Question for Player Collectors

[PensFan66]

As a Mario Lemieux Collector with a rapidly growing collection, I've had the need for a while now to "inventory" my cards so I know what I do have and don't have. When I started my collection, I basically just made an ongoing Word document with different categories (base, inserts, serial numbered, etc.). As my collection continues to grow I find the Word document format to not be so advantageous or convenient anymore. I like to keep things organized, accessible, and searchable

I was just wondering what systems other player collectors use in order to track/document their collection (I know excel is popular). Any detailed insight from anybody at all is appreciated

 

[sedinfan]

I've used Excel since the beginning to track my Sedin collection, it's worked pretty well for me, I have columns Set Name (insert name), Card Number, Stated Print Run, Status (have/incoming/need), Serial Number, Memorabilia (y/n), Auto (y/n), Notes (mainly who else is on the card for multiplayer cards), and lastly an image file name - useful for some sets with umpteen parallels that are really tough to tell apart, once I do the research to figure out which one is which I don't want to go through that pain again, so I make sure I tie the entry in my spreadsheet to the file name of my scan

Of course many collectors have stats OCD, I'm no different, so on the side I've got a little table that tracks the number of haves/needs per year across all card types, as well as for memo only, autos only, and auto/memo, and also the same stuff specifically for 1/1's... I've tried to automate it using countif formulae in Excel, but strangely Excel's count / countif functions get buggy when you have thousands of rows, so I resort to just adding 1 to the appropriate cell each time a card comes in.

 

[gallinator]

Much like sedinfan, I use Excel for everything related to card (and comic book) collecting, both for general inventory (with a tab for each year "08/09" "09/10" and Pre-90 on its own tab, etc. and a master tab collating all relevant data) and for specific players like Sakic and Salming, also with columns for Auto, s/n, year/set/insert names and so on.

Excel is popular because it's easy to use and flexible - add/delete colums/rows, copy formats, insert cells, add links, whatever. I started master spreadsheets for my collectibles many years ago for insurance documentation purposes but they have become indispensable inventory and record-keeping tools.

 

[Fritz]

I used to run an excel file but then I just made a simple website with my want lists. Way easier than carrying around paper at a show or not having a quick access to my needs. The biggest advantage to having easy access via website is that once in a while I'll get a note from someone that found my wantlists online & has something I need. Gotta love it when cards come knocking on the door! :beer:

 

[30ranfordfan]

Excel. It's MUCH easier to keep track of that kind of stuff than word is.

 

[capsfan30]

I also use Excel. I have different columns for year, set, insert set, serial number, and set number. So many fun ways that you can sort it from there.

 

[dismonkey1]

I just try to keep track of everything in my head. As I only collect GU and auto, it is a little easier as I can remember different color patches, serial #s, etc. I keep telling myself I need to start an actual spreadsheet though.

 

[echoi69]

Google docs! Their spreadsheets offer the same functionality as Excel along with quick online access. Hit my want list link for an example.

 

[foley2k]

I use google docs (excel). Right now i only have it as what I currently have.
You can view it HERE

I could easily add cards into any year tab for cards that I want. Change the color and my wants are different from my haves, while still being easy to find. As a bonus, this is also accessible on the go with smart phones/tablets. Dont have to carry big check lists around with you at shows or whatever.


Edit holy crap I havent added to my Roy PC in a long time. Maybe I should start on that again

 

[gratzi]

I use excel as well. When each new checklist comes out I just add to the list. It works perfectly for me.

 

[gallinator]

Google docs! Their spreadsheets offer the same functionality as Excel along with quick online access. Hit my want list link for an example.

I should probably try using Google docs again - tried it about a year ago and didn't like the look and feel of it (one of those things where it just makes me feel old) and I don't entirely trust Google (again, old!), but I suppose the ease of accessibility trumps the privacy concerns, at least for hobby stuff like this.

 

[tkmullin]

Excel for me...

Year
Set
Description
Card Number
Serial Number
Card Type

That's pretty much it.. I color code things as far as "Needed"; "Incoming"; etc..

 

[PensFan66]

Wow guys, thank you all for the thorough responses, I knew passionate player collectors would have this down to a science. I'm intrigued by the google docs smart phone capabilities, is it easy to transfer and excel doc into a google doc?

 

[Tanguay]

Personnally I use the Beckett online "organize". I add cards to it as i receive them and it's easy to see if you have them etc. It shows you the number of rookies, autos, GU, and numbered cards you have. If you search for example: Datsyuk 2013-14 Black Diamond, it will show you all the cards from Datsyuk in this set and you can easily see with an icon which you have. I think you have to pay for the pricings for that though but i'm not sure.

I'm starting to work on my Matt Duchene wantlist on Excel now too.

 

[penguinsChief]

I am probably the most OCD of all then according to this list. I have all my cards, figures, autos, jersey's, everything Mario in an Access database. I have tables for all the different sets, types and all. It is very thorough and complete. I have queries that I can run at any time for a have list that is pretty nice. From that I export it to text and put on a Google Drive for easy access. I also have everything listed on Beckett and SCF. So I keep many running copies. I have also found that I keep missing something and have to make changes, but that is the fun. If you want shoot me a PM and we can talk trade Mario for Mario, and I can send a list of what I have extra.

 

[sba]

Excel for me...

Year
Set
Description
Card Number
Serial Number
Card Type

That's pretty much it.. I color code things as far as "Needed"; "Incoming"; etc..

I do this exactly

Wow guys, thank you all for the thorough responses, I knew passionate player collectors would have this down to a science. I'm intrigued by the google docs smart phone capabilities, is it easy to transfer and excel doc into a google doc?

I use Google Drive and it allows me to access and read my Excel doc on my iPhone/iPad

 

[SNobles]

I also use Beckett still, not for much longer so I will have everything put out to Excel for my Patrick Roy needs.

I like the idea of Google Docs so I can get it on my phone easier.

 

[FrozenInferno]

My entire PC, which includes a high-end Gaborik collection, a small CHL collection, and a variety of misc stuff, is always small and manageable enough to fit in a single shoebox so my own memory is adequate enough to keep track

I don't know how you insane player collectors with thousands of cards store the things. As for the OCD of meticulously keeping track of every card via spreadsheets and whatnot, I would absolutely be that thorough if my PC was large enough.

 

[quincy]

Word. It worked for me. Then again, I'm psychotic.

 

[PensFan66]

Thanks for all the input everyone, really interesting to hear how people do it differently. I opted with the Google Docs Spreadsheet and am quite happy with how it is going so far. Having the accessibility from my phone is a huge upside, for when Im at the shop or expo and need a quick check. I probably should have clarified my collection is over 1000 cards