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If you're looking to sell basketball cards, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the value of basketball cards can vary significantly depending on their age and rarity. For instance, cards issued after 1980 often have low value, except for the 1986/1987 Fleer Basketball Card Set, which contains the Michael Jordan Rookie Card. To get the best price for your cards, you can sell them to a specialised company like Dean's Cards, which claims to buy and sell more vintage basketball cards than anyone else in the world. Alternatively, you can sell your cards online through platforms like Beckett Marketplace or eBay. When selling online, it's important to research the actual value of your cards by checking sold prices to get a realistic idea of what buyers are willing to pay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cards issued after 1980 have low value | Rarely worth the postage required to mail them |
| Grading cards | A card worth $1-2 ungraded could sell for $250 if graded a 10 by PSA |
| Selling platforms | eBay, 130point.com, Dean's Cards, Beckett Marketplace |
| Vintage cards | Cards from 1969 and older are more valuable |
| Card manufacturers | Topps, Upper Deck, Fleer, Bowman |
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What You'll Learn
Where to sell basketball cards online
If you're looking to sell basketball cards online, there are several options available to you. Here are some platforms and tips to consider:
Online Marketplaces
You can sell your basketball cards on dedicated online marketplaces such as Beckett Marketplace, which has over 35 years of experience in the industry. This platform allows you to connect with buyers, grade and authenticate your cards, and facilitate transactions. Another similar platform is DA Card World, which has been one of the largest and most reputable buyers in the industry for over 20 years. They have buyers across North America and offer various payment methods, including cash, PayPal, and checks.
Auction Houses
Consider auction houses that specialize in sports memorabilia and collectibles. These auction houses often have online platforms where you can list your basketball cards for sale. They may also provide grading and authentication services to enhance the value of your cards.
Card Dealers
Specialized card dealers like Dean's Cards are another option. They buy and sell vintage basketball cards and claim to offer the best prices upfront. Dean's Cards purchases a large volume of vintage card collections annually and is known for paying more than other dealers. They buy cards from various manufacturers, including Topps, Upper Deck, Fleer, and Bowman.
Online Classifieds
Online classifieds platforms like eBay can be a great way to reach a wide range of potential buyers. When selling on eBay, be sure to check the "sold" prices of similar cards to get a realistic idea of their value. This will help you set competitive prices and avoid overpricing your cards.
Grading and Authentication
Consider getting your basketball cards professionally graded and authenticated, especially if they are vintage or rare. Grading services, such as PSA, can significantly increase the value of your cards. A higher grade indicates a better-preserved card, which collectors are often willing to pay a premium for.
When selling your basketball cards online, it's important to research the platforms and dealers you're considering. Look for reputable companies with positive reviews and fair pricing practices. Additionally, ensure that you package and ship your cards securely to protect their condition and avoid damage during transit.
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How to grade basketball cards
Grading basketball cards can be a rewarding, profitable, and exciting process. It involves sending your cards to a third-party company that will establish a numerical value for your card based on its condition. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grade your basketball cards:
Step 1: Choose a Grading Company
There are several reputable third-party grading companies to choose from, including PSA, BGS (Beckett), SGC, and CGC. Each company has its own strengths, such as the look of the protective encasing, secondary market value, and turnaround time. PSA, for example, typically achieves the highest secondary market value, while SGC specializes in vintage cards.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cards
Before submitting your cards, ensure they are in optimal condition. Clean them carefully and consider placing them in protective sleeves or cases. Additionally, research the estimated value of your cards, as this information may be required by the grading company and can also help with insurance purposes.
Step 3: Complete the Submission Process
Each grading company will have its own submission process, which typically involves filling out an online or electronic form. Provide all the necessary information, including the type and estimated value of your cards. Some companies may also require you to submit photos or scans of your cards.
Step 4: Package and Ship Your Cards
Carefully package your cards to ensure they arrive safely and securely. Follow any specific instructions provided by the grading company. Consider adding extra protection, such as placing each card in a penny sleeve and then into a top loader. Confirm the postal information and shipping costs, and keep any relevant tracking information for your reference.
Step 5: Await Results and Feedback
After submitting your cards, allow time for the grading process to be completed. The turnaround time can vary depending on the company and the service level chosen. Once your cards have been graded, you will typically receive a detailed report on the condition and grade of each card.
It is important to note that grading fees can vary, and there is no guarantee that your card will receive a high grade. Grading companies assess various factors, including the centering of the card, visual printing errors, and the condition of edges and corners.
By following these steps, you can confidently grade your basketball cards and gain a better understanding of their value and rarity in the market.
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The value of vintage basketball cards
The most valuable basketball cards can fetch upper five- and six-figure price levels. The George Mikan 1948 Bowman rookie card is considered the "Holy Grail" of all basketball cards. Other valuable cards include the 1961 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain rookie card, which is highly sought after by hobbyists, and the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, which is extremely difficult to find in high grade. The 1986 Fleer set is also notable for featuring the Johnny Moore card, which is valuable due to its rarity in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition.
