Where To Sell Basketball Cards In 2024 [The 20 Best Places]

Ever collected basketball cards in your childhood? Or maybe you're awestruck by the vibrant colors and precious memories they possess and somehow ended up with a trove of them.

Well, don't just let them sit around collecting dust. Let me share where to sell basketball cards, turning those tiny tokens of history into a pretty handy cash flow.

Nowadays, it seems like everything has its market. The same can be said for basketball cards. The rich tapestry of stories these cards hold from various seasons and careers is enough to make any sports enthusiast giddy with delight!

Whether you have rare or signed cards, or an extensive collection from different eras, selling them could earn you a fair bit of money. Don't believe me? Let's dive right in.

Where To Sell Basketball Cards: The Best Digital and Physical Locations

Last year , I found out that someone I knew sold a single basketball card on eBay for an eye-popping six-figure sum.

Can you believe that? It got me thinking about the potential avenues to flip cards for some extra money on the side.

eBay

While platforms and marketplaces are aplenty, eBay still remains the undisputed king when it comes to selling various collectibles such as basketball cards.

Here, you can set up your very own auction, or sell at a fixed price utilizing the 'Buy It Now' feature.

Three Key Steps to Selling on eBay:

• Create a Listing: Detail your card's features/career characteristics—it helps if you've got a story to tell! Photos speak more than words sometimes—remember to include clear images of both sides of the card.
• Choose Your Selling Format: Decide between auction-style listing or fixed 'Buy It Now' pricing.
• Receive Payment & Ship Item: Once the card has been sold, eBay ensures secure payment from the buyer before you ship out your card(s).

All that is left for you to do is sit back, relax and let eBay handle the transaction while you keep an eye on your growing bank balance.

eBay takes a small percentage as their fee for transactions on their site. Fees varied based on categories & selling formats—it's always best to run a quick check.

Beckett

If you are a sports memorabilia collector, you most certainly have heard about Beckett. It is the premier marketplace for old and new basketball cards, as well as their top-notch grading services.

Why Choose Beckett:

• Industry Reputation: Beckett has been in the industry since the 1980s. Their reputation precedes them making your cards more credible to buyers.
• Grading Services: If your card is worth a considerable sum, getting it graded by Beckett aids in setting a definite price with your buyer.
• Extensive Database: They maintain an expansive database of cards which helps sellers make informed decisions about pricing their items.

If you're sure on the value of your card and want to avoid auction-style selling, consider Beckett's Marketplace.

Advantages such as these make Beckett an excellent platform to consider when wondering where to sell basketball cards.

Dean’s Cards

Dean's Cards is another reliable online platform that specializes in buying and selling vintage sports cards and related collectibles.

They began their journey in 2001 and since then have become a go-to place for many collectors.

Their emphasis lies on pre-1981 sports cards, making it the perfect marketplace if you possess older basketball cards.

A complete breakdown of how purchasing works is available on their website, which gives more detailed guidelines on how to navigate through the selling process.

Here are some key features of Dean's Cards:

• Painless Selling Process: They accept everything from complete sets to entire collections. Just provide a rough estimate of your card collection, drop them in a box, and ship them to Dean's Cards.
• Fair Pricing: Their years of experience allow them to offer a dependable market value for your basketball cards.
• Excellent Customer Service: If you encounter any problems during your card-selling process, the enthusiastic customer service team is there to assist you.

Though they take only pre-1981 sports cards and collectibles, if you happen to have those old gems tucked away somewhere, well then Dean's Cards is surely worth considering when you decide where to sell basketball cards.

Dave & Adam’s

Moving ahead, meet the behemoth of trading card retailers—Dave & Adam’s. Known for their wide array of products from trading card singles to sealed boxes/packs and even gaming supplies.

Some of their key features include:

• Assorted Product Range: Not just limited to vintage collections; modern basketball cards also find buyers here.
• Authenticity Authentication Services: Dave & Adam's offer authentication services ensuring your card's authenticity which can aid in fetching higher prices.

Check out their Sell My Cards policy where they clearly state what they are buying along with options for immediate cash offers or trade-ins for store credit at an increased rate of up to 20%.

COMC (Check Out My Collectibles)

Last but definitely not least—in our rundown—is COMC. With COMC’s easy-to-use platform, you can sell everything ranging from historical sports artifacts to trading cards right from your living room!

You might ask "Why COMC"?

• COMC offers an unparalleled service where they take care of all the steps once they receive your inventory—everything from storage right down to shipping the items.
• You get paid as soon as your item sells without worrying about awaiting payment or shipping the item yourself.
• They charge an upfront fee depending upon how quickly you want your items listed and sold.

Facebook Groups

You might be surprised to hear this, but Facebook isn't just for staying updated with friends and family—it's also a gathering place for card collectors in the know.

