Craigslist has become a popular marketplace for collectors to buy, sell, and trade various collectibles including sports cards, comics, coins, toys, and more. In the state of Maine, craigslist is frequently used by baseball card collectors and dealers to move inventory. Whether you’re looking for vintage cards from the 1950s and 60s, modern rookie cards, complete sets, or just a few singles to add to your collection, craigslist Maine can be a good place to find baseball cards.
Some key cities in Maine that see regular baseball card posts on craigslist include Portland, Bangor, Augusta, Lewiston, and Waterville. Larger metro areas tend to have the most active markets as there is a larger population of potential buyers and sellers. Even smaller towns in Maine will occasionally see someone listing cards they want to sell. Posting frequency can vary depending on the time of year as the hobby tends to be more active during the spring and summer months when the baseball season is underway.
When browsing craigslist, you’ll typically find three main categories for baseball cards – individuals or singles for sale, complete sets for sale, and want ads from people looking to buy cards. Singles can include anything from common cards to rare vintage gems. Prices vary widely depending on the player, year, condition, and more. Complete sets are usually listed by sport and year, such as “1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set”. These are ideal for collectors looking to fill holes in their collections. Want ads tend to be more general, stating something like “Buying vintage cards from the 1950s-1970s, paying cash.”
In terms of condition of cards listed on craigslist Maine, it varies. Some postings will have detailed photos and clearly state the condition using standard grading scales like PSA/BGS. Others may just say “used condition” without images. It’s generally best to ask the seller for detailed photos of any higher value cards to inspect condition before agreeing to purchase. Always beware of cards being called “near mint” or “mint” without documentation from a reputable third party grading service.
Pricing on craigslist is all over the place as well. Some sellers research recently sold eBay listings to price competitively while others may be unrealistic. It’s a good idea to use resources like eBay’s “Sold Listings” feature or check price guide websites to get a general idea of fair value. You can often find good deals, but you’ll need to weed through listings as well. Communication with sellers is key – ask questions upfront to avoid surprises later.
Cash is typically the preferred payment method for craigslist transactions since it provides anonymity. Some sellers may accept PayPal depending on their level of feedback. Always meet craigslist buyers/sellers in a public, busy location for safety. Most transactions go smoothly, but using common sense precautions is recommended.
The Portland, ME area in particular tends to see a good volume of baseball card activity on craigslist. As the largest city in Maine, it has the critical mass of collectors. Local card shops like Bull Moose and Good Games also help foster the hobby in southern Maine. Vintage Red Sox and Yankees cards from the 1960s seem to be the most frequently listed. Modern rookie cards of Maine natives like Eric Gagne and Sean Doolittle also surface from time to time.
Regardless of location in Maine, it’s a good idea to check craigslist periodically if you’re looking to buy or sell baseball cards. Patience may be required as postings don’t appear every day. But with some searching, you can likely find collectibles to enhance your collection or move cards from your inventory. Just be sure to practice safe trading as with any online marketplace. With a bit of diligence, craigslist can deliver baseball card finds for collectors throughout the state of Maine.
