Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

CAN I SELL BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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Selling baseball cards on eBay is certainly possible and many collectors and dealers do it successfully. eBay is one of the largest marketplaces for collectibles of all types, including sports trading cards, and provides collectors with a way to buy and sell cards to a huge potential audience online. Here are some important details to consider about selling baseball cards on eBay:

Listing Requirements – In order to sell items on eBay, you will need to set up an eBay seller account. This is a free process that takes just a few minutes. Once you have an account, you can begin creating listings for your baseball cards. eBay listings require certain details like a title, description, categories, pictures, pricing, shipping costs, and returns policy. Be thorough but concise in your listings.

Pricing Strategy – When pricing your baseball cards for sale, research recently sold comps on eBay to get a sense of fair market value. Factor in the player, year, condition, and any special characteristics. Be competitive but don’t underprice your cards. You can choose between setting a fixed price or using eBay’s auction format. Auctions often result in the highest sale prices but fixed price tends to sell more consistently.

Payment Options – The majority of eBay baseball card sales are conducted using PayPal, the digital payment service owned by eBay. You will need to link a PayPal account to your eBay seller account to receive payments. eBay also offers its own managed payments service now which handles credit card transactions directly on the site. Familiarize yourself with both payment systems before listing items.

Shipping & Packaging – Decide whether you will charge buyers for shipping or include it in the listing price. Provide accurate shipping cost estimates based on size and weight. Package cards securely between sturdy cardboard or use plastic sleeves and toploaders inside a bubble mailer or box. Clearly label the package and include a thank you note. Track your shipments for proof of delivery.

Grading & Authenticating – If you plan to sell high-end, valuable vintage baseball cards, you may want to have them professionally graded by a company like PSA, BGS, or SGC. This validation of the card’s condition and authenticity can increase its value significantly. Grading also costs money upfront. Read grading company submission guidelines carefully.

Returns & Disputes – Outline a clear returns policy on damaged, wrong, or significantly different items. Most sellers accept returns within a certain period for a refund. You may have to pay return shipping costs. Familiarize yourself with eBay Money Back Guarantee protections and how to handle potential disputes or negative feedback fairly.

Taxes – Keep thorough records of all sales, fees, and expenses. eBay will send a 1099-K tax form if your annual payments exceed $20,000 or you complete over 200 transactions. You may need to collect sales tax depending on your state rules. Consult a tax professional if you have any questions about tax obligations from eBay business income.

Promoting Listings – Take high-quality photos that showcase the card’s condition, front and back. Answer buyer questions promptly. Consider running Promoted Listings which boost visibility for a small advertising fee. Create an eBay Store for a professional seller presence. Maintain a positive feedback rating by providing excellent buyer service. You can also promote cards on social media to attract more traffic.

Scams & Safety – Only do business within eBay and PayPal’s protected platforms. Never communicate with buyers off-site or handle payments outside these systems which forfeits buyer/seller protections. Be wary of difficult buyers requesting unusual arrangements. Protect your account security with two-factor authentication. Report any suspicious behavior to eBay right away.

Selling baseball cards online through eBay can connect you with a huge baseball collector community if you make quality listings, communicate professionally, package securely, and follow eBay’s rules. With some effort building your seller reputation over time, you have the potential to run a successful baseball card business or make money liquidating part of your personal collection. Just be prepared to learn the in’s and out’s of selling online through experience. eBay’s buyer and seller support resources can also help smooth the learning curve.

As long as you follow eBay’s selling policies and provide a good buyer experience, selling your baseball cards through the world’s largest online marketplace is absolutely viable. With care taken in photography, pricing, shipping, returns, payments, promotions, and security – along with offering sought-after vintage and modern cards in desirable condition – you have a solid chance of attracting buyers and completing transactions for your collectibles through eBay. Just be patient, pay attention to detail, and be willing to learn the nuances of online card dealing over time. With the right approach, selling baseball cards on eBay can complement or even become a baseball enthusiast’s business.

DOES TARGET HAVE BASEBALL CARDS IN STORE

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Target does typically carry some baseball card products in their stores, but the selection can vary significantly depending on the specific location. Baseball cards remain a popular collectible item, especially around the start of the season in spring, so many Target stores aim to have at least a small assortment of new packs, boxes, and memorabilia available. The dedicated card aisle that used to be standard in most big box retailers has largely disappeared in recent years.

