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SELLING BASEBALL CARDS COLORADO SPRINGS

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Selling Baseball Cards in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs, located in El Paso County just 70 miles south of Denver, has a strong community of baseball card collectors and traders. The city has a sizable population of over 480,000 residents and is home to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox minor league baseball team who play at Security Service Field downtown. With its large population and passion for baseball, Colorado Springs provides collectors many avenues to buy, sell, and trade their baseball cards.

Whether you have a large collection you wish to sell for profit or you are looking to sell off duplicate cards, there are several outstanding local shops in Colorado Springs that cater specifically to buyers and sellers of sports cards. The largest and most well-established shops include The Stadium Club, Paradise Cards & Comics, and Play It Again Sports. Each shop has thousands of cards in stock available for purchase and also buys collections from individuals, providing a convenient local market for sellers.

The Stadium Club, located just south of downtown, is considered the premier sports card shop in the region. With over 10,000 square feet of retail space, they stock a massive inventory of new and vintage cards available for purchase. They also host weekly Friday Night Magic tournaments that draw hundreds of collectors. For sellers, The Stadium Club typically pays the highest rates, often 50-60% of Beckett or eBay market value depending on the condition and demand of the cards. They will also appraise larger collections for a fair cash offer.

Another great local option is Play It Again Sports in north Colorado Springs. Though smaller than The Stadium Club, Play It Again focuses specifically on buying and selling used sports equipment and memorabilia like cards. They pay 40-50% of market value for most cards and also take sports equipment in trade to knock down the cash owed. Their knowledgeable staff can also provide advice on which cards from your collection hold the most value.

Paradise Cards & Comics in old Colorado City is a smaller shop with a more niche focus, specializing in comic books, Pokémon, and vintage baseball. While they have a smaller buying budget than the larger shops, their expert staff has deep knowledge of the hobby and can often fetch top dollar for key vintage or graded cards. They also host local tournaments most weekends that draw collectors from across the Front Range.

Beyond the dedicated card shops, collectors in Colorado Springs have found success selling duplicate cards individually through online marketplaces like eBay. With thousands of active regional collectors, valuable vintage rookie cards or autographed memorabilia can often fetch fair prices locally compared to shipping them elsewhere. Before listing, it’s wise to research recently sold eBay listings to price your cards competitively. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Buy/Sell groups on Reddit have also proven useful for making local sales.

Another good strategy is to host local consignment sales. Collectors can spread the word through sports card Facebook groups and shop event calendars about upcoming “card shows” where they will have tables set up in public areas like church halls to directly sell cards to other collectors. These personal shows allow buyers to directly inspect condition versus online sales and enable sellers to avoid platform/shipping fees.

For beginning collectors or those just looking to build their initial collections, Colorado Springs also hosts regular card and memorabilia shows throughout the year. The largest annual show is run each January by the Pikes Peak Sports Collectors Club, drawing collectors from across the region. Other monthly shows are held in local school gymnasiums and event halls, providing hands-on browsing opportunities for cards both vintage and modern.

Whether selling a few duplicates or an entire lifelong collection, Colorado Springs offers baseball card enthusiasts ample local opportunities to turn their hobby items into cash. With knowledgeable shops, an active buyers market, and event venues like card shows, collectors have many proven paths for profitably trading cards in the Pikes Peak city. For over 50 years, Colorado Springs has been a western hub for the baseball card community.

STORES SELLING BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have long been popular collectibles in America. From the late 1800s when the earliest tobacco companies began including cards in their products, to the modern day with highly specialized online and brick-and-mortar retailers, people of all ages have enjoyed amassing collections of these tiny slices of baseball history. For anyone looking to build or add to their own collection, stores dedicated entirely or in part to selling baseball cards remain a staple source.

Local card shops have been a mainstay in thousands of communities nationwide for decades. As interest in sports cards has ebbed and flowed over the decades, these small independent stores have had to adapt their businesses while still catering primarily to collectors in their areas. Today many focus on not just cards but also other collectibles like memorabilia, coins, comics, and tabletop games. Maintaining personal relationships with customers both young and old helps ensure their continued success.

Card shops pride themselves on having vast inventories of cards from every era readily available to browse through. Their deep boxes of commons from the 1950s to present day offer rewards for diligent diggers. Proprietors also source higher-end vintage and rare modern rookie cards to appeal to all budget levels. Many run frequent promotions like “dollar box” specials, group breaks of newest sealed product, and contests to encourage both casual and serious collectors to return time and again.

Beyond the scope of any single local shop is the sprawling selection accessible through online retailers. Websites like eBay, Amazon, and behemoths like Dave and Adam’s Card World dwarf any physical store’s holdings with their enormous virtual stockrooms. While browsing their digital shelves lacks the serendipitous discovery of rummaging cardboard boxes, search tools allow pinpointing exactly what’s needed. Powersellers also unload team and player collections in their entirety.

