Most sports enthusiasts know that collecting sports cards can be a fun and profitable hobby. Unfortunately, not all sports cards are created equal, with some worth a lot more money than others.
To find sports cards that are worth money, you need to know where to procure your cards. Flea markets or sites like eBay are great options. Considering their condition and rarity, you must also know which cards to target. Doing all this in tandem is key to finding cards that will make you money.
This article will further explain the steps you need to take to find valuable sports cards, including the essential point of where to procure them. Next, we’ll move on to the type of cards that can make you money and some tips, in the end, to top it off. So keep reading!
1. Understand the Card Market
Knowing the card market is critical to success when investing in sports cards. Researching past trends and current card values can give you an idea of where prices might go in the future.
It’s important to stay up-to-date with new releases and changes in the industry so that you can respond quickly to any fluctuations or sudden spikes in prices.
2. Look For Cards in the Right Places
Finding the right places to hunt for sports cards is essential if you want to add to your collection.
When hunting for trading cards, thorough research pays off, as many online resources, such as auction sites, group pages, and individual sellers, provide good opportunities to find rare items.
To get you started, below are some of the places you should look.
Discord Groups
The best way to find valuable sports cards on Discord is by joining servers dedicated specifically to trading and selling cards. These servers usually have a large number of members who are all interested in trading and buying cards from each other.
You can join these servers (like this one) and start browsing through the various channels to find the card that you’re looking for. Some servers even have specific channels for different types of sports cards, so it’s easy to narrow down your search results.
Another great way to find valuable sports cards on Discord is by joining “card flipping” servers where members flip (or sell) their collections of cards at prices higher than what they originally paid.
This gives you access to a wide variety of rare and unique cards at prices lower than the market value, which makes it a great way to save money while still finding what you need.
Why You Might Want To Use Discord
Discord is an incredibly useful platform for finding valuable sports cards quickly and easily. Whether you’re looking for rare or common cards, there are plenty of options on Discord groups explicitly dedicated to trading and selling cards.
By joining these groups, you can access a large selection of high-quality cards at prices lower than the market value, which makes it a great way to save money while still getting what you need.
Facebook Groups
If you’re an avid collector of sports cards or just a casual fan, Facebook Groups can be an excellent resource for finding rare or difficult-to-find cards. Below are some things to remember when using Facebook groups.
Identify Your Needs and Interests
Before you dive into the world of Facebook groups, you must identify your needs and interests. Are you looking for vintage cards? Do you like modern ones?
Do you prefer basketball or football? Knowing what kind of cards or sports interest you is vital to finding the right group. Once you’ve made these determinations, it’s time to start looking for the perfect group for you.
Find the Right Group
The best way to find the right group is by going directly on Facebook and typing in keywords related to your interests.
For example, if you are looking for basketball cards, try searching “basketball card collectors” or “basketball cards.” Doing so should bring up a list of groups related to your keyword search. Once this list appears, take some time to scroll through them and see which one looks like the best fit for your needs and interests.
Get Involved in The Group
Once you have identified the best group for your needs, it’s time to get involved! Don’t be afraid to post questions about specific cards or ask about any tips others may have when it comes to buying/selling/trading sports cards.
It’s also important that once people answer your questions with helpful advice, you thank them. Staying engaged with other group members will help build relationships and increase your chances of finding those rare and valuable sports cards that may have eluded you.
Using Facebook Groups is a great way to find valuable sports cards as well as build relationships with other collectors who share similar interests as yours. With patience and diligence, these groups can provide invaluable insight into collecting and lead to some amazing finds.
eBay
Looking to find those rare, valuable sports cards without breaking the bank? Whether you’re a collector or an investor, eBay is the perfect place to go.
With a vast selection of sports cards, memorabilia, and collectibles from every era, eBay makes it easier than ever to find what you’re looking for. Let’s look at how you can use eBay to find those valuable sports cards.
Search for Your Cards
The first step in finding valuable sports cards on eBay is searching for them. You can do this easily by typing keywords into the search bar on the site.
For example, if you’re looking for baseball cards from the 1950s, simply type “1950s baseball card” into the search bar and hit enter. This will bring up all of the listings that match your criteria.
In addition to using keywords, you can narrow your search further by selecting specific categories or sellers. This will help ensure that you’re only seeing items that are most likely to be valuable and relevant to your interests.