Baseball cards are no longer the dominant force in the collectibles market they once were in the late 80s through 90s. While interest among dedicated collectors remains strong, casual fans and young kids are drawn more to things like Pokémon and sports trading cards from the NBA, NFL, and international soccer leagues. This has led Target and similar stores to scale back dedicated card space in favor of multi-sport and multi-hobby displays.

Customers should expect to find newer baseball card products mixed in with other trading cards, rather than taking up a whole aisle on their own. Topps and Panini are the main manufacturers represented, offering both value hobby boxes of the current year’s flagship sets as well as value packs containing a few random cards. Promos featuring popular stars from the previous season or that year’s rookie class tend to draw the most attention on shelves leading up to opening day.

Vintage and high-end vintage reprint boxes from Topps, Leaf, and Fleer are very rarely seen at Target nowadays. When they do pop up, it’s usually only for marquee anniversary years where demand is strongest industry wide. Sealed wax packs or boxes from the late 80s/early 90s golden era of the hobby are essentially non-existent in big box retail as well. Target focuses solely on moving current year product rather than preserving the resale value aspect of the collectibles market.

In addition to packs and boxes, Target may carry a limited assortment of related novelty items like gum or candy paired with baseball card packs as incentives. Key logo tins or plastic storage cases are also possible amongst novelty memorabilia close to the cards themselves. High-end authenticated single cards, autographed memorabilia, or graded gem mint examples fetching four-figure prices would never be found here.

Target’s baseball card selection is deliberately geared towards impulse purchases by casual collectors on a budget. While the inventory level varies store-to-store, one can generally expect to find at least some of the major releases from Topps, Panini, and similar during peak collecting times in spring training through early summer. Dedicated hobby shops, online retailers, and specialty sporting goods stores can offer a far wider variety of current and vintage products for those seeking a more comprehensive collecting experience.

In terms of restocking frequency, Target refreshes cardboard shelves no more than once every 2-3 months outside of the busy spring season. So if a particular anticipated product release sells out promptly upon hitting shelves, it likely won’t reappear for several weeks at minimum. Employees in the sporting goods or trading cards aisle are able to check online stock figures at other nearby locations upon request as well. But higher-demand collectibles still tend to move fairly briskly through even the larger superstore formats.

Customers hoping to supplement their baseball card collections through impulse buys at Target need to have realistic expectations around selection variety and availability given the retail giant’s more casual approach. The merchandise certainly caters more toward kids and other newcomers to the hobby seeking an affordable introduction. But dedicated collectors can still occasionally find some interesting value in both current and past sealed wax at prices more accessible than specialized hobby shops. An enthusiast just needs to check inventory across multiple local stores to maximize odds of success.

While Target stores do aim to maintain at least a small selection of baseball cards and related products, shoppers should not rely on finding anything too obscure or high-end given the retailer’s focus on broad appeal. Selections vary but center around the latest flagship releases, with occasional nostalgic reprints. Target attempts to offer the hobby at affordable price points perfect for casual fans or kids just getting into cards. More specialized collectors are better served supplementing their finds here with dedicated hobby venues as needed.

WHAT 1978 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 1978 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and desirable sets from the late 1970s. While not as valuable as some older vintage sets, there are quite a few standout cards from 1978 that can be worth significant money depending on the condition and demand in the marketplace. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key 1978 Topps cards that frequently trade hands for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards from the 1978 set is that of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. As one of the greatest shortstops of all time and the consecutive games played record holder, Ripken’s rookie card definitely holds substantial value. In Near Mint to Mint condition (grades of 8-10), Ripken’s rookie commonly sells in the $200-500 range. Higher graded specimens in the PSA/BGS 9-10 range can reach well over $1,000 depending on the current Ripken collector market. Needless to say, this is quite valuable for a non-auto/relic card produced in such high numbers back in the late 70s.

Another esteemed rookie from 1978 is that of future Hall of Fame starting pitcher Bert Blyleven. Blyleven had a long, successful career and his card has gained steam in recent years from collectors appreciating his contributions both on the field and now in the broadcaster’s booth. Blyleven’s ’78 Topps rookie in top condition can bring in $100-300. Even well-centered but lower graded copies still find buyers in the $25-75 range. Like Ripken, higher graded Blyleven rookies past the PSA 9 threshold start reaching four figures.

