
If you're looking to make money online by selling cards, you'll want to focus on rare and collectible items. Sports cards, in particular, tend to sell well, especially those featuring popular players.
Vintage cards, such as those from the 1980s and 1990s, are highly sought after by collectors and can sell for thousands of dollars. The rarity and condition of these cards greatly impact their value.
In addition to sports cards, trading cards from popular franchises like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! also tend to do well on the market. These cards are often highly collectible and can be sold for a significant profit.
Planning and Preparation
Planning and Preparation is crucial when starting a greeting cards business. You should identify a niche or special way to differentiate yourself in the crowded greeting card market.
Spend some time planning before you start selling your greeting cards. A business plan is necessary to stay on course and achieve your objectives. This will help you steer clear of any unpleasant pitfalls.
Where you will make sales and whom you are trying to reach are just a few of the inquiries you must address as you create a business roadmap.
Plan Before Selling Online

Planning before selling online is crucial, especially in a crowded market like the greeting card industry. You should identify a niche or special way to differentiate yourself.
A business plan is necessary to help you stay on course and achieve your objectives. Planning ahead can also steer you clear of unpleasant pitfalls.
You'll need to consider where you'll make sales, whom you're trying to reach, and what distinguishes you from others. These are just a few of the inquiries you must address as you create a business roadmap.
Your business plan should take into account the factors you need to research and address, such as your target audience and unique selling proposition.
Research the Market
Researching the market is crucial to understanding who your target audience is. This includes determining the demographic of people who will purchase your product.
Your target market will be very different if you sell cards that appeal to hipsters compared to cards for a child's birthday. Knowing your target market will help you define your prices and choose where to market your cards.
Market research can help you come up with ideas for products that people will actually purchase. A successful business requires more than just hard work and creativity.
Pawn Shops

Pawn shops can be a convenient place to sell your cards, but they might not offer the best prices.
They are last on our list for a reason, and if you need cash quickly, they might be worth considering.
Pawn shops are not the first option for many people, but they can be a viable choice in a pinch.
If you do decide to use a pawn shop, be aware that they may not give you the best deal.
Selling to Card Companies
You can sell your card designs, concepts, poems, and sayings to established greeting card businesses. Hallmark is one of the most well-known, but smaller niche businesses also purchase from freelancers.
These businesses pay for the rights to use your work, typically between $25 and $300. To get started, visit the websites of established card companies to see the types of cards they sell and get a sense of their aesthetic.
If they appreciate your artwork, poetry, or message, you could sell your concept to them. Just be prepared to sign a statement promising that your design or concept is unique and won't be used again. The business will own the right to use your work.
Sell Messages and Designs to Card Companies

If you're not interested in designing and printing your own cards, you can sell your designs, concepts, and messages to established card companies.
Hallmark is one of the most well-known greeting card businesses, but they also employ their own writers and designers, which might make it harder to sell to them.
Many smaller niche businesses purchase designs, concepts, and messages from freelancers, paying them for the rights to use their work.
You can make anywhere between $25 and $300 by selling your designs, concepts, and messages to card companies.
Typically, you'll be asked to sign a statement promising that your concept is unique and that you won't use it again, and the business will own the right to use your design or concept.
Partner with Artists/Photographers
Partnering with artists or photographers can be a fantastic way to create unique and eye-catching greeting cards. You can collaborate with them to include their artwork or photographs in your cards.

By doing so, you can offer customers a one-of-a-kind product that showcases the artist's work. This can be especially appealing to those who appreciate original art.
You can promote and sell the finished greeting cards together, which can be a great way to expand your customer base. This collaboration can also help the artist gain exposure and reach a wider audience.
Collaborating with artists or photographers can also provide customers with personalized artwork or photos. This can be achieved by highlighting their work and offering customized options.
You can promote and sell the finished greeting cards together, which can be a great way to expand your customer base.
Choose Your Sales Method
If you're looking to sell your baseball cards to a card company, you have a few options to consider. You can list them on online marketplaces like eBay for a quick sale.
To decide which method is best for you, think about the value of your cards. If you have more valuable cards, you may want to consider selling them on consignment or to a dealer who specializes in vintage cards.

