Selling ungraded baseball cards can be tricky as there is no objective standard of condition like there is with graded cards. There are still several good options for sellers to explore. The best approach will often depend on factors like the age, player, and overall condition of the cards being sold.

When it comes to moving a large collection or vintage cards quickly at a fair price, online auction sites like eBay are usually the best bet. eBay allows anyone to list cards and lets the open market determine their value. Sellers set a starting price and auction length, then buyers bid the price up. Completed auction sales provide a good indicator of current market prices.

For sellers just looking to offload common cards or those in below average condition, eBay is a convenient one-stop-shop. There is no upfront cost to list and cards can potentially sell for more than their raw value since buyers enjoy the competitive bidding process. With fees of around 13% of the final sale price, eBay isn’t optimal for high-end cards.

Another popular online marketplace option is COMC.COM (Cardboard Connection). Sellers can send their entire collection to be photographed, cataloged and listed for sale. COMC handles shipping, grading if desired, and deals with customers. They take a smaller cut than eBay at just 10% but selection isn’t as vast and sell through rates may be slower.

For rare/valuable cards that would do better with expert grading, consignment to an established auction house makes sense. Heritage Auctions, Robert Edward Auctions and Goldin Auctions regularly sell millions of dollars worth of cards each month. Consignors avoid upfront costs and get expert promotion, but the auction houses take larger commissions of 15-20% plus additional buyer’s premiums.

Facebook groups focused on sports cards have also grown rapidly in popularity as a selling venue. Many have thousands of members actively buying and selling. Sellers can post photos of their cards with descriptions and ask for offers. Transactions are handled directly without marketplace fees. There is no buyer protection so scams are possible if not using a reputable group.

For vintage cards in lower grades that may still have value to collectors, local card shops are worth considering. While shops need to make a profit on purchases, some are very knowledgeable about what different condition levels and minor flaws may do to a card’s value. Sellers avoid fees but likely won’t get top dollar versus online options.

Consignment to a local auction house can be a good middle ground. They have local buyers attending sales but also market nationally. Fees are usually less than the big auction houses. Auctioneers are experts who can properly describe condition issues to maximize prices. Selection and sell through rates may not match online marketplaces.

For most casual sellers, eBay is usually the best initial option to test values of a large collection. COMC is better for hands-off consignment sales. Rare/valuable cards in top condition are best sent to a major auction house. Local shops and auctioneers work well for vintage/lower grade cards. Facebook groups provide an active peer-to-peer marketplace. Proper research into current prices and market demand is key to maximizing returns no matter the selling venue. With some diligence, ungraded baseball cards can still find enthusiastic buyers and collectors.