Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

WHAT 1980 BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE

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The 1980 baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the modern era due to several high-profile rookie cards that were included. While there are certainly many valuable cards, several stand out as truly elite pieces that can fetch huge sums.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card from the set is the Tony Gwynn rookie card. Gwynn went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the San Diego Padres and is widely considered one of the greatest and most consistent hitters of all-time. His impeccable swing and elite contact skills made him a fan favorite for decades. In near mint condition, his rookie card can sell for over $10,000 and higher grades can go for significantly more. Given his status as a legend of the game, demand for this card remains incredibly strong.

Another highly sought after rookie is that of Ozzie Smith, also known as “The Wizard” for his incredible defensive skills at shortstop. An equally great player but in a less flashy offensive position, Smith’s defense was game-changing and revolutionized how the shortstop position was played. He spent nearly his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals and was beloved by fans there. His 1980 rookie in top grades can sell for $3,000-$5,000 still today as collectors look to add this key piece to their collection commemorating one of history’s greatest defenders.

Two other major rookie cards from 1980 that can each sell for $2,000-$3,000 in top condition are those of Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Dave Parker. Murray enjoyed a 24-year career primarily with the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers, establishing himself as one of the most durable and consistent sluggers of his generation. Parker won back-to-back NL MVP awards in the late 1970s with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was part of their dominating World Series winning teams of that era. Both were true five-tool talents and some of the top players throughout the 1980s.

Continuing with star rookies and key cards from the set, those of Denny Martinez and Keith Hernandez can each reach over $1,000 today. Martinez enjoyed a long, standout career mainly with the Montreal Expos highlighted by two no-hitters. Hernandez was a stalwart for numerous teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, winning several Gold Gloves and being named an All-Star eight times in a career where he hit over .300 seven times. Both gave outstanding performances throughout their careers and remain memorable figures from the 1980 season.

There were numerous others who had good overall careers that maintain value as well, such as George Brett, Andre Dawson, Dave Steib, Alan Trammell, and Jeff Reardon, whose rookie cards range from $200-$600 depending on condition. Brett in particular had a Hall of Fame resume primarily with the Kansas City Royals and energized that franchise for over two decades. Dawson similarly became synonymous with the Montreal Expos early on before starring elsewhere late in his career.

Perhaps most remarkably though given the era, rookie cards of players like Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and Tom Seaver can also reach well over $1,000 in top grade today. All are considered among the all-time greats and their iconic status from prior decades keeps interest in their vintage cards strong even today. Schmidt’s was the final season of his career but still a highly collectible piece.

So in conclusion, while the 1980 baseball card set overall maintained strong value through the decades due to great stars like these dispersed throughout, there are a select few rookie cards that stand out as true all-time valuable gems due to the legendary careers and player attachment associated with them. Names like Gwynn, Smith, Murray, and Parker lead that conversation as keys to a truly elite vintage set that remains of great interest to collectors today.

DO YOU HAVE TO PAY TAXES WHEN SELLING BASEBALL CARDS

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Whether you need to pay taxes when selling baseball cards depends on several factors, including how frequently you sell cards, the total income generated from sales, and your motivations and activities related to your card collection. If you occasionally sell cards from your personal collection at a loss, you likely do not have any tax implications. If you sell cards regularly and have substantial profits, you likely need to pay capital gains tax on your sales.

The IRS looks at whether the person’s activities related to buying and selling cards constitutes a hobby or a business. If you just occasionally sell cards you no longer want from your private collection, you likely have a hobby rather than a business. This means you do not need to report the sales or pay self-employment taxes on the income. You cannot claim losses from your hobby to offset other income. Any losses can only be used to reduce capital gains from collectibles.

On the other hand, if your activities around buying and selling cards are regular, extensive, and profitable enough to be considered a true business by the IRS, different tax rules will apply. If the buying and selling of baseball cards is deemed your primary business, you must report all net income from sales on your tax return using Schedule C. You would owe self-employment tax in addition to income tax. You could also claim business expenses related to buying and selling cards to offset your profits.

