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Playing Card Chat ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ => The Source - Card Collecting 101 => Topic started by: kdklown on July 04, 2013, 01:40:45 AM

Title: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: kdklown on July 04, 2013, 01:40:45 AM
Do you keep a database on a spreadsheet?
Do you write in a my little pony composition book?
Do you pay a pilot to skywrite it outside your house every morning?
Do you not care what you have?

And if you do track your collection, what information do you include?

Just looking for some general thoughts and ideas.
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: MrMollusk on July 04, 2013, 03:59:54 AM
I don't.

I'm not too pedantic as to record all my decks on paper. I have them organized into a few categories: Ellusionist, Theory 11, Dan & Dave, Kickstarter, Bee casino decks, Misc. Red + Blue pairs, standard bees & Bikes, Misc. manufacturers & special decks, and an assload of cards I don't have enough room for.

I keep them organized in empty brick boxes sideways. Like books.
I need like 10 more boxes, though.
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: Curt on July 04, 2013, 04:33:32 AM
I have tried doing spreadsheets and more detailed ways but for me, the most effective and easiest way is just to keep a photo record on tumblr. It takes two minutes to take a picture once I receive the decks and looks clean and simple ( plus it can be show anywhere with an internet connection.
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: Collector on July 04, 2013, 01:26:16 PM
... what information do you include?

To young collectors:
I advise to record spent money. Summarize those costs in the end of each month. Than summarize them all in the end of each year (Christmas period). You will be able to compare those annual costs with prices of goods available at a discount during each Christmas period. It will help to be picky ... ;)
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: kdklown on July 04, 2013, 06:06:26 PM
... what information do you include?

It will help to be picky much better than your posting about such necessity on forums  ;)

Thanks for the input, Collector.  You will, however, have to translate this sentence into English for me. 
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: phantom1412 on July 04, 2013, 10:57:03 PM
I use excel to keep informations eg. the deck's designers or releasers, released date, initial price, where did I buy, how much I paid for, marketing price. and how many decks I have, both sealed and opened numbers.

And I use another iphone app to track down my payment about decks, and magic.
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: ruicorreia on July 05, 2013, 01:09:31 PM
In my case, because I store my collection in brick boxes, I organize the decks by producer (T11, Ellusionist, Kickstarters...) and I have a spreadsheet that tells me which decks I have and in which box he's in.
Organizing that for the first time can take some time but I've liked it. But then it's rather easy to keep your collection organized.
As additional info, I keep a record if the deck is sealed, or signed or printed in Ohio.
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: PrincessTrouble on July 05, 2013, 03:29:19 PM
I track my collection on a Pinterest board.
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: kdklown on July 05, 2013, 04:16:16 PM
Great feedback gang!  I think I'm digging the Tumblr Idea from Curt. 
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: Don Boyer on July 06, 2013, 03:05:55 AM
... what information do you include?

It will help to be picky much better than your posting about such necessity on forums  ;)

Thanks for the input, Collector.  You will, however, have to translate this sentence into English for me.

He's saying that if you're more picky about what you buy, there's less to track in the first place!  I'll be writing a book on "Collector-to-English" soon, so I know these things...  :))

I've tried a spreadsheet.  Never got far.  Now I just keep them organized in a shelving unit for the open decks, and giant sports-card collector boxes for sealed decks.  Best guess is over 900 sealed, over 700 opened, and over 200 magic decks of different kinds (over 50 are stripper decks).
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: verloren on July 06, 2013, 03:32:55 AM
Excel for now.

I might end up doing something with Microsoft Access later this month.
Title: Re: How do you track your collection?
Post by: Collector on July 06, 2013, 12:29:24 PM

Thanks for the input, Collector.  You will, however, have to translate this sentence into English for me.

Easily. Be picky instead of saying how picky you should be.

I use excel to keep informations eg. the deck's designers or releasers, released date, initial price, where did I buy, how much I paid for, marketing price. and how many decks I have, both sealed and opened numbers.

And I use another iphone app to track down my payment about decks, and magic.

This is a professional approach.
Title: Categorizing your collection
Post by: Anthony on October 16, 2013, 09:34:06 AM
Just curious how or if you categorize your collection?

