There’s serious money in knowing where to sell baseball cards these days. This isn’t your playground swap meet situation anymore.
Just think: the global sports trading card market was estimated to be valued at nearly $14 billion USD in 2019 alone.
And it’s the trading card industry isn’t showing any signs of slowing down any time soon, with a projected market value of more than a staggering $98 billion by 2027.
So if you’re an avid collector of baseball cards or if you’ve stumbled upon a potentially valuable collection, knowing where is the best place to sell baseball cards, either for cash near you or online, can help you to save time while maximizing your efforts as well as the return on your investment.
Let’s see exactly how to get started with making money in this way.
Where to sell baseball cards
Selling baseball cards is no longer limited to needing to know a top collector in your local neighborhood (although this can help when it comes to where you can sell baseball cards for cash!)
Today, with the advent of the internet and the explosion of the trading card market, the question of where you can sell collectible baseball cards near you is now easier than ever to answer, whether you’re doing so as a collector or recreationally.
1. eBay
EBay is one of the oldest online marketplaces that is still in operation today. Using eBay to sell baseball cards provides the opportunity to reach prospective buyers and collectors from all around the world. In fact, baseball cards are one of the best things to buy and sell for profit on eBay.
Currently, it’s entirely free to list up to 50 items on a given day, making eBay an ideal selling platform for those interested in listing baseball cards individually or even in entire customized packages.
While eBay provides access to millions of users and card collectors worldwide, there is a fee for each item you list using the service in addition to a 10% commission fee for each sale that is completed successfully.
Typically, the fee for a standard listing on eBay is $0.30, but can cost more depending on additional features and listing boosts you require in order to maximize your card’s reach and online visibility.
Can you make money selling baseball cards on eBay?
Yes, it is possible to make money selling baseball cards and most collectible items on eBay. However, it’s important to remember that eBay is often saturated and very high-traffic, making it more challenging to reach prospective buyers and collectors.
In order to be successful in selling on eBay, it’s advisable to understand the ins and outs of selling baseball cards, even if you’re doing so only as a hobby or as a one-time opportunity.
Understanding what’s in demand, how to properly price your cards, and how to create effectively and SEO’d (search engine optimized) relevant listings on eBay goes a long way in a highly competitive marketplace.
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2. Etsy
Another online platform to consider selling your baseball cards on is Etsy. Although it’s commonly known for the homemade crafts and items people make and sell on Etsy, it’s also an ideal platform to connect with collectors of all types.
Selling baseball cards as a way to make money on Etsy isn’t always easy, but it is possible once you have established a reputation for yourself and understand how to effectively target and reach collectors on the platform.
3. Just Collect
Just Collect is a unique operation, as it gives you the ability to sell baseball cards near you in person or by sending in your collection via good old-fashioned snail mail.
If you have a collection of baseball cards that dates back to 1979 or earlier, Just Collect is a great card-selling solution for you.
Once you access the Just Collect website, you can immediately request a free appraisal on your card collection by filling out the form provided. Just Collect is ideal for those who have baseball card collections from decades ago without collectors who are interested in purchasing them directly.
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4. Reddit
If you want to get a bit creative when figuring out where to sell baseball cards, consider using a subreddit of the popular online forum and web community, Reddit.
The subreddit r/baseballcards, is known for users making connections and real-life trades by communicating through the subreddit itself to find card buyers near you, making this a great way to make money on Reddit using your collectibles.
As with any online forum and community, it’s imperative to follow the rules for each individual subreddit you join. For instance, don’t spam or link your sale listings to any Reddit community that does not permit sales and/or promotional material.
If you’re unsure of what you can and can’t do in any specific subreddit, it’s best to contact the moderator(s) and/or admins of the subreddit itself.
5. Dean’s Cards
Arguably, Dean’s Cards just may be the very best place to sell baseball cards online, whether you are doing so as a collector or if you simply have a massive collection of baseball cards you need to unload.