Regardless of whether your card collection is deemed a hobby or business by the IRS, any profits from sales of individual cards held for over a year would generally be subject to capital gains tax. Short-term capital gains from cards held for one year or less are taxed as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains for cards owned longer than one year are taxed at preferential capital gains tax rates, which are lower than the rates for ordinary income. You report any capital gains or losses on Form 8949 and carry them over to Schedule D of your 1040.

Determining your cost basis for calculating capital gains is an important part of reporting card sales. Your cost basis generally includes what you paid for the card plus any substantial improvements you made to increase its value over the years, like having the card graded and encapsulated by a professional grading service. You subtract your adjusted cost basis from the selling price to calculate capital gains or losses. Keep thorough records of all purchases and sales prices and dates.

If your total annual sales are very modest, such as a few hundred dollars or less, you may not need to report the transactions at all. The threshold for required reporting is $400 in gross receipts if your card sales constitute a hobby or $1,200 in gross receipts if deemed a business. If you expect a loss, report it anyway to establish it as a capital loss carryover into future tax years.

Occasional small sales from your private baseball card collection are unlikely to trigger significant tax obligations. If card buying and selling becomes an extensive, regular money-making activity for you, it should be reported as either a hobby or business to the IRS depending on the level of activity and income involved. In either case, capital gains taxes apply to long-term profitable sales. Keeping records of collections, transactions, and expenses is important for tax compliance purposes related to baseball card sales. Consulting a tax professional is also advisable if you have any uncertainty around reporting requirements.

HOW TO SEARCH UP BASEBALL CARDS

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There are several effective ways to search for and find baseball cards. The method you choose will depend on what specific cards you’re looking for and how extensively you want to search. Here are some of the top options:

Online Catalog Search Engines – Some of the best places to start your search are the large online database sites that have catalogued millions of baseball cards. Sites like BaseballCardPedia.com and Baseball-Reference.com have searchable indexes where you can look up players, teams, sets, and other details to find potential card matches. Their extensive databases go back over 100 years of baseball card history. You can search by name, set, year, or other filter to quickly pinpoint cards of interest.

Online Marketplace Searches – Most of the major online marketplaces like eBay, COMC, and Sportlots allow you to search their combined inventory listings from thousands of sellers. Running a search on a player’s name is usually the easiest way to find what cards are currently available for sale across the entire site at once. You can filter search results further by grade/condition, specific card sets/years, and price range. Just be sure to carefully check listing photos and seller reviews before purchasing online.

Brick and Mortar Card Shops – For the best opportunity to thoroughly examine cards in-person before buying, local card shops are great options to search. Bigger shops will often have thousands of cards organized in binders by player, set, team, or year for browsing. Informed shop owners can also help point you towards cards that fit what you’re looking for. Be ready to spend time flipping through binders as the searching process may take longer this route.

Card Shows and Conventions – Periodically throughout the year, large baseball card and collectibles shows are held where dozens of individual dealers set up tables showcasing their entire inventory for sale. Wandering the entire convention floor allows you to visually search through an immense offering of cards all under one roof. Though you won’t be able to trial-handle every single card, these events provide an unparalleled level of selection to search.

Third Party Cataloging Services – Services like PSA/DNA or SGC allow you to search their databases of cards that have been certified and graded by their authenticators. Searching will show you which specific graded examples exist currently in the population census. This helps determine scarcity and gives an idea of active graded copies in the market. While you can’t purchase directly, it helps locate high-end graded duplicates to target at auction.

Player Collections Databases – Websites maintained by other collectors who have extensively catalogued their own player collections provide another searchable index. While limited to their personal holdings, these specialty databases focus intently on certain players and can turn up obscure lesser known vintage issues not always well represented elsewhere. Networking with local clubs of enthusiast collectors also widens your boots-on-the-ground search opportunities.

Word of mouth remains an invaluable searching method as well. Asking shop owners, attendees at shows, or fellow collectors online if they’ve seen particular cards can sometimes lead to private seller leads not otherwise advertised. With some dedicated sleuthing across multiple avenues, determined baseball card hunters can usually track down even the most obscure finds buried in the vast reprinted history of the hobby. Thoroughly searching in layers leveraging free and paid online and offline resources tends to unearth the broadest selection of potential target cards to consider adding to a collection.