For a quick sale, online marketplaces like eBay are a good choice. You can also consider consignment or dealing with a vintage card specialist for more valuable cards.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing your sales method:
Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on the value of your cards and your time frame.
Card Valuation and Investment
The value of a trading card can greatly impact its resale worth. Ultimately, the value of a trading card can be influenced by factors such as rarity, condition, demand, and historical significance.
To determine the value of your cards, you can search for them on eBay or other online sports memorabilia marketplaces. The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) website or the Beckett price guide can also provide the latest pricing information for sports cards.
Rare and well-conditioned cards, especially those from the 1920s or 1930s, rookie cards of popular players, and autographed cards, tend to fetch higher prices. For example, a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card sold for more than $5.2 million, making it a highly valuable investment.
Is a Good Investment?

Collecting cards can be profitable if you sell the ones that the market demands.
The demand for cards will depend on their scarcity, condition, and value.
Rookie cards and vintage ones from the '70s era are the most popular.
Some cards are available for a few hundred dollars, but a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card sold for more than $5.2 million.
Animated Pokémon
Animated Pokémon can be a lucrative investment, but it's essential to understand the market dynamics. The Pikachu Illustrator, for instance, sold for just over $5.2 million, making it one of the most valuable cards ever sold.
Prices for Pokémon cards range from $1 to $60,000, with the two rarest cards selling for over $300,000. The rarity of these cards is a significant factor in their value.
Japanese Pokémon cards are often more valuable than their North American counterparts due to their earlier release date and scarce availability. This makes them a sought-after investment for collectors.

The global popularity of Pokémon has driven the market's recent explosion, with celebrities buying packs and opening them on YouTube and Twitch.tv. This trend may not be over yet, with many collectors still searching for valuable cards.
Here are some key facts about Pokémon cards:
- Prices range from $1 to $60,000
- Two rarest cards sell for over $300,000
- Japanese cards are more valuable due to earlier release date and scarce availability
Reselling on eBay
Reselling on eBay is a convenient option for card collectors. eBay is the market leader for card collectibles, offering one of the largest collections.
You can find rare cards on eBay, which is the norm due to the large number of collectors advertising their collections. eBay's authenticity guarantee includes grading, using third-party authenticator PSA for cards over $2,000. This level of authenticity gives buyers confidence in their purchases.
eBay
eBay is a great place to buy and sell cards, and it's the market leader for card collectibles with one of the largest collections.
Finding rare cards on eBay is the norm, as card collectors from around the world advertise their collections.

eBay's authenticity guarantee includes grading, using third-party authenticator PSA for cards over $2,000.
This means you can trust that the cards you're buying are genuine, and it's a big selling point for many collectors.
With eBay's large trading volume, it's possible to sell your cards in a short period of time, making it a great alternative investment platform.
Listing on eBay
Listing on eBay is crucial for reselling. You need to use the right keywords and the concept of SEO when creating your listings.
Make your eBay listing descriptive, focusing on incorporating the target keywords. This will help your products appear on the search results for a relevant keyword.
Include any details that you think a buyer would find useful in deciding whether they want to buy the card or not. This could be the year, set name, serial number, relic, team name, and any other important details.
Use images of the cards to your listing, especially if it's a rare one. Try to include as many photos as you can and use the maximum number of images allowed.
Determining Card Value

The value of a card is determined by various factors, such as the player featured, the stage of the player's career, and the scarcity of the card.
You can assess the current market value of your cards by searching for them on online sports memorabilia marketplaces like eBay, or by checking the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) website or the Beckett price guide.
To determine the value of your cards, you can also refer to the Beckett price guide, which provides the latest pricing information for sports cards.
The condition of the card, rarity, and era are also important factors that determine the selling price on eBay.
Here's a quick rundown of the key factors to consider when determining the value of your baseball cards:
What Determines a Card's Value?
A card's value is determined by several key factors. The player featured on the card is a major consideration, as well as the stage of their career. A significant event linked to the card also plays a role.

