deal.

On a sad note, eBay and Paypal have hit me up for $245.19 in fees.  If fees were lower, just imagine where I could be.

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