Why Facebook:

• Ease of Access: You probably spend a good chunk of your day on Facebook browsing through posts. Why not take advantage of what's already at your fingertips?
• Group Variety: There's no shortage of specialized groups where you can buy, sell, or trade basketball cards. Look up groups like “Basketball Card Buy Sell Trade” or “Sports Card Scammers Exposed 2.0”.
• Build Relationships: Interacting with other group members allows you to establish ties within the card collector community.

Remember, be sure to review each group's rules before posting about selling your cards. Different groups have different regulations and etiquette—be responsible and respectful toward fellow members!

PSA Card Forums

The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) set up their own forum catering to sports card collectors worldwide.

Why Visit PSA Card Forums:

• Community Discussions: PSA’s forums include a variety of discussions about grading cards, upcoming releases, player prospects and much more.
• Buy/Sell/Trade Boards: Members are welcome to buy, sell or trade their sports memorabilia in specially designated forum boards.

See if it vibes with you—the PSA Forum could be an ideal platform for selling your basketball cards!

Investacard

This name may not ring a bell as often as eBay or Facebook does—but trust me on this, you might want to check out this fantastic service called Investacard.

At its core, Investacard acts as the middleman between sellers like yourself and potential buyers out there.

Benefits of Investacard:

• They handle all aspects from grading and sale listing right down to final transactions—ideal for those who aren't familiar with selling online.
• Investacard pays you upfront—I repeat—upfront!! They pay estimated market value cash using simple submission steps outlined.

If you're looking for convenience without the hassle of haggling over prices—Investacard is unquestionably worth considering.

OfferUp

OfferUp is a top-tier online marketplace that is easy to use, and thus, has garnered a massive community of buyers and sellers.

It's like a digital garage sale where you can sell anything from your old sofa, to an assortment of garden tools, and yes—basketball cards.

The best part about OfferUp is how localized it is, catering primarily to buyers in your immediate or surrounding neighborhood.

How to Sell on OfferUp:

• Download the App: Since it’s mobile-first by design, get the OfferUp app on your iOS or Android device.
• List Your Product: Click a picture of your card, add some engaging details (like player biography or career highlights), set a price and there you have it—a product listing ready to go live!
• Communicate With Buyers: The messaging system within the app lets you converse directly with potential buyers.
• Make the Sale: Once you agree on the price and terms with the buyer, meet up in person in a safe environment to make the exchange.

What sets OfferUp apart is its simplicity and its commitment towards making transactions as safe as possible. And did I mention, listing your basketball cards on OfferUp is completely free?

Sports Cards Pro

When deciding where to sell basketball cards, Sports Cards Pro can be an ideal platform for sports lovers like us!

This site specializes in trading cards across all sports genres—not just basketball. It offers auction-style listings so you'll get competitive offers from interested buyers.

• Register on Sports Cards Pro: Sign up to create an account.
• List Your Card: Time to create another enticing description for your basketball card. Remember images often tell more than words–upload clear pictures of both sides!
• Start Your Auction: Set an initial bidding price for your card, sit back and wait as prospective buyers bid for it over time.

One unique feature that sets them apart—Buyers pay Sellers directly! Sports Cards Pro does not take any cut from successful transactions while maintaining security standards throughout.

Local Pawn Shops

Local pawn shops surprisingly old-fashioned in times dominated by digital solutions? Not quite so!

These brick-and-mortar locations offer instant cash if you're willing to part ways with those precious basketball cards right away without much hassle.

Head down to a few pawn shops nearby; each one may offer different prices based on their customer base and demand for what you have got especially if it's something as sought after as a rare Lebron James' rookie card!

While they won't generally pay much as online marketplaces would do, heck—I'd say give them a shot!

They could save time spent negotiating with picky internet buyers saving more than just disappointment.

Remember: Don't just sell at the first price offered; shop around several pawn shops before making a decision so that you receive a fair deal.

Card Events

Card Events, also fondly known as trade shows or card conventions, are another notable avenue for selling your basketball cards.

These events are usually filled with sports enthusiasts and collectors - your perfect targeted audience.

Why Card Events are Beneficial:

• On-Spot Valuation: At these events, numerous experts can provide quick appraisals of your cards, helping you to set a fair price.
• Direct Negotiation: You can negotiate the selling price directly with buyers without the worry of any intermediaries or additional fees eating into your profit. Be warned though; negotiation skills are key here.
• Immediate Payment: Once you've struck a deal, payment is typically immediate. There's no need to anxiously wait for online transaction approvals or checks in the mail.

Some famous card events include the National Sports Collectors Convention (held annually) and regional sportscard shows like TriStar Productions and GT Sports Marketing. Keep an eye out for these in your local calendar!

Craigslist

You're probably no stranger to Craigslist, but have you tried selling basketball cards on it? Craigslist is a free, easy-to-use platform that can connect you directly with locals interested in your inventory.

