Selling your baseball card collection can be a great way to make some extra cash, but you need to take the right approach to get the best value for your cards. Whether you have a few valuable cards or an entire collection to liquidate, following some tried and true methods will help you sell efficiently and for the highest prices.
The first step is to take inventory of your entire collection. Carefully go through each and every card and make a full list detailing things like the player name, year, brand (Topps, Fleer, etc.), condition and any other relevant details. Taking a photo of each rare or valuable card is also a good idea. This inventory will allow you to properly research prices and showcase your best cards to potential buyers.
When it comes to researching prices, the internet makes it very easy to find out what cards are worth. Websites like eBay allow you to search “sold” listings of any given player or year to see exactly what similar condition cards have recently sold for after an auction. Be sure to only compare to sold prices of cards in similar or identical condition to yours for an accurate valuation. Other sites like PriceCharting and BaseballCardPedia aggregate sale data from across the internet to provide average values.
Proper grading of condition is crucial for pricing rare cards accurately. The top two professional grading services, PSA and BGS, have standard condition scales ranging from Poor to Gem Mint 10. Getting valuable cards graded will result in much higher prices but it does cost a fee. For ungraded cards, evaluate condition yourself using high quality photos and detailed condition notes in your listings. Surface scratches, corners, centering and edges should all be considered.
Now you’re ready to start selling your collection. There are several good options:
Online Auction Sites (eBay): Listing cards individually or in small lots on eBay is a great way to reach the largest potential audience of collectors. Take high quality photos, be very detailed in descriptions and always ship securely.
Local Card Shops: Stop by local collectibles shops and sports memorabilia stores to see if they’re interested in buying your entire collection or individual valuable cards in person. You may get a lower price than online but it’s convenient.
Online Sports Collectibles Stores: Sites like Sportlots.com and Collector’s Edge allow you to sell cards directly to large inventory buyers. You won’t get top dollar usually but it’s easy and fast if you want to liquidate everything at once.
Consignment with a Dealer: Consider consigning your best cards to an experienced dealer who can showcase them at major card shows and conventions around the country. They’ll take a commission (usually 20-30%) but your cards will reach the most serious collectors.
Auction Houses: If you have truly rare and valuable vintage cards graded PSA/BGS 7 or higher, the big auction houses like Heritage, SCP, Robert Edward and Memory Lane may be able to sell them for you, netting the highest prices. But they also take the largest commissions.
No matter where you choose to sell, take the time to carefully package cards to ensure they arrive safely. Toploaders, team bags, cardboard and bubble wrap are your friends. Clearly write descriptions on the outside and fully insure shipments. Also photograph the unopened package before dropping it at the post office in case of any issues.
With some research, effort and patience, selling your baseball card collection the right way is very doable. Following best practices for inventory, pricing, grading, listing and shipping will help you maximize profits and find new homes for your cards with collectors who will truly appreciate them. Liquidating a collection you’ve held onto for years can be very rewarding.
