(Part 2) Best products from r/mtgfinance

Just got this one in the mail, has 30x and 60x. Comes with two of them, so maybe buy with a buddy? Has bright LEDs on each magnifier. Pretty solid overall, definitely recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074SJJM32/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

“These dehumidifier rods are made right here in the United States of America, and are perfect for using in a gun safe, on a boat or in a storage area to protect items from mildew and humidity.”

GoldenRod Original Dehumidifier, 12-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D1WYXR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_G7fOAb05VNQ9V

This is the one I use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P112WJA

Cheap, easy to use, has a pretty bright light, easy to replace the battery.

For buylists less than 400 cards, I put 100 each in plastic cases like these (https://www.amazon.com/2-Piece-PLASTIC-STORAGE-Sports-Gaming/dp/B00AU762PK) For 400 or more, I put them in cardboard boxes that you can buy at sportscards stores, and fill any excess room with paper towels so everything is snug. I never sleeve cars and every one of my buylists - several of which have included cards valued at $200+ - I've realized 97% or higher of the expected buylist value.

EDIT - as far as shipping to the online entity, I use priority mail with insurance and I save the foam peanuts I get when ordering and reuse them to pack the box tight.

Right?

Now, apparently, I get my choice of some overpriced $300+ pair of headphones, to throw on the pile of regular-ass headphones that I have which do the job just fine, a $150 pocket knife that I probably won't like more than my $14 Opinel (seriously...I can't see what the point of $100+, very losable pocket knife is...what does it sing you a song when you're using it to open your mail?), or...a watch. I guess they sell camping equipment too? Lol?

It just seem like they're trying to move away from a site that offered good deals on a variety of objects to being a site that offers only absurdly expensive versions of objects you probably already have, primarily for hipsters that don't mind spending hundreds of dollars...on a knife, or a pair of headphones. Or something?

I don't get it, personally. They must not be doing well.

BCW boxes. You can find them at card shops all over. Sometimes shops that focus on sports cards (baseball, etc) can be cheaper on these. I have read the 5000 count boxes can't handle the weight that well so I always stuck with 3200 and below. I have all sorts of sizes and never had any issues. Most everyone uses these boxes in some capacity.

Probably is above the budget but KMC has a Card Barrier Box 1000 that is very nice for sleeved cards. I use those for most my better cards that I keep sleeved.

Well, here is what I would recommend:

1. Use painters tape on your toploaders. Doesn't leave sticky residue and comes off easily.
   
   
2. Include a printed packaging slip.
   
   
3. Ship your orders that are easily in excess of $20 using paypal shipping labels. Not only does it save you a drive to the post office, it is actually cheaper as well. Ship from here and select the first class option for "service type" and "package/thick envelope" for package type. List the weight as 3 ounces, which I guarantee you will be under for shipping singles.
   
   
4. Buy envelopes, and use the mailer setting on Word to have it preprint your name and address on the upper left, and copy/paste their name into the recipient field. Use these for the <$20 orders along with a stamp and a prayer.
   
   
5. Buy bubble mailers off Amazon in 50 packs, for the $20+ orders. Something similar to this
   
   
6. When you have multiple orders do all your shipping assembly line style, print all your invoices at once (you can select multiple) and leave off the last page when you are hitting print (it is just tracking info), then print all your envelopes for sub $20s, then get out your bubble mailers for the $20+ and prepare to enter the info into either paypal or word.
   
   
7. Stop dropping your price by one cent to have the lowest listing. It drives me insane.
   

KMC Perfect Fit huge price spike: $100,000 for 3 packs

Curvature is caused by the cardstock absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. The paper expands slightly, while the metallic front is unchanged. So the foil is effectively pulled taut across the paper, which bends it.

The fix is to remove the moisture from the cardstock. A food dehydrator is the cheapest and most convenient solution I've found. You can get them cheaply online. Here's the model I use:

https://www.amazon.com/Presto-06300-Dehydro-Electric-Dehydrator/dp/B008H2OELY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=presto+food+dryer&qid=1556999178&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Keep in mind that this also heats the cards, so the metal will expand, causing it to bend back the other way. But once the foil cools down, it will go back. However, if you left it in long enough, the cardstock will actually dry out, and when the card cools off, it will be straight.