Before selling on Craigslist:

• You need to take clear, crisp photos of both sides of your card.
• Write an appealing title and detailed description (card condition, year of issue etc).
• Set a competitive asking price - checking out other listings is a good way to estimate this.
• Check messages regularly for potential offers or negotiations from interested buyers.

Always remember to meet up in public places and prioritize safety when handling transactions through platforms like Craigslist.

Mercari

A newer entrant to the online marketplace scene is Mercari — a platform that specializes in person-to-person sales right from fashion accessories all the way down to collectibles like basketball cards.

Mercari’s seller-friendly features include:

• Easy listing process—user-friendly interface ensures swift upload of listings.
• Make safe transactions—Mercari ensures payment until the buyer confirms receipt in satisfactory condition.
• Responsive support service—Get assistance anytime during the process with their 24/7 support services.
• Profitable rates—Mercari charges only 10% as seller fee which is comparatively lower than that of many platforms out there.

Finding the right platform best for you will depend on how much effort you're willing to put into organizing & tagging each card along with how customized (auction vs set-price) or convenient (online vs offline) you'd like the selling process to be!

Don't let those rare pieces of history sit idle though! Whether old or new, common or ultra-rare—the right collector will value them just enough to make parting worth it.

Just Collect

Just Collect is renowned among sports memorabilia collectors for their superior breadth and depth of expertise.

Their teams of experts ensure a robust valuation process, considerably reducing the chance of undervalued listings.

Why Choose Just Collect:

• Free Appraisal: They offer free appraisals on collections both big and small, so you'll know the value of your cards before you make any concrete decisions.
• Enjoyable Experience: They tailor-make the selling process to your preferences to create an enjoyable experience. You can choose to either consign your cards or outright sell, availability across the US means they can swing by your place or meet you halfway at a local card show.

To get started with Just Collect, you can find more details on their website.

eBid

Unlike bigger players in auction-style selling such as eBay, smaller niche online marketplace eBid prides itself on its remarkably low seller fees; a mere 3% final sale fee.

Major Highlight Features:

• Ease of Use: The website design is intuitive and easy to navigate—you will not need hours or even minutes to get set up!
• Safe Transactions: Each user must undergo mandatory identity verification, this ensures secure transactions for both buyers and sellers alike.

Feel free to explore eBid's vast marketplace here.

Local Card Shops

Local card shops have served as an avid collector's best companion for many years. Their charm lies in the personal, face-to-face interactions that build credible and enduring relationships between buyers and sellers.

How Local Card Shops Operate:

• In-Person appraisal: At local shops, you get an immediate assessment of your basketball card’s worth, giving you a concrete figure rather than a guesstimate.
• Personal Experience: Engaging with knowledgeable store owners can help beginners understand the worth of their collection.
• Immediate Cash Payment: Unlike online platforms, local shops can offer immediate cash payment on your cards—no need to wait around for transactions to process.
• Trading Opportunities: Trading cards is another exciting aspect visible in physical stores, which is rather difficult to perform online.

Remember: Before selling your treasured basketball cards in a local shop, check out the shop's reputation and reliability to ensure that you are getting fair value for your cards.

SportsCardPro

If you wish to connect directly with the massive community of sports enthusiasts and collectors—but from the comfort of your couch—look no further than SportsCardPro.

The distinct feature of this platform is its communication algorithm that directly connects collectors throughout the country without being dependent on auction systems or unfair pricing mechanisms.

Advantages of SportsCardPro:

• User-Friendly Interface: Designed specifically for sports card trading, it provides an intuitive user experience.
• Increased Transparency: Direct communication between buyer and seller allows for more transparency during price negotiation.
• Free To Use: There are no fees or commissions enabling you to pocket all proceeds from sales.

Atomic Mall

Another useful e-commerce site is Atomic Mall. It nurtures an eclectic mix of items from collectibles such as basketball cards to clothing & accessories—a one-stop-shop for all trade needs.

Some benefits of using Atomic Mall include:

• Versatile Listing Options: You can list basketball cards either through traditional auction styles or fixed price listings.
• Low Transaction Fees: Atomic Mall fee rates are reported to be lower than eBay making it an attractive marketplace.
• Communication Tools: Users can directly communicate with buyers via a private messaging system simplifying negotiations.

Atomic Mall might not be as popular as other platforms but carries its unique perks that make it worthy of consideration when wondering where best to sell your basketball cards.

FAQs About Basketball Cards

Conclusion

So, you see, there isn't just one place to sell your basketball cards. From the wide-open online world of eBay to the trusted counters of local card shops—the opportunities are truly limitless.

Deeper dives into platforms such as Beckett, SportsCardPro or Atomic Mall reveal even more unique advantages that cater to different styles of selling and personal preferences.

Before you fall back on nostalgia and decide to keep those old basketball cards in boxes, weigh out your options!

Explore all these avenues for selling your beloved pieces of sports history. You might be delightfully surprised by what they could earn you.