Local shops, friends, various online sites, etc…
Interesting topic! I think in person is the best experience. This is partly what makes Worlds fun is seeing so many people with cards to potentially trade, buy or just look at in general.
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#1 - Fellow Efour members
#2 - eBay
#3 - once in a great while I’ll stop at my old card shop in my home town of Phoenix when I visit family.
Since getting into the hobby this year my favorite purchases were in person. I bought a couple binders of Japanese cards from a guy who was selling his duplicates. He was retired from the Air Force. He collected with his son back in the day and ran a local league. We met at a mall the first time and the second at his house where he showed me his collection. Definitely gave me that hobby satisfaction.
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I am yet to find someone locally but that would be my preference 
Then probably Ebay/local sites
Getting packages in the mail is always exciting for me!
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I totally agree with you, Scott. Since I got back into collecting, I have been frequenting about 5 card shops within a 30 mile radius from my house. Although I’ve yet to trade cards with any of the kids, the personal experience of being there, hanging out, and purchasing/selling cards is amazing. You cannot get that feeling from the internet.
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When I find cards in lots that i didn’t know were there by the pictures. Hidden surprises in large buys are my favorite way of obtaining cards, lottery element.
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I love shops but I usually never leave with much due to card condition and the premium they generally put on them. Gold stars, wizards holos exc.
Ebay 100% for convenience and condition.
My three best purchase experiences have been in person however. one shop, one guy I met locally off virbank and one coworker. I attach the feeling of those experiences to those cards, so they hands down hold a closer place to my heart more so than any high dollar wow factor card I purchased from eBay.
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Ebay auction items that get overlooked
I’m with Zach. E4 deals are my favorite.
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Efour members
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Instagram through notable sellers
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EBay
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Amazon, local stores, etc (for all new sets depending where i can get the best deal)
Ebay 99% of the time. I picked up a couple auctions from shopgoodwill for large lots of cards to give out. I did also purchase some cards locally but also to just give out.
-Matthew
I’ve had countless transactions on Ebay and E4 (the best being my E4 brothers/sisters) but don’t neglect your local shops. Look them up on google and give them a call to ask what they have or pay them a visit. You may get a surprise and meet some similarly minded collectors local to you. Not long ago I picked up a NM 1st ed Clefairy from a local store for $10 and also made some lasting friendships. You never know what you’ll find or who you’ll meet
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E4 has been the most helpful way to obtain lots of stuff that’s still in my collection.
Naturally I check ebay once in a while if something necessary would appear for better price I’m looking to pay.
I’d love to visit local game stores but the last one in my city quit their business couple years ago, next closest would be 80 kilometres away so it’s simply better to buy everything online. At least I can go to various flea markets but all the good finds are really rare.
I had mentioned in another thread that I’m here for the thrill of the chase, so I like finding unopened older boosters and random lots on eBay (or wherever people may be trying to unload random cards. Garage sales, Craigslist, etc).
Now I fully recognize this is not the wisest way to make investments-- but I am well aware of the limitations of buying like this. My collection may end up only being worth $50 at the end of the day but it’s fun for me!
Err… cheaply? 
In all seriousness, my options are somewhat limited as I live in Northern Scotland and there is nary a card store in sight that caters to Pokemon, which is a shame because in person trades etc really are a wonderful thing and I don’t know anyone locally either.
Fortunately I’ve made a lot of friends from around the UK and beyond online, I treasure a lot of the kinds letters and notes I’ve been given in trades and purchases as much as my collection- so for me online trades with good friends really is my preference.
I do also spend a considerable amount of time on auction sites (an unhealthy amount) and sometimes an occasional ad in local marketplaces will really pay off.
Great topic!
The best way to acquire any cards in whatever collectible related hobby youre in is in person. Sometimes the shows here are terrible, I know im not going to find anything I need during the Summer months … but I set up each and every month because it puts me right in the middle of everyone who enjoys the same hobby as I do.
Great topic I actually asked someone this question last night.
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Ebay (but considering changing this due to huge gst, shipping and offer fees they put on things are too much)
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Instagram (through trusted sellers with references)
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Other online websites. T&T, collectors cache, amazon, etc…
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Facebook groups.
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E4 (Im only new here so hope to do more deals with people in the future on e4)
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In person, I would love to do more of this but the trading community isnt as big here in Aus, i would love to travel to worlds one day!
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Local Shops ( they dont exist in Aus for old wotc product, only new items which is where i will buy from if i want new product. But Japan was amazing and a highlight of the trip for me this year was going to so many local card shops!!! I was in poke heaven hahaha
I like local shops personally. Just going into a store and seeing what’s available and not having to wait is always fun. Sometimes I’ll buy single cards from websites online too.
New here, but I’m sure I’ll find something awesome on this site in the near future.