Dean’s Cards sells a whopping 1,000 vintage baseball cards on any given day. The company is actively seeking collector cards and is open to direct and online sales.
Using Dean’s Cards is possible if your cards are dated from before 1969. In some cases, Dean’s Cards will also purchase complete card sets if they are all in their original formats up until the year 1985.
However, it’s important to note that Dean’s Cards is open about not often purchasing cards that are newer than 1980 unless they hold special value.
If you’re thinking of using Dean’s Cards, you’ll need to mail your collection directly to the company. The company’s own bid software will help to automatically generate an estimated value of your card collection.
The value of your card collection is automatically generated based on current market value, demand, as well as whether or not you are selling individual cards or an entire collection.
According to Dean’s Cards, upwards of 80% of sellers accept the offer(s) they are first presented with when seeking an appraisal for the cards they mail into the service.
6. eBid
Whether you’re looking for a way to cut costs and fees when selling your baseball cards or if you want to diversify your selling platforms, one of the best places to sell baseball cards online aside from eBay includes eBid.
Not only is eBid a safe alternative to eBay, but it also boasts a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot, giving it a positive reputation from its own community.
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7. Bonanza
Bonanza is another online auction website with more than 25,000 sellers. Although mega-giant auction sites such as eBay boast more than 25 million users, some prefer to use alternative auction sites for increased visibility and a chance to connect with niche audiences.
Using Bonanza is simple and similar to other online auction websites and online communities. One of the advantages of using Bonanza as a place to sell your baseball cards is the ability to do so without the $.30 fee per listing that eBay charges.
While a $.30 fee may not seem like much, it can quickly add up if you intend to list and auction or sell a lot of baseball cards individually.
8. DA Card World
For those who are avid collectors of baseball cards complete in their packages, turn to DA Card World to unload your collection with ease. DA Card World only buys sports cards that are complete in their cases as well as sealed boxes of cards.
In some cases, DA Card World will also purchase modern baseball cards, depending on the type of card(s) you have and the demand for the said card(s).
9. COMC (Check Out My Collectibles)
COMC, or Check Out My Collectibles, is a well-known online community for collectors of comics, gaming cards, and sports cards, including baseball cards. It’s free to join and create an account on COMC, providing you with instant access to all that the community has to offer.
Once you have an account on COMC, you can immediately begin creating your listings to sell individual cards or packages and boxed sets of cards, depending on your collection(s). There are multiple ways to sell baseball cards using COMC, including:
- Use store credit you receive for your sales to purchase additional collectibles and/or trading cards that are of interest to you.
- Trading in and exchanging your store credit for cases and sealed boxed baseball card collections.
- Converting the store credit you receive from COMC for each individual sale into cash.
Is COMC.com legit?
Yes, COMC.com is a legitimate trading website and online community that was originally founded in 2007 by Tim Getsch, a former Microsoft employee. It’s known for offering a legit platform where people can buy and sell baseball cards online.
As you can see from this Reddit thread, for example, it’s described as “scam-free” and “hassle-free”.
That same thread does note, however, that it may not be the best place to sell baseball cards valued at more than $100, as they tend to take a bit longer to sell. This doesn’t affect the site’s legitimacy though, which online reviews indicate is without question.
10. SportsCardPro
If you’re searching for a sports-oriented platform to list and sell your baseball cards on, consider using SportsCardPro. SportsCardPro provides both hobbyists and serious baseball card collectors with the opportunity to list the cards they have for sale free of charge.
Should you choose to use SportsCardPro to list and sell cards from your baseball collection, it’s important to remember that you’ll be responsible for a 2.9% processing fee in addition to a $.30 fee for each sale that you complete using the platform.
All payments from SportsCardPro are paid via PayPal, requiring a PayPal account in order to receive your money.
11. The Cardboard Connection
The Cardboard Connection is another major card-selling platform and organization that has facilitated the sale of more than $1 million of baseball cards and collectibles. The Cardboard Collection is currently purchasing baseball cards directly from individuals who have been holding cards from 1974 and earlier.
