Buying and selling baseball cards can be a fun hobby and collecting vintage Topps cards has grown hugely in popularity over the past few decades. Whether you are just starting out or expanding an existing collection, here are some tips for finding Topps baseball cards sold near you.
Card shops are still one of the best places to find baseball cards as they will have large stocks of inventory across many different sets and years. Look up “card shops near me” to find local stores. Call ahead to check their opening hours and ask about their Topps card selection as selection will vary based on the size of the shop. Many independent card shops have online stores too if you want to browse their stock before visiting.
It’s also worth checking local hobby shops that sell other collectibles like coins, stamps or comic books as they may have a baseball card section too. Flea markets are another place locals sell goods and are worth a look, especially on weekends. Vendors at flea markets will sometimes have boxes of unsorted cards for sale where you may find gems mixed in.
Don’t forget to check hobby shops at your local mall. While their baseball card selection tends to be smaller than indie shops, they stay open later hours so are convenient after work. Ask staff if the store buys cards as a purchase could fund your collecting. Mall shops also sometimes hold baseball card themed events around release dates.
If you have a card show coming to your area, it’s a must-attend event. Do an online search for “card shows near me” to find dates. These multi-dealer shows give you the opportunity to compare prices across dozens of vendors in one location. It’s the best place to find harder to find vintage and star rookie cards. Admission fees usually apply but are well worth it for collectors.
When searching online, always start local with sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or local buy/sell groups on social media. Post your own wanted ad detailing the sets and years of Topps cards you are looking for. Be wary of meeting strangers from online so arrange to meet at a public place like a cafe. Condition is hard to judge online so inspect cards carefully if meeting in person.
When browsing ads yourself, request high quality photos of any expensive cards to scrutinize condition before agreeing to purchase. Ask for the seller’s return policy in case cards arrive damaged in post. Check feedback left by other buyers to ensure the seller is reputable. Popular peer-to-peer marketplace apps like OfferUp are also worth browsing to find locals selling vintage Topps lots nearby.
Garage sales and estate sales can be hit or miss but are worth attending locally advertised sales on weekends just in case the occupant is liquidating a card collection. Ask the homeowner if they have any vintage cards for sale or call ahead if the listing mentions sports memorabilia. Libraries near you may also hold silent auctions of donated collectibles that include baseball cards on occasion.
Don’t overlook donating some of your time too. Volunteer at your local library, community center or little league and get to know the organizers. Years down the line if they need to clear out their lost & found box or old program supplies, you may be able to look through for stray cards before they are discarded. Word of mouth within communities is also key – ask older relatives and acquaintances if they have any childhood baseball cards taking up space in the attic that they would part with.
It’s always worth expanding your search area too if you have transportation. Nearby cities and towns within an hour’s drive are likely to have card shops and shows you may have otherwise missed. The larger selection makes occasional day trips worthwhile. With some persistence browsing both in-person and online listings for sellers near you, you’re sure to expand your Topps baseball card collection. Best of luck in your hunting!