Superstar slugger Reggie Jackson appeared on Topps cards during his playing days with the Baltimore Orioles, but his true iconic status was cemented with his time on the legendary New York Yankees clubs of the 1970s. Jackson smashed mammoth home runs to lead the Yanks to multiple World Series titles. Not surprisingly, collectors clamor for his cards sporting the Yankee pinstripes. The 1978 Topps design prominently features Jackson in Yankee attire, driving up demand. A PSA 9 of this Jackson could sell for $500-1000 or more depending on bidding activity levels for the “October Hero.”

Another lefty slugger that dominated the 1970s was Hall of Famer George Brett of the Kansas City Royals. Brett put together one of the greatest hitting campaigns in baseball history in 1980 by batting .390. The 1978 Topps Brett is one that foreshadowed greatness to come. In high grades, this key Brett card reaches the $300-500 price range. Even ones around the PSA 8 level still gather bids between $100-200 showing his enduring fan base.

Two other powerful sluggers of the era with strong single card value from the 1978 set are Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Dave Winfield. Schmidt’s dominant tenure patrolling third base for the Philadelphia Phillies, including his 1980 MVP season where he blasted 48 home runs, made his cards hugely popular. A Near Mint Schmidt can sell around $150-300 depending on the market. Meanwhile, the athletic Winfield was a five-tool talent who produced for over two decades in the majors. His clean swinging lefty stroke and Gold Glove defense increased collectors’ admiration for any of his high grade 1970s vintage cards. A PSA 9 Winfield generally trades between $150-250.

In terms of other star pitchers beside Blyleven, Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver cards consistently perform well from the 1978 checklist. Seaver was at the peak of his abilities with the Cincinnati Reds, coming off a 25-win season in 1977. Any high grade Seaver from this set reaches $150-300. As for Ryan, his huge strikeout totals and intimidating fastball made him box office gold on the trading card front as well. Even though he was in the declining phase of his career while playing for the California Angels, a Mint Ryan can sell for over $200.

Some other notable names that have gained recognition and value over the years from the ’78 set include Hall of Famers Willie Stargell, Rod Carew, and Carlton Fisk. Carew in particular enjoyed increased prices years ago during his big hitting streak but has tapered off more recently. Still, an immaculate Carew typically sells around $75-150 dependent on condition. Meanwhile, stars like Bruce Sutter, Eddie Murray, Ron Guidry, and Lou Brock remain reasonably priced starting from $25-75 apiece when higher graded.

While the 1978 Topps set overall sells for more affordable prices than comparable vintage sets from the 1950s-1970s, there are a number of standout rookie and star cards that can net collectors hundreds or even over $1000 if graded and preserved in Mint condition. Demand driven by the legends’ playing careers and Hall of Fame inductions keeps the collectibility high for Ripken, Brett, Schmidt, Jackson, and others decades after they were packed in wax packs. Savvy investors understand the enduring appeal of these iconic players translates to stable resale values for their finest vintage cardboard.

WHICH BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY

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Baseball card collecting remains hugely popular as a hobby. There are many different types of baseball cards on the market offering various levels of value, from affordable commons to rare gems worth tens of thousands. For those looking to start or grow a collection, considering focusing on a few key areas that have stood the test of time as worthwhile baseball card investments.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers are always an excellent target. Spotting the next superstar before their career takes off can yield huge returns. Look at cards from the last few decades for players like Ken Griffey Jr, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. Their rookie cards have increased tremendously in value as their greatness became cemented. targeting current young talents in the early stages of their career like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr. or Vladimir Guerrero Jr offers similar upside.

Legendary vintage players from the early 20th century also hold value as their cards become increasingly rare. Stars like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and Lou Gehrig produced captivating careers still admired and studied today. Their early 20th century tobacco cards command five and six figure prices. Even common vintage cards house strong nostalgia and history, maintaining collector demand. The 1960s & 70s also represent a sweet spot, containing the bulk of legendary careers but with cards still obtainable for avid collectors.

Star players on championship teams produce memorable moments boosting their cards. For example, cards of Curt Schilling, David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez from the historic 2004 Red Sox team will likely become very collectible in the future. The same can be said for Dodgers like Clayton Kershaw and Mookie Betts since their recent World Series wins. Making a championship run creates extended interest and highlights individual contributions cementing player legacy.

