Craigslist has become a popular marketplace for buying and selling baseball cards. Whether you have cards collecting dust in the attic that you want to sell, or are looking to build your collection, Craigslist can be a great resource. There are some things you need to know before buying or selling cards on Craigslist.
When selling cards on Craigslist, you’ll want to take clear, well-lit photos showcasing the front and back of each card. Make sure to capture any defects so buyers know exactly what they are getting. Provide a detailed description of the cards including the year, brand, player, condition and any other relevant details. Be upfront about the condition of vintage cards, as even lightly played cards from the 1950s and 1960s can be quite valuable in near mint condition.
You’ll also want to research recently sold prices for each card on websites like eBay to help determine a fair asking price. Don’t overprice your cards or you may not get any interest. But don’t undersell either. Take the time to properly grade the condition of each card so buyers feel confident in the description. Clearly state your preferred payment methods like PayPal or local cash only. Meet buyers in a public, well-lit place for safety.
When searching for cards on Craigslist, be wary of sellers with no feedback or new accounts. Stick to sellers with a track record of positive reviews. Look closely at photos and ask sellers to send additional photos of any cards you’re seriously interested in purchasing. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about condition, authenticity or anything else before committing to a purchase. Trust your instincts and walk away from deals that seem too good to be true.
Some red flags to watch out for include sellers who won’t provide additional photos upon request or seem evasive when asked about details. Be very cautious of sellers asking for payment methods like checks, money orders or wire transfers which offer no buyer protection. Stick to verified payment options like PayPal Goods and Services which allow you to dispute fraudulent transactions. Also beware of sellers offering entire binder collections at prices far below market value, as these could contain forgeries or damaged cards.
When meeting sellers, bring a friend for safety and take a look at the cards outside of the seller’s vehicle before exchanging money. Use a magnifying glass to inspect details and check for signs of doctoring like discoloration or odd textures. Compare photos provided to the actual cards. Trusted grading services like PSA and Beckett can authenticate cards, but this adds cost and time. If something seems off, trust your instincts and walk away.
Some tips for building a collection through Craigslist include having a list of specific wants ready when contacting sellers. Be willing to negotiate, as many collectors are just looking to downsize. Bundle common cards together to save on shipping costs. Consider purchasing entire collections sight unseen only from highly rated sellers, but be prepared for the risk of getting cards in worse condition than described.
Whether buying or selling, Craigslist can offer a fun way to engage with the baseball card community locally. Just take precautions, trust your instincts and remember – if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. With diligence, you can find great baseball cards to add to your collection or make some money off cards taking up space in your home. Just be smart and stay safe when dealing with strangers from online marketplaces.