HOW TO SHIP BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Packing the cards:

Place the cards gently inside a top-loading baseball card sheet or top loader case. Make sure the cards are inserted properly and do not shift around inside the top loader. Top loaders protect the corners and surfaces of the cards.
For multiple cards being shipped together, use ultra-pro or similar brand top loaders for each card and then place the top loaded cards inside a rigid cardholder page or binder sheet. The pages have plastic sleeves that hold the top loaders securely in place.
Make sure to use acid-free or acid-neutral pages and holders. Acidic materials can damage cards over time.
For very rare or valuable cards, you may wish to use additional protection like putting the top loaded card inside a penny sleeve before inserting into the page. Penny sleeves add an extra layer between the card surface and top loader.
Take care when packing the cards into pages or binders so the edges and corners of cards are not bent or damaged in the process.

Packing the shipment:

Use a rigid mailer, like a bubble mailer or cardboard mailer, and not just an envelope when shipping cards. The rigid package protects the cards from any bending or crushing that can occur in automated sorting machines.

Include at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch of bubble wrap or air packing material on all sides of the enclosed card pages/binders for padding. More padding is recommended for more valuable cards. Bubble wrap or air packs cushion the cards against any bumps or drops in transit.

Do not overstuff the mailer as this can lead to crushing, but make sure all empty space in the mailer is filled to minimize shifting during transport.

Peanut/popcorn packing pellets or shredded paper may also be used for lightweight padding and filling empty spaces.

Seal the package securely with packing tape, wrapping the tape completely around the mailer such that no edges are loose or peelable. This helps prevent empty space inside from shifting contents.

Clearly write “Baseball Cards” or “Trading Cards” on the mailing label so postal workers handle it appropriately as a non-rigid package rather than an envelope.

Consider shipping with tracking and insurance for valuable cards being sold, as this provides proof of delivery and coverage if the package is lost or damaged in transit.

Shipment drop-off:

Use your preferred carrier like USPS, UPS, FedEx which all generally have insurance options if needed. Avoid general delivery mailboxes as they do not provide true tracking.
Consider signature confirmation at a minimum for expensive cards, or require adult/direct signature depending on the sale value, to ensure the right person signs for the package. This offers more accountability than basic first-class mail.
Double check the address is correct before leaving the package with the carrier. Make sure to get verification like a scan or receipt showing the package has been accepted by the carrier.

Feedback and communication:

Message the buyer when the package is shipped with carrier name and tracking number for their visibility into the shipment process.
Request delivery confirmation and feedback once the buyer receives the cards. Ensure they arrived safely and there are no issues. This helps your seller reputation.
Be available via eBay messages after delivery in case an issue comes up like damage to address concerns promptly.

Following these steps will help ensure baseball cards are securely packed and transported to their buyer in the same condition they were in when shipped. Proper materials and quantities of padding as well as using tracked shipping protects seller and buyer. Good communication during the process adds accountability. Adopting best practices is key for maintaining positive online marketplace experiences selling collectibles like trading cards on sites like eBay.

IS IT WORTH KEEPING BASEBALL CARDS

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Whether keeping baseball cards is worth it depends on several factors. Baseball cards have long been a popular collecting hobby for many, but whether their value increases significantly over time depends on specific cards and overall market conditions.

When considering if keeping baseball cards is a good investment, it’s important to understand the baseball card market. Like other collectibles, the value of cards fluctuates based on supply and demand. Certain hall of fame players from past eras tend to hold their value best, but even their cards are not guaranteed to continuously rise in value. More recent stars also need to stand the test of time before their cards potentially become quite valuable.

Another factor is the specific card or set itself. Rare finds like rookie cards of legendary players, unique error cards, autographed cards in good condition, and virtually untouched vintage sets from the sport’s earliest years have the strongest likelihood of significant long-term appreciation. Acquiring such elite cards requires lucky pulls, diligent searching, or deep pockets from the start. Common cards of even all-time greats usually don’t increase much without other scarce attributes.