Research Your Cards
Once you’ve found some potential cards or memorabilia, you must research them thoroughly before making any purchase decisions. Doing this will help ensure that the item is authentic and in good condition – two factors that can make or break its value.
Look through all of the available photos carefully and read through any descriptions provided by the seller before making a decision.
It’s also a good idea to search online forums and blogs dedicated to collecting sports cards. These sites often have great information about what makes certain cards more valuable than others.
Make Your Purchase
When it comes time to make your purchase, be sure to read through all of eBay’s terms & conditions carefully before committing to anything.
Pay close attention to details such as shipping fees and return policies so you don’t get stuck with an item you’re not happy with after it arrives at your door.
Additionally, contact the seller directly if there’s something about the item or its condition that concerns you – most sellers are more than willing to answer questions about their items before selling them.
If done correctly, using eBay can be a great way for collectors and investors alike to find valuable sports cards without spending too much money.
Just remember: research is key. Make sure each item is authentic and in good condition before pulling out your wallet, and never forget to read through all of eBay’s terms & conditions when making a purchase.
Garage Sales
Another great place to find unique sports cards is right in your neighborhood—at garage sales.
Garage sale shopping offers some major advantages over other methods of searching for valuable sports cards.
- First, it’s a more affordable option than buying online or from specialty stores. You can often find great deals on cards and collections marked down significantly from their original price.
- Secondly, you can see exactly what you’re getting before you buy it—no surprises! This makes it easier to inspect the card’s condition and determine its actual value before committing to purchase.
- Finally, there is an element of surprise and excitement when searching through someone else’s collection. You never know what gems you might uncover.
Tips for Finding Valuable Cards
Now that we know why garage sales are a great place to buy cards, let’s discuss how best to search for them.
- The most important tip is to be patient and thorough in your search. Don’t just skim through tables looking for names you recognize; take your time and flip through each stack carefully.
- Also, make sure you ask questions whenever possible. The person selling may not be aware of the full value of their inventory, so they may be willing to part with something at an even better price than expected.
- Lastly, it pays off (literally) to do research before hitting up any garage sales. Check online resources like eBay and Beckett Marketplace for an idea of prices and which players or sets tend to be more valuable than others.
Garage sales are a great way to start or add to any sports card collection without breaking the bank.
With patience and research, anyone can find hidden gems among stacks of cards that could add real value over time. So don’t hesitate—grab a cup of coffee and hit up some local yard sales next weekend in search of those one-of-a-kind finds!
Flea Markets
While eBay and other online stores are great options for locating cards, nothing beats the excitement of going to a local flea market and scouring through bins of cards in search of that one special card.
Here’s why you should consider taking your sports card-collecting hobby to a flea market near you.
The Variety
Local flea markets often have vendors specializing in sports cards and collectibles, but even if they don’t, there’s still plenty of opportunity to find something valuable.
Most flea markets have tables or booths with various items, meaning you may stumble upon some hidden gems while browsing. On top of that, many vendors will be willing to negotiate on prices, so keep an eye out for those who might be willing to give you a better deal.
The Experience Factor
Let’s face it—there’s just something about going out and looking for sports cards in person that puts the fun back into collecting. You get to meet fellow collectors, barter with vendors on prices, and even get advice from them about where else you should look for specific cards.
These experiences make going to flea markets more than just about buying cards; it’s also about building relationships with people who share the same passion as you do.
The Unexpected Finds
One of the most extraordinary things about going to local flea markets is that you never know what kind of treasures you might find. Even if all the vendor tables look like they have nothing interesting on offer, take your time walking around and keeping an eye out for any potential finds.
You never know what could be hiding away in some corner or tucked away inside someone’s box. Keep an open mind and don’t pass up on anything until you’ve had a chance to look through it yourself; this approach could lead you towards uncovering some invaluable surprises!
Tip – Be Willing To Negotiate
Flea markets are great places for bargain hunters! Since sellers are often individuals looking to make some extra cash off their collections, it’s often possible to negotiate for a better price than the one listed on the price tag.
If there’s a seller whose prices seem too high, try bargaining with them or asking them if they have any special offers or discounts available. You never know until you ask.
Going to a local flea market can make your search for valuable sports cards much more enjoyable than just shopping online or relying solely on specialty shops.
