posted on March 21, 2002 05:53:54 AM new
I recently purchased a box of approx 300 older trading cards, 1960's and 70's. Mostly Baseball and Hockey. I know absolutely NOTHING about trading cards. I have spent the last hour looking up the names of about 50 of them, but sellers seem to be starting them for around $1, with listing costs etc, how can you possibly make a profit? Would other trading card sellers advise me to sell them in lots of say 20 cards, how would I categorize them, and title them? Some seem to be in very good condition to me, but I am concerned about misreprsenting their conditions, how perfect do they have to be to be described as "good condition" About 20 older hockey cards have bent corners, some creasing etc, any point listing them? I would really appreciate any help.
posted on March 21, 2002 08:39:36 AM new
I sold a ton (almost literally!) of baseball cards for a friend of mine. Having neither the time nor inclination to go through each one, I just divided them into "lots" (a shoebox is a nice size) and sold them that way. In my description, I said "most seem to be from the 1970's (or whichever)" and "seem to be in good condition". I DID say, right up front, that I wasn't an expert and hadn't looked at each one. You might also mention if the majority of them are Topps, Donruss or whatever. I sold about 15 boxes of cards this way...brought between $15 and $40 for each box. Feedback from my buyers indicated several found "gems" in the collection so they were pleased and I was delighted to get the 6 bags of cards out of my house! Good luck!
posted on March 21, 2002 09:56:55 AM new
Thanks, a good idea! It would take me forever to look up and list each one separately, although most sellers seem to do that, I guess you have to know your cards!
posted on March 21, 2002 10:05:48 AM new Condition Guide
Mint- only if it is in perfect condition. Usually reserved for cards
still in original packaging (unopened packs, etc) Many collectors consider
most cards to actually be in NrMT because they have been handled to some
extent.
Near Mint- may have one micro defect.
Excellent-Mint- may have two or more micro defects. Value is 65
-80% of Nr-MT. A "Micro Defect" would be fuzzy corners, slight off-centering, printer's lines printer's spots, slightly out of focus, or slight loss of original gloss.
Excellent - has minor defects. Value is 50-65% of NR-MT A "Minor Defect" would be corner wear or slight rounding, off-centering, light crease on back, wax or gum stains on reverse, loss of original gloss, writing or tape marks on back, or rubber band marks.
Very Good - may have one major defect. Value is 30% of Nr-MT
Good - may have two or more major defects. Value is 10% of Nr-MT
A "Major Defect" would be rounded corner(s), badly off centered, crease(s), deceptive trimming, deceptively retouched borders, pin hole, staple hole, incidental writing or tape marks on front, warping, water stains, or sun fading.
Fair - may have one catastrophic defect. Value is ?? - depends on
buyer.
Poor - would include badly rounded corner(s), miscutting, heavy crease(s), obvious trimming, punch hole, tack hole, tear(s) etc...
