Buying baseball cards on eBay can be a fun and affordable hobby, especially if you are looking for cheap 2021 packs. With a little research and patience, you can find great deals on unopened packs from the current season and recent years. Here are some tips for scoring baseball card packs for a low price on eBay:
Look for bulk lots of packs. One of the best ways to get multiple packs for a low price is to search for bulk lots that contain several packs together. Sellers will often offer discounts when packs are purchased this way since it reduces their shipping and packaging costs. You may be able to get 5-10 packs together for the price of 3 individual packs. Pay attention to listings that advertise packs as “lots” or in bulk quantities.
Consider older series packs. While the newest 2021 series 1, 2, 3 packs are hot commodities right now, you can often find packs from the previous few seasons going for much less on eBay. 2018, 2019, 2020 packs are still exciting to open and rip, and the cards hold value even if they aren’t the latest releases. Check sold listings to get a sense of pricing trends for packs from recent years.
Look for value packs at retail stores. Many major retailers like Walmart, Target and hobby shops will put together “value packs” containing a few packs, some cards, a magazine, etc. for a set price that is cheaper than buying the packs individually. Keep an eye out for these multi-item combo packs being resold on eBay, as they can be a good deal.
Consider international sellers. Packs of baseball cards sold outside the U.S. sometimes have different odds, inserts, parallels and designs. International sellers on eBay may offer these unique overseas packs at lower prices since shipping costs and demand is lower. Just be aware of any international shipping fees.
Watch for auctions ending on weekday nights. Weekend bidding wars tend to drive prices up on popular listings. Consider setting a maximum bid on packs you want to win and checking listings that end Sunday-Thursday nights when less active bidding may result in a steal. Be ready to snipe an auction in the final minutes if your max bid is high enough.
Look for imperfect packs. Sellers may offer packs with bent corners, creased wrappers or other minor flaws for less. While these aren’t ideal for a sealed collection, the cards inside could still be in mint condition. Imperfect packs are worth considering if the discount is significant. Just inspect photos closely.
Search specifically for “cheap packs.” Add the word “cheap” to your eBay search and you’ll find listings geared towards budget buyers. Read full listings for actual prices to be sure they meet your standards of “cheap.” Some sellers just use the word to get more attention.
Consider opening packs yourself. If your priority is collecting the cards inside rather than keeping packs sealed, you have more options. Search for “baseball card lots” which contain raw, individual cards from pack openings rather than sealed packs. You’ll get cards for less up front and can still enjoy the rip experience.
Negotiate with sellers of multiple listings. If a seller has several similar pack listings available, consider contacting them and asking if they will offer a volume discount if you purchase multiple quantities at once. Sellers are often open to negotiating to make a larger sale.
Watch for coupon codes and eBay Bucks promotions. eBay regularly runs sales where you can get a certain percent back in eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases. They also sometimes offer coupon codes for a dollar amount off a purchase. Sign up for eBay emails and check the site during major shopping holidays for extra discounts you can use on card packs.
Be patient and consistent. Check newly listed packs frequently to snap up deals. The best prices often don’t last long as savvy collectors pounce. With regular searching over time, you’re bound to find some great cheap packs available through eBay. Buy what fits your budget and enjoy the thrill of the rip! With some strategy, eBay can be an affordable place to score unopened baseball card packs, even for the current 2021 season. Take advantage of bulk lots, older series, international sellers and more to maximize your chances of cheap pack finds.