These places provide an array of exciting finds and opportunities for negotiation. They also offer excellent networking opportunities with fellow collectors and vendors, plus loads of exciting experiences along the way.
Craigslist
Although it may not be the first place that comes to mind when searching for sports cards, Craigslist can often yield surprising results. Let’s go over the basics of how you can use this platform to find those hidden treasures.
Play With Keywords
To begin your search, type in a keyword related to the card or cards you are interested in, such as “Vintage Baseball Cards” or “Babe Ruth Memorabilia.” This will typically bring up all the listings related to that particular topic.
If nothing shows up, try experimenting with different keywords until something relevant appears. Once you have a list of potential items, read through the descriptions and click on any listings that appear promising.
It can also be helpful to search by location. This way, if there is a collector nearby who has items they would like to part with quickly, you may be able to schedule a meeting and purchase them from them directly. Additionally, many people offer free shipping options for their items as well.
Ask Questions
Before making any purchases off of Craigslist (or any online marketplace), make sure that you do your research first. It is perfectly acceptable – and recommended – for buyers to ask sellers for more information about their items before committing to buy them.
Ask questions about the condition, authenticity, and availability of each item to get an accurate idea of what it is worth before buying it. Knowing this information upfront should help protect you from getting scammed or buying something with hidden damage or defects.
Be Patient
Finding valuable sports cards on Craigslist is more challenging than it sounds; it takes patience and dedication. Set aside an hour each day dedicated solely to searching for cards; this will help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Keep track of all the posts that interest you so that if something gets sold before you can snag it, at least you won’t miss out entirely—you may be able to contact the seller directly and work out a deal from there.
Craigslist is filled with amazing finds waiting just around the corner—including sports cards.
Don’t forget that due diligence is key when purchasing anything online; research individual items carefully before committing so that you are sure to get exactly what you want at a fair price.
3. Invest in Rookie Cards
Rookie cards have long been a popular item for baseball card enthusiasts, but they can also be an excellent investment. While some rookie cards are worth thousands of dollars because of their scarcity or condition, others may not have as much value—at least at first.
However, some rookie cards have the potential to increase in value over time and can be a great investment if you know which ones to look for.
Understanding Rookie Card Value
When it comes to rookie cards, the main point of value is rarity. Only certain players will get rookie cards printed for them, and those that do will often come with varying levels of rarity.
For example, some players may get a limited edition printing of their rookie card with different colors or designs than the standard version.
These unique variations can make certain rookie cards more valuable than others. That said, it’s important to understand what makes certain rookies more valuable before investing in them.
Research Is Key
Doing your research first is crucial to ensuring that you’re investing in the right rookie card. Start by looking into which players have had multiple rookie card printings over the years and identify any potential variations between them that could affect their value.
You should also check out recent auction prices on similar cards to determine how much they’ve been selling for recently and whether or not they’re likely to appreciate further in the future.
While you won’t always know if a rookie card will skyrocket in value overnight, doing some research beforehand can help you identify which rookies are most likely to become hot commodities down the line.
Pay Attention To Trends
It’s also important to pay attention to trends when investing in rookie cards. Look out for new players who are making an impact on the field, and check out what kind of hype their cards are getting from collectors online.
Additionally, keep an eye on any special editions or promotional printings that companies might be offering for certain players, as these can sometimes drive up demand—and therefore prices—for those specific rookies quickly.
Investing in rookie cards has its risks, just like any other type of investment, but it can be incredibly rewarding if done correctly.
4. Look for Error Cards
Error cards are another type of card that can be worth a lot of money. Error cards are those that contain printing or design errors, such as misspellings or incorrect player statistics. These types of errors are usually only found on a small number of cards, making them rare and valuable.
For your reference, one John Doyle error card fetched $190,400 in an auction in 2016.
Where To Find
Error sports cards can be found in numerous places, from online retailers to garage sales. Many card stores will also have these rare cards in stock. Local hobby shops are typically the best place to go if you want a good selection of error sports cards at reasonable prices.
If you’re not sure where any local hobby shops are located, do an online search and read reviews before visiting—this will help ensure that you get the best deal possible.
How To Identify
When it comes to identifying an error card, there are a few key signs that you should look for. First, check the physical condition of the card—it should be in near-mint condition and free from any major flaws such as creases or tears.
Also, check the card’s color—error sports cards usually have incorrect colors or hues that don’t match other versions of the same card. Finally, pay attention to any misprints or inconsistencies on the card itself; these could indicate errors in printing or production that make the card valuable.
