How do I monetize my old sports cards without getting ripped off?

Question

How do I monetize my old sports cards without getting ripped off?

Answer 1

As a sports cards and collectibles collector for the past 10 years, my advice is to first, educate yourself regarding baseball cards and their history. There are many books out there about baseball cards, their history and collecting them.  There are lots of great websites and dealers on line for you to check out.  Check out Ebay and do a search on the cards of card syou have and it will give you a sense of the market.  Pick up a price guide or two like Beckett or Tuff Stuff to use as a reference.  Identify what you have and whether it has any market value. Remember just because something is old, doesn't necessarily make it valuable.  In addition, "old or vintage", may be a relative term in describing your cards.  To a 10-12 year old, anything from 1980 may be old or vintage. It seems the cards that have some value among collectors are cards pre 1970.  Any cards  made after that were made in great quantities.  Sure there some great rookie cards in the 70s, 80's and even 90's, but they aren't scarce.  .Another factor  to consider is what do you have invested in the cards (time, money etc.). There are price guides available to give you a general idea of value, but these are usually based on mint cards.(Beckett, Tuff Stuff et).  The condition of your cards will be a factor in determining their true value.  Any significant cards that you have (stars, rookies etc.), you may want to consider getting them "graded" and "slabbed".  Basically, that means sending your card away, paying a fee and geting it encapsulated in a plastic type holder and they will "grade" the condition of your card ( like Beckett, PSA etc.). Most dealers will only offer you a 5-20% value on the cards, if they want them at all. Go to some local card shows and check out what's being sold and the prices.  Many baseball cards are being sold at half book value at card shows, I've attended.    Other advice would be to check around and talk to different dealers.  Once you get to know some dealers, work with someone you feel good about and how they deal with  you. Always get more than one opinion on your cards.  Lastly, if you feel you are not getting the value you want for the cards, move on to someone else and be realistic about what  you expect to get for the cards.  It is like school , if you do the homework, you will get the results you want.  Good Luck.