HELLO and thanks for taking the time to read this! As you probably have noticed, I am a COMMON COLLECTOR. I have no interested in high end inserts, autographs or game jerseys (expect under very rare conditions). My only goal in trading is to obtain the as many cards of my favorite players as I can and in doing so, help you do the same in your own collections. I would like to have at least one regular issue of each player that I collect from every year in which there were cards published of him. If you can in any way help this goal, or have a similar one, then please, let's trade! Because of my trading absence I will not expect each person I trade with to follow this procedure, as I am coming back in looking like a rookie (I am not, I assure you!). But I will expect the same degree of professionalism which I offer you. Thanks! Tate

TATE'S PREFERRED TRADING PROCEDURE

I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY TRADE

When mailing cards I highly recommend the following: 5 cards or less: secure cards in a team bag and mail in a 3 5/8" x 6 1/2" envelope or 5 3/4" x 8" Photo Mailer. If you mail in an envelope I also recommend placing top loaders or cardboard on either side of the cards. For just one card, put it in a top loader.  :o) 5 or more cards: secure cards in a team bag and mail in a bubble envelope.

If I've traded with you in the past, these rules do not apply to you.

When emailing me in regards to a trade I ask that you do a few simple things to make  it easier on the both of us. First, list which cards you have that I might be interested in. Please list them in the year/brand/number format. If you know the value of the card, please list that too. Second, either provide me with your wantlist or tell me which player(s) you are interested in. I will respond in the same manner as quickly as possible. I prefer to trade straight across. Meaning, if I'm going to give you $10 in cards, you need to give me $10 in cards. If it's a few cents off that's okay. Only when trading commons will I say card for card. When a trade has been confirmed I will request your references and address. After I hear back from your references, we can finalize the deal. If your references are OK then we will send at the same time.

Because of the many people who have lately decided that ripping me off is fun, I'm going to start enforcing a few things. 1) You must have at least 3 valid references. Yes, I can check eBay ratings, but you must have at least 5 positives for every negative. I can provide at least 15 current references if you wish. 2) If you cannot provide any references, you must send first. 3) I must receive my cards within 2 weeks of the finished trade, unless we agree otherwise. I will keep all emails and IMs regarding the trades I make. Any trades gone bad will be listed on my Bad Trader page and AOL's reference board.