Alternatively, sets featuring the entire league provide diversity while maintaining value. Topps Chrome, Bowman and Franchise Finest sets released each year preserve an entire season for history books. Their prospects and stars of tomorrow intermixed make for balanced long-term investments. Likewise, complete team sets showcase the depth of a given season and can gain nostalgia over decades.

Autograph and memorabilia cards add tangible player connections for super-collector levels. Their costs run much higher with greater risks of forgeries compared to traditional cardboard. When real, they hold prestigious display appeal tying directly into a player’s brand. Game-used memorabilia like uniform swatches verify real-life relic uniqueness. Authentic autographs captured on-card at public signings tie directly to the source.

As with any collecting, researching players, years, conditions and track records is key to smart baseball card selection. Considering attributes like Hall of Fame likelihood, championship ties, rookie or early career timing and scarcity levels influences long term value and preservation of collecting enjoyment. While short term speculation exists, focusing areas durable demand and historical significance builds fulfilling collections that stand the test of time. With patience, a discerning eye and appreciation of the game’s history, savvy collectors can enjoy the hobby while securing pieces primed to retain and potentially increase in future worth.

IS THERE AN APP TO FIND THE VALUE OF BASEBALL CARDS

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Beckett Media Price Guides – Beckett Media is considered the gold standard resource for pricing sports cards and other collectibles. They provide extensive print guides and digital resources that allow you to look up prices based on card condition, player, team, year, and more. Their Beckett Companion app is free to download and provides on-the-go access to their card price database. For a more robust feature set with enhanced search tools, pricing assistance, and the ability to save cards to a collection, an annual subscription to Beckett Online Price Guide is recommended.

CardMavin – This app provides easy-to-use search and identifies nearly any baseball, football, basketball or hockey card. Just take a photo of the card and CardMavin automatically recognizes it, offers a condition grade, and most importantly a estimated value. Pricing data is pulled from multiple sources like Beckett, eBay, and COMC to generate a range of what the card might be worth based on recent sales. A basic membership is free while a premium subscription unlocks additional features.

130 Point – 130 Point is a popular sports card pricing and collecting app that taps into a large community database. Users can upload photos of their cards which are then identified and given estimated values. People in the 130 Point community then review the cards, provide condition feedback, and suggest updated values based on recent sales of comparable items. It’s a useful crowdsourced alternative or supplement to traditional price guides.

eBay – Checking recently completed and sold listings on eBay is essential for determining real-world market prices, especially for more unique, rare, or higher-end cards. The eBay app makes it easy to search for your player and year, then filter results to just “Sold Items” to see what identical or comparable cards have actually been selling for. This can sometimes provide more up-to-date insights than printed guides. Auction sites like eBay are also a good place to potentially sell cards if you’re looking to liquidate part of your collection.

COMC (Cardboard Connection) – In addition to its popular online marketplace for buying and selling sports and non-sports cards, COMC provides a database to help identify and value cards. You can upload photos of individual cards which are then automatically identified. Condition-specific value ranges are also given based on COMC’s internal sales data, eBay comps, and integration with industry pricing guides. This platform walks the line between community and more traditional guidance.

While desktop websites like Beckett and mobile apps provide convenient access to pricing information, it’s always a good idea to conduct further research before establishing a definitive value for your cards. Condition is subjective and can vary greatly, so also consider well-taken photos from multiple angles to get as accurate of an assessment as possible. Be sure to factor in recent eBay “Sold” prices for rare and higher-end cards since the broader market ultimately determines what someone may pay. Don’t forget to also have fun partaking in the hobby of collecting rather than just focusing on monetary value! With the proper resources, you can feel confident in understanding the worth of your baseball cards.

One other thing to note – while finding relative pricing is important, there is no 100% definitive price for a collectible like there is with a stock. Value is context dependent based on finding the right buyer who wants that specific card at that specific time. Pricing guides and tools provide excellent reference points, but the only absolute pricing is what someone is actually willing to pay on the open market. Condition also affects value tremendously, and even small differences in the grading of a card’s condition from one person to another can represent hundreds or thousands of dollars in potential price fluctuation. Multiple resources and data points are ideal to triangulate an estimated valuation range for a card rather than trying to establish a single price. The more information gathered, the more accurate a sense of market worth.

