Selling Baseball Cards on Etsy
Baseball cards are a multi-billion dollar collectible industry. While many collectors still frequent local card shops and trade shows to buy and sell cards, online marketplaces have provided a huge new opportunity for anyone looking to sell their baseball card collections.
Etsy in particular has become a very popular platform for those selling vintage and modern sports cards. With its large community of buyers searching for unique collectibles, Etsy allows sellers of all experience levels to sell individually or in bulk. Here are some tips for getting started selling baseball cards on Etsy:
Research Card Values
Take the time to look up recently sold prices for any cards you want to sell. Sites like eBay, COMC, and PriceGuide offer valuable sold data that will help you price your cards competitively. Overpricing can lead to cards not selling, while underpricing means leaving money on the table.
Photograph Cards Well
Poor lighting or fuzzy photos will turn buyers away. Invest in a light box or use natural lighting near a window. Position the card flat and centered with no glare or fingers visible. High-resolution close-ups show details that authentic buyers.
Describe Cards Accurately
Include set year, player name, position, team logo, and any identifiable markings or flaws. Honest transparency builds trust. Note graded cards’ holder and grade from authenticating companies. Use specific searchable keywords relevant to the card.
Choose an Appropriate Price Point
Most common/modern cards sell for under $20 while key vintage rookies or Hall of Famers fetch hundreds. Price higher-value individual cards rather than bundling for visibility. Consider auction listings for very collectible pieces.
Offer Shipping Discounts
USPS First Class Mail costs around $3-4 per order. Pair multiple less expensive cards together and offer combined shipping to boost sales. International orders require costlier shipping so build that premium into overseas prices.
Photograph Collection lots
Take photos of the front and back of sample cards to represent the overall condition and variety in a bulk lot. Count all cards and note any shortprints, stars, or flaws. Describe the quality level to set expectations.
Utilize Etsy Promotional Tools
Newly listed items get an initial boost so frontload valuable cards. Refresh daily to keep them visible longer. Run sales and coupon codes periodically to move bulk inventory. Engage with buyers by promptly answering questions.
Grade Vintage Cards If Worthwhile
Professional authentication often triples or more the price of key older cardboard. But factor in grading service fees which can exceed $100 for high-end submissions. Only worthwhile for true gems to recoup costs.
Stay Active in the Baseball Card Community
Networking builds your reputation and funnels customers. Join related Facebook groups and subreddits, attend card shows as a seller, write reviews of other shops. Be helpful, honest, and prompt in all dealings.
Provide Excellent Buyer Service
Carefully package items securely using bubble wrap or cardboard. Opt for trackable shipping and insure valuable orders. Leave positive feedback after sales complete with brief compliments. Promptly address any issues that arise to favorably resolve them.
The collectible sports card market remains very active online. With some effort put into photos, descriptions, service and community engagement, Etsy provides an accessible platform for dedicated sellers of baseball cards to reach a wide new customer base. Focusing on customers, competitive pricing and presenting inventory professionally sets the stage for a successful ongoing baseball card selling venture on Etsy.
