Baseball cards are a collectible item that many enjoy seeking out and building complete sets of. With the rise of online auction sites and card shops, it can sometimes feel difficult to find affordable cards. Thrift stores like Goodwill can offer a treasure trove of baseball card finds if you know where to look. Here are some tips for having success locating cards at Goodwill.
Start by regularly checking the toy, game, and book sections of Goodwill stores. Many people donate old collections of cards that get sorted into these areas. Look through bins and on shelves for loose packs of cards or full albums filled with players from various eras. Goodwill prices cards very reasonably, often a few dollars or less for large collections. Be sure to thoroughly look through anything you find, as valuable rookie cards or error cards could be hiding within.
Beyond the designated sections, also scan other areas like clothing and household goods. People sometimes donate boxes of childhood belongings containing cards. Folders or envelopes tucked inside boxes or bundled with papers/photos are easy to miss but can hold gems. Thoroughly inspecting donations gives you the best chance of discovering hidden card caches.
Timing your Goodwill visits for when new donations come out can up your odds. Ask employees when they receive the largest volume of donations each week. Those early days after an influx offer the freshest pickings before other shoppers scoop things up. Morning and midday weekday visits tend to have fewer shoppers competing for finds.
Consider expanding your search radius to multiple Goodwill locations. Larger metro areas may have several stores worth checking regularly. Suburban and rural Goodwills sometimes get more unique donations not picked through as quickly. Make a morning of hitting multiple stores in one outing.
Beyond just cards, keep an eye out for related collectibles like books, magazines, equipment, and unopened packs/boxes too. People sometimes donate full collections with cards still sealed in their original packaging. These can contain valuable pre-production samples or oddball promotional items.
Bring a phone or tablet along to quickly research anything interesting you come across. Sites like eBay let you check recent sold prices to gauge potential value. This helps determine if something is worth purchasing or leaving for another collector. Only buy condition-appropriate cards worth a few times what Goodwill is asking to ensure profit potential.
Get to know the Goodwill employees. Mention your interest in cards and that you’re a regular shopper. They may hold items aside or give you a heads up about large donations coming in. Employees often have insight into what areas tend to yield the best finds for different collectors. Developing relationships helps optimize your Goodwill card hunting adventures.
Consider donating your own duplicates and bulk commons to Goodwill too. This pays it forward while also advertising your collecting interests. Other local collectors will discover your donations and may reach out to trade. You never know what other treasures you could acquire through kind gestures within the thrifting community.
With some strategy and regular visits, Goodwill can become a reliable source of affordable baseball cards. Just be sure to thoroughly search in unexpected areas, time your trips smartly, and get to know the staff. With some luck and perseverance, you’re bound to uncover gems that add to your collection for a steal. So get out there and happy thrifting – you never know what baseball history could be waiting on the Goodwill shelves.