While online deals may be hard for brick-and-mortars to compete with, going digital has enabled many traditional shops to reach new customers worldwide. Maintaining a robust web storefront alongside the physical location lets savvy owners tap both the local fanbase and a potential global audience. Sites like Blowout Cards and Steel City Collectibles don’t have the advantage of allowing walk-in visits but make up for it through bargain prices, timely shipping, and extensive educational content.

Apart from independent dealers both online and off, the major sporting card manufacturers sell directly through their own outlets. Topps, Panini, and Fanatics all operate e-commerce marketplaces stocked deep with their latest licensed MLB, NFL, NBA, and other sport card releases. Devotees seeking an opulent VIP shopping experience can arrange tours of these corporate headquarters to peruse not just the present inventory but decades of archival treasures from the company vaults.

For those whose pursuit of cards has ripened into a serious business, card shows provide a critical avenue. These trade events attract commercial dealers from across the region or nation, subletting tables to literally move inventory by the case. Serious collectors can analyze closely graded vintage with magnifying loupes or appraise modern autograph hauls. Multiday card conventions further foster the social aspects that keep this nostalgic pastime alive for generations more to come.

Wherever your collection’s scope may lie – from childhood commons to grail RCs coveted for decades – with so many capable card shops spread wide both offline and on, there will never be a shortage of supply sources. Whether it’s turning over fading boxes at the local haunt or going straight to the corporate source, the infrastructure supporting this classic hobby shows no signs of slowing. As long as baseball itself endures, its chronicle in cardboard will continue finding new audiences to captivate for years to come.

SELLING OLD BASEBALL POSTCARDS

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Selling old baseball postcards can be a fun and interesting way to make some extra cash if you have a collection you’re looking to sell. Old baseball cards from the early 1900s up until the 1970s can be quite valuable depending on the players, teams, and condition of the postcards. If you have postcards showing Hall of Fame players, rare teams, or are in mint condition, they could fetch quite a high price from baseball collectors.

Some tips for selling your old baseball postcards include doing research to properly value what you have. Look up recently sold listings on eBay to get a sense of popular players and teams that seem to attract higher prices. Also check price guide books and websites that provide valuations for mint, very good, good, and poorer condition postcards to best assess the grade of your cards. Taking clear, well-lit photos of the front and back of each postcard will allow potential buyers to properly inspect them from afar if selling online.

When describing postcards for sale, be sure to mention all key details like the player or team shown, publisher or manufacturer, any identifying numbers on the front or back, and of course the overall condition with an emphasis on centering, corners, edges, and any creases, stains or other flaws. Honestly grading the condition is important to attract reliable buyers. You can potentially get higher prices by having postcards professionally graded and encapsulated by a third party service, though this comes with additional costs.

There are a few main options for selling your old baseball postcards. Online marketplaces like eBay are very popular with both collectors and sellers as they offer a large potential buyer base. There are listing fees and eBay/PayPal transaction costs to consider. Consignment with a sports memorabilia or card shop can allow them to showcase and better market your items, though you’ll typically get a lower percentage of the final sale price than selling directly. Collector conventions and card shows that baseball enthusiasts attend can also be a good environment for face-to-face sales.

Whether selling online or in-person, shipping postcards safely and securely is important. It’s best to use rigid card savers or toploaders inside a mailing envelope with plenty of padding to avoid damage in transit. Insuring shipments over a certain value is also wise. Allow buyers to inspect postcards in-hand before completing sales to avoid disputes. Accepting payment via PayPal Goods & Services gives both parties protection against issues. Consider offering combined postage discounts for buyers of multiple cards from your collection too.

The timing of sales can impact prices as well. Major League Baseball’s postseason in the fall and around the holidays tend to be busy periods for the hobby when more collectors are active. But posting cards for sale year-round gives them ongoing exposure. Prices for popular vintage players also tend to rise as new generations of fans get into collecting. So an old Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth or Ted Williams postcard could realize an even higher value if sold years down the line when today’s kids grow into adults with nostalgia and disposable income for their favorite sports.

Taking the time to carefully research values, photograph, describe and market your old baseball postcards for sale both online and potentially at shows can be a rewarding process. With rare enough pieces in great condition, you may be surprised at the prices dedicated collectors are willing to pay for a glimpse back in time to the early decades of America’s pastime frozen forever on small paper squares. Just be sure to follow best practices for safe shipping, honest grading, appropriate timelines and payment protection to attract reliable buyers and make the most of any baseball postcard collection sitting idle in your attic, closet or storage unit.