Although it’s possible for The Cardboard Connection to purchase modern baseball cards, the most valuable and in-demand cards are typically dated from 1974 and earlier.
If you’re interested in using The Cardboard Connection to unload your own baseball card collection, you can do so by completing the form on the official website of The Cardboard Connection itself. Typically, responses come within 1-2 days, providing you with the option of accepting or rejecting the offer before proceeding with your sale.
12. Craigslist
One popular website for listing items for sales and connecting with prospective collectors in any market or niche industry includes Craigslist.
While Craigslist isn’t a dedicated platform for listing and selling baseball cards, it does provide a unique opportunity to list the cards you have for sale internationally or in a specific region and city you are interested in targeting and reaching.
13. Local pawn shops
If you’re interested in turning to local resources and locations to sell and unload your baseball cards, consider visiting a local pawn shop. Local pawn shops are often the best place to sell baseball cards near you, especially if you are able to find a pawn shop that involves an owner who is an avid baseball card collector and/or seller.
In addition, if you’re looking for where you can sell baseball cards for cash, this is often the best option. Start by searching “pawn shops that buy baseball cards near me” and you’ll be good to go from there.
Do all pawn shops buy baseball cards?
Not all pawn shops buy baseball cards. Some pawn shops may be geared more towards purchasing electronics and collectibles that are either more modern or more vintage than baseball cards and/or other sports memorabilia. Even though that do may not be the best place to sell baseball cards.
That is, if possible, it’s best to find one that tends to focus on collectibles rather than one that will put your card on a random shelf between other miscellaneous items. A pawn shop that’s a bit more specialized will often result in you getting more money.
How to find pawn shops that buy baseball cards near me
Finding a pawn shop that buys baseball cards near you is possible by simply searching on Google. It’s also a good idea to call a pawn shop directly or, if they have one, to visit its official website to see if they sell collectibles like sports cards.
That is, it helps to inquire about the type of items the pawn shops you are visiting are currently interested in purchasing or bidding on.
Avoid wasting time by visiting all of the pawn shops in your area by calling or contacting them ahead of time to verify that they have an interest in the specific baseball cards or collections you have to offer.
14. Local and state fairs
Another place where you can sell baseball cards for cash and increase the level of exposure you receive for your cards is to attempt to sell them at local and state fairs.
Selling your baseball cards at local and state fairs is a great way to connect with members of your local community, letting you find baseball card buyers near you, while providing you with an opportunity to set your own sale price in person.
15. Yard sales
If you’re able to, consider selling your baseball cards at local yard sales you host. Hosting a local yard or garage sale is not the very definition of where you can sell your baseball cards locally, but it also provides an opportunity to sell other items that you no longer want or need around your home or in your life.
If you choose to host a garage or yard sale, it is important to remember that your prospective customers are interested in a bargain or a sale, and may not be as open to highly-priced baseball cards.
That said, if you’re looking for where to sell baseball cards for cash to get some quick money for your collection, this ticks that box. You can also try targeting card buyers near you to make them aware of the baseball cards you’ll be selling ahead of time.
What is the best way to sell baseball cards?
There’s no right or wrong way to sell baseball cards, especially if you are doing so recreationally and for fun. However, there are a few ways to sell baseball cards that will help improve your chances of not only making the sale, but doing so at your asking price.
- At a local fair or convention. Selling your baseball cards at a local fair or baseball/sports convention is one of the most targeted methods of selling cards, both online and off. Showcasing your collected baseball cards in front of other baseball card collectors near you significantly increases your chances of making a sale and even making new connections with prospective collectors. If you’re looking for where to sell baseball cards for cash near you, this is going to be one of the best options.
- Online. If you are looking for the best place to sell baseball cards and you are unsure of where to begin, turn to the internet. Selling baseball cards online has never been easier with the advent of online baseball communities, collector stores, and even auction platforms. Selling your baseball cards online provides complete and total control over individual auctions and listings you create. Additionally, selling your baseball cards online provides you with an opportunity to learn more about and compare other sellers and platforms for cards today.