Apps like Beckett Companion, CardMavin, and 130 Point combined with periodically checking recent eBay “Sold” prices provide convenient mobile access to research baseball card values. But condition assessment, market trends, and the willingness of a potential buyer ultimately determine the price someone may pay. Understanding relative value estimates is useful, but there’s no absolute price like with other assets. With diligent research using reputable industry sources as well as real world sales data, collectors can gain valuable insights about the worth of their childhood collections or new hobby acquisitions.

HOW MUCH ARE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 1960s WORTH

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One of the most important things that determines the value of a 1960s baseball card is the condition and grade of the individual card. Baseball cards from the 1960s were primarily aimed at younger collectors and thus saw heavy use, resulting in many cards that are well-worn today. The condition of a card will make a huge difference in its price. Near mint to mint condition cards (grading between 8-10 on the 10 point SHEF scale) demand the highest prices. Even minor flaws or wear can significantly downgrade a card’s value.

Another major factor is the specific player on the card and the year it was released. Certain years and certain players are much more desirable than others. For example, rookie cards for all-time great players like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, Tom Seaver, and Johnny Bench from the 1960s can be extremely valuable, especially in top condition, while comparable stars’ cards from later in their careers may not be worth as much. Some specific card sets like the 1968 Topps are amongst the most sought-after 1960s issues.

Beyond condition and specific player/year, scarcity also influences prices. Common base cards from 1960s sets may only be worth $1-5 even in great shape, while short-print and rare serially numbered parallel versions could sell for hundreds. Insert cards promoting contests/prizes are also scarce and collectible. Autograph cards are exponentially rarer still. Regional variations, oddball/minor league sets, and special promotional issues tend to be uncommon. These scarcity factors can make certain 1960s cards highly valuable to dedicated collectors.

When consulting price guides to determine estimated values, it is also important to account for the differences between raw/ungraded cards priced for the hobby market versus the same cards receiving professional grading through services like PSA or BGS. A grade almost always increases a card’s price compared to if it remained ungraded, sometimes by 2-5x or more depending on the condition received. Auction prices also typically exceed guidebook values.

Taken together, all of these variables – condition, specific player/year, scarcity level, grading status – mean 1960s baseball cards can theoretically range widely in value from under $1 for many common uncertified specimens, up to several thousand or even tens of thousands for elite, investment-grade vintage rookie cards in pristine condition which are true “grails” for dedicated collectors. The chart below provides a closer breakdown of estimated 1960s card values based on condition, grading, and key players:

Raw/Ungraded Cards:

Common base cards: $1-5
Star rookie/all-star: $5-50
Rare serials/inserts: $50-200
Autographs/relics: $100-1000+

PSA/BGS Graded Cards:

PSA 6/BGS Good: 2-5x raw prices
PSA 8/BGS Very Good: 5-10x
PSA 9/BGS Mint: 10-30x
PSA 10/BGS Gem Mint: 30-100x

Top Players/Rookies PSA 10:

Aaron/Mays/McCovey: $1000-5000
Jackson/Seaver/Bench: $2000-10000
Clemente/Killebrew: $3000-15000
Mantle/Williams/Ted Williams: $5000-25000
1966/1967 Hank Aaron: $10000-50000

Condition, specific players and their scarcity levels determine a 1960s baseball card’s value – from $1 commons to potential 5 or even 6-figure prices for true vintage icons. With care, research and patience, this era offers dedicated collectors and investors the opportunity to build valuable holdings of accessible Americana and sports history.

HOW TO KNOW THE VALUE OF BASEBALL CARDS

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There are several factors that determine the value of a baseball card. The most important things to consider when assessing how much a card is worth are the player, the year it was printed, the sport it was printed for, the physical condition of the card, and any special features it may have.

The player featured on the card has a huge impact on its value. Cards featuring star players that had long, successful careers in Major League Baseball will generally be more valuable than those of less prominent players. Top players like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Honus Wagner and others from the early days of the sport command the highest prices. Rookie cards, which are a player’s first officially licensed baseball card, tend to be the most valuable for star players.