Is it a Custom, Non-Custom, Standard type of thing or more of a Bicycle, T11, D&D kind of list? Do you think one would be better than the other? I have a database for my Zippo's and want to add the playing card info as well, I'm just going back and forth on how best to separate these entries......or maybe we go Alphabetical and call it a day, lol

Thanks for your input  ;)
Title: Re: Categorizing your collection
Post by: Sovereign on October 16, 2013, 10:47:56 AM
Just make a spreadsheet with fields for each option, then depending on your mood you could sort them alphabetically, date order, custom/semi/etc, or by manufacturer. Problem solved.

Phill
Title: Re: Categorizing your collection
Post by: Don Boyer on October 16, 2013, 08:31:30 PM
I'd be interested in seeing that spreadsheet - I'm working on the issue of categorizing custom decks now.  There's many issues to take into account in terms of versions, print runs, etc. - I'm trying to strip it down to the minimum if possible.
Title: Re: Categorizing your collection
Post by: Anthony on October 16, 2013, 09:07:02 PM
Maybe I asked the question the wrong way. The spreadsheet isn't the real issue, you can make that do whatever you like, the information on the sheet I guess is what I'm interested in. Like you said Don, there are a lot of things to consider, but it depends on what information is important to you. That's kind of where I'm kind of struggling.

Don if you told me, I want "This" information available in a spread sheet I could build it, I'm just not sure what information to use.
Title: Re: Categorizing your collection
Post by: Don Boyer on October 16, 2013, 10:14:24 PM
Maybe I asked the question the wrong way. The spreadsheet isn't the real issue, you can make that do whatever you like, the information on the sheet I guess is what I'm interested in. Like you said Don, there are a lot of things to consider, but it depends on what information is important to you. That's kind of where I'm kind of struggling.

Don if you told me, I want "This" information available in a spread sheet I could build it, I'm just not sure what information to use.

Consider all the different, important features of a deck of playing cards.  Seals, tuck boxes, the cards themselves.  Finishes, stocks.  Embossing, debossing, foil.  Metallic ink, organic ink.  Level of customization.  Type of cellophane seal, or the absence of cellophane altogether.  Designer, printer, producer, year of manufacture, plant of manufacture, size of print run, number of print runs, number of versions and variants with descriptions.  Images of the box and cards.  Each one of these elements represents at least one if not several possible variables one would take into account for a complete listing of a single deck of custom playing cards - and you need to determine which are significant enough for you to take into account for your own collection, not to mention that a collector will want to list quantities and condition, opened or sealed (or opened but unused).  But if you were making a general reference containing information about custom decks in general, that's where insanity lies...
Title: Re: Categorizing your collection
Post by: Rob Wright on October 17, 2013, 01:13:40 AM
I think categorizing could be as easy or hard as you want it to be. If you wanted to include all the parameters Don listed. Then you could have 1 deck that is on 15-20 different list. The easiest would be just a simple alphabetical order. That would work great if you just need a list so you don't by a duplicate, or have a small collection. It just depends on what you expect to get out of it. If you have a collection the size of Don's, then you would need something a little more detailed. I would imagine in Don's case. It's more about categorizing for storage/use purposes.
For someone starting out, I think a list of wanted decks may be more important- Decks I must have, Decks I would really like to have(but only if I can get a good deal), Decks that are readily available(will by when I have some extra $) and so on.
Title: Re: Categorizing your collection
Post by: kdklown on October 17, 2013, 01:21:33 AM
Yup, you can put whatever you see fit.  Here are the columns on my spreadsheet...

Deck Name
Multiples
Production location
Date
Finish
Stock
Hyperlink to a review or Pictures of deck if no review is available
Maker/Designer
KickstarterDeck

I find this is enough info for me.  I could easily add a lot more or remove some if I wanted.  This is just what I find useful.
Title: Re: Categorizing your collection
Post by: Anthony on October 17, 2013, 08:06:39 AM
Ya I knew there were things I hadn't thought of and after reading Don's post I had to go breath into a paper bag for a while, lol

But seriously....I was looking for some "Basics" to go by and you guys filled that request, I thank you. I think kd's list is pretty good for what I was thinking.

Thanks!