- At a local pawn shop. If you are interested in sticking to local resources when it comes to selling your baseball cards, consider selling your cards at a local pawn shop. A local pawn shop may have an interest in purchasing individual cards or entire boxed and sealed sets, depending on your collection and its value. If you are thinking of visiting a local pawn shop to sell your baseball cards, be sure to call the pawn shop ahead of time to verify that they are currently in the business of buying baseball cards.
Because not all pawn shops purchase baseball cards and sports memorabilia, calling ahead of time can help you to save time and avoid you visiting pawn shops that do not provide you with the leads or sales you need. You’ll also likely be able to find this information online by simply Googling “who buys baseball cards near me”.
How to start selling baseball cards in bulk
If you have more than one baseball card to sell at any given time, you should consider selling your baseball cards in bulk. Knowing how to sell baseball cards in bulk can help you to save time while simultaneously unloading larger portions of your collection at once.
- Research: Research cards that you have in your collection to learn more about their value and demand. Discover what type of condition is required for your card to have value over others. Get to know more about the baseball and sports memorabilia collection world to better understand the type of cards you have in your possession and whether or not you will have the ability to sell them in bulk.
- Boxed sets: Consider which sealed and boxed sets of cards you have in your possession if you are thinking about selling baseball cards in bulk. While not all sealed or boxed collection sets of baseball cards hold any value today, many can be sold in bulk, especially when working directly with a company that buys baseball cards and unopened packs.
- Compare platforms: If you are thinking of selling your baseball cards in bulk, it is important to find a selling platform, online or off, that is geared directly towards the type of sales you intend to make. Take the time to research and compare platforms that provide the opportunity to list and sell baseball cards. Compare features, perks, as well as the overall community to determine which locations are right for listing the cards you intend to sell as a package deal or in bulk.
- Pricing comparisons: As with selling anything in bulk, baseball cards sold in bulk will often be sold for much less than if you are selling an individual card, unless you are selling a verified and in-demand collection in mint condition. If you intend to sell a variety of baseball cards in bulk, it is important to remember that you may not receive all of your asking prices. Because someone else is unloading numerous cards from an individual at once, the expectation is that the cards will be let go for less than retail or standard market value in most cases. You may need to negotiate in order to receive your asking price when selling in bulk.
Where can I sell my baseball cards for cash?
There are several places where you can sell your baseball cards for cash:
- Local card shops: Look for card shops in your area that specialize in buying and selling baseball cards. You can find these by searching online or in a phone directory.
- Online marketplaces: You can sell your baseball cards on online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, or Craigslist. These platforms allow you to reach a wider audience and potentially get higher offers for your cards.
- Auction houses: Some auction houses specialize in sports memorabilia and collectibles, including baseball cards. They may be able to help you sell your cards at auction for a good price.
- Card shows: Card shows are events where collectors buy, sell, and trade baseball cards. You can bring your cards to a card show and try to sell them directly to other collectors.
- Sports memorabilia stores: Sports memorabilia stores often buy and sell baseball cards, so you can try contacting stores in your area to see if they are interested in purchasing your cards.
When selling your baseball cards, be sure to research the value of your cards beforehand so that you have a good idea of what they’re worth.
What baseball cards are worth selling?
Not all baseball cards are valued the same, especially if they are modern or produced after the mid-70’s and early 1980’s. Most baseball cards that are considered vintage and/or collectible items include baseball cards that date back before the 70’s.
A few collections that are typically always in demand include the 1952 Topps baseball cards as well as the 1933 Goudey cards. Any cards that include Mickey Mantle or other notorious well-known baseball players from the Golden Era of the USA are sought after and easiest to sell.
Are baseball cards worth any money anymore?