The year the card was printed plays a key role. Vintage cards from the 1950s and earlier eras are usually worth more since far fewer survived in good condition compared to modern cards. The older the card, the rarer it generally is. That scarcity drives up prices. Cards from the late 1980s onward are much more plentiful, so year alone doesn’t dictate as much value. Special vintage subsets like 1989 Upper Deck or 1916 M101-4 also attain premium prices.

Baseball cards made for other sports like football, hockey or basketball are far less valuable than true baseball cards. Only cards explicitly made for baseball by major card companies increase in worth over time based on the associated player and year. Promotional items or cards not part of the primary series hold little intrinsic value.

Condition is critical. A card in pristine, mint condition can be worth 10x or more than one that is worn, creased or damaged in any way. Professional grading helps determine condition on a numerical scale, with gem mint 10s being extremely rare and valuable. Even minor flaws or dulling seriously cut into an otherwise valuable card’s price. A graded mint 9 card may be worth owning while a graded 6 could be junk.

Special variants can spike a card’s cost. Examples include shiny photo variations, serially numbered parallels, autographs, memorabilia cards with patches of a player’s uniform, and one-of-one unique prototypes. Overall scarce chase cards inserted randomly in packs at very low quantities see the biggest premiums. Even modern issues gain value when they feature special materials or signatures.

Additional factors are card set or series, whether it’s from the base common issue or a high-end premium set, whether there’s a team logo on it which increases demand from fans of that club, and if it’s a key card needed to complete a full set. Other considerations are the current supply available on the open market versus demand from active collectors. Short prints or the last card someone needs to finish a collection can garner outsized bids.

To determine a card’s worth, extensive online research of historical sales data is needed. Sites like eBay allow searching “sold” listings only to view exact prices items actually attained, unlike asking prices. Other resources providing valuation help are Beckett, PSA, Blowout Cards, and trade publications releasing annual price guides. Examples of factors driving current strong prices are renewed nostalgia from TV shows and films, rising interest from younger collectors, and card scarcity as condition-graded specimens vanish each year.

As with any collectible, value also depends on overall market and economic conditions. Periods of more discretionary income see bidders push rates higher. Emergence of new collector subsets into the hobby also causes short-term inflation until supply catches up. Overall baseball card demand has been robust, leading to consistently rising costs for condition-graded, antique materials from the genre’s formative years. With practice, collectors gain a keen sense for what truly elevates a card to high-dollar status and pushes it above average for its player, sport, era and characteristics. The passionate pursuit of value is part of the fun challenge and allure of this classic memorabilia category.

Thoroughly researching a card’s key traits like player, year, sport, condition, scarcity variants and corroborating real sales are necessary for reliably appraising its worth. Many factors interplay, but focusing on the proven premium drivers allows discerning what pricing a unique item could reasonably achieve and why. With experience, savvy collectors become experts at grasping a card’s full value proposition relative to others available in the competitive marketplace.

WHAT TO DO WITH BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 80s AND 90s

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If you have a collection of baseball cards from the 1980s and 1990s stored away, you have a variety of options regarding what you can do with them. The first step would be to carefully inventory your entire collection to see what cards you have and their conditions. This will help you understand the potential value.

Take the time to look up sold prices for your key cards on websites like eBay to get a sense of estimated values. Look at recently sold listings of cards in similar condition to yours to get a good price comparison. Focus your search on the specific year, team, and player to find value data points. Noting these estimated values will be crucial when deciding your next steps.

With that valuable inventory and pricing data compiled, your main options are either selling the collection yourself or having it professionally appraised and sold via an auction house. If you want to handle the sale yourself, the first choice would be selling on eBay. You can individually list and sell your higher valued ($20+) cards to maximize profits. For common cards or those in lower grades, you could “lot” similar ones together to appeal to collectors completing sets. Doing individual card photos, grading condition accurately in the descriptions, and packing securely will be important to attract buyers and receive positive feedback.

Another self-sale method would be taking your entire organized collection to a local card shop that buys collections. They will make one cash offer for the full lot, but the rate will likely be less than individual sale prices. Consider getting offers from multiple shops to get the best deal. You trade instant money for less potential long term profit this route.

A third party selling method is using an online sports card consignment website like BlowoutCards or consign with an established auction house like Heritage Auctions. They will handle photography, descriptive listing, grading/authenticating, marketing, and conducting the online sale for a percentage of the final hammer price (usually 10-15%). With their expertise and large collector base, certain rare cards could potentially achieve well above individual eBay prices. The tradeoff is giving up a portion of profit and having to wait until after the auction concludes to receive payment.