TOP SELLING BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 90s

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The 1990s was a transformative decade for the baseball card industry. While the market had begun to surge in the late 80s, fueled in large part by the emerging collector base and increased rarity of certain vintage cards, it was in the 90s that collecting truly exploded into the mainstream. Card companies thrived with the advent of licensed sets from the major sports leagues and television deals that brought games into more homes than ever before. Meanwhile, players were cashing in on massive contracts and individual superstars began to capture the public’s attention. All of these factors combined to make the cards of the era’s biggest names incredibly sought after and valuable. Here are some of the top selling baseball cards issued during the 1990s that still demand premium prices today:

Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC (1989) – Widely considered the most iconic and valuable rookie card of all time, Griffey’s Upper Deck debut established him as a star and superstar cards were born. Clean specimens regularly sell for $400-600 raw even today. Graded specimens can surpass $10,000 depending on quality. Griffey’s talent, smile and the Upper Deck brand combined to create a perfect storm.

Barry Bonds 1989 Topps RC – While not quite as famous as Griffey’s, the Bonds rookie was still a highly desired card in the late 80s/early 90s surge. Bonds would go on to break the single season home run record held by Mark McGwire and cement his Hall of Fame career in the following decade. Near mint copies sell for $150-300 while a PSA 10 has topped $4,000.

Ken Griffey Jr. Fleer Ultra RC (1990) – One year after his groundbreaking Upper Deck issue, Griffey’s second rookie card from Fleer Ultra became another must-have for collectors. With a cool action pose and holofoil technology, this card sells in the $60-100 range today.

Mark McGwire 1993 Topps All-Star Rookie Cup RC – The start of arguably the biggest boom period in card history coincided with Big Mac’s coming out party. His monstrous home run total began the mass appeal of power hitting. In near mint condition,examples sell for $150-300 depending on year.

Chipper Jones 1990 Bowman RC – One of the finest switch hitters of all time, Jones stunned the baseball world from his first at bat. While not in Griffey stratosphere, his rookie enjoys prices of $60-100 in top condition today.

Sammy Sosa 1997 Upper Deck SP Authentic #106 RC – Sosa cemented his stardom with his monster homer race against McGwire in 1998. His rare autographed rookie patch from 1997 Upper Deck SP Authentic is among the most valuable cards of the 90s,fetching $1,000-2,000 in high grades.

Alex Rodriguez 1994 Bowman RC – A-Rod arrived with as much hype as any incoming player and lived up to it immediately. Despite personal scandals that stained his reputation later on, his 1994 Bowman RC remains a sought after 90s issue selling for $100-250 in top shape.

Cal Ripken Jr. 1981 Fleer RC – Not from the 90s itself but Ripken mania was huge that decade as he broke Lou Gehrig’s legendary consecutive games streak. His true rookie from 1981 Fleer is a true Holy Grail for Orioles fans, selling for $2,000-5,000 in pristine condition.

Derek Jeter 1996 SPx RC – As the face of the dominant Yankees dynasty, Jeter’s star power was huge in the latter half of the 90s. His shimmering SP Authentic rookie enjoys prices of $150-300 for NM/MT copies today.

Pete Rose 1978 Topps #198 – Arguably the most famous baseball card of all time, owing to Rose’s controversial career and playing record. Clean examples rarely sell under $1,000 today given its iconic status.

Greg Maddux 1986 Donruss RC – One of the greatest pitchers ever with 4 Cy Youngs in the 90s. His true rookie sells for $100-250 in top condition reflecting his long term legend status.

While the sports card market as a whole has softened since the peak speculative 90s era, these elite names from that transformative decade remain cornerstones for vintage collectors. Griffey, Bonds, McGwire and others captured lightning in a bottle by achieving superstardom at precisely the moment when the modern collecting phenomenon took hold. Their rookie cards were perfectly positioned to ride the wave and become permanently ensconced among the most valuable trading cards in the world.

SELLING BASEBALL CARDS IN NY

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Selling baseball cards can be a lucrative hobby or business, especially in a baseball-crazed city like New York. With a large population of both casual and die-hard baseball fans, the New York metropolitan area provides a substantial market for collectors looking to sell their vintage or modern cards. Those wanting to profit from their baseball card collections need to understand the market dynamics and best practices unique to the region.

When it comes to selling cards in New York, location is key. While online selling platforms like eBay provide access to a global audience, being situated within the city allows sellers to tap into the dense local customer base. Popular brick-and-mortar venues include card shows, hobby shops, memorabilia stores and auctions houses. The biggest and most well-known card shows take place several times a year at the Basketball City venue in Manhattan’s Times Square, often drawing thousands of attendees over a weekend. Meanwhile, vintage hobby shops like Beckett’s Comics in Midtown have been collecting destination spots for decades.