....when I have too much time, this is what happens (Ignore the info, it was just filler)  ;)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yB8l5vlFQE0/Ul_QroQn34I/AAAAAAAAATc/ZJydWAmBZYo/w1305-h817-no/Card+Sheet.jpg (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yB8l5vlFQE0/Ul_QroQn34I/AAAAAAAAATc/ZJydWAmBZYo/w1305-h817-no/Card+Sheet.jpg)
Title: Re: Categorizing your collection
Post by: Anthony on October 17, 2013, 11:31:57 PM
So I came up with a spreadsheet thanks to the info you guys offered up. If anyone likes it and would like the file just shoot me a PM and I'll be more than happy to send it to you.

The sheet consist of the following information:
Deck Name
Finish
Stock
Production Date
Production Location
Printing (1st, 2nd, etc...)
Version
Print Run
Metallic Ink
Embossed/Debossed
Foil Stamping
Seal
Maker/Designer
Kickstarter
Price Per Deck
On Order
Open
Sealed
Total Decks
Links

Obviously you can edit the fields or formulas if you like, just thought I would share  ;)
Title: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: jderouen on July 09, 2014, 01:14:14 PM
I'm starting to build a pretty big collection, as was curious: is there some sort of database or spreadsheet out there to help you keep track of your collection? I've searched but can't find anything. Of course, I can put together a spreadsheet in Excel, but didn't want to duplicate effort if something already existed. Thank you!
Title: Re: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: ecNate on July 09, 2014, 01:47:28 PM
This has/had a lot of potential, but is still pretty much in beta and on/off development.  http://playingcarddb.com/ (http://playingcarddb.com/)
Title: Re: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: Anthony on July 09, 2014, 03:15:16 PM
I'm starting to build a pretty big collection, as was curious: is there some sort of database or spreadsheet out there to help you keep track of your collection? I've searched but can't find anything. Of course, I can put together a spreadsheet in Excel, but didn't want to duplicate effort if something already existed. Thank you!

I have a spreadsheet I use for  my collection, I would be more than happy to share it. I'll send it to you this eveing, i"m currentley at work  ;)
Title: Re: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: ecNate on July 09, 2014, 04:04:09 PM
Sparkz, can you also send to me?

Better yet, maybe we can start a shared google doc and allow multiple people to edit to make it a community source that you can then import/reference in your own private sheet.  With your permission I'm willing to take the lead on that if you don't have the time and could maybe insert some controls, automation and process around it.
Title: Re: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: jderouen on July 09, 2014, 05:34:03 PM
I would love to see it, thank you so much!!
Title: Re: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: Josh Blackmon on July 09, 2014, 08:47:59 PM
This is just a side note for this thread, but it seems as good a place as any to mention it. There is a website for sports card collecting called Zistle (www.zistle.com (http://www.zistle.com)) which I think sets a standard going forward for community driven, collection oriented databases. On the site, a collector can find sets, subsets, and photos of each individual card and add it to their collection online to eventually see analytics, variations, and reports of their entire collection. If the specific cards you are looking for aren't there, you can add them and their accompanying pictures yourself to be used by the community. Truly groundbreaking and free with only the advanced featured costing anything. If you have a sports card collection you are doing yourself a favor by checking it out. Just go check it out in general. Maybe it will inspire someone with more programming knowledge than me to adapt the system to playing card purposes.
Title: Re: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: Anthony on July 09, 2014, 10:38:11 PM
Well here's an image of the spreadsheet, if your interested you can email me and I'll be more then happy to send you the file  ;)
Title: Re: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: jderouen on July 09, 2014, 11:10:21 PM
PM sent, thanks so much!
Title: Re: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: DarkDerp on July 10, 2014, 12:42:12 AM
http://en.wikicollecting.org/ (http://en.wikicollecting.org/) this might be of some interest.
Title: Re: playing cards collector database of spreadsheet available?
Post by: PurpleIce on July 10, 2014, 01:14:39 AM
We actually have a lot of similar topics floating around here.

http://www.playingcardforum.com/playing-card-plethora/how-do-you-track-your-collection/msg75062/#msg75062
http://www.playingcardforum.com/playing-card-plethora/categorizing-your-collection/msg81369/#msg81369

Can we just put them all together? I'm sure there is more because i remember seeing them..just cant find it.

Sparkz, can you also send to me?