Yes, baseball cards can still be worth money, especially if they are rare, in good condition, and from a popular player or era. The value of a baseball card is determined by several factors, including the player’s popularity, the year the card was printed, the card’s condition, and the rarity of the card.
For example, a rare card of a Hall of Fame player in excellent condition could be worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The baseball card market has fluctuated over the years, with certain eras and players becoming more or less popular. However, the market has remained relatively stable overall and many collectors and investors still see value in buying and selling baseball cards.
There’s also a strong online community of baseball card collectors who buy, sell, and trade cards on various platforms, such as eBay and COMC.
If you’re interested in selling baseball cards, it’s important to research the value of your cards beforehand and to take care of your cards to maintain their value. This may involve protecting them with sleeves or holders and storing them in a cool, dry place.
Additionally, it’s critical to choose a reputable selling platform or dealer, and to be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers to get a fair price for your cards.
Can you make money selling baseball cards?
Yes, it is possible to make money selling baseball cards, especially if you have a collection of rare, valuable, or sought-after cards. However, making money selling baseball cards can be challenging, and success depends on a variety of factors.
This includes, for example, the quality of your collection, the current market demand for the cards you have, and the selling platform you use.
If you have a valuable collection of baseball cards, you may be able to sell individual cards for a high price to collectors or investors. However, selling cards individually can be time-consuming and may require expertise in the baseball card market.
Alternatively, you may be able to sell your collection as a whole to a dealer or auction house, which can offer a more streamlined selling process but may result in a lower sale price.
The profitability of selling baseball cards also depends on the cost of acquiring them. If you already have a collection that you have acquired over time, any money you make from selling them can be considered profit.
However, if you are buying cards specifically to sell them for a profit, you will need to be able to acquire them at a low enough cost to make a profit when you sell them.
In general, selling baseball cards can be a fun hobby and a way to make some extra money, but it is unlikely to be a consistent or reliable source of income. Like any market, the baseball card market is subject to fluctuations and trends, and it can be challenging to predict which cards will become valuable in the future.
Therefore, it’s important to do your research, take care of your cards, and be patient when selling them to maximize your potential profit.
How can I tell if my baseball cards are worth anything?
One of the best ways to learn everything there is to know about baseball cards and sports trading card collections is to immerse yourself in the collector community. Learn everything there is to know about the community of collecting and selling cards by joining local meetup groups or even online groups, forums, and active communities.
You can share information regarding the cards you have with other baseball card collectors near you (or online), pawn shop owners, and even individuals who run various baseball card-collecting websites and organizations.
Spend time researching the cards you have in your possession individually to learn more about their value, demand, and whether or not it is best to list and sell them individually or as part of a package deal.
Ask avid baseball fans and collectors for their opinions and advice, and seek out resources from others who are known in the collectors’ business online and with local connections. The more familiar you become with the realm of baseball card collecting and sports memorabilia, the better luck you will have when it comes time to sell and promote the cards you intend to sell.
How do you get baseball cards appraised?
Getting your baseball cards appraised is possible by working directly with a collector, appraiser, or pawn shop owner. It is also possible to have your baseball cards appraised by working together with an online baseball card service or organization.
If you choose to have your baseball cards appraised locally and by an individual in-person, it is highly advisable to seek out multiple appraisals to verify the authenticity of your appraisal and estimate.
It is also possible to use resources online such as Dean’s Cards and DA Card World to mail in your cards and your own collection in order to receive an accurate estimate and appraisal for your collection.
How do I start selling baseball cards?
Learning how you can sell cards online and the best way to sell sports cards is not often an overnight task. Immersing yourself in the collector community of baseball cards is the first step to truly understanding the value and demand of your own card collection.
- Organize your collection: Before you start selling your baseball cards, it’s important to organize them in a way that makes sense to you. You can organize them by date, type, player name, team, or even by the condition of the individual cards you own. This will make it easier for you to find specific cards when you are ready to sell them.