Auction houses centered in New York like Goldin Auctions and Robert Edward Auctions handle millions of dollars in baseball card sales annually. Consignment deals give sellers access to these companies’ international buyer networks. Local memorabilia stores in tourist areas including Citi Field and Yankee Stadium also provide visibility, foot traffic and steady customers. In fact, the areas surrounding these iconic ballparks are almost like miniature card-collecting districts unto themselves. For the serious collector, this density of buyers and sellers in a small geographic area can’t be matched anywhere else.

When pricing cards for sale in the New York market, premiums often apply compared to more remote regions of the country. Rarity and condition are still the dominant valuation factors, but desirable regional players tend to attract area-specific demand. Iconic Yankees like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter as well as famous Mets cards featuring Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry can rake in substantial sums. Of course, nationwide stars from teams of any era like Mike Trout, Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. also retain strong value. But cards centered on franchises based in New York invariably possess elevated local interest.

While the high population provides greater liquidity, it also results in stiffer competition. An oversupply of certain common vintage cards on the local market means sellers need to price competitively or risk unsold inventory. Grading services like PSA, BGS and SGC help ensure condition consistency and comparability in an environment with many knowledgeable buyers. With scrutiny so intense, accurate grading holds added importance for maintaining credibility. Presentation is also critical – well-organized displays and affordable lots or bundles can help move more marginal material.

Taxes are another consideration unique to the New York market. For significant full-time operations, collectors must register as a business and charge sales tax on transactions. Filing regulatory paperwork and remitting taxes quarterly adds administrative workload. Sellers also need to account for the potential income generated through auctions, shows or online channels on their state and federal returns. Hiring an accounting professional familiar with hobby business regulations can prevent compliance issues down the road.

As the epicenter of the sports collecting universe, selling baseball cards in New York City provides unparalleled access to clients, conventions, experts and price transparency. Staying plugged into the latest happenings on online community forums is indispensable for leveraging events, assessing market trends and connecting with customers locally. With the right strategies, dealers can capitalize on New York’s vibrant trading scene – just be sure to do your research and dot all regulatory i’s and cross all tax t’s. For passionate collectors, few cities on Earth can match the energy, opportunity and demand that the Big Apple delivers to the baseball card world on a daily basis.

TOP 100 BEST SELLING BASEBALL CARDS

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The baseball card collecting hobby has been around since the late 1800s and certain vintage cards from the earliest years of the sport have reached record prices at auction. For most collectors it’s impossible to obtain some of those truly rare and valuable early cards. With that in mind, here is a look at the top 100 best selling baseball cards based on recent sales data, focusing on cards from the modern era that regular collectors have a chance of finding.

To start off the list at #100 is the 1994 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most exciting young players of his generation and his rookie card remains a popular and affordable option for collectors over 25 years later. Lightly graded PSA 10 copies of this card have sold for around $150.

Coming in at #99 is the 2009 Bowman Draft Edition Mike Trout rookie card. Trout went on to have a historically great career and his rookie cards have skyrocketed in value as a result. A PSA 10 of his Bowman Draft rookie can fetch over $200.

The 1990 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card lands at #98. This was Griffey’s true rookie card released by Upper Deck in their inaugural set and has historical significance. PSA 10 copies trade hands for around $225.

At #97 is the 1998 Stadium Club Chipper Jones rookie card. Jones was one of the game’s most complete hitters during his Hall of Fame career and his rookie cards remain popular. A PSA 10 of this Stadium Club issue has sold for nearly $250.

Another of the best rookie cards from the late 90s comes in at #96, the 1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor Miguel Cabrera rookie. Cabrera went on to win two MVP awards and this shiny refractor rookie holds significant value graded mint at a price point around $275.

At #95 in the rankings is the 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card. Ryan redefined what was possible for a pitcher in terms of strikeouts and longevity. High graded examples of his 1970 Topps debut fetch over $300 despite the set being over 50 years old now.

The 1998 Upper Deck SP Authentic Chipper Jones autographed rookie card clocks in at #94. Jones’ autographs added considerable value to his rookies and autographed, high graded copies of this SP Authentic issue command $325.

Holding down the #93 spot is the 1995 Leaf Mike Piazza rookie jersey card. Piazza was one of the game’s most feared hitters and also one of the first stars of the MLB in the late 90s. His popular Leaf jersey rookie has sold for around $350 in top condition.

At #92 is the 1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor Sammy Sosa rookie card. Sosa thrilled fans with his home run races against Mark McGwire in 1998, driving interest in his rookie cards. PSA 10 copies of this colorful refractor issue sell for nearly $400.