Potential for Selling
Once you’ve identified an error sports card and determined its value, it’s time to sell it. There are numerous online marketplaces where you can post your item and list it for sale; eBay is one of the most popular options, but there are many others (such as Heritage Auctions).
Before listing your item on any marketplace, research similar items to get a better idea of how much your item may be worth. Once your item is listed, remember to keep up with buyer inquiries promptly—this will help ensure that your item sells quickly at the highest possible price.
5. Know the Factors That Affect the Value of a Card
In the world of cards, many factors affect the value of a card. From rarity to condition and everything in between, it’s essential to understand the different aspects that influence the value of a card.
Whether you’re a veteran collector or just starting, understanding these factors is essential for making great investments and getting maximum returns on your cards.
Let’s check out three of the primary factors associated with card collecting in the following sections.
Rarity
One of the most important factors in determining a card’s value is its rarity. Cards that are more difficult to find will generally have higher values than those that people can find easily.
For example, if you have an extremely rare card from an old set, you can expect it to be worth much more than one from a newer set. This is because older sets tend to contain fewer cards overall and fewer copies of each card.
Condition
The condition of a card also has an impact on its value. Generally speaking, cards with better conditions will be worth more than those with worse conditions.
This means that cards without any scratches, tears, or other signs of wear and tear will usually fetch higher prices than ones that show signs of damage or age.
Edition/Set Value
A card’s edition and set value also affect its overall value because specific editions or sets may feature exclusive content that makes them desirable among collectors and, therefore, more valuable than others.
Additionally, some sets may contain limited printings, making them even rarer and, subsequently, more valuable.
6. Chase a Particular Player To Make Profit
With so many players to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why today, we’re talking about how to make money by chasing a particular player in the sports card market.
What Does It Mean To “Chase” a Player?
Chasing a particular player means focusing your energy on collecting that specific athlete’s cards. This involves researching various years and sets for different variations of the player’s card and acquiring the most valuable pieces.
With this method of collecting, you will want to keep track of when new product releases from brands like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck hit retail stores, as these often feature players with rare versions or special inserts.
How Can It Help You Earn Money?
Chasing a particular player can help you make money because this form of collecting allows you complete control over which cards you acquire and how much money you spend on them.
By focusing your efforts on acquiring specific variations or rare inserts of your chosen player, you can avoid spending too much money on other parts of their collection to make sure that your portfolio is up-to-date and worth more than what you paid for it.
Additionally, if an athlete suddenly has a breakout season or experiences newfound success, their cards’ value could skyrocket overnight!
Tips for Optimizing Your Chasing Process
If you are considering taking up chasing as a hobby but don’t know where to start, here are some tips for optimizing your process:
- Choose the Right Player – Researching different athletes before committing to collecting just one is essential as they may not all be equally desirable or valuable in the long run.
- Set a Budget – Knowing exactly how much money you are willing to spend on each card before making a purchase can help ensure that the chase doesn’t become too expensive.
- Know When To Sell – Being familiar with current market values can help inform decisions about when it might be best to sell off certain pieces of your collection so that they don’t become depreciated by new releases or changes in consumer demand.
- Track Prices – Keeping track of prices for specific cards over time is important as this information could help inform decision-making down the line when deciding which pieces are worth keeping and which should be sold off at any given time.
- Use Social Media – Following popular accounts related to sports card collecting (such as Beckett & PWCC) can give insight into what’s going on in the industry and alert collectors about any upcoming products or events related to their favorite players’ cards.
- Join Collectors Groups – Joining local or online collectors’ groups is a great way to stay up-to-date with trends in the industry. It also helps you connect with other passionate fans who share similar interests. Both things will greatly enhance your experience as a collector.
7. Build Your Experience First by Buying Common Cards
Many savvy investors have recognized that there is money to be made in the world of sports cards. If you’re looking to start your profitable collection, it’s best to begin with common sports cards. Here’s why and how you should start investing in sports cards today.
Why Start With Common Cards?
When investing, you must know the ins and outs of what you’re getting into. Before you jump into buying expensive rare cards, why not try out some common ones first?
Common cards are those that can be found easily and are usually sold at a lower price point than rarer ones. They are also easier to find, giving you more options for diversifying your card collection.
