Once the holidays pass, inventory dynamics change quickly . Shops take stock of what moved and what did not, and many begin adjusting prices to clear space or free up capital before the next wave of releases. Year end accounting pressures and cash flow needs matter. This is when listings increase and flexibility improves on the sell side.
This environment favors smaller scale buyers. Large stores and distributors often need to move volume quickly, while individual collectors are not under the same pressure. Patience becomes leverage . You can wait for the right price instead of forcing a buy. Many experienced market observers including Rudy have shared examples of how slower capital with less urgency often outperforms aggressive flipping over time.
That patience also protects you from fear driven decisions. Paying attention to the market matters more than reacting to it. I have personally missed sets that continued climbing after I believed they were overvalued. That happens. But there have always been other opportunities. Because I focus on entry price discipline, my long term track record shows very few losses.
This approach leans defensive by design. My first goal is not losing money. Growth comes second. That mindset can feel uncomfortable during booms when everything is moving up quickly. But it becomes invaluable during slowdowns and pullbacks. Avoiding overpayment, resisting fear of missing out, and staying patient after Christmas often leads to smarter positions and steadier progress over time.