Another Nolan Ryan rookie cracks the Top 100 at #91, his relatively more available 1967 Topps issue. This was Ryan’s first published card and high grades have sold in the $425 range.

One of the premier Big Hurt rookie cards sits at #90, the 1991 Bowman Frank Thomas. Thomas was a dominant slugger throughout the 90s and his sharp looking Bowman rookie remains a Blue Chip card. PSA 10s trade for around $450.

The standout 1983 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card comes in at #89. This was Ripken’s first issued card and showed him as a slick fielding shortstop before his Iron Man streak at third base. A near mint copy would sell for around $475.

Holding down the #88 spot is the coveted 2005 Bowman Draft Auto Eli Manning/Buster Posey dual relic card. This rare serial numbered dual patch auto of two stars from one draft captured imaginations. High graded versions have sold for over $500.

Another key Chipper Jones rookie sits at #87, his 1993 Leaf Series 2 issue. Leaf distributed inserts featuring rookie cards of top prospects in Series 2 packs that year and Jones’ card became a hugely popular find. PSA 10s of this rare pull sell for around $525.

At #86 is the 2007 Bowman Draft Auto Mike Trout. Trout’s earliest pro cards signed are highly sought after by collectors before his stratospheric rise. A PSA 10 of this early Bowman Draft auto would command over $550.

One of Barry Bonds’ early starring cards comes in at #85, his much more affordable 1988 Topps Traded issue. Bonds was already well on his way to being a superstar and high grades of this traded set favorite have sold around $575.

A true collectible relic finds its place at #84, the 2001 Playoff Contenders Miguel Cabrera quad logo jersey/patch auto rookie. Few cards better capture Cabrera’s prospect status and this 1/1 monster relic brings over $600.

Another fantastic Chipper Jones rookie relic sits at #83, the 1997 Topps Chrome Refractors jersey card. Jones’ impressive career is commemorated in high end uniforms and PSA 10 versions of this rare chromium jersey have sold for around $625.

At #82 is an iconic Nolan Ryan rookie photo card, the 1969 Topps rookie Photograph issue. Ryan is pictured smiling warmly as a high school junior in this unprecedented photographic inclusion. Top condition copies trade hands for $650.

A superb Cal Ripken Jr. rookie auto sits at #81, the 1991 O-Pee-Chee Showcase Cal Ripken Jr. autograph. Ripken signed for Canadian distributor O-Pee-Chee very early in his career and this coveted signed rookie surpasses $675.

The #80 slot goes to the 1996 Bowman’s Best Refractor Sammy Sosa rookie card. Sosa was a fireball player and this sharp looking refractor version of his rookie has sold for over $700 in PSA 10 condition.

A true piece of game used memorabilia finds its place at #79, the 2006 Upper Deck Game Jersey Patch Chipper Jones 1/1. This ultra-rare 1/1 game used jersey square auto of Jones is about as good as it gets for a unique piece of history. Low population PSA 10 grades have commanded over $725.

One of the more iconic Frank Thomas rookie cards sits at #78, the 1991 Fleer Ultra Sammy Sosa and Frank Thomas rookie tandem card. Collectors loved pairing Sosa and Thomas rookie debuts on the same card. High grades trade for around $750.

At #77 on the countdown is the 1973 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie cup candidates sticker. This exceptionally rare uncut sheet was a true novelty issue during Ryan’s early rise. Known surviving PSA 10 specimens have reached the $775 area.

The 1990 Bowman Derek Jeter rookie cup candidates card clocks in at #76. Jeter became the face of the Yankees dynasty and his earliest pro issues remain blue-chip cards. Near mint copies sell in the $800 territory.

A true 1/1 rarity makes its appearance at #75, the 2001 Skybox Metal Universe Miguel Cabrera game uniform parallel 1/1. This singularly rare Cabrera rookie uniform piece on metal has achieved $825.

The Ken Griffey Jr. rookie mantle is taken up again at #74 by the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. This was Griffey’s true full time major league debut card distributed outside of packs and has proven durable, grading a strong PSA 10 for $850.

At #73 sits the 1999 Bowman’s Best Refractors Chipper Jones serial numbered rookie /250. Jones’ most sparse serial numbered rookie holds tremendous appeal and condition sensitive PSA 10s have reached $875.

An autographed classic takes the #72 slot, the 1955 Topps Ted Williams signed card. The Splendid Splinter’s signature takes a fantastic vintage issue to new heights, with some pristine autopens bringing nearly $900.

A true Nolan Ryan gem sits at #71, his 1976 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan photo variation. This exceedingly rare posed action shot substitute created a sensation and conditioned specimens over $925.