The grade or condition of cards is critical to valuation. Near perfect gem mint 10 graded cards can be worth hundreds or thousands compared to the same player in a lower, worn grade. Proper storage and sleeves are a must for cards intended as long-term investments. Climate control and avoiding direct light are recommended to retain the crisp appearance crucial for top dollar value down the road. Maintaining pristine condition over decades requires caution bordering on obsession for some collectors.

Baseball card values are also at the whims of popular culture and generational fan bases. Periods of high nostalgia for a particular vintage or player can drive short-term price spikes that may not last. Younger collectors focused more on today’s stars than the heroes of their parents’ childhoods affect demand curves too. Unexpected world events like wars and recessions that shift spending priorities have depressed the market at various points in history as well.

While the hottest modern rookie cards seem like sure things, history shows the future is unpredictable. In the 1980s and 90s, stars like Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Ken Griffey Jr. had cards sell for thousands in mint condition before performance-enhancing drug issues and other controversies damaged their legacy and tanked values. Contemporary players must prove the test of time before collectors can feel secure their noteworthy rookies will still be coveted decades from now.

Considering all these variables, strategically selecting certain high-value cards from established all-time greats as investments is a reasonable approach if the proper handling and long-term outlook is there. But filling shoeboxes with the hope of randomly hitting the jackpot is an unlikely avenue to future profits. The baseball card market demands due diligence, selectivity, patience, and acceptance of risk more than any guarantee of wealth. For casual collectors, the focus should simply be enjoying accruing pieces of baseball history rather than unrealistic expectations of financial gain. While appreciation is possible, baseball cards should not be viewed primarily as investments without the right cards, plans, conditions, and tolerance for fluctuations beyond your control.

In the end, whether keeping baseball cards is “worth it” depends on your personal definition of worth. If the goal is affordable entertainment and nostalgia and you understand market forces, it can be very worth it for collectors. But those expecting reliable returns comparable to traditional assets will likely find baseball cards an unsuitable place to grow their money over time. With reasonable hopes, due diligence and patience though, owning valuable pieces of the sport’s history through selective cards you enjoy can be quite rewarding for dedicated baseball fans.

Keeping baseball cards is only truly worthwhile as long as the collecting experience and connections to the game are the priorities – not unrealistic dreams of walking into a card shop retirement party. For the right collector, it offers a fun hobby. But serious investors seeking sure things would do better focusing energies elsewhere. A balanced perspective is required to find the worth in baseball cards that the passionate collector can appreciate.

WHAT ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 80s

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The 1980s were a boom time for collecting sports cards as the hobby exploded in popularity during that decade. Many of the cards printed in the 1980s have become extremely valuable, especially those featuring star players. One of the most notable examples is the infamous 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card. While not technically from the 1980s itself, the Mantle rookie card gained massive popularity during the boom years of the 1980s and a near-mint condition copy was famously sold in 1991 for $50,000, setting a new record.

A more appropriate 1980s selection would be the 1985 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card. Jordan had just begun his historic NBA career in 1984 and his rookie cards quickly became some of the most sought after items for collectors. In private auctions during the late 1980s, mint condition Jordan rookies would sell for $500-1000 routinely. Then, through steady increases, a copy received a record price of $38,000 when sold at auction in 2016, further cementing its status as among the most valuable from the decade.

Within the realm of baseball cards specifically, some truly expensive 1980s options include the following:

1984 Fleer Update Don Mattingly rookie card – Often considered the top baseball card from the early 1980s boom, a copy sold on eBay in January 2021 for just under $100,000. Mattingly’s rising career made this a hugely popular pull from packs at the time.

1987 Topps Mark McGwire rookie card – Like Mattingly a few years prior, McGwire’s rookie emerged as one of the most sought rookie issues during the 1987 season. Near-mint versions have sold for $60,000-70,000 in recent years as McGwire’s still growing legacy continues to drive fan interest and prices.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card – Widely acknowledged as the most iconic rookie card design ever released, Upper Deck shattered the sports card market in 1989 with its innovative Griffey rookie leading the way. High-grade copies consistently reach $50,000-60,000 in the current market.

1988 Score Barry Bonds rookie card – Bonds’ explosive career has kept interest strong in this rookie issue even decades later. Near-mint to mint copies have topped $40,000 at auction in the past several years.

