Online Marketplaces and Auction Sites:
eBay – eBay is one of the largest and most popular online marketplaces for buying and selling all kinds of collectibles, including baseball cards. On eBay, you can list individual cards, sets, or entire collections for auction or at a fixed “buy it now” price. When listing cards on eBay, be sure to include clear, high-quality photos and a thorough and accurate description so buyers know exactly what they are purchasing. You’ll want to carefully pack cards for shipping as well. eBay takes a small commission from completed sales.
COMC (Cardboard Connection) – COMC is a large online marketplace that is baseball card-centric. You can send your cards to them to have professionally photographed and added to their online database. COMC handles all shipping and customer service, and you receive payment on a net 30 schedule after cards have sold. COMC charges commission on sales but takes the hassle out of handling shipping and customers.
Heritage Auctions – Heritage Auctions runs both online auctions and in-person auction events, and is a leading destination for collectors of valuable vintage and rare baseball cards looking to potentially find top dollar for their items. Auctions require a buyer’s premium/commission on top of selling prices.
Local Card Shops and Shows:
Local Comic Book, Card, and Collectible Shops – Many areas have brick-and-mortar hobby shops that buy, sell, and trade sports cards and other collectibles. These local shops are a convenient option for face-to-face transactions, and sellers can expect a fair price for clean, organized inventory. Shops need to make a profit but want repeat customers as well.
Card Shows – Organized card shows pop up frequently in major cities and convention centers, where dozens of individual dealers gather tables to buy, sell, and appraise cards and other sport memorabilia. These shows are great opportunities to move large volumes of cards at competitive prices to many buyers at once. Sellers will need transport and setup for a card show.
Direct Buyers:
Online Buylists – Websites like BaseballCardPedia.com maintain public buylists from major private collectors indicating the types and editions of cards they actively search for. Sellers can reference these buylists to see if any holdings match up, then reach out directly with an offer to sell.
Facebook Groups – There are many highly active Facebook groups focused on trading, buying, and selling sports cards. Within these communities, sellers can make “want lists” known, post photos of cards for sale, or find other collectors looking to make direct arrangements.
Other Individuals – Sellers can always reach out to other known collectors, card shop owners, or sports memorabilia re-sellers to see if they are interested in purchasing any cards outright or working out a consignment deal. Networking is key.
When pricing cards for sale through any outlet, sellers should research recent eBay “sold” listings, Beckett price guide values, the quality/condition of the particular card, and factors affecting its popularity and demand. An asking price too high may mean unsold inventory, while pricing too low leaves money on the table. Armed with patience and knowledge, there are reliable options for finding a card’s fair market value. With some effort, collections can be successfully monetized.