The 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan error card sits proudly at #70. The misprinted “Nolin” Ryan is one of the hobby’s most infamous screwups and choice specimens top $950.

At #69 is a supreme Derek Jeter rookie auto, the 1996 Upper Deck SP Derek Jeter autograph. Early signed Jeter rookies exploded in popularity and condition sensitive versions crack four figures.

An early Chase Utley find sits at #68, the 2000 Bowman Chrome Refractors Chase Utley red parallel /250. Utley emerged as a star and parallel versions of his sparse Bowman rookie command over $975.

A true rarity among rarities takes #67, the 2003 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor Miguel Cabrera autograph /10. This singular Cabrera rookie auto numbered to an ultra-low ten copies has reached astronomical prices.

The 1966 Topps Nolan Ryan / Ernie Banks error ‘traded’ card lands at #66 in the rankings. Swapping photos of two future Hall of Famers became one of the most storied mistakes and PSA 10s bring five figures.

Yadier Molina’s ascendance is represented at #65 by the 2000 Bowman Chrome Refractors Yadier Mol

EBAY FEES FOR SELLING BASEBALL CARDS

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eBay Fees for Selling Baseball Cards: A Comprehensive Guide

If you have a collection of baseball cards that you want to sell online, eBay is one of the largest and most popular marketplaces for collectors. With the convenience of eBay’s massive audience also comes fees you’ll need to pay as a seller. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the different eBay fees you can expect to pay when selling baseball cards and provide tips for minimizing costs.

Listing Fees
As a seller, you’ll pay a fixed fee for each listing you create on eBay regardless of whether the item sells or not. The standard listing fee for a basic auction or fixed price listing for a sports trading card is $0.30 for up to 50 listings per month. After 50 listings, the fee increases to $0.35 per listing. For a 30 day listing, you can promote it by choosing a featured or bold listing which ranges from $2 to $5 per listing.

Final Value Fees
In addition to the listing fee, eBay charges a final value fee on the total selling price of any item that is sold. For trading cards, the final value fee is generally 10% of the total sale price with a maximum fee of $250. The fee is reduced to 5% of the sale price if the item is shipped within 3 days of purchase. It’s important to factor in final value fees when determining your reserve price or “Buy It Now” price so you don’t lose money on the sale after fees.

Payment Processing Fees
If the buyer pays via PayPal, you’ll also incur a payment processing fee of 2.9% of the total sale price plus $0.30 per transaction. PayPal charges slightly higher fees than other payment methods but is very convenient for both buyers and sellers. Credit card transactions through eBay now also incur a 2.9% + $0.30 fee.

Additional Featured Listing Upgrades
To help items sell faster, eBay offers several listing upgrades that can boost visibility in search results. These include:

Best Offer – Lets buyers submit offers lower than your list price. Fee is $2 per listing.

Bold Listing – Text appears in bold in search results. $5 fee for 30 days.

Gallery Listing – Additional photos beyond the standard 12 included. $0.50 per photo.

Featured – Listing appears above others in category for 30 days. $5-25 fee depending on category.

Tips for Minimizing eBay Selling Fees
While eBay fees are unavoidable as a seller, there are some best practices that can help lower your overall costs:

Use 50 free listings per month before paying listing fees.

Ship within 3 days to qualify for reduced 5% final value fee.

Offer combined shipping discounts to encourage buyers to purchase multiple items.

Cross-promote listings on sports forums, blogs, and social media to attract off-eBay buyers.

Consider selling higher-priced, rare cards individually and common cards in discounted lots.

Leave positive feedback for buyers to maintain a high seller rating and attract return customers.

Look for coupon codes eBay periodically offers for new and existing sellers.

Upgrade selectively based on card value – don’t spend $25 promoting a $5 card.

Accept other payment methods like checks or money orders to avoid PayPal fees.

Selling baseball cards on eBay can be very profitable but only if you understand all the associated fees upfront and employ strategies to minimize your costs. With the right preparation and marketing, you can earn good returns even after eBay and other transaction expenses are deducted. Just be sure to factor fees into your pricing and sales strategy from the very beginning.

EBay offers unparalleled exposure and access to collectors worldwide but charges various fees that all sellers must account for. By leveraging free listings, shipping promotions, off-eBay promotion, and selective upgrades, savvy baseball card sellers can maximize sales while keeping their eBay expenses as low as possible. With the right approach, eBay can be a highly lucrative primary or supplementary sales channel for your baseball card collection.

TOP SELLING ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS

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The MLB rookie card market has produced some tremendous rewards for collectors over the decades. Legendary players like Mickey Mantle, Ken Griffey Jr., and Chipper Jones have rookie cards that have shattered auction records and brought collectors great fortunes. Below we examine some of the most valuable and top selling rookie baseball cards of all time based on prices realized at auction.

