Selling your old baseball card collection can be a great way to make some extra cash, especially if you have some valuable vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s era. With so many different options for selling cards, it’s not always clear what the best approach is. In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the top ways to sell baseball cards and help you determine the best strategy based on the type and condition of cards you have.
One of the most popular options for selling cards is through online auction sites like eBay. eBay gives you access to a huge potential buyer base and allows you to set your own starting price and auction length. The upside is you can potentially get top dollar for rare cards through competitive bidding. There are some downsides. You’ll need to pay eBay and PayPal transaction fees, which can eat into your profits on lower-priced cards. You also need to properly photograph and describe each card to attract buyers. Take high-quality photos in good lighting against a neutral background and be very detailed in the description of any flaws or issues. Be prepared to carefully package and ship the cards as well.
For a large collection of common cards or those in played/damaged condition, a local card shop may be a better option than eBay. While you likely won’t get top dollar, you can avoid fees and potentially get cash in hand more quickly. Card shops will often offer buylists where they give flat rates for cards based on sport, player, year, and condition. The rates tend to be lower than current market value but provide an easy “fire sale” option if you just want to liquidate the collection quickly. Be prepared for the shop to be very picky about condition, so only select your best examples to get the full buylist price.
Online card selling platforms like COMC (Cardboard Connection) and TCDB (Trading Card Database) offer a middle ground between eBay and local shops. Like eBay, you can set your own prices. But they take care of photography, listing, and transactions for a fee. COMC charges 9% of the final sale but stores and ships for you. TCDB is free to use but charges shipping costs. Both give you exposure to collectors all over the world and make the process simpler than running individual auctions. You won’t have the same level of buyer competition as eBay.
Another good option for valuable vintage cards in high-grade condition is to work directly with established card dealers. Search online to find reputable dealers that specialize in your sport and era. Send them detailed photos and descriptions of your top cards and get quotes. Dealers have relationships with serious collectors and often attend major card shows where they can best market rare finds. While you may get the highest prices this route, it requires more work on your end to get top offers. Dealers will also be very picky about condition.
No matter which selling method you choose, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:
Only select your best conditioned examples from the 1950s-1980s era to get the highest prices. More modern commons are generally not worth much.
Have another collector or grader verify grades if selling expensive vintage stars. Counterfeits exist so documentation is key.
Consider getting PSA/BGS slabs for your true gem mint cards to maximize value. Slabs give buyers more confidence.
Photograph cards against a clean background with good lighting. Use a ruler for scale and show all sides/edges clearly.
Describe all flaws visibly in photos like corners, edges, and centering issues. Honesty prevents disputes.
Package securely in a rigid case or between cardboard/sleeves. Consider registered shipping on expensive cards.
Set realistic sale expectations based on recent eBay “sold” listings of comparable cards. Check price guides too for estimated values.
With some research and patience, selling your baseball cards online through individual auctions, online platforms, or directly to dealers can be a great way to earn some extra cash from your childhood collection. Just be sure to select only your best vintage examples, photograph and describe them thoroughly, and ship securely. With the right approach, you can maximize the return on those forgotten gems sitting in the attic or storage unit.