Better yet, maybe we can start a shared google doc and allow multiple people to edit to make it a community source that you can then import/reference in your own private sheet.  With your permission I'm willing to take the lead on that if you don't have the time and could maybe insert some controls, automation and process around it.

I'm actually all for this idea. We can create a spread sheet with all the information in it. All members can view it to update their own personal list but only certain few can update it (For accuracy sake). I believe many of us have our own lists, but not necessarily the full information of each deck in our collection from card finish to print date to print run and much more. This will be a good idea and members can contribute to any information they have when they see a "blank" or a mistake in the excel sheet.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Don Boyer on July 11, 2014, 03:45:21 PM
I've merged the topics and moved them to The Source - Card Collecting 101.  THIS is the category for all the best, most basic core elements of collecting.

No, you can't start a topic here, only an admin can, but you can post here.  If you start a topic elsewhere that is really THAT important to collecting cards, the staff puts it here.

http://en.wikicollecting.org/ (http://en.wikicollecting.org/) this might be of some interest.

I tried this site, but they have so little information about playing cards and no information about tracking one's collection.  They mentioned the IPCS and WOPC, both in the UK.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: aldazar on July 21, 2014, 11:11:06 AM
I've been meaning to track my collection via Excel since I started, but never quite got round to it...

One problem I have which I haven't figured out yet - anyone have a good/neat way to get picture(s) of the decks into a spreadsheet?
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Don Boyer on July 21, 2014, 12:44:00 PM
I've been meaning to track my collection via Excel since I started, but never quite got round to it...

One problem I have which I haven't figured out yet - anyone have a good/neat way to get picture(s) of the decks into a spreadsheet?

Try some simple database software.  Bento for Mac is good, as is the "parent" program, FileMaker.  I found it an order of magnitude easier to use FileMaker rather than Microsoft Access for Windows.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: ecNate on August 10, 2014, 09:36:17 PM
I took the file that Sparkz sent me (Thanks!!!) that only contains the data, formatted it a bit for Google Docs and made a few minor updates, including adding columns for URLs.  This is a shared file that anybody can view and I will give any RESPONSIBLE party access to edit/update on request (just sent PM).  There are versions stored so we can go back if things get really messed up. View the spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JQ_eOu88SIhOUXg8a-W9LJAIX9So48c1B5dksIHN4Q8/edit?usp=sharing).  My original plan was to use this as a way for myself and others to reference from a Google Site app or another Google Spreadsheet and 'add' a reference to any entry, thus creating a cobbled collecting app.  If the content took off then perhaps we could use the backend data for a future better solution. 

This may still be an option, but the PlayingCardDB.com (http://playingcarddb.com) that I mentioned before just had a MAJOR update today that lets people finally share their collections and the critical bug fixes taken care of.  It still has a way to go and the developer hasn't had time for a while before this (risk of slow future development), but I'm hopeful this will be everybody's go to solution going forward. For an example of what your collection can look like you can see mine here (http://playingcarddb.com/mycollection?u=6134)..  There's a few quirks and minor bugs, including you have to add to your collection from each brand listing (can at least do multiples at once - feature to add from individual listing being worked).  It's also missing some key fields and needs some garbage cleanup, but it has almost 800 decks added so far (mostly modern) and many with tuck scans.

I decided to go ahead and share this shared spreadsheet anyhow in case others wanted to contribute or build off it on their own.  Because the PlayingCardDB site is still early it doesn't have all the data attributes/fields listed in the spreadsheet so updating both in the short term may be a good idea.  I know I'll at least keep both updated as I add to my collection.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: AndreCamp on September 07, 2014, 09:21:00 PM
Obv i'm using Excel, and it works well...
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: 52plusjoker on September 08, 2014, 09:33:54 AM
I suspect there are hundreds of programs that can deal with something that is, in the general scheme of things, a relatively simple application. I started about 20 odd years ago with IBM FileMaster, moved on to a more complicated DB program [name escapes me now] and when Microsoft came out with ACCESS database I switched to it as I also used it extensively at work. Access has become easier to use, especially in the context of adding card pictures to each record and it suits me fine. However if you don't have a more than basic suite of Office, it gets expensive.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Don Boyer on September 08, 2014, 09:47:05 PM
I suspect there are hundreds of programs that can deal with something that is, in the general scheme of things, a relatively simple application. I started about 20 odd years ago with IBM FileMaster, moved on to a more complicated DB program [name escapes me now] and when Microsoft came out with ACCESS database I switched to it as I also used it extensively at work. Access has become easier to use, especially in the context of adding card pictures to each record and it suits me fine. However if you don't have a more than basic suite of Office, it gets expensive.

