Buying old baseball cards online can be an exciting way to build your collection or find valuable vintage cards. It also comes with risks if you are not careful. This guide will provide tips on how to safely buy old baseball cards online as well as what to look out for.
When shopping for old baseball cards online, one of the most important things is ensuring you use reputable dealers and auction sites. Stick to well-known companies that have been in business for many years and have good reviews. Newer sellers may seem like they offer good deals, but there is more risk involved as you have no history to judge them by. Reputable dealers are more likely to accurately describe the condition of cards and stand by any issues.
Look closely at the pictures provided of any cards you are interested in. Reputable sellers will clearly show the front and back of each card so you can assess condition. Poorly lit or blurry photos could be a red flag that the seller is trying to hide flaws. Ask for additional photos if needed before bidding or buying. The condition of vintage cards can greatly impact their value, so it’s important to have a clear view.
When browsing listings, pay attention to the seller’s return policy. Look for no-questions-asked returns within a reasonable timeframe like 7-14 days. This protects you in case a card arrives and is not accurately graded. Some sellers will only accept returns for “significantly not as described” which can leave room for argument if you want a refund. Avoid sellers with no returns at all.
Thoroughly read the item description provided, including details on grade and centering. Make sure any flaws are clearly disclosed. Ask questions if something is unclear or if additional photos are needed before bidding. Reputable sellers will be upfront about issues rather than hiding them. Some sellers may also offer a return if you get the card graded by a reputable service and it comes back lower than described.
Check the seller’s feedback rating. Look for a high percentage of positive ratings and avoid anyone with repeated complaints about inaccurate descriptions or unwillingness to resolve issues. You can also search the seller’s username on collector forums to see if any other buyers have posted about poor experiences.
When it comes to payment, use a credit card for the highest purchase protection. PayPal also offers some buyer protection. Avoid paying by check, money order, or wire transfer which don’t have safeguards. Never send cash. Stick with established payment methods rather than any requests to pay outside normal channels.
Inspect cards carefully once received. Check for any damage during shipping and ensure the card matches the photos and description provided. Document any issues with photos of your own in case you need to file a dispute or return. Contact the seller promptly about any problems. Reputable sellers will work to resolve things, while others may become unresponsive.
Know the average value for the card grades you are looking at buying. Overpaying is a risk, especially for lower grade cards which have wider value ranges. Do research on recently sold eBay listings and price guide values to get a sense of fair pricing. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
When it comes to vintage cards in particular, there are a few other things to watch out for. Fakes and reprints were less of an issue for modern cards printed in the last few decades, but some valuable pre-1980s cards were counterfeited. Make sure to buy only from trusted, established dealers. Also watch out for altered cards that have been tampered with, trimmed, or had repairs made in an attempt to artificially boost the grade. Stick to sellers who will stand by independent grading if you choose to verify a card’s authenticity.
The risk of scams can be reduced greatly by sticking to well-known online auction sites like eBay where there are established dispute resolution processes. Even there you need to do your homework on individual sellers. Be wary of unsolicited messages on collector forums from accounts trying to conduct business off of the major platforms.
With the proper research and precautions, buying old baseball cards online can be very rewarding. Just take your time, thoroughly vet sellers, and don’t get swept up in the excitement of a potential find without ensuring you have protection. Stick to graded vintage cards from reputable dealers when possible for the lowest risk. Following these tips will help you build an awesome collection and avoid potential pitfalls in the online card market.