The print year and scarcity of the card are also crucial in determining its value. For example, limited-edition sets and rare cards tend to be highly sought after.
The condition of the card is also a major factor in determining its value. If the card is in poor condition, it's worth much less than one that's in excellent condition.
Rarity and demand are also key factors in determining a card's value. Cards that are rare or highly sought after tend to be worth more than those that are common or less desirable.
Here are some examples of highly valuable cards:
- Honus Wagner T206 baseball card
- 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card
- Pokémon Illustrator card
These cards are highly valuable due to their rarity, condition, and historical significance.
Why Are Newbies Worth More?
Newbies are worth more because scarcity plays a big role in determining a card's value. Rarely can you find rookie cards in good condition due to their age.
The lower print runs of rookie cards make them harder to find, adding to their value. It's not uncommon for collectors to search for years to find a specific rookie card.
The age of rookie cards also contributes to their worth, as they were printed years ago and are now harder to come by.
Determine Your Value

To determine the value of your cards, you should assess the current market value of your collection.
You can search for the cards on eBay or other online sports memorabilia marketplaces to get an idea of their worth.
The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) website is another great resource, providing the latest pricing information for sports cards.
Checking out the Beckett price guide is also a good idea, as it offers up-to-date pricing information for sports cards.
Determining the Value of Baseball Collectibles
The value of a baseball collectible can be influenced by factors such as rarity, condition, demand, and historical significance.
To determine the value of both modern cards and pre-war cards, you can refer to the Beckett price guide, which provides the latest pricing information for sports cards.
You can also do your own research by looking up the cards on eBay or other online marketplaces and comparing current prices to those listed in the Beckett price guide.

Grading services can help you determine the value of your cards by providing an objective assessment of their condition.
Cards that are rare and in better condition tend to fetch higher prices.
If you're looking to make some money, focus on selling cards that are in near-mint or better condition and of a higher value.
There is a strong correlation between the condition of the baseball cards, the number of bids on the listing, and whether buyers insurance is available.
Cards that were used and had a lower Beckett book value tend to sell above the book value on eBay, especially if buyers insurance is available, if the seller has a good reputation, and if there are a lot of bids on the listing.
Here are some examples of valuable baseball collectibles:
- The Honus Wagner T206 baseball card
- The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card
- The Pokémon Illustrator card
- The SGC 9.5 Mint+ 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card, which was sold for $12.6 million in 2022
- The PSA 9 Mint 1954 Hank Aaron rookie card, which was sold for $720,000 in 2022
Popular Cards and Collectibles
If you're looking to make money with cards, consider popular collectibles like sports cards, specifically those featuring rare players or game-changing moments.

The 1986 Fleer Basketball card of Michael Jordan, for instance, can sell for thousands of dollars.
Sports cards are a great option because they often have a dedicated fan base willing to pay top dollar for rare or hard-to-find cards.
Vintage cards, such as those from the 1950s and 1960s, can be particularly valuable due to their rarity and historical significance.
Find Your Niche
Finding a niche is crucial in a crowded market.
Consider what sets you apart from other businesses, what makes you unique. Look at successful handmade card sellers on marketplaces like Etsy, and you'll notice they frequently sell into a narrowly defined niche.
In a general market, a niche can be very helpful. It can make you distinctive and establish you as one of the only companies serving that market.
There are already a lot of handmade greeting cards on the market. To stand out, you must provide something unique. A "green" handmade card company that uses recycled materials or sources them sustainably is an example of a niche.

Your special skills can be used to make your greeting cards unique and special. You might also think about launching a greeting card company around a particular holiday or event, like Christmas cards or baby showers.
Keeping up with trends and using technology to your advantage can also be helpful.
Rookie Card: Doncic
Luka Doncic's rookie card is a highly sought-after collectible. It broke records as the young prospect became one of NBA's biggest players.
Selling for $4.6 million in February 2021, Doncic's rookie card became the most expensive basketball card sold at that time.
This card features the NBA logoman catch from a Maverick's jersey Doncic wore and a signature in blue ink.
The trading card was originally from a 2018-2019 Panini National Treasure Basketball box and the only one made of that specific variety.
If you're interested in collecting, you might be surprised to find that related cards are also available, albeit less rare.
Tom Brady Optic Base