One of the most coveted and iconic rookie cards ever is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. Widely considered the hottest commodity in the hobby, the Mantle rookie has achieved auction prices over $2 million multiple times in the last decade. What makes it so desirable is that Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career as one of the game’s true legends playing his entire career for the beloved Yankees. The classic design and photo also adds to its appeal for collectors. In 2021, a PSA 9 example topped $2.88 million, setting a new record.

Another longtime blue-chip performer is the 1990 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Like Mantle, Griffey was destined for Cooperstown and had crossover appeal thanks to his exciting style of play. Examples have reached over $500,000 at auction. In 2020, a PSA 10 sold for $720,000, the highest public sale price for any baseball card at the time. Griffey’s rookie captures him at an early stage of his storied career and remains one of the most iconic cards in the hobby.

The 1980 Topps Traded Chipper Jones rookie is a modern era standout. Jones enjoyed a legendary 19-year career entirely with the Atlanta Braves and was a beloved figure in the sport. His rookie card reflects his early promise and captures him in an Atlanta uniform. High-grade examples have changed hands for six figures given his excellence on the field and star power. In 2021, a PSA 9 sold for $189,000 showing Jones’ franchise player status still drives strong collector demand.

One of the greatest pitchers of all time, a 1979 Donruss Wade Boggs rookie card also holds significant value. Boggs went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Boston Red Sox that featured over 3,000 career hits. Like Jones, his excellence over a long period of time continues to attract collectors decades later. A PSA 10 recently sold for over $27,000, among the highest prices paid for any Boggs card.

Moving into even more modern picks, the 2007 Bowman Draft Justin Upton Superfractor parallel /5 holds an elite spot. Upton had a solid 13-year MLB career but what makes this card extra unique is its limited parallel printing to only 5 copies worldwide. In 2019, one example achieved a price of $96,600, showing the immense rarity premium parallel versions can demand from collectors.

The 1996 Ultra Mike Piazza rookie is considered one of the true “keys” of the 1990s set. Piazza would go on to have a Hall of Fame worthy career primarily with the Dodgers and Mets as arguably the greatest hitting catcher ever. His rookie is a true star-studded addition to any collection. In 2020, a PSA 9 sold for $49,800, underscoring Piazza’s staying power and status among collectors.

Cards of more recent stars like the 2009 Bowman Draft Mike Trout rookie and 2011 Topps Update Bryce Harper rookie also hold tremendous long term potential. While still early in the collects cycle, high grades have already achieved five figures given both players’ rapid rising to the top of the sport at young ages. As their careers continue unfolding, these modern talents could very well join the highest echelon of rookie cards fetching seven figures down the road.

The history of the baseball card market shows proven legends and all-time greats like Mantle and Griffey will likely always hold the top spots based on consistent long term demand for their iconic early cards. But contemporary stars with Hall of Fame potential like Trout and Harper show the opportunities that can develop for cards capturing new greats in their early days before superstardom. Condition and parallels also impact value tremendously. The rookie card market remains a prime outlet for collectors pursuing cards tied to the games’ most revered players.

SELLING BASEBALL CARDS IN JACKSONVILLE

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Selling Baseball Cards in Jacksonville – An Overview of the Local Market

Jacksonville, Florida has a rich history with baseball and as a result, the hobby of collecting baseball cards has long been a popular pastime for residents of the area. With the city’s minor league affiliate of the Miami Marlins regularly drawing fans to the ballpark and local card shops continuing to do a bustling business, selling baseball cards remains a viable endeavor for those looking to liquidate parts of their collection or start a side business dealing in the sport’s historic memorabilia. In this article, we will provide an overview of some of the key considerations for those interested in selling baseball cards locally in Jacksonville.

First, it is important to understand the current baseball card market conditions in the area. Like most mid-sized cities, the Jacksonville market is quite affordable compared to major metropolitan areas but also lacks the high-end collectors that can drive up prices. Common vintage rookie cards from the 1970s and 1980s in mint condition may sell for $50-100 each while rare modern parallels and autographs can fetch prices upwards of $500 with the right buyer. Most transactions at local card shops involve sales of $10-50. Condition is critical, so make sure to carefully grade your cards to match the appropriate buyer level. Another useful tip is to research recent eBay “sold” listings of comparable cards to get a sense of market value.

In Jacksonville, the three main options for selling baseball cards are through local card shops, selling directly to other collectors online/at card shows, or utilizing online auction platforms. When selling to card shops, you sacrifice some potential profit but gain convenience as the shop handles grading, pricing and finding buyers. Most shops in Jacksonville pay 50-70% of a card’s book value, depending on demand, condition and whether you accept cash or store credit. A few of the largest and most respected shops are Play It Again Sports (several locations), Great Escape Comics, and Sportstown USA.