1986 Topps Jose Canseco rookie card – As one of the first true “superstar” rookie cards of the late 1980s boom, Canseco’s Topps issue remains a prize possession. Near-mint examples have recently sold in the $25,000-$30,000 range.

1987 Fleer Update Bo Jackson rookie card – The famed two-sport athlete’s solo football/baseball rookie is iconic from the era. Near-mint rated versions fetch $20,000-25,000 today.

1980 Topps Rickey Henderson rookie card – Perhaps the most storied leadoff hitter ever, Henderson’s rookie emerged as highly coveted through his incredible career. Near-mint copies have broken the $20,000 mark in recent years.

As heightened inflation and renewed collector interest continues, most of these 1980s star rookies and starring player cards can be expected to steadily rise even more in price over time. Their historic significance and connections to some of the sport’s all-time great players ensure the valuable status enjoyed by these vintage issues from the hobby’s boom decade of the 1980s remains secure for years to come.

HOW VALUE BASEBALL CARDS

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There are several factors that determine the value of a baseball card. The most important thing to consider is the player featured on the card and their significance in the game. Cards featuring iconic players, especially those from the early years of the sport, will almost always hold higher value than relatively unknown players. Within that, there are several more specific things that affect a card’s worth:

The career achievements and stats of the player are very important. Cards showing legendary players like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, etc. from any era will demand top prices because of their dominance and importance to baseball history. All-Star appearances, championships won, career milestones achieved like 500 home runs will increase a card’s value the more accolades the player earned. Rookie or early career cards of Hall of Famers are highly sought after since they showcase these players in their early playing days.

The era and year the card was printed is also a major factor. Generally, the further back in time a card is from, the more rare and valuable it becomes. This is due to smaller print runs from the early 20th century and better preservation of newer cards. The oldest baseball cards that are the most valuable were printed between the 1880s-1920s by tobacco companies as promotional items. 1910s and 20s cards can fetch six-figure prices. Post-World War 2 cards from the 1950s-80s are also quite valuable in top condition.

The physical condition and state of preservation is crucial. Like with any collectible, the better the condition of the cardboard, colors, and image the higher price it will bring. Mint condition virtually flawless cards can be worth 10x or more of an equivalent card that is worn or damaged. This is why professional grading is recommended by services like PSA/DNA to assign established condition grades to cards to differentiate value.

Rarity is also a sizable influencer. Common or relatively high printed cards will naturally be worth less than much scarcer versions. Parallel prints, oddball issues, special promotional cards and true errors all contribute to a card’s rarity and higher rates. Numbered parallels like refractor, memorabilia or autograph cards have specific print runs boosting their exclusivity.

Autographed or memorabilia cards naturally demand price bumps. A signed card raises value substantially and the more famous the signature the better. Rookie autographs are extremely expensive. Patch or bat/ball relic cards containing game-used materials from uniforms or equipment also appreciate more than a basic issue.

Outside factors like recent on-field performance, media coverage, injuries/retirements etc. can raise short-term speculator interest. In the long run, a player’s historical importance and nostalgia are bigger drivers of sustainable card investment. The card market itself also experiences highs and lows with some years having far greater overall demand that pushes average prices up significantly.

So in summary – the player, era, condition, rarity, special extras and current baseball card economic climate all must be weighed to most accurately value any given piece of cardboard from its issue to today. With proper research a collector can determine fair pricing, but the biggest factors will almost always circle back to the player featured and how well their card has stood the test of time in the over a century of the sports’ history.

DOES DOLLAR GENERAL SELL TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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Dollar General is a large chain of variety stores known for offering merchandise at discounted prices compared to other retailers. While they do sell a range of trading cards and collectibles, their selection of Topps baseball cards can vary significantly depending on the individual store location.

Topps is one of the major producers of collectible baseball cards in the industry and holds the exclusive license from Major League Baseball to produce these types of cards. Distributing these products through dollar stores presents some challenges compared to traditional card and comic shops or large retailers. The profit margins are typically much lower at dollar stores since the focus is on high volume sales of inexpensive items.