- Separate your cards: Once you have organized your collection, you should separate your individual cards from your boxed cards or sealed card collections. Individual cards are easier to sell than boxed or sealed collections, which are typically sold as complete sets.
- Research the value of your cards: The value of baseball cards can vary greatly depending on the player, the year, the condition, and other factors. It’s important to research the value of your cards before you sell them so that you know what they are worth. You can use online price guides or consult with other collectors to get an idea of the current market value of your cards.
- Choose a selling platform: There are several platforms you can use to sell your baseball cards, both online and offline. If you have rare or valuable cards, you may want to consider selling them through an auction house or a specialty dealer. If you have a large collection of less valuable cards, you may want to consider selling them through an online marketplace like eBay or COMC (Check Out My Cards).
- Request an appraisal: If you are selling your cards through a dealer or auction house, they will likely appraise your cards for you. However, if you are selling your cards online, you may want to consider getting an appraisal to help you price your cards accurately. Some online platforms, like COMC, offer appraisal services for a fee.
- Create and monitor your listing: Once you have chosen a selling platform and set a price for your cards, you can create a listing for them. Your listing should include details about the card, including the player name, year, brand, and condition. You should also include photos of the card so that potential buyers can see its condition. Once your listing is live, you should monitor it regularly and respond to any inquiries or offers from potential buyers
What websites sell baseball cards?
Once you have made the decision to begin selling your baseball cards and you want to do so online, it is important to familiarize yourself with the resources and communities that are best for selling any type of baseball card or collectible.
- eBay: eBay is a popular online marketplace for buying and selling a variety of items, including baseball cards. It is one of the largest online communities with over 25 million active sellers and registered members. eBay offers both auction-style and fixed-price listings, and has a wide range of features and tools to help sellers market their items effectively.
- Etsy: Etsy is a popular online selling platform for handmade and vintage items, but it’s also a great place to sell baseball memorabilia and entire collectible sets of cards. This platform caters to a niche market, making it ideal for unique and hard-to-find baseball cards.
- Just Collect: Just Collect is a well-known baseball card collection organization that purchases cards that are dated 1979 and earlier. They are interested in buying individual cards, complete sets, and even entire collections.
- Reddit: Reddit.com offers subreddits, such as /r/baseballcards, that allow users to sell and promote baseball cards or collections of their own. It is a great platform for interacting with other collectors and finding potential buyers.
- Dean’s Cards: Dean’s Cards is another major baseball card purchaser, typically seeking baseball cards and collections dated 1969 and earlier. They are known for their accurate and fair pricing, and will even pay for shipping if you sell your cards to them.
- eBid: eBid is a smaller online auction site alternative to eBay, with around 25,000 total sellers. It offers similar features to eBay, such as both auction-style and fixed-price listings.
- Bonanza: Bonanza is a small auction site alternative to eBay, but it offers a simplified selling experience for those who don’t want to deal with the complexities of eBay. It has a focus on unique and interesting items, and can be a great platform for selling rare or hard-to-find baseball cards.
- DA Card World: DA Card World specializes in providing appraisals and purchasing baseball cards via snail mail. They will evaluate your cards and offer you a fair price, and will even cover the cost of shipping.
- COMC (Check Out My Collectibles): COMC is a large online community that allows users to sell their baseball cards and collectibles for cash or store credit. They offer an easy-to-use platform for both buyers and sellers, with features like consignment selling and image management.
- SportsCardPro: SportsCardPro will work with you and your collection to help sell it once providing you with an appraisal. They will take care of the listing and pricing, and will offer you a fair price for your cards.
- The Cardboard Connection: The Cardboard Connection is an online marketplace for selling and buying baseball cards, as well as other sports memorabilia. They specialize in snail mail solutions for selling your baseball cards, and offer features like auctions and private sales.
- Craigslist: Craigslist is a popular online classifieds platform where you can sell your baseball cards locally. It is ideal for selling individual or bulk card sales to people in your local community. However, it is important to exercise caution and meet buyers in a public place when conducting a transaction on Craigslist.