Plus, because these cards don’t have huge price tags, they can be an ideal way to test the waters and develop your skills as an investor before moving on to pricier items.
How To Get Started
If this all sounds good, but you don’t know where or how to get started with common cards, have no fear! First of all, do some research on which types of sports cards tend to increase in value over time.
Doing so will help you decide which kind of collection would be most profitable for you. Then, set up a budget and make sure that you stick to it while purchasing your cards. This will help ensure that your investments remain profitable!
Finally, keep an eye out for any special offers or discounts when buying common sports cards online or in person to maximize your profits further.
8. Find Quality Deals, and Don’t Rush Into Anything
Finding quality deals on sports cards can be tricky, but with some research and patience, you should be able to find good value for money.
Take advantage of any available sales or discounts, and be sure to search online forums and websites to find better prices than those offered by traditional stores.
Furthermore, take your time with things.
Investing in sports cards can be both exciting and risky, so taking your time and ensuring you understand the market before jumping in with both feet is vital. Don’t put yourself in a position where you could potentially lose money, as it could take some time for any investments to pay off.
9. Join a Collectors Club
Joining a collectors club is a great way to jumpstart your sports card-collecting journey. Not only will you learn more about the hobby, but you could also make some money along the way. Here’s why joining a collectors club is the right move for any sports card enthusiast.
Meet Like-Minded Individuals
The main benefit of joining a collectors club is that you can connect with others who are passionate about sports cards. This gives you access to members with years of experience and knowledge in the hobby.
Plus, connecting with other enthusiasts allows you to share stories and tips on properly storing and caring for cards, as well as which cards may be worth investing in.
Finally, many clubs host events such as tournaments or trade shows where members can get together and show off their collections or exchange trading cards.
Learn About Different Types of Cards
When it comes to sports card collecting, there are countless types of cards available – from vintage baseball cards from the 1950s to modern collectibles featuring current athletes.
A collector’s club can help familiarize new members with all different kinds of cards so that they understand what’s out there and what each type is worth.
A collectors club is the right place to be if you want to dive deeper into specific areas, such as vintage basketball cards from the 1960s or autographed rookie cards from 1997.
Clubs often feature experts who specialize in these subjects and can provide additional information on how to find these items and how much they may be worth.
Profit From Your Collection
Collectors clubs offer valuable resources when it comes time to sell your collection or trade for higher-value items.
Members can participate in auctions or online sales forums hosted by the club, where they can buy rare or hard-to-find items at competitive prices while also setting realistic expectations for what their collections may be worth when put up for sale.
By joining a collectors group, you open up numerous opportunities for making money through your collection – whether it’s through direct sales or trades – that would not otherwise be available if you were doing research online or through classified ads alone.
Takeaway
There are many benefits to joining a collectors club if you want to make money with your collection of sports cards.
Whether you are just getting started in collecting sports cards or have been doing it for years, joining a collectors club is always a good idea!
A Few Final Tips to Help You on Your Journey
Here are a few final things to remember when seeking to make money from your card-collecting endeavors.
Diversify Your Portfolio
When it comes to investing, diversification is key. The same holds when collecting sports cards – don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Investing in a variety of different teams and players can help you spread out the risk and maximize the potential return on your investments.
Set Goals
Setting goals will help keep you focused and motivated when collecting sports cards. Decide how many cards you want to buy each month, or set a budget so that you don’t overspend on rookie cards or other high-end pieces. Setting goals will help keep you on track.
Track Your Investments
Keeping track of how much money you’ve invested in sports cards will help you understand what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to investing in sports cards. By tracking your investments, you can identify any patterns or trends that could be useful when making future decisions.
Store Cards Properly
Storing your cards safely is essential if you want to keep their value intact. Investing in hard cases, sleeves, and top loaders are all great ways to protect your investments from dirt and moisture damage for years to come.
For more information, check out my articles on storing thick cards and storing multiple cards in sleeves. They will help ensure your cards stay safe and as close to mint condition as possible.
Consider Professional Grading
Professional grading services can help add value to your cards and ensure they are in the best condition possible. Grading services can also provide valuable feedback on any potential investments you may be looking into by determining the exact state of a card’s condition.
Final Thoughts
Follow the above tips if you want to find cards worth money and hopefully profit from your collection. And remember, sometimes, you have to be willing to take a risk to reap the biggest rewards.
