A report by Market Decipher shows the sports trading cards market will grow at a cumulative annual rate of 13% from 2021 to 2032 to reach a value of over $49.3 billion.
Collecting basketball cards can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. Selling them will also be a great way to make money since their market is growing.
If you want to turn basketball collecting cards into a profitable investment, you should first learn how to build a valuable collection.
Here, we help you maximize profits by discussing card-collecting tips and strategies for protecting their value.
Choose the Right Cards to Collect
Some basketball cards are valuable due to their content and scarcity. Others are common, and you may not fetch much from them if they don’t feature sports icons. Still, you can use various strategies to create a valuable collection.
Focus on Rookie Cards
Rookie cards, especially those including superstar players, are some of the most valuable in the market. For example, a pair of Michael Jordan 1986 Fleer rookie cards sold for $738,000 per piece in 2021, based on a Yahoo sports article.
Invest in such basketball cards to build a collection with long-term value.
Look for Unique Basketball Cards
Sports card buyers love limited-run cards, and collecting them will help you build a more profitable collection. Here are some unique factors to look for:
- Numbered cards
- Autographed cards
- Patch cards
- Parallel cards
Numbered cards have a serial number showing how many exist. If you have one with a low print run, you will likely sell it for a significant value due to the collection’s scarcity. Autographed basketball cards of big named players are also highly sought-after, especially if they are also rookie cards.
Patch cards contain game-used memorabilia. Parallel cards, on the other hand, are a special variation of regular basketball cards. They may have unique colors and finishes, making them a more rare find.
Invest in the Best Basketball Card Brands
Basketball cards often have varying values based on the brand. Some of the more collectible basketball card brands include:
- Panini Prizm
- Topps Chrome
- Upper Deck Exquisite Collection
- Panini National Treasures
Panini Prizm basketball cards stand out because of their reflective finishes and unique colors. Topps Chrome is also a classic brand known for its sleek design and smooth, glossy finish. Its cards often have refractors that change color when you tilt a card.
Consider the Upper Deck Exquisite Collection if you’re looking for more rare basketball cards. These are a limited edition, and most of them include patches of game-worn jerseys and player autographs.
Panini National Treasures is a perfect brand to add to your collection because its cards have pieces of used basketballs and jerseys. Some even include sneaker materials and feature autographs from top NBA players.