Whichever sales method you ultimately choose, start by grading your most valuable vintage cards using the established Photo Grading (PSA/BGS/SGC) services before selling. Even lower end vintage cards can increase 3-5 times in value simply by being professionally slabbed and authenticated in an officially recognized grade. For example, a raw 1980s Donruss Roger Clemens rookie in excellent condition could fetch $50-100 raw but $150-250 graded Mint/Gem Mint. The upfront grading costs are easily outweighed by the profit boost on desirable cards like rookie seasons of Hall of Famers.

If your entire collection turns out to be relatively common cards in lower grades, a local card shop bulk buy or consignment through an online sports auction may be your fastest and simplest liquidation options. But take the time for proper research – you could discover specific high value rookie cards, serially numbered parallels, autographs, or memorabilia cards that significantly increase profit potential through individual sales over time. Proper handling, photography, and grading will be needed to fully capitalize.

An alternative to outright sale is long-term storage and investment. Old vintage baseball cards from the 1980s boom period are starting to see renewed interest and values climb as those children who collected them reach adult income levels with nostalgia for their childhood hobby. Rookie cards like Griffey, Piazza, and Johnson could be worthwhile holding another 10-20 years as they near Hall of Fame inductions. Short print parallel cards with numbers/signatures of current stars like Trout may also appreciate as careers progress. Careful preservation through temperature controlled storage, acid-free holders, and slabbed grades can maintain or increase an investment collection’s long term growth.

Carefully researching values of key cards in your 1980s/90s baseball collection will show the options that make financial sense. Properly grading high end vintage rookies is a must before selling individually or wholesale. Either liquidating now through well-managed sales or long term preservation/investment all have financial merits depending on your situation and collecting goals. With the proper strategy, these vintage cards from your past can potentially bring a worthwhile return in the present. Let me know if any part of the process needs further explanation to help maximize the value of your sports memorabilia assets from that era.

HOW TO SELL OLD BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL CARDS

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The first step to selling your old baseball and football cards is to do some research to evaluate what you have. Take time to properly sort through your collection and identify valuable cards that are worth professionally grading and selling individually. Look up recent sold listings on platforms like eBay to get an idea of average selling prices for different player cards in various conditions. It’s also a good idea to research market trends so you understand what types of cards are hot and which players collectors are actively seeking.

Once you’ve sorted your collection, it’s time to decide how you want to sell the cards. You have a few main options – consignment with a local card shop, online auction sites, online marketplaces, or a card show/event. Consigning with a local card shop can be convenient as they do most of the work for a commission percentage, usually around 30%. You may not get top dollar. Online auction sites like eBay allow you to sell individual cards but require more time and effort on your part. You’ll need to photograph, describe, list, package and ship each sale. Commission fees also apply.

Online marketplaces and buying/selling apps such as Craigslist or OfferUp provide another venue to reach buyers locally with less fees. You run safety/fraud risks meeting strangers. Card shows are great for moving valuable inventory faster since serious collectors attend but require transportation to events. Consider your goals, time commitment and safety when choosing a sales method. No matter the platform, take high quality photos showcasing card conditions accurately. Poor pictures can turn buyers away.

For valuable vintage cards, especially pre-1980s, it’s highly recommended to have them professionally graded by major services like PSA or BGS first before selling. Grading provides an impartial evaluation of condition and authenticity that collectors trust. The upfront costs and waiting times for grading can be significant. Only cards expected to grade excellently and increase value substantially are worthwhile getting graded. The cost is usually recouped in the final sale price for topCondition vintage cards but not for modern or lower grade cards.

When pricing cards for sale, research recently sold eBay listings for identical or similarly graded and described copies. Factor in the average prices while remaining somewhat flexible and open to offers depending on demand. You can also check price guide values from reputable sources like Beckett, but understand those are baseline numbers and prices fluctuate constantly based on collector interest. Price moderately over guide prices for pristine editions but lower for flawed conditions. Competitive pricing is key to attracting buyers versus other sellers.

