How to Start Collecting

How to take the first step? The best way how to start is by focusing on what you enjoy. Choose a sport that interests you and stick with it. You may also focus on specific player, your favorite team, or even just  a goalkeepers. 

Starter pack - the perfect choice for beginners

Just want to try out this hobby? A great way to begin is with a starter pack, which offers a glimpse into the world of collecting. It usually includes a plastic collector's album, card packs and a collection guide that provides all the essential infomration about the series. 

What types of cards can you collect? 

Understanding the different types of cards is just as important as collecting itself, since every collection features its own unique pieces. 

The best set is the mainstay of every collection. They make up a core of the collection and are the most commonly found in packs due to their large-scale production. This set includes players from every single team in a particular league. 

However, if we look a little deeper, we will discover even more exciting categories - from parallel cards to exclusive memorabilia. Parallel cards are based on their standard counterparts but differ in design, such as color variations or the stamped limit on the front. On the other hand, memorabilia cards contain an authentic piece of game-used material worn or used by players, such as pieces of jerseys, hockey sticks, pucks, cleats or other unique materials. These cards are tipically limited in number and may also include the player's original signature. 

Let's not forget about LIVE cards, released every month. They capture the most memorable moments during the season, whether it is player hat- trick, debuts, milestone games, or goalie shutouts. These releases fall outside regular collections and can be purchased only via our official e-shop. 

A more detailed overview of the different types of cards can be found in our previous article, where each category is explained in depth. 

Where to buy trading cards? 

The products can be found on our official e-shop, where you will discover the widest selection of current collections. What's more, you can also take an advantage of the pre-sale to ensure that your cards will be delivered right on the official release day. Selected products are also available in K Kiosk, Press&Books stores, and selected fan shops. You have to take into account that distribution to those stores may take a bit longer. 

How to take care of the cards properly? 

Once you are familiar with the different types of cards, protecting is an important part of collecting. Cards are susceptible to scratching, bending, edge wear, as well as damage from moisture or dust. 

For basic protection, we recommened using cards sleeves to prevent scuffs and scratches. For greater safety, it is best to place cards in toploaders or magnetic holders to protect them from bending and other damage. If you want your collection to be not only safe but also organized, collector albums with plastic pages are an ideal solution, making it easy to browse your cards and keep them in top condition. 

You will find everything you need for card protection and storage in the ‘’Accessories ‘’ section of our e-shop. 

Looking for the perfect pack? 

There are several types of packs to choose from, tailored to different levels of collecting - from retail to blaster, hobby, all the way to exclusive. 

Retail packs are the ideal choice for beginners, as they mainly contain base cards and offer a great introduction to the world of collecting. Blaster or Hobby editions come with rarer cards, often including authentic player signatures or pieces of game-worn jerseys.

The highlight of the collection is the Exclusive box with the most rarest card or cards in the series. Among them, you will find the Unique Mark card, featuring one-of-a-kind pieces of game-worn jerseys – such as a logo, a letter from the player's name, or a special patch. 

Getting your hands on these exclusive cards often requires active trading within the collector community, allowing you to gradually complete your collection.

Become part of the community 

Finally, don't forget that collecting isn't just about the cards, but also about sharing experiences with others. Join our community by following us on social media, where you will find news, updates, and a space to interact. 

You can also join collector groups on Facebook, where you can exchange experiences, chat, trade, buy, or sell cards. If you’re unsure about the value of a particular card, experienced collectors will gladly help you with its valuation. 

Tips for Facebook Groups:

• SPORTZOO National League - Ventes/Echanges - Suisse romande
• SportZoo National League - Vendita/Scambio - Gruppo Ticino

When you feel more confident, visit stock exchanges and collecting events. These are great places to meet enthusiasts and expand your collection. It doesn't matter if you collect for passion, nostalgia or investment, the important thing is that collecting brings you joy.

Explore, get involved in the community and most importantly enjoy it!