The Weekly Rip 2.2.25 [Communication]

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The Weekly Rip
Your Stacking Slabs Sunday Update
February 2, 2025

Before I went all-in on Stacking Slabs, I spent 15 years in marketing and communications. Across different companies, industries, and roles, one thing remained consistent. Great communication creates opportunities.

The same is true in collecting.

Think about the biggest frustrations in the hobby. Missed deals, pricing disagreements, failed trades, condition disputes. Most of them boil down to poor communication. But when you get it right, you build trust, expand your network, and gain access to cards others never even knew were available.

Trust is everything in this hobby. Without it, you're just another buyer trying to make a deal. With it, you're someone people want to work with. And trust starts with communication.

The best cards aren’t always on eBay. They don’t always hit auction houses. The best collectors don’t just wait for listings to pop up. They source cards before they ever go public. That happens through conversations, relationships, and clear communication. Great communication is clear, concise, and personal. If you want a card, don’t just say, Let me know if you ever sell. Instead, make it easy for the other collector to remember you. Try saying, If you ever decide to move this, I’d love to be first in line. This card fits a long-term goal of mine, and I’ve been after it for a while. People remember that. And when the time comes, you’ll be the first call.

Poor communication kills more deals than price ever will. Too many collectors lowball or make offers without any context. The best negotiators don’t just throw out numbers. They explain their value. Instead of saying, I’ll give you $5,000 for this card, try, Recent comps are around $4,500 to $5,100, but I know this copy is strong. I’d be comfortable at $5,000 because I value this long-term. Would this work for you? A well-communicated offer shows respect. It builds credibility. And in the long run, it gets you more deals.

Collectors want to deal with people they trust. The more you communicate clearly, the more your name gets passed around as someone people want to transact with. If you pass on a card, don’t just say No thanks. Say, I appreciate you thinking of me. It’s not the right time, but I’d love to stay in touch if you ever have high-end Tom Brady Finest cards available. A simple response like that keeps doors open. Those small conversations lead to big opportunities down the line.

The best collectors don’t operate solo. They have people looking out for them. When you communicate well, other collectors want to help you. Instead of saying, I’m looking for rare Peyton Manning cards, be specific. I’m chasing late-90s PMG Credentials and other refractors numbered to 100 or less. If you see something, send it my way. That level of clarity makes it easier for people to keep you in mind. When the right card surfaces, they’ll remember you.

Most hobby headaches come from unclear expectations. Bad deals, condition disputes, and shipping issues can often be prevented by a simple, well-phrased question. Before buying a card, ask, Are there any surface scratches or print lines not visible in the photos? That one question could be the difference between getting what you expect and dealing with a major issue.

If you’re serious about leveling up as a collector, focus on improving how you communicate. Whether it’s negotiating, sourcing cards, or networking, the ability to express what you want and why will separate you from the rest. The top collectors aren’t just acquiring cards. They are communicating their way into the best opportunities.

SSP Exclusive Offers For You

I’m working with the PSA team to extend more offers to my audience. We’re kicking off the promotion by giving any first time PSA submitters a $25 discount on your first order. Take advantage of the promotion by using promo code SSP25 on your first submission today.

Joining the Stacking Slabs Patreon is The Best Way to Show Your Support

Collectors are joining Stacking Slabs Patreon to consume exclusive content, connect with other collectors, and promote their cards. I’m putting out new collector focused content in the group on a daily basis and it’s the hub for all of SSP’s video content. If you’re enjoying what I’m putting out on the main feeds check out what the group has to offer. I appreciate your attention and commitment to helping grow the damn brand. Join Today

We launched a free trial in Stacking Slabs Patreon. You can check out the group for 7 days and decide if you want to opt-in or not. Join today to check out exclusive shows like Cool Cards.

Auction to Follow

One of the benefits of joining the Patreon community is access to auction coverage through SSP channels. The best part about this on my side is that I get to see so many amazing cards right as they’re hitting the open market. This week is no different.

2021 Topps Chrome WWE Red Refractor Roman Reigns 5/5 #64 PSA 10 GEM MINT

It’s Wrestlemania season and there’s no bigger draw in the business than Roman Reigns right now. Reigns’ 2021 Topps Chrome WWE Red Refractor /5 represents the last appearance of Reigns from the old Topps era and his first appearance as the Tribal Chief character. It’s hard to top the rarity and scarcity of this ONE. ☝🏻

Check out the 2021 Topps Chrome WWE Roman Reigns Red Refractor /5 PSA 10

2021 Topps Museum Collection UEFA Emerald Lionel Messi PATCH 1/1 #MMR-LM PSA 8

Who doesn’t like a unique Messi banger? This card represents Messi’s only game-used Logoman card ever produced. Messi played for PSG for 2 seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) and PSG is the only team he played for in his career with the Jordan Jumpman sponsorship. Cool freaking card.

Check out the 2021 Topps Museum Collection Lionel Messi UEFA Emerald Patch 1/1 PSA 8

A Collector To Follow

I love focused team collections. Recently, I came across Mitch’s page (@legendsoflambeau12). The name says it all. The page is a relatively newer page that will be fun to see grow. If you want to see some great Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers cards look no further.

I appreciate your support and passion for Stacking Slabs!

Take care,

Brett