Beyond proper photography, descripions are critical to move inventory quickly. Tell the full story of each item including relevant details on player, team, year, set, production numbers or errors if applicable. Point out even minor flaws, staining or rounding so buyers understand exactly what they’re receiving. Pictures paired with honest desciptions avoid issues later if flaws were overlooked. Respond promptly to all buyer questions before and after sales to provide the best experience. Pack cards securely using new penny sleeves, toploaders and cardboard to avoid damage during shipping too.

Following these steps should help you maximize returns for your old baseball and football card collection whether selling individually or in bulk. With diligent preparation and research into desirable inventory, accurate descriptions/photos and competitive pricing, you’ll attract serious collectors and move your cards efficiently. Taking the time for a professional approach pays off with higher sale prices and fewer headaches down the road too. Let me know if you have any other questions!

DO BASEBALL CARDS COUNT AS MEDIA MAIL

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Baseball cards have a somewhat ambiguous status when it comes to being mailed as media mail. Media mail is a specific USPS mailing class that offers cheaper postage rates for certain qualifying printed materials. The exact status of baseball cards under media mail policies can depend on factors like the condition and contents of the cards being mailed.

To begin with, it’s important to understand the criteria that the USPS uses to determine whether an item qualifies as media mail. According to the official USPS domestic mail manual, media mail rates can be used for “printed items consisting solely of printed textual or pictorial matter.” This includes books, catalogs, directories, periodicals/magazines, and other printed educational materials. Media mail has restrictions and cannot be used for personal correspondence, personal messages, or items with personal information.

When it comes to sports cards like baseball cards, some key determining factors for media mail eligibility include:

Condition of cards: Singled cards or loose items would not qualify, as media mail is intended for materials “bound together.” Cards that are in protective plastic sleeves or sealed in packs/boxes would have a stronger case to argue they are “bound together.”

Advertising/information content: For cards to qualify, they need to have substantial informational or educational content beyond just images/stats. Cards with player bios, team histories, stats, or other baseball-related facts/trivia would argue they are sufficiently “printed textual or pictorial matter.”

Sales/resale purpose: Media mail is not intended for mailing of items solely for the purpose of resale/commerce. Mailing cards as part of a personal collection, as a gift, or for educational purposes would align with media mail goals. Mailing cards solely to resell them would not qualify.

Rarity/value of cards: Mailing rare/valuable individual cards could be viewed as an attempt to use the discounted media mail rate for a non-qualifying purpose. Higher-value singular cards may be more difficult to argue as media mail.

So in borderline cases, USPS employees make judgment calls. While some postal workers may accept properly packaged baseball cards as media mail, acceptance is not guaranteed and could depend on the specific contents and circumstances of the mailing. The rules for media mail can also change over time at the USPS’ discretion.

If a sender wanted the strongest case to argue their baseball card mailing qualified as media mail, some best practices they could follow include:

Ensuring cards are sealed in protective plastic sleeves, binders/books with multiple cards visible, unopened factory packs/boxes, or securely taped/bundled piles to demonstrate being “bound together.”

Including cards from multiple teams and player eras to show the educational/historical value beyond singular objects.

Providing information about the teams, players, stats, dates or anything else substantively printed on the cards themselves or accompanying the package.

Mailing as part of a personal collection transaction (like trade) rather than a commercial re-sell purpose.

Avoiding mailing rare, valuable singular cards which could appear intended for commerce rather than education.

Clearly labeling the package as “media mail” or “printed educational materials” and including a description of the cards.

Even with best practices, baseball cards still exist in a postal gray area and acceptance cannot be fully guaranteed. And mailing misclassified items as media mail runs intentional or unintentional risks, as the USPS does monitor for such issues. An alternative is to simply send at the appropriate parcel or package rate but forgo any media mail discounts.

In the end, there are good arguments on both sides regarding whether baseball cards should or can legally qualify for media mail rates. Because of extensive edge cases and judgment calls involved, this will likely remain a somewhat debatable issue without a fully clear-cut official policy from the USPS. For borderline cases, media mail acceptance of cards would depend on specific contents and how they are presented and described.

While not definitively confirmed as eligible, there are rationales that could support mailing properly prepared baseball card packages or collections as media mail in many non-commercial situations. Qualification cannot be assured, acceptance depends on discretionary USPS rulings, and compliance risks always remain. For frequent mailings, especially those with possible sale intent, standard parcel rates may provide more predictable service.