So, what’s the best way to sell vintage sports cards?
Don’t worry–it’s a trick question. If there was a single best way to sell vintage, everyone would do it, right? So the question gets complicated fast. There are several “best ways” to sell, depending on what you are selling, and your goals. As we go, I’ll link to existing Cardhound resources that can help you sell like a pro. The possibilities include:
- DIY listings on social media or the internet (like Cardhound Classifieds), or even a show,
- Consigning to an eBay power seller or other third party,
- Consigning to a major auction house, or
- Selling in bulk to a dealer.
Let’s consider the best uses of each, along with the pros and cons:
DIY (Web, Social Media, Card Show)
Sample Online Card Listing
Best Uses
DIY is great if you have time and knowledge. However, you likely need be an established member of some good groups or sites. Ideally, you’re tech savvy and know how to leverage the power of algorithms to get traffic to your listings. You need to fully understand the hobby and be able to describe and value accurately. You need to be familiar with the selling lingo (as seen in the pic). And there’s a lot to learn about processing payments, packing and shipping, and avoiding scammers. If your cards are lower to medium price point, and if this sounds fun to you, go for it!
Pros
Limited fees, can be a fun way to meet other collectors, move at your own pace. Selling at a card show can be enjoyable and profitable–with most payments in cash.
Cons
Without the knowledge base to pull it off, you can underprice or even get scammed. But scams are largely avoidable if you know what to look for! Further, it takes a lot of effort to gear up for a show–so make sure it’s worth your while.
Consignment
Best Uses
Consider a consignor if you have lower to mid-priced “bulk” that you want to move, and don’t want to invest the time to sift, sort, list, and sell yourself. There are some big players on eBay (I won’t list them because frankly I don’t know enough to endorse any), and also several solid dealers in the large vintage groups. Cards like those above are the bread and butter of big consignment sellers.
Pros
The main advantage to consignment is very limited work on your part: send your cards, and wait for a check.
Cons
You need to use a service or business you trust. Consignment can be a slow process–your cards sit in a queue until they are needed for inventory. Further, selling cards off a few at a time takes a long time, especially if they are commons or not so desirable.
Auction House
Best Uses
Auction houses are best for unique, higher-value items that require a large audience and the time, resources, and expertise of the auction house staff. Most have specialties, so be sure to find the best fit for your items. The buyer for this Mantle might be found in an online group, but it’s more likely to sell at a big auction.
Pros
If your items are auction-worthy, you will get your biggest audience and best return selling this way. The buyer pays a premium, affecting your final net, but if your collection is specialized or rare, it’s worth it.
Cons
Anything can happen at an auction! The more rare or unique your items are, the more difficult it is to estimate the final sales price. However, you can mitigate this risk by sending larger lots–some will beat estimates, some won’t get close, and the net is acceptable.
Selling in Bulk
Best Uses
Frankly, selling in bulk is only best if you need quick cash. Maybe you have truckloads of low value items and you just need to reclaim the space. Maybe you are just leaving the hobby and recouping value is not important. There are many dealers willing to take on just about any collection . . . at the right price.
Pros
Cash in hand today, cards gone.
Cons
You’ll likely only receive 60% or so of value–maybe less for large disorganized lots. However, you’ll get more for premium graded vintage.
Conclusion
You might actually leverage all of these options, if your collection is large and diverse! First, sell the mid-grade vintage standards yourself. Then, consign some sets to a company that specializes in set breaks. After some homework, send your best stuff to a fitting auction house. Finally, dump the rest for fun money. Hopefully, all of the proceeds go to . . . more cards!