On the Mac, I used to inventory a card game collection using FileMaker Pro - this was in the days before Mac OS X and Intel chips.  I found it extremely easy to use.  I've since tried the home version, Bento - it's not as flexible, but it's very simple.  It's also cheaper and has an iOS app as well.

Databases are the way to go.  You could use spreadsheets, even create calculations that cross to multiple sheets (on Excel, at the least, haven't tried it on Numbers yet), but eventually you'll reach a point where it's too much of a jury-rig, depending on the complexity of the data you're using.

Of course, if all you want is a simple list of "brand, maker, quantity", even Word is adequate for that...

Either way, MS Access for PC is a PAIN - I have to use it at work and I don't recommend it.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: iDoctor on September 14, 2014, 09:07:58 AM
Yes, I do. I keep all my collection (about 600 decks) in Evernote. Quite comfortable, you may use any device to add a new item.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: ecNate on September 15, 2014, 05:14:02 PM
Yes, I do. I keep all my collection (about 300 decks) in Evernote. Quite comfortable, you may use any device to add a new item.

Do you list each deck as a separate note?  What do you include for details?  Do you have a basic template that you use each time?

I'm totally sold on the PlayingCardDatabase website (http://playingcarddb.com/register) as it also now has over 1,000 decks to pick from and add to your collection.  Here's my collection there: http://playingcarddb.com/mycollection?u=6134 (http://playingcarddb.com/mycollection?u=6134)

Although I have some reservations of having it all outside of my control so I'll still keep updating my BGG entry and looking for other methods to manage the collection that I have full control over.  I also occasionally scrape the contents of my collection for historical and some kind of disaster recovery.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: iDoctor on September 16, 2014, 06:38:47 AM
No, I don't. I keep them all in one note, it's much easier to manage. At the same time, it doesn't allow to contain all necessary info(.
I didn't know about the database mentioned in your post, it looks great. Is it easy in use? Probably I should try.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: ecNate on September 16, 2014, 12:50:44 PM
No, I don't. I keep them all in one note, it's much easier to manage. At the same time, it doesn't allow to contain all necessary info(.
I didn't know about the database mention in your post, it looks great. Is it easy in use? Probably I should try.

Just register and try it! (http://playingcarddb.com/register)   ;)

It's still pretty early, but it's been pretty functional for a while now.  As a new user you'll only have the option to add existing decks in the database to your collection (can't add new decks to the database), but with over 1,000 decks most of yours should be represented.  PM me if you need a new one added so you can add to your collection.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: iDoctor on September 16, 2014, 03:20:12 PM
Ok, I've registered and begun  ;)
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: iDoctor on September 19, 2014, 01:32:54 AM
[quote author=ecNate link=topic=4832.msg103930#msg103930 date=1410886244

It's still pretty early, but it's been pretty functional for a while now.  As a new user you'll only have the option to add existing decks in the database to your collection (can't add new decks to the database), but with over 1,000 decks most of yours should be represented.  PM me if you need a new one added so you can add to your collection.
[/quote]

Wow, it's works great. And my collection looks not bad in the database   ;D
You were right, I really have some decks not presented in the database at the moment (including my favorite vintage Vegas decks). I PM you the list of them when complete the process.
At the same time, many of presented decks have no scans. Will you please let me know, either I may help you with these scans or not yet. If yes, please info me about the process. I'll be glad to assist.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: ecNate on September 19, 2014, 12:53:50 PM
Wow, it's works great. And my collection looks not bad in the database   ;D
You were right, I really have some decks not presented in the database at the moment (including my favorite vintage Vegas decks). I PM you the list of them when complete the process.
At the same time, many of presented decks have no scans. Will you please let me know, either I may help you with these scans or not yet. If yes, please info me about the process. I'll be glad to assist.

