April 2025 by @pancake_analytics
Featured in the inaugural issue of Trading Card Pro Magazine, this article explores how data reveals hidden trends in the trading card market. From Pokémon to MTG, I break down what’s rising, what’s fading, and what collectors should know.
The Fireside Chat and the Challenge
Welcome to the first iteration of a Fireside Chat for Trading Card Collectors! I’m excited to share the highlights from the debut episode. We kicked things off with a fantastic group of passionate collectors who took on an Instagram challenge (it’s the year anniversary of this challenge) to post consistent trading card content for a month straight. This challenge was the brainchild of Kayla.Collects and MamaBreaks (both can be found on Instagram by those handles). Through a conversation between the two of them, they decided to open it up to others and be supportive of collectors they’ve never interacted with before.
Their dedication and creativity truly shone through, and it was inspiring to see how they pushed each other to share their unique collecting perspectives.
Highlights from the Challenge
The challenge began with a simple goal: post trading card content daily for a month. As the days went by, the participants discovered new facets of their collections, engaged with their followers, and found innovative ways to present their prized cards. Here are some key takeaways from their journey:
Consistency is Key
Many participants noted that maintaining a regular posting schedule helped them stay motivated and connected with their audience.
Creative Content
The challenge pushed collectors to think outside the box, leading to a variety of content types including unboxings, card showcases, trade stories, and collection highlights.
Community Support
The group fostered a supportive environment, offering feedback, encouragement, and collaboration opportunities.
Themed Questions for Roundtable Discussion
Every Fireside Chat will have at least two themes to discuss and all attendees are given equal time to speak.
Growth
How have you grown individually in the hobby since participating in this challenge?
Execution
Is there anything you learned from others in this challenge which you still incorporate in your content now?
Appreciation
Collectors shared personal growth stories, highlighting increased confidence, enhanced knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the hobby.
Influence
Many participants mentioned specific techniques and ideas they adopted from their peers, such as creative photography, storytelling approaches, and engagement strategies that continue to influence their content today.
Special Guest Appearance: Alex Giaimo
We were thrilled to have Alex Giaimo join the chat halfway through the stream. Alex, a well-known figure in the trading card community, shared her admiration for the effort and content produced by the group. Alex had previously collaborated with MamaBreaks during a YouTube live session for the Mint Collective two years ago.
Dedication and Quality
Alex praised the group’s dedication and the high quality of their posts, emphasizing how such initiatives can strengthen the community and elevate the hobby. She shared her own experiences and insights, inspiring us all to continue pushing our creative boundaries.
The Art of Card Education
One of Alex’s standout contributions to the hobby is her article on the Topps website, which covers Travis Kelce’s dislike for his own rookie card image. In this article, Alex took a unique approach by writing an open letter to Travis, blending humor and education. This style of content is not only engaging but also highlights the art of delivering educational content in a fun and accessible way—a much-needed approach in the collecting community.
Contributions to the MLB Network
Alex Giaimo has made significant contributions to the MLB Network, where she has brought her expertise and passion for sports to a wider audience. Her engaging reporting and in-depth knowledge of baseball have made her a valuable asset to the network.
Netflix Presence for Collectors
Alex is the host of the Netflix show “King of Collectibles,” where her insights into the world of collectibles have provided viewers with a deeper understanding of the hobby. Her presence on the show has helped bridge the gap between casual fans and serious collectors.
Contributions from Kayla.Collects
Kayla.Collects, one of the co-creators of the Instagram challenge, also writes articles for Hobby New Daily. In her latest article on the National, she reflects on her previous piece titled “Something You Can’t Find at the National,” which discussed the absence of female athletes scheduled to sign at the 2023 National. This created a lot of buzz in the collecting community, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive atmosphere. Fortunately, the NSCC team partnered with Leaf to bring LSU women’s basketball phenomenon, Angel Reese, to the show, proving the value of female athletes in the hobby. This year, Cheryl Miller, considered one of the GOATs of women’s basketball, will be making her first NSCC Show appearance, highlighting the progress in inclusivity within the collecting community.
Insights from MamaBreaks
MamaBreaks is an active breaker on Fanatics Live! specializing in Star Wars cards, baseball cards, and upcoming WWE releases. Joining a break can be beneficial to collectors looking to diversify their collection but unsure where to start. Breaking is a cost-effective way to add inserts and parallels of players you may not have collected otherwise.
Follow the Attendees
Looking Ahead:
Next Fireside Chat
Our next Fireside Chat promises to be even more insightful. I’m excited to announce that Alex Giaimo will be joining us again, and this time we’ll take a deep dive into her social imprint on collecting. We’ll explore her thoughtful educational articles on Rookie Cards and discuss her broader impact on the hobby.
This upcoming episode will provide valuable insights for collectors looking to enhance their own social media presence and engage more deeply with the community.
Key Takeaways and Community Impact
The first episode of Fireside Chats has set a high bar for future discussions. Here are a few key takeaways:
Engagement and Creativity
Regular posting challenges can significantly boost engagement and creativity within the collecting community.
Support Networks
Building a network of supportive fellow collectors can enhance the overall experience and foster long-term connections.
Inspiration from Experts
Guest appearances from established figures like Alex Giaimo offer inspiration and practical advice, enriching the community’s knowledge base.
Join the Conversation
I invite all trading card collectors to join our Fireside Chats, share your stories, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue to explore the fascinating world of trading cards with Alex Giaimo and me, Pancake Analytics.
