Downtown Sports Cards — Local services in Gainesville

My visit to Downtown Sports Cards in Gainesville was one of the worst experiences I’ve had at any card shop, and I’ve been to plenty over the years. I should have read the reviews first, as I’m clearly not the first to have this awful experience—just look at their responses to negative reviews online, dripping with the same attitude. The moment I walked in, you could almost sense the arrogance in the air, like they considered it a privilege for a customer to even step foot in their store. I hoped it was just my initial impression, but I was dead wrong. The staff were shockingly dismissive and rude, treating me with snarky, condescending remarks that made me feel like a nuisance for being there. In the sports card hobby industry, community and friendliness are everything—you’re supposed to welcome collectors and share the passion, not act superior. This place was the exact opposite, with their hostile attitude creating a cold, unwelcoming vibe that completely turned me off. I guess you might enjoy it if you’re part of their local clique, but for any other potential customers, I’d strongly recommend...

In response to the previous review. I was the other customer in the store at the time. I felt like the customer simply wouldn’t take no for an answer when the shop declined to offer store credit on a load of mostly common Pokemon cards. He wanted to dump his garbage on the shop for a PSA 10. If you know anything about collecting, buying bulk and trying resale singles is more work than it’s worth most of the time. The customer even said he would sell them himself online, but it would take too long. (Bingo!) The incident that occurred was not as described.

My experiences there, as a frequent customer, have been awesome. My kids ask to go every weekend. Randy is always giving them free cards and having fun with them. On top of that, they must have a lucky shamrock hidden in there somewhere. Myself and others have pulled some monsters out of that shop. (Elly De La Cruz 1st Bowman Atomic /100 auto today!)

I can’t say enough great things about this shop. It’s been awesome having them in...

Ever since I discovered this gem along with meeting the owners Mike and Randy, I have always felt like family to them. These gentlemen are literally the best to work with in the state of GA when it comes to your card collectibles. I have enjoyed my experience every single time ; you enter the store with anticipation and you leave with a smile and excitement. Randy met me for the first time and noticed there was a single card that I really wanted and he placed it aside for a week; no one in the card business has ever performed such a kind act. I was impressed and ended up buying it the next day. Randy is also an expert on card grade predictions, he will inspect your cards before you submit them. This is also a service that isn't required, but very much appreciated! I only ever have good things to say about this business. I will continue to be a weekly customer...