When it comes to selling baseball cards online, there are a few top options collectors should consider. Each platform has its pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh factors like audience reach, fees, ease of use, and payment processing options. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most popular marketplaces.
eBay: As the largest online auction and shopping site, eBay gives sellers access to millions of potential buyers. Baseball cards of all eras and value frequently sell here. Selling on eBay is straightforward – you just need to create a listing with photos, description, and starting price or Buy It Now option. eBay takes a final value fee of 10% on sales, with a maximum of $750 per transaction. Payment is handled through PayPal. The big advantage is eBay’s massive user base, though you’ll face higher fees than some specialty sites.
COMC (Cardboard Connection): Formerly known as Blowout Cards, COMC is one of the largest online retailers focused solely on trading cards. They have a huge inventory of baseball cards for sale direct from their warehouse. Sellers can also use COMC’s consignment model, where they send in their cards to be photographed, listed, and stored until sale. COMC takes a smaller 12.9% fee plus $0.49 per card at time of sale. Funds are sent via check or PayPal once your balance reaches $10. COMC shoppers tend to be more serious collectors, and the site offers a money-back authenticity guarantee.
Sportlots: Another dedicated sports card marketplace, Sportlots caters to both buyers and sellers. You can sell individual cards or your entire collection through their online auctions or Buy It Now listings. Sellers set their own starting prices and have the flexibility to accept offers. Sportlots charges a 9.5% final value fee on sales. Payment is handled through PayPal or check once your balance reaches $50. The site has a smaller but engaged collector community compared to giants like eBay.
Facebook Groups: Facebook hosts many private groups dedicated to baseball card trading, buying, and selling. Groups can range from a few hundred members to tens of thousands. Sellers post photos of their items along with prices, allowing for quick sales within the collector community. There are no listing or transaction fees through Facebook itself. You’ll need to rely on PayPal Goods and Services, Venmo, or other payment methods to receive funds. Scams are possible since transactions happen off-marketplace. Stick to well-established groups with admin oversight.
Reddit: Baseball card trading subreddit r/baseballcards has over 100,000 members actively buying and selling. Like Facebook groups, sellers post photos and details and set their own asking prices. Transactions are handled directly through PayPal or other payment services. The subreddit is well-moderated to curb scams. While you won’t pay listing fees, reaching buyers may be tougher versus dedicated marketplaces. Still, it’s a great free option for moving individual cards or small collections.
Instagram: Baseball card collectors frequently use Instagram to showcase their collections, latest pulls, and items for sale. Sellers can create posts with photos and prices, then direct message potential buyers to complete transactions off-app. Payment is handled through PayPal or other third-party services. Instagram itself doesn’t facilitate sales. The social media platform allows collectors to gain followers within their niche community over time. There’s no centralized marketplace – you’ll need to actively promote your items.
In person card shows/shop consignment: For moving larger collections or high-value vintage cards, in-person card shows or shop consignment may be better options than online sales. At shows, you can rent a dealer table and interact with buyers face-to-face. Consignment allows shops to market your items through their storefronts in exchange for a percentage of profits. While these avenues lack the reach of online platforms, they allow for expert appraisals, authenticated grading verification important for high-dollar cards, and established relationships within the local collector base.
When selling baseball cards online, eBay provides the largest potential audience but charges higher fees. Sites like COMC, Sportlots and Facebook groups cater more directly to collectors with lower rates. For individual or small collections, free platforms like Reddit and Instagram can work well. Larger or valuable collections may have more success through in-person shows or shop consignment given authentication needs. Factors like cost of listing, payment processing, and desired buyer demographics will help determine the best sales channel. With the right approach, collectors have many good options to liquidate their baseball card inventory online today.
