Ryan Barone (@ballcardgenius, Card Expert) is a lifelong member of the hobby. He has been quoted in PSA Magazine, and his content has regularly been mentioned in “Quick Rips” (the Topps RIPPED Newsletter) and across other hobby publications. hello@ballcardgenius.com; Last Time Ago LLC dba Ballcard Genius.
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Just because a card is ungraded doesn’t mean it’s down and out. Some ungraded cards are hidden gems, patiently biding their time until they get their chance to shine. They’re like undiscovered talents, waiting for their big break. Who knows, that ungraded card sitting in a dusty corner might just be the next MVC, ready to show off its stuff after a visit to the grading gods.
It’s for these reasons that ungraded cards are still very much in demand, with some collectors wanting to only buy “slabless.”
The question is, where are the best places to sell cards?
The best place to sell ungraded sports cards, specifically, is eBay, the renowned online marketplace with a massive user base and global reach. However, other platforms like COMC.com, Sportlots, and Mercari also present unique advantages. These benefits include professional card processing, specialized communities, affordable listing fees, and streamlined shipping options, which all together make them worth considering for selling ungraded cards.
1. eBay
When it comes to selling ungraded cards, eBay is still the number one choice for several reasons.
First off, it’s a massive marketplace with a vast network of collectors eagerly searching for unique finds. By listing your ungraded cards on eBay, you’ll expose them to a wide audience, increasing the chances of finding interested buyers.
eBay is basically the first place many collectors look for that hard-to-find card or the lowest-priced set filler.
Additionally, eBay provides valuable tools and features like detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and seller ratings, enabling you to showcase your cards effectively and build trust with potential buyers. Not to mention that eBay offers various selling formats, allowing you to set your desired price and accept best offers, or utilize the auction format for an exciting bidding war.
Read More: What Are eBay Comps & How Do You Check Them?
Lastly, eBay provides a secure platform with buyer and seller protection policies, increasing the chances of a smooth transaction experience.
2. BuySportsCards.com
BuySportsCards.com is a much newer platform, and looks to be a promising marketplace for selling ungraded cards, addressing some common pain points experienced by sellers.
I’ll admit that I’ve only bought cards on BuySportsCards.com (here is a review), but because I’ve enjoyed my experience, I can see other buyers doing so as well, which only bodes well for sellers.
One huge feature is the 0% seller fees, which is a significant advantage compared to other platforms that may charge fees and eat into your profits.
The platform’s emphasis on improving the selling experience is evident through their listing process. This means sellers can efficiently list their ungraded cards, saving valuable time and effort. Additionally, the built-in shipping available feature is a convenient perk, streamlining shipping and potentially saving sellers from dealing with separate shipping providers.
BuySportsCards.com also appears to prioritize seller protection. The “Sales are Final” policy means that sellers are not subjected to returns or refunds due to price drops or buyer’s remorse, providing a level of certainty and stability in transactions. Furthermore, the pre-authorization of offers ensures that buyers are immediately charged if their offer is accepted, reducing the likelihood of payment issues.
3. COMC
COMC.com, also known as Check Out My Cards, is a popular online marketplace that offers a range of benefits for selling ungraded cards. It has gained recognition in the trading card community for its unique consignment model, making it an attractive platform for sellers.
Read More: Best Sports Card Selling Apps
If you’re a regular reader of this blog or watcher of my TikToks, you know I’m a huge fan of COMC. While I mostly use the platform for flipping, there are tons of people who utilize COMC for selling their ungraded cards.
One of the standout features of COMC.com is their full-service card processing services. When you send your ungraded cards to them, they handle the scanning, cataloging, and storage of your cards. This relieves sellers of the burden of individually listing and managing their inventory, saving time and effort.
Read More: COMC Fees vs eBay Breakdown
COMC.com boasts an extensive customer base, including collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts actively searching for cards. This broad audience increases the visibility of your ungraded cards, enhancing the chances of finding interested buyers.
Beyond the COMC.com site visibility, COMC offers a seamless integration with eBay as well, providing sellers with an additional avenue to reach a larger audience and increase their chances of selling ungraded cards. Meaning, when sellers list cards on COMC, most of them are cross-listed to eBay, maximizing their exposure and potential sales opportunities.
This integration between COMC.com and eBay also means that sellers only need to manage their inventory on COMC.com, and any changes, updates, or sales made on COMC.com are automatically reflected on eBay. This synchronization ensures that inventory remains up-to-date on both platforms, reducing the risk of overselling or discrepancies.
4. SportLots
Sportlots is another dedicated marketplace for sports cards that provides a range of benefits for sellers.
One, the site offers a vast selection of sports cards, attracting a dedicated community of collectors and enthusiasts actively searching for specific entries. This targeted audience increases the chances of finding interested buyers for your ungraded sports cards.
Two, while the site is relatively dated, Sportlots also provides a simple, user-friendly interface for sellers to create and manage their listings. You can easily upload images, set prices, and input detailed information about your ungraded cards.
The platform offers search filters that enable potential buyers to narrow down their search based on specific criteria, making it easier for them to find your listings.
All of that said, I’ve seen mixed notes regarding fees, as many say the structure is on part with eBay. I’ve also seen that fees get better with volume, so it might be a better option if you have a ton of cards to sell.
5. Mercari
Last, and a little bit different than the options above, Mercari is another platform worth considering for selling ungraded sports cards. In short, Mercari is a popular online marketplace known for its user-friendly interface and broad range of categories—one of which is sports collectibles.
Like the options above, one advantage of using Mercari is its large user base, which provides access to a diverse audience of potential buyers. Many collectors and enthusiasts frequent Mercari in search of sports-related items, making it a suitable platform for selling ungraded sports cards.
Next, setting up a listing on Mercari is relatively straightforward. You can easily upload images of your ungraded cards, provide detailed descriptions, set your desired price, and specify shipping options. Mercari offers convenient shipping labels and integrates with popular shipping providers, simplifying the shipping process for sellers.
Additionally, Mercari provides a rating and review system that contributes to the overall trust and transparency within the marketplace. This feedback system allows buyers to leave reviews based on their experiences, building a reputation for sellers and giving potential buyers confidence in their purchases.
Another benefit of using Mercari is the option to negotiate prices through the platform’s “Make an Offer” feature. This feature allows potential buyers to submit offers, giving sellers an opportunity to negotiate and potentially secure a sale.
It’s important to note that Mercari does charge a selling fee, typically a percentage of the final sale price. However, this fee is comparable to other online marketplaces and is deducted automatically from your earnings.
Overall, Mercari provides a user-friendly platform with a large user base, convenient shipping options, negotiation features, and buyer/seller protection policies. It can be a viable option for selling ungraded sports cards, helping you connect with potential buyers and facilitate successful transactions within the hobby community.
