A Guide to Buying and Selling Sportscards Online

"How do I know you're not going to rip me off?" I've heard that line so many times in the past few years that I almost have my answer memorized. It does bring up a good question and one that gets more debate in the Usenet discussion group than any other subject. How do you know you are not going to get "ripped off"? I've been buying and selling online for almost 5 years so here are a few of the things I've learned.
 

Buying

• Ask for References

If the seller balks at giving you references it might be a good idea to look for another source. Watch out if all the references you receive are from AOL. AOL provides it's users with up to 5 email addresses and it is not difficult for the same person to write 4 great references about himself.  Some AOL users have complained to me that they only have other AOL references because they used to only use AOL.  I understand, but as with anything, you've got to start somewhere.  Do some small deals with non-AOL users and build your "credit rating".

 

• Wait for confirmation before sending payment

Recently I've received payment and notes from a few people for cards they saw I had advertised.  The cards they were looking for had already been sold.  At first I thought I had made a mistake and sold the same card to two people, but what really happened was that they sent payment without confirmation of a deal.

 

• Include a copy of the email with your check

Some online dealers complete 20 to 30 deals each week and it's always safe for you and helpful to the dealer if you include a copy of the email.

 

• Don't Send Cash!

I don't want to gripe about the US postal service, but just don't do it. If it does get stolen, it could start major problems between both parties since he won't have the money, and you won't have proof he never received it.

 

• Ask about Insurance

I personally insure all orders worth at least $30 because it protects myself and my customer. Not all dealers work this way so you should make sure you ask, if the order is large enough for you to be concerned.

 

• Let the seller know when the order arrives

Maybe it's just me, but I want to make sure my order gets where it's going, and always appreciate it when a buyer drops me a quick email letting me know his cards arrived safely.

 

Selling

• Make sure the check clears

Even though the funds from a deposited check may show in your account in 24 hours, the check can still bounce or be stopped up to 4 days after you deposit it. If you haven't dealt with the person before and the amount is large you really should stick to the rule of mailing the order after 5 days have passed. A good customer will understand and know that the second time will be shorter.

 

• Package the cards safely

Single cards should be in a top-loader (or harder case) with tape across the top to avoid it slipping out. If you put a bunch of cards in a box make sure to fill the rest of the box with something (commons are a good idea) so they won't move in transit.

 

• Use the right envelope

A plain white envelope is not a good choice as it can be seen through and welcomes your item to be stolen.  When sending a single (not too expensive) card, I use a security envelope which costs about the same, but can't be seen through.  If you're sending a better card or a card in a hard plastic screwdown then you have to use a bubble mailer.  Using a regular envelope for a card in a screwdown is asking for trouble.  Not only can it be felt (and possibly stolen), but it will get caught in the mail machines, probably rip open, and your buyer will end up with an empty envelope.

 

• Insure the order

Did you know it only costs 75 cents to insure your shipment up to $50? I can't imagine who wouldn't invest 75 cents to save themselves a lot of trouble and money if and when something does happen. Over $50 the price goes up, but you really must insure something that expensive. Don't bother with Certified or Return Receipt mail since neither pays you one penny if the order is lost.

 

Trading

• Get some references!

Most trades work on the idea that you both mail your cards at the same time so it is always a good idea to ask for references just as if you were making a purchase.

 

• Package the cards well and insure the package

Just as above, a trade is much like a sale so make sure you follow the same rules as far as good packaging and insuring any trade you can't afford to replace if it gets lost.

 

• Don't look for an advantage in the trade

A successful trade is usually one that is very fair in the values of cards traded. A good trader will be happy to get even value if what he is trading is something he doesn't want for something he needs.

 

I hope you find some of these thoughts useful and welcome your own thoughts and experiences with online transactions. Until next week, enjoy the hobby safely. ANDY

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