Card Trimming Mobile App For Collectors

I’m not sure why I’ve had so many mobile app ideas for collectors this week.  Perhaps I should be working for Apple 🙂  This time my idea deals with card trimming.  This is the practice where scammers will slightly trim the edges of a vintage card, removing all of the wear that has taken its toll on the card over time.  After the trim, the card looks brand new and they will try to pass it off as if it was in excellent condition.  One way collectors can avoid purchasing a trimmed card is to take the card you suspect might be trimmed, and lay it on top of another common card from that set.  Manufacturers didn’t treat cards of star players any different from no-name rookies when they cut apart the sheets.  Scammers will usually trim cards that are extremely popular and valuable, thats why its important to match it up with a common from the same set.

A lot of collectors will tell you they carry commons with them when they attend shows.  Its a great idea if you plan on purchasing a raw version of a highly desirable vintage card.  But having to carry around a lot of commons can be a pain and you don’t won’t to damage them anymore than they already are.  Here is where my mobile app idea plays into the picture.  Lets say your using the new Apple iPad.  My app would allow the user to select a set, and then it would display a square on the screen which would measure to the exact size the cards from that set should be.  Collectors could then lay the card on top of the square to see if it measures to the right size.  If it doesn’t, then the collector could suspect the card they are looking at might be trimmed.  Combine this with an app that allows collectors to verify graded cards, obtain hobby news, and check card prices, your ready to tackle any scammer that stands in your way.

This card has been trimmed.