I would be willing to add a few for you, but if you have a bunch of decks then perhaps you should see if you can get access eventually. See here. (http://unitedcardists.com/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=5666).  Since it's so new rhu is being cautious about who gets access to add/edit, etc, although as the site and code improves that should open up more easily.  Basically you get added if you can be trusted, whatever that means.  I think it may be related to your investment so having a large collection would mean you have a vested interested in not screwing things up.

Anyhow, I'm pretty sure that you can get access to add new decks and then at the same time that gives you ability to edit those decks and also add images to that deck.  I could be wrong about the details though.  Just ask for access from that link above and let me know what access you get and what that means so I can update the FAQ around access levels.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: iDoctor on September 21, 2014, 01:54:24 AM
Hi, thanks.
I've contacted to rhu and have got the access. I've already added a couple of dozens scans from my personal database. So everithing is going on well.
Yours, iDoctor
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: iDoctor on October 07, 2014, 09:47:26 AM
Sparkz, the spreadsheet is really cool. Even too detailed for me at the moment..
These days I've spent all my free time adding my collection in the PlayingCardDB and trying to do something good for the DataBase itself. As this work is more or less completed, I'm going to investigate your spreadsheet. Thanks!
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Anthony on October 07, 2014, 02:36:27 PM
ah no worries, the spreadsheet was pre-PCDB.

The PCDB is actually a great option for those wanting to catolog their collection, Rhu and Nate have done a real nice job with it.  :)
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: iDoctor on October 07, 2014, 03:11:16 PM
Yes, I absoluthely agree with you. Welldone! And it is improving every day!
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: ecNate on October 07, 2014, 03:32:51 PM
The PCDB is actually a great option for those wanting to catolog their collection, Rhu and Nate have done a real nice job with it.  :)

Thanks, but I just help with feature suggestions, documentation and promotion.  Rhu is the sole coder and real worker behind it.  It's really come a long way and iDoctor has been contributing a TON since joining!  There's now almost 1,500 decks in the database!  :D
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Rob Wright on November 04, 2014, 01:23:38 AM
So I spent a good part of my weekend categorizing my collection. I've only done most of my modern decks. I've probably have another 100 vintage and assorted promo/advertising decks. So far listed 484 Decks(254 different).

(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a0/d5/48/a0d5486d52062180e6809848d1a9a699.jpg)
19 1/2 bricks in back + a 6 brick & 10 brick(almost full) collector boxes + another box full of decks.

........and in the mail today

(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6d/07/e2/6d07e2f3eeeef085f8a35a366520282c.jpg)

...........and a few emails of pending deliveries!
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Anthony on November 04, 2014, 06:53:40 AM
I feel your pain Rob.........but isn't it fun  :D
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Don Boyer on November 04, 2014, 02:01:38 PM
I feel your pain Rob.........but isn't it fun  :D

I'm a bit overdue to re-sort mine.  All 1,700+ decks...yeesh.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Magasaki on January 23, 2015, 08:04:21 AM
Ok I mentioned this a while ago and I have finally had time to do some work on inventorying.

My plan was fairly simple, set up a site that I could use as an inventory and then scan the artwork from the cards in and begin to form a sort of online 'museum' of my personal collection. You may remember me discussing the legalities of scanning images into the site in the middle of last year.

So the site is up and built at www.magasaki.com but is very much in beta stage. It only has part of the collection up so far and far less completely scanned decks. However, it's providing a great place to store information I find on certain decks and keep a record of things I learn. There is also a small blog on the site I'll be updating with information as things change and grow.

Please have a browse if you get time and be as critical as you want - I won't take offence! I know the 'look' of the site is a bit lame at the minute so I need to work on that. When browsing the deck collection you'll notice that you can click on some images which will take you onto a page with more information and scans of the artwork. If you have any suggestions on improvements then please throw them my way. This year I'm mainly going to be working on gathering information so it might actually become a useful resource for people one day.

Check out some examples
http://www.magasaki.com/#!correspondances/c12yo
http://www.magasaki.com/#!les-montgolfieres/c1grj
http://www.magasaki.com/#!aves/cvve

I'll keep the link in my sig from now on and let you guys know if there are any significant updates.

