Haven’t seen this in question of the day, so I took the responsibility of doing it myself! Best reply gets the solution and I’ll be looking at comments live.
Suggestions: What cards they know? Their favorite pokemon? How they talk about Pokemon?
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A seasoned collector may be a bit spicy, and they will have been salted just the right amount to bring out their natural flavors.
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A seasoned collector knows his stuff. A new collector just paid $100 for a first edition charizard🔥
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I think the major thing that differentiates seasoned collectors from new collectors is a lack of insecurity. Many new collectors are heavily influenced by how their collection, knowledge, and “worth” as a contributor are perceived in a collector sphere.
Another distinction is that new collectors rarely know what they want, and how next purchases fit within their broader collection. They may be easily dragged in different directions without much consideration or a plan.
New collectors are also overly confident in their choices and opinions, which mostly reflects the Dunning-Kruger effect.
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A whole lot of this. I’ve found that a lot of new collectors need validation for the price they paid, or for the card they chose and often times it was selected simply because lots of others bought the same card before and got that same validation.
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they collect solely surging sparks through destined rivals, maybe 151 as well
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2 steps.
Ask them which Pokemon Pikablu is, and then hand them a casette tape with a pen, and tell them to do the thing.
The likelihood they can/will do both is enough for me.
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My indicator question is whether they know the significance of EX Dragon reverse holo TV Reporter.
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What do you mean “gets the solution”? Why do you think there’s even a solution to begin with? Seems like you’re looking for a specific response to reaffirm your own beliefs.
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This isnt a bad question, but recently its getting to the point where Ive seen posts speculating prices on even this. 
Nuance… or bitter cynicism. 
A person seasoned in anything will have nuance in how they talk about things. Or, if not nuanced, bitterly cynical and to salty to really enjoy the hobby anymore. It’s become a chore. Mundane without pride in that monotony. Unlike a janitor who appreciates the gleam on the faucet after it’s cleaned, they are the worn-out drudger, who looks to closing time from the minute they clock-in.
Sometimes, they are also the teacher. Looking to pass their knowledge to others less experienced.
The seasons teach us the cycles, the ebb and flow, the constant growth and decline, and that things are never forever, both good and bad. We do not get upset at missing an opportunity, as we’ve captured many that others have missed, and there will be more. We do not chase the hype, only to give up the chase when the hype fades.
Nuance.
…or they know the value of rev holo dragon TV Reporter. Bahaha! Had to add it. COuldn’t resist.
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New collectors operate with the confidence that Pokemon will never cease to be as culturally relevant as it is today.
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I’ve seen new collectors locally not be able to tell me the name of any gen 5-8 starters other than greninja.
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This, but figuratively.
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Seasoned collectors tend to collect or have at least done so in the past.
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No I mean the one thats the funniest and or one that I havent thought of.
I did get a kick out of slowpokes post though, so that would probably get the solution. A lot of these I havent thought of, so I really enjoy this thread overall
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A seasoned collector takes lower than expected grades on their chin and moves on.
A new collector will make a thread that their lower than expected grades is the grading company pop controlling them.
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I’m a newer collector so I think trying to figure out your collection goals at the beginning is really overwhelming.
For me personally, I had to take a step back and decide I didn’t want to chase every new set because my personality didn’t match the grind it takes.
But generally, you can tell a new collector by not fully understanding why they are collecting, chasing items because it’s new or expensive, or because their favorite creator told them to like that set.
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New collectors speak in absolutes, seasoned collectors understand nuance in discussions.
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Another thing I’ve noticed is that new collectors (sometimes) tend to be overly zealous and rushed in their purchases, almost as if they’re trying to make up for 10+ years of collecting in just a few weeks.
Seasoned collectors have a better understanding of timing, patience, the risk of burnout, and how to enjoy the journey without being afraid of taking some pauses.
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