Selling directly to other collectors offers the opportunity for higher prices but requires more effort on your part. You’ll need to carefully organize your collection, research values, market listings locally on sites like Facebook Marketplace, and be available to meet buyers. Popular local events to sell at include the North Florida Sports Card Show held 4-5 times annually as well as large comic conventions. Again, sharp photos showcasing condition are crucial. Another benefit of direct sales to collectors is the ability to potentially trade cards to fill holes in your collection.

Online marketplaces give exposure to the widest potential buyer base but take a commission of 10-15% plus shipping costs. Key platforms to consider include eBay, Comc.com, Collectable.com and Sportscardforum.com. With eBay, take advantage of features like free global listings, auction/Buy-It-Now pricing flexibility, and careful photography/description writing. Completing a few small sales helps build seller stats to command higher prices. Also remember to carefully package cards for shipping to avoid damage in transit.

One of the intriguing aspects of selling baseball cards is the potential to hold valuable vintage pieces that truly appreciate with time. But The Jacksonville market values modern rookies, stars, autographed/memorabilia cards the most. Having a strategy to continuously scan what’s hot and sell each off-season allows turning over inventory for profits. With some effort researching values, vetting buyers and sharpening sales skills, local collectors in Jacksonville can earn supplemental income by flipping cards on the ever-evolving secondary market.

SELLING BASEBALL CARDS ON FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE

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Selling Baseball Cards on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has grown into a popular place for enthusiasts to buy and sell all kinds of collectibles, from shoes to toys and everything in between. Baseball cards are a particularly common collectible found on the platform, as there are millions of people with childhood or vintage card collections taking up space in their homes. If you have baseball cards you’re looking to sell, Facebook Marketplace can be a great option. There are some tips and things to know that can help you have a successful experience selling your cards.

Getting Started

The first step is to go through your collection and get a rough idea of what you have. Focus on organized the cards by sport, set, player, year, condition and rarity. This will make listing your items much easier later on. You’ll also want to do some basic research. Check recent sold listings for comparable cards on eBay to get a sense of current market values. Sites like Trading Card Database and Baseball Card Pedia can help provide more context. Pricing your items competitively but still making a fair profit is important.

Creating Your Listings

Once you know what you have, it’s time to start creating listings. On Facebook Marketplace, you’ll select the “Collectibles” category when posting. Be sure to include clear, high quality photos showcasing the front and back of each card. Provide as many descriptive details about the player, year, set, manufacturer, and condition as possible. Condition is especially important – use industry standard terms like “near mint,” “excellent,” or “good.” Honestly assess imperfections.

It’s also a good idea to include the size of the card for context (standard baseball cards are 2.5×3.5 inches). You can sell individual cards or group similar ones together to save on shipping. Be sure to note if a purchase includes complimentary extras like toploaders or team bags. Include your price or price range based on your research. Marketplace allows offers, so be open if a potential buyer wants to negotiate.

Finding Buyers

In addition to just posting your listings, it’s a good idea to promote them on your personal Facebook profile. Share the listings to relevant collector groups – search for terms like “baseball card collectors” followed by your location or team. Engage with those communities by commenting and being helpful.

You can also boost your listings as ads for a small fee, targeting location and interests. Monitor your listings daily and quickly respond to any questions from potential buyers. Clearly communicate policies on payment, shipping costs and methods up front to avoid issues later. Always ship securely in a rigid mailer or box with plenty of padding. Provide tracking and communicate arrivals.

Special Inventory

Rarer, higher value cards may require a different approach. Consider creating a Facebook page dedicated to your collection if you have true vintage stars or gems in your inventory. Provide documentation like PSA/BGS slabs or scans from population reports regarding the card’s history.

More established buyers may be interested in complete high-end sets too. Setting up an online store through platforms like eBay is another option. Just remember that higher dollar transactions come with increased requirements for ID verification, insurance and accountability. As collectors recognize your integrity, regular buyers will follow your new listings and inventory.

Additional Tips

Marketplace transactions are locally based, but you never know where serious collectors reside. Consider occasional cross-posting to platforms like ComicConnect or the Baseball Card Exchange group on Facebook for exposure to a national audience.

Always pack securely, provide proof of mailing like receipt pictures, and communicate shipment tracking. Most issues can be avoided by clearly describing exactly what a buyer will receive up front. Keep records of transactions and reviews for taxes.

With some effort, baseball card collectors on Facebook Marketplace provide a new way to buy, sell and trade with the hobby. With smart listing practices and community engagement, you can make new connections and find loving new homes for cards taking up space in your collection.