The Tom Brady Optic Base card is a great investment opportunity for collectors. It's affordable, with a lowest price of $2, and features a future Hall of Famer.
This card is available in eight grades, giving collectors a range of options to choose from. It's also available in three variations, including the Mythical, Premium Box Set Wave, and Downtown - Super Bowl versions.
Collectors can find this card at major retailers, making it easily accessible. With Tom Brady's induction into the Hall of Fame a foregone conclusion, this card is likely to appreciate in value over time.
Here are the key details of the Tom Brady Optic Base card at a glance:
- Lowest price: $2
- Available in 8 grades
- 3 variations
Investors may need to wait several years to profit from a trading card printed in 2020, but the potential returns could be significant.
Sports Card Sales and Marketing
eBay is a top choice for buying and selling sports cards due to its large collection and authenticity guarantee, which includes grading by third-party authenticator PSA for cards over $2,000.

Selling your cards on eBay can be a quick process, with a large trading volume allowing you to potentially sell your cards in a short period of time.
eBay is considered one of the best alternative investment platforms, making it a solid option for those looking to make a profit from their sports card collection.
Factors Affecting Baseball Sales on eBay
The condition of the baseball card is a critical factor in determining its sale price on eBay. Cards in pristine condition are likely to fetch a higher price, but if they're damaged, they can lose all their value.
A study on baseball card sales on eBay found a strong correlation between the card's condition, the number of bids on the listing, and the availability of buyer's insurance. Cards with a lower Beckett book value, but in good condition, tend to sell above the book value on eBay.
If you have a collectible baseball card in used condition, you'll likely fetch a higher sale price on eBay. However, if the card is in pristine condition, you may be better off selling it off eBay where you can get a higher price closer to the book valuation.
The condition of the card is more important than its rarity. Even rare cards in poor condition can lose a lot of their value. It's essential to weigh up the condition of the card carefully before setting a selling price on eBay.
Here are the key factors affecting baseball sales on eBay:
- Condition of the baseball card
- Number of bids on the listing
- Availability of buyer's insurance
In general, cards in used condition tend to sell above the book value on eBay, while cards in pristine condition tend to sell below the book value, even with positive factors like eBay bids, buyer's insurance, and a high seller reputation.
Sports Card Sales and Marketing
The value of sports cards can be influenced by factors such as rarity, condition, demand, and historical significance.
If you have a rare or limited-edition card, many collectors are willing to pay a premium for it. Serious sports fans want a piece of history in their collection, and if you have a card featuring a baseball hall of famer, it's likely to attract more buyers.

The rarity of the card is a key factor in determining its value. The more popular the player, the more valuable the card. For example, cards featuring Mickey Mantle, a legendary baseball player, are highly sought after and can sell for millions of dollars.
Vintage sports cards are driving the growth of the market, with some selling for record-breaking prices. For example, an SGC 9.5 Mint+ 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for $12.6 million in 2022.
To make some money from selling sports cards, focus on cards that are rare, in near-mint or better condition, and of a higher value. For example, sets from the 1920s or 1930s, rookie cards of popular players, and autographed cards are all likely to be worth more than a common card from the same era.
Here are some of the most valuable sports cards to collect:
- 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card
- Honus Wagner T206 card
- Pokémon Illustrator card
- 2015 Upper Deck Connor McDavid Rookie Card
The condition and rarity of the card are crucial in determining its value. For example, the PSA 9 version of the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card sold for $5.2 million in 2021, while the PSA 8 version is significantly cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What card sold for the most money?
The record-breaking sports card is a 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card, which sold for a staggering US$12.6 million in 2022. This rare card holds the highest price ever paid for a single sports card.
Sources
- https://pagefly.io/blogs/shopify/selling-greeting-cards
- https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-cards-to-collect-for-profit
- https://medium.com/juicedio/which-types-of-cards-are-reselling-cc842792946b
- https://www.zikanalytics.com/blog/how-to-sell-baseball-cards-on-ebay/
- https://smallbiztrends.com/how-to-sell-baseball-cards/
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