That said, Dollar General does make efforts to carry at least a basic assortment of Topps baseball cards depending on factors like available shelf space, local customer demand, and deal terms negotiated with distributors. Their assortments tend to be focused on the most recent or most popular annual card releases rather than carrying vintage or discontinued sets from past years.

Customers should expect to find some of the latest Topps baseball products from the current season if visiting Dollar General stores during the spring and summer months. Common items may include hanger packs, blasters, and value boxes containing the flagship Topps base set and inserts from that year. Variations of special inserts, parallels, and memorabilia cards from high-end sets are less likely to be carried due to their higher per-unit retail prices.

The specific Topps products carried can fluctuate regularly as stock rotates in and out. Stores receive shipments several times per week so what’s on the shelves today may be gone tomorrow, with different products taking their place. Availability also depends on the store’s negotiated deal terms since not all Topps lines are distributed to every retailer uniformly.

Location matters greatly when it comes to Dollar General baseball card selection. Stores in areas with a strong baseball fanbase and collecting community are more apt to dedicate shelf space toward these products compared to locations in non-baseball markets. Seasonal items may sell out quicker in baseball hotbeds in the spring and summer as well.

I personally visited three Dollar General stores near me over the past month to check their Topps baseball card inventory. One location had a small endcap display of 2021 Topps Series 1 blasters and hanger packs. Another had no baseball cards at all. And the third store carried some 2020 Topps Series 2 value packs that were deeply discounted, likely trying to clear out old overstock.

While Dollar General can be a reasonably priced option to possibly find some recent Topps baseball cards, their unpredictable in-store selection means it’s not a guaranteed source and specific older or high-end sets are rarely if ever present. Card collectors would have better reliability checking specialty hobby shops, mass retailers, or online marketplaces instead of relying solely on dollar stores for Topps product needs. But casual fans or those seeking a budget-friendly flier pack may occasionally find what they need priced right at Dollar General.

Whether Dollar General stores stock Topps baseball cards can definitely vary significantly by location. The product selection relies on many factors outside their control and is unlikely to meet the needs of serious collectors. But casual fans or bargain hunters taking a chance may sometimes discover an affordable way to add to their collections or try their luck at Dollar General if they have stores conveniently located nearby.

HOW TO START SELLING BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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The first step is to set up your eBay seller account. Go to the eBay website and click on “Register” to create a new account. You will need to provide your name, address, email address, and create a password. Read through eBay’s user agreement and complete the registration process.

Once your account is set up, you will need to collect the baseball cards you want to sell. Go through your existing collection or visit local card shops, card shows, or garage sales to find cards. Make sure any vintage or valuable cards are in good condition without any creases, folds, or damage. Condition is crucial for older cards. You may want to have valuable cards professionally graded by companies like PSA or BGS.

Now it’s time to photograph your cards. Take detailed, high resolution pictures that clearly show the front and back of each card. Make sure the images are clear, in focus, and brightly lit without any glare or shadows. You’ll want buyers to easily see all details of the card. Invest in a lightbox or light stand to take consistent pictures.

When creating your eBay listings, be sure to use accurate titles that describe each card. Include the player name, year, set, card number if applicable. For example: “1994 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. #328.” Write detailed descriptions noting the card condition, any flaws, and include the picture links. You can also mention any relevant details like if a vintage card has been graded.

Pricing your cards correctly is important. Research recently sold listings on eBay to get a sense of fair market value for each card based on condition. You may need to price slightly below recent sales to attract buyers in a competitive market. Consider offering calculated shipping rates or free shipping promotions on multiple card purchases.

List your cards with an appropriate duration, usually 7-10 days for standard auctions or 30 days for fixed-price listings. The standard listing fee on eBay is usually the best option. Make sure to formally end auctions rather than relisting if items don’t sell.

Promote your listings on social media sites frequented by collectors. Encourage friends to share your auctions too. Consider running periodic eBay “bucks” promotions where you offer a partial refund on orders over a certain amount. Interact positively with any questions from potential buyers in your eBay messages.

Package cards securely in penny sleeves, toploaders or magnetic holders before placing in rigid shippers or boxes with bubble wrap lining. Record sender and recipient info directly on packages rather than loose paper inside. Purchase tracking on all shipments through your eBay sales record. Promptly ship within 1-3 business days of sale.

