Online Marketplaces – Some of the most popular and reliable sites for selling cards online include eBay, SportscardsDirect, COMC (Collectiblesonlinemarketplace.com), and Blowout Cards. eBay is the largest auction site and will provide the best chance of finding interested buyers but you’ll pay fees of around 13% of the final sale price. Sites like SportscardsDirect and COMC are dedicated specifically to cards and have buying/consignment programs that can simplify the process but may not always get top dollar. With any online option, it’s important to photograph cards well, describe conditions accurately, ship promptly, and communicate professionally with buyers.
Local Card Shops – Calling up any local collectible shops is a good option, especially for larger collections or valuable singles. Shops can appraise collections and may buy entire lots rather than just individual cards. They need to make a profit so you likely won’t get top dollar. Some will also take cards on consignment if you want a chance at a higher sale price. Dropping by in person to establish a relationship could also lead to referrals of interested customers.
Card Shows – Regionally throughout the year there are various collector card shows, conventions and expos where hundreds of vendors set up tables. These are great opportunities to meet buyers face-to-face, get on-the-spot appraisals from experienced dealers, and potentially sell cards quickly in bulk rather than piecing out online. Entrance fees are usually nominal and you can rent a table to display items for sale if desired. Shows draw serious collectors who may pay top dollar for valuable cards. Transporting large collections can be cumbersome and you’re competing against many other sellers.
Facebook Groups – Many local and topic-specific collectibles Facebook groups exist solely for buying and selling items. Make a post with photos of your cards, their conditions and prices. Interacting on the site helps establish you as a trustworthy seller. Deals are made in the comments. This personalized approach allows for haggling on price and building rapport with interested buyers. Risks include shipping to strangers and no platform protections like eBay. Stick to highly populated, well-moderated groups.
Consignment Shops – For very large or valuable collections, another option is consignment shops that specifically handle sports memorabilia and card liquidation. They’ll assess your entire collection (which can take days or weeks), divide into lots, handle pricing, display at their storefront, and manage all sales and shipping. While this hands-off approach minimizes your time investment, consignment shops generally take the largest commission percentage, around 30-50% of final sales. But it ensures top dollar prices are achieved through their experts and established clientele.
The best approach depends on factors like size of collection, urgency to sell, and desired profits. Combining multiple online and in-person selling venues often nets the highest returns. With some research to find reputable buyers and platforms, and clearly presenting your items for sale, you can confidently move your old baseball cards into the hands of appreciative collectors. Just be sure to sell authentic cards and represent their actual conditions honestly to maintain a positive reputation.