Thanks

Tom

Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Crazy Gizmo on September 29, 2016, 01:30:52 PM
I use Google Photos its fast free n theres a comprehensive sreach that will find similar decks without making any tags for your photos.
You can organize them down even farther by creating albums of certain brands names Etc.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: ecNate on September 30, 2016, 10:38:19 AM
Since it's been a few years since PCDB was mentioned, I should mention for future reference and for the few that don't know about it:   Now called Portfolio52 since Alex Chin of Seasons Playing Cards took ownership/control, is my method to manage my inventory and also for many others.  With over 4,000 decks in the database, the 1,000+ members have a total of over 250,000 decks in their combined collections, it's certainly the most popular solution out there.

It includes deck scans and details for each deck, plus ways to categorize/view by artist, brand, manufacturer, publisher, etc.  One of the best features is the trade/wish lists and a match process to help you find decks you want.  Alex is also in the process of yet another major new version and revamp of the system which hopefully will be available in the coming months, fixing some lingering issues and a ton of new improvements.

http://www.portfolio52.com/ (http://www.portfolio52.com/)
https://www.facebook.com/Portfolio52 (https://www.facebook.com/Portfolio52)
(https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14370_474487096043077_6932860635251806751_n.jpg?oh=c88d8079861e226dd89a2881e599ce7d&oe=58A90C5C)
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: akicer on December 07, 2016, 01:17:44 PM
I usually try to categorize my deck using both spreadsheet and labels on boxes I store the decks. I usually write what I have on the box... but it's getting harder and harder if I keep adding and removing decks form the boxes.

I must admit it's super hard when number of decks start to grow too fast...
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: pokereaq on January 12, 2017, 09:33:27 PM
I use a spreadsheet.  I include the brand, a Brief Description of the Deck, the year made if I know it, opened or unopened, and a couple other columns.  It is over 300 pages long, very interesting to look at.  At the bottom of the spreadsheet it keeps three totals for me:  Total Number of Decks, Total Number of Opened Decks, & Total Number of Unopened Decks.  I also save the list on two flash sticks just incase something happens...   
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Kruser on February 22, 2017, 05:24:21 PM
As usual, tons of cool ideas on this thread!

As my collection has expanded, I too have been wondering how best to catalogue my collection! 

To this end, I made an investment: a digital document scanner! ... As it turns out, this was a great idea: now, I make digital scans of my cards and add any extra info to the title or description.

I found this to be a great solution to the categorizing issue - a picture can replace a lot of descriptors!

Also, once I have digital versions of my cards, I can 'cast' them to my 60-inch TV via Bluetooth as a slideshow - a great way to walk newbies through my collection without having to break out every single card or deck: if people are super-interested, I'll bring out the actual cards for closer examination.

BTW, the scanner I bought was an Epson - less than $100 on Amazon. Here's the link to the Canadian listing (probably cheaper in the US!)

 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00SSXQ7Q2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Happy collecting!

Kruser



Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Eddie Hughlett on February 23, 2017, 10:03:52 AM
Great idea Kruser!  Thanks for sharing.

-eh
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Soochinator on February 24, 2017, 04:36:18 AM
I built an excel spreadsheet that I use for now. I joined Portfolio52, but I find it too basic for any productive use. Yeah, you can see what you have an how many at a glance, but it doesn't specify open vs sealed, cost, value, date acquired, etc. Too many things it doesn't have to list. I think it's a cool idea and I hope it continues to succeed, but I want more out my collection database/inventory. I want to be able to produce reports based on defined entries as I see fit. That being said, I'm now in the process of learning Access, so I can have a database that satisfies my need for lots of information.

As far as photos go, I don't bother taking my own photos. I download the KS photos or whatever each company provides online and have them all backed up and categorized in Google Drive. I considered taking my own photos, but there are decks that I'm not willing to open, so there would always be some missing.
Title: Re: Categorizing & Inventorying Your Collection
Post by: Kevin Dixler on August 07, 2018, 11:55:06 PM
I have another hobby that suddenly took off.  I think that most of us want to share what we have and post what we can trade.  www.whiskybase.com is an excellent format for whisky collectors.  I think that the template can be modified.  Perhaps, the owners will share the sourcecode to those of us with obscure but interesting hobbies.  I am willing to assist to the extent possible in creating a user friendly database to share with the public to encourage playing card collecting.