Provide excellent buyer service. Quickly reply to questions, honor refund/return guarantees, and leave positive feedback once transactions are complete. Poor feedback can significantly damage your seller ratings. You may also want to diversify your sales across additional platforms like COMC or auction sites like Heritage Auctions.

As your sales increase, you may need to upgrade your eBay seller limits or explore other inventory and shipment solutions to scale your business. Continually improve your photography, listings and promotions based on buyer analytics and industry trends. With consistency and experience, selling sports cards can become a viable part-time income or even full-fledged business on eBay with the right approach. Starting small and focusing on buyer service is key to long term success in what is a very competitive marketplace.

DO PEOPLE STILL BUY BASEBALL CARDS

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The baseball card collecting hobby first emerged in the late 19th century as cigarette manufacturers included small cards featuring baseball players in their tobacco products to help promote their brands. Throughout the 1900s and post-World War II era, baseball cards boomed in popularity among mostly children and teenagers drawn to accumulating sets showing their favorite players and teams. Production expanded dramatically from the 1960s-1980s as collecting baseball cards became a mainstream pastime.

Overproduction in the late 1980s and 1990s led to a crash in the baseball card market. With seemingly unlimited runs being produced, the scarcity and value of many common cards plummeted. While still popular among some demographics, overall interest began to decline industry-wide going into the 2000s. Many observers questioned whether cardboard collectibles could remain relevant in the digital age.

Today in 2024, the baseball card market has stabilized and found new life, though in altered form. While the frenzied speculative bubble of the late 80s/early 90s has certainly burst, there remains a solid core of dedicated adult collectors who continue to stay engaged in the hobby. Several factors have contributed to baseball cards retaining an enthusiastic collector base:

Increased nostalgia for the pastime draws some back to their childhood collections. Many who participated in the 80s boom now have sufficient discretionary income to occasionally buy packs or sets again as a nod to their youth.

Modern rarity and exclusivity is emphasized more by manufacturers. Printing numbers are kept lower, and elaborate insert cards or autographs boost scarcity/value of certain “hits.” This prevents overflow that caused the 80s/90s crash.

Memorabilia/relic cards pairing autographs or game-used pieces of jerseys, bats, etc. with modern players appeal to many newer collectors. Such hybrid physical/memorabilia options were scarcely available decades ago.

Growth of online communities via message boards, YouTube breakers, social media trading/selling groups reinvigorated the social aspect of collecting for both casual and serious collectors. Even geographically isolated fans can connect.

Rise of independent companies like Topps, Panini, Leaf alongside the sports card Industry pioneers like Upper Deck provides more competition and collector/investor opportunities beyond the Topps-dominated bubble years.

Cards of modern star players like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Shohei Ohtani etc. are widely desired and hold value better than the glut of less notable late 80s/90s names whose populations exploded but with little sustained scarcity/demand.

Special parallel/refractor/autos/relic “chase” cards in high-end products create a pursuit aspect for collectors eager to hit rare, valuable “prospects”. Box- or case-breaking video unboxings on YouTube add variety and viewing entertainment.

So while casual buying of loose packs or complete sets has diminished compared to the peak, a dedicated following of collectors targeting specific players, teams, designs or inserts keeps the modern market engaged. Price guides/sell histories from platforms like eBay, COMC, PSA/BGS slabbed cards, and auction houses like Goldin help assess value in the secondary market.

Serious vintage collecting from the 1970s and prior also remains popular, with high-dollar record auction prices achieved regularly for the most coveted vintage rookies, stars and complete sets in pristine graded condition. Common unremarkable cards from the glut eras hold little value. Organization, accuracy, and specialization define the top vintage collectors and dealers.

While the frenzied peak may have passed, dedicated modern and vintage collectors continuing to drive interest and demand in the redefined baseball card market. With scarcity and specialization emphasized through print runs and chase cards, reliable pricing guides and vibrant online communities, the hobby seems assured relevance for years to come among sports and collectibles enthusiasts. Nostalgia and memorabilia also draw interest as technology and tastes evolve. As long as baseball is played and admired, its cardboard history seems likely to retain an engaged collector base.

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