The demand for vintage basketball cards has been influenced by factors such as the ''Last Dance' documentary, which covered the career of Michael Jordan during the pandemic when there were no live sports to watch. This created a renewed interest in Michael Jordan cards, leading to a chain reaction for collectors to seek out other vintage basketball cards.
When selling vintage basketball cards, it is important to note that the value of a card can be influenced by professional grading. For example, a Jordan card worth $1-2 ungraded could sell for $250 if it receives a grade of 10 from PSA. To determine the actual value of a card, it is recommended to check the "sold" prices on websites like eBay or 130point.com.
Additionally, some dealers, such as Dean's Cards, specialise in buying and selling vintage basketball cards. They buy more vintage card collections than anyone else and are known for paying more. They typically focus on cards from 1969 and older, with some exceptions for cards from the 1970s that are part of large vintage collections.
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The best marketplaces for selling basketball cards
If you're looking to sell basketball cards, there are several online marketplaces that can connect you with interested buyers. Here are some of the best platforms to consider:
Dean's Cards
Dean's Cards is a popular platform for buying and selling vintage basketball cards. They claim to buy and sell more vintage basketball cards than anyone else in the world and have a reputation for paying competitive prices. Dean's Cards purchases vintage cards from 1969 and older, as well as some 1970s cards that are part of large vintage collections. They offer a prompt response and bid process, and their team of professionals reviews the condition of each card to determine the best price.
Dave & Adam's
Dave & Adam's is a major online and retail store specializing in sports cards, collectibles, and memorabilia. They cater to a wide range of collectors and hobbyists by offering a variety of payment options, including business checks, PayPal, Venmo, and store credit. You can sell basketball cards and other sports cards, as well as non-sports cards like Pokemon and Magic.
Kruk Cards
Kruk Cards is an online marketplace that specializes in buying, selling, and trading sports cards. They offer a wide range of products, including individual basketball cards, complete sets, and sports memorabilia. Kruk Cards also provides tools and resources for pricing cards, making it easier for sellers to set competitive prices.
Beckett Marketplace
With over 35 years of experience, Beckett Collectibles offers a one-stop shop for card grading, authentication, pricing, and marketplace needs. They provide a platform for buying and selling trading cards, and their Beckett Vaulting Service adds an extra layer of security for collectors.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a popular platform for selling basketball cards and other sports cards. It offers a large audience of potential buyers, both locally and worldwide, and there are no listing or final sales fees, maximizing your profits. Additionally, you can join sports-related Facebook groups to connect with collectors and increase exposure for your card listings.
When selling basketball cards, it's important to research the value of your cards and consider getting them graded by a reputable service, as this can significantly impact their worth. Sites like eBay can provide insights into actual sale prices, helping you set realistic expectations for your sales.
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How to package basketball cards for shipping
To package basketball cards for shipping, there are several steps you can take to ensure they are protected and secure during transit. Firstly, it is important to use the correct packaging materials. Penny sleeves are recommended as the first line of defence to protect your cards from any damage. You can also use Card Saver brand card holders, which are especially useful for more expensive, standard-sized cards. Card Saver 1 holders keep cards stable and prevent them from sliding out.
Next, you will need a box to place the cards in. For smaller amounts of cards, a 4" x 4" x 2" box is suitable. If you are shipping a larger quantity of cards, card storage boxes are available in various sizes, ranging from 100 to 5000 cards. Ensure that the cards are secure in the box and add packing material such as foam peanuts, bubble wrap, or other lightweight materials to prevent shifting or movement during transit.
Once your cards are securely packaged, place them in a sturdy outer box for added protection. This box should be adequately sized to fit the inner box(es) containing the cards, with enough room for additional packing material on all sides, including the top and bottom. You can use leftover cardboard boxes from previous deliveries or purchases, or purchase new ones online.
Finally, seal the outer box with packaging tape and consider adding a signature confirmation upon shipping to ensure a paper trail and proof of delivery. You can print your shipping labels at home and take advantage of discounts offered by carriers such as USPS, or use online platforms such as eBay or PayPal to print labels at a reduced cost.
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Frequently asked questions
You can sell your basketball cards online on websites such as Beckett Marketplace, eBay, or 130point.com. You can also sell them to companies such as Dean's Cards, which claims to buy and sell more vintage basketball cards than anyone else in the world.
The value of basketball cards depends on their age and rarity. Generally, vintage cards from 1969 and older are more valuable, while cards issued after 1980 tend to have low value. One exception is the 1986/1987 Fleer Basketball Card Set, which contains the Michael Jordan Rookie Card.
To determine the price of your basketball cards, you can refer to sold listings on websites like eBay or use online price guides such as those provided by Beckett Collectibles, which offers card grading, authentication, pricing, and marketplace services.
Getting your cards professionally graded can increase their value. For example, a Jordan card worth a few dollars ungraded could sell for a much higher price if it receives a high grade from a reputable grading service like PSA.
When shipping cards, ensure they are well-packaged and protected to avoid damage during transit. Several online sellers are praised for their super-fast and safe shipping, with cards packaged in sleeves and good condition.
