There are several potential options for selling old baseball cards. The approach you take will depend on factors like the number of cards, their overall condition and value, and how quickly you want to complete the sale. No matter which path you choose, doing some research on current baseball card values and demand is important.
One of the fastest and easiest ways to sell cards is by taking them to a local card shop. This allows you to sell the entire collection all at once without much effort. You likely won’t get top dollar this route since the shop needs to make a profit when reselling. Shop owners will often offer 40-60% of what they estimate the cards could sell for individually. Still, it’s a quick option if you just want to liquidate the cards.
Before going to the shop, sort your cards by sport, condition, and year for a more organized inspection. Poorly organized or dirty cards may cause the shop owner to lowball an offer. It’s also wise to check recent sales of any valuable rookie cards or legends you have using online price guide sites. This allows you to negotiate for closer to fair market value on your best cards.
If you want to potentially earn more money, you can opt to sell individually online through an online marketplace like eBay. This does require more work listing each card, handling payments and shipping. But you have access to a huge base of collectors worldwide instead of just local buyers.
It’s important to photograph cards clearly and accurately describe any flaws. Honestly detailing condition is key to attract real buyers. Make sure to research what similar condition cards have recently sold for so you can price competitively. You may want to specialize in one type of cards like rookies or stars from a specific era to gain interest from collectors looking for those items.
Shipping cards safely is also critical. Investment-grade cards suitable for grading would require top-loading in semi-rigid holders, then encased in a cardboard mailers or box with ample padding. For lesser condition cards, penny sleeves and soft sleeves with cardboard and bubble wrap buffering work well. Registered mail with insurance is worth it for valuable shipments.
Auctions offer another outlet to reach many buyers nationally through companies like Heritage Auctions. Auction consignment involves fees subtracting from your final payout amount. Grading cards first through authorities like PSA or BGS can increase prices by giving collectors assurance of condition, but grading also costs money up front.
Local consignment shops that ship items for you and provide exposure through their online storefronts remove much of the legwork but again entail commissions. Consider selling higher-end cards through a specialized sports memorabilia consignment broker who markets solely to serious investors and collectors internationally. They aim for top dollar but demand a substantial cut.
Whichever avenue you pursue, maintaining organized records is vital for tracking sales, potential returns, payment status and tax reporting purposes down the road. Taking the time for research puts you in the best position to realize top potential value from your collections. With patience and diligence, older baseball cards can become a profitable liquid asset.