It's not an exact science. I usually have to put my cards in a couple times. But it does last once you get it right, as long as you make sure to store them in a dry place afterwards.

I heavily recommend against any attempts at "flattening" with heavy objects or such. Those methods aren't really addressing the real issue, and you're actually damaging your cards.

I highly recommend this one-piece style of loupe for cards: https://www.amazon.com/Fancii-Illuminated-Jewelers-Magnifier-Triplet/dp/B015VGEBS4

You just set it on top of the card and look, you don't have to hold anything or adjust the distance, it's already pre-calibrated and the light works better than the fold out or pop out kinds of loupes.

If you have a very valuable collection then you should buy a large, fireproof safe, they go from $500-$1200 for one with decent amount of space; This one for example has a 2-hour fireproof rating and it's burglar proof:

https://smile.amazon.com/Steelwater-AMSWFB-845-2-Hour-Fireproof-Burglary/dp/B00ZYHR412/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1536287747&sr=1-1&keywords=fireproof+safe&refinements=p_36%3A50000-120000%2Cp_72%3A1248909011

This is the one I got, and it's served me well so far. There's probably better ones, but it should show that you definitely won't break the bank.

SnapeZo Movie Poster Frame 30x40 Inches, Black 1.25 Inch Aluminum Profile, Front-Loading Snap Frame, Wall Mounting, Professional Series https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M06OWCJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4-jhDb8ZHHJWG

http://imgur.com/gallery/DY6q3yZ

Overall decent quality. Came with a glossy and mat front.thr glossy is what I used. It's a thick plastic not glass. I think it will look good on a wall without breaking the bank. The top and bottom are an almost exact fit with about a half and inch on the left and right.

I got super excited last time I saw Allegiance Fat packs on sale, then I realized their price was always low.

Amazon has them at $27 and have had them there awhile.

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Gathering-Ravnica-Allegiance-Accessories/dp/B07H9GX91N

For foils, I keep mine in acrylic boxes with silica packets. It works pretty well.

I found that cardboard boxes are a risky move for storing foils due the their ability to absorb moisture.

This one is the one I use (but shop around there may be better prices like on Ebay):

https://www.amazon.ca/Blue-Trading-Jewelers-Loupe-Magnification/dp/B00MMP6YJW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503593427&sr=8-2&keywords=60x+loupe

I saw that video and this is the one that I thought seemed the most similar https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012BR6D1E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I bought one and tested it out, it works pretty well.

The light in question is this here.
https://www.amazon.com/Nebo-Larry-Worklight-6373-Black/dp/B01GIGWL9W/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=little+larry&qid=1570565192&s=hi&sr=1-4
Your phone light is effective as well.

Currently I am using this for my misc other cards https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Binder-12-Portfolio-Velvet-Lined/dp/B0741J6NX3?keywords=dex+binder+12&qid=1535824704&sr=8-1&ref=mp_s_a_1_1 I like it overall just not sure if it’s good for long term storage.

A big rubbermaid with a eva-dry rechargeable dehumidifier inside.

I use these in my safes for firearms. Works great. Sucks a TON of water in, and you can recharge it overnight.


Link: https://www.amazon.com/Improved-Eva-dry-333-Renewable-Dehumidifier/dp/B000H0XFCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520475204&sr=8-1&keywords=evadry

I would fill fat pack boxes with the toploaders, and then put them inside a rubbermaid container that has a seal around the edge. I recommend putting one of these in the container. It is basically a giant desiccant pack that can be replenished once it fills up.

Buy a Jeweler's Loupe btw. They're cheap. This is the one I use:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015VGEBS4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/KINGMAS-Jewelers-Magnifying-Illuminated-Magnifier/dp/B00KMSE100/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_229_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S6NBKEQSYY08C79NE766