Craigslist has become a popular marketplace for buying and selling sports collectibles like baseball cards. Whether you’re looking to build your collection or make some money off cards you no longer want, Craigslist can be a great resource. There are some things to keep in mind when browsing Craigslist for baseball cards.
One of the main benefits of using Craigslist is that it allows you to buy and sell locally. This avoids shipping costs and gives you the opportunity to inspect items in person before purchasing. When selling cards on Craigslist, being able to meet buyers face-to-face also provides a level of security since money and goods are exchanged immediately. Posting photos is important to give potential buyers a good idea of what they’re getting, but seeing the actual cards up close allows for a more thorough inspection.
While Craigslist cuts out middlemen like eBay fees, you won’t have the same buyer/seller protections either. It’s a good idea to meet in a public, well-lit area for safety. Bringing a friend is also not a bad idea. Make transactions in person with cash only, as there’s no recourse for fraudulent credit card payments. Be very wary of emails or requests to ship items before receiving payment. Stick with deals you can complete locally to avoid scams.
When browsing listings, pay attention to photos and details provided. Red flags include blurry or unclear photos, generic descriptions that don’t list specific players or years, misspellings, and unrealistic bulk lot prices. Ask questions and request additional photos if needed before committing to a purchase. Make sure the seller is providing enough information upfront for you to feel comfortable with what you’re buying.
Bulk lots on Craigslist tend to be hit or miss in terms of actual value. While you may get a good deal on large collections, there’s also potential for lots of junk mixed in. Take time to carefully look through listings to assess approximate value and condition of notable cards that could be included. Unless a bulk lot is very reasonably priced, it’s usually better to purchase individual higher value cards you actually want for your collection rather than take a gamble.
Pricing is always subjective when it comes to collectibles, but doing some research can help determine fair values on Craigslist. Check recent eBay “Sold” listings for comparable grades to get a sense of current market prices. Also search the same cards on websites like Sportscardforum.com to see what others are listing similar items for. Vintage cards in top grades from the 1950s-1970s will usually have the most value. Modern cards are lower unless they feature star rookies or parallels.
When selling, take the time to describe each item with details like the player, year, set, number, and condition using standard grading terms. Single premium cards will have the most interest versus large unsorted lots. Asking fair prices based on your research will help sell items more quickly. Be responsive to questions from interested buyers to maintain a positive buying experience on Craigslist.
With a few precautions and knowledge of values, Craigslist can be a great local marketplace for adding to your baseball card collection or selling cards no longer in your PC. Just remember to thoroughly inspect items before purchasing and only meet sellers in safe, public locations for transactions. Stick to credible posts with clear descriptions and photos to have the best experience buying and selling baseball cards on Craigslist.
