Did you just dig up that shoebox full of your old baseball cards from the 1960’s and 1970’s? If so, consider yourself lucky, and get ready for a quick crash course in baseball card values.
If you’ve ever sold a baseball card or any other collectible for that matter, you know there are a variety of factors determining their worth. First and foremost, a collectible is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Market conditions change, new collectors enter the marketplace, old collectors stop buying, and so on.
Let’s take a look at the three most common ways you can find a buyer for your baseball cards, and the pros and cons of each.
Online Auctions
Every single day, you’ll find baseball cards being bought and sold at online auctions. There are numerous private auction houses specializing in sports cards, and of course there’s Ebay.
The key with online auctions is understanding the size of their audience. Ebay, by its sheer volume, has far and away the biggest audience of buyers and sellers. This can be advantageous, as your offer will likely get in front of the most people. On the other hand, there are auctions closing every hour of every day on Ebay, so your cards or collection may get lost in the shuffle.
If you decide to pursue a private auction house, be sure to ask about the number of registered buyers and results from previous auctions. This will help you understand what to expect and what price you might attain.
Remember, you’ll likely pay a seller’s premium on every item you sell. This is how the auction house makes money. Typically, th
is will range from 10 to 15%. And while auctions can sometimes create a bidding frenzy on desireable items, often times there are no bids whatsoever on other items. Check the terms and conditions to ensure you’re not sacrificing a valued collectible at rock bottom price.
Private Collectors
Private collectors are hardest to find, but may give you the very best price, as there’s no middle man involved. The best way to locate a private collector is at memorabilia shows or in specialty sports collectors publications. It’s a bit of a needle in the haystack approach, but if time is your friend, this approach may prove worthwhile.
Baseball Card Dealers
An on site card dealer is probably the easiest way to sell your collectibles. You can get an appraisal and firm offer on the spot or within a few days. The obvious trade off is that the dealer fully intends to resell your cards at a profit. Therefore, they will offer you a price allowing them ample negotiating space. Expect to get the low end, or under, of prices listed in reputable price guides.
Summary
We recommend tryng each of the three selling solutions. Auction a few cards or a portion of your collection online, after gaining a clear understanding of their condition. If you have a large collection, try to network with other collectors and get their recommendations. You never know when a casual contact turns into an eager buyer. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to get an appraisal and offer from a dealer or two. And if the offer is within your expectations, you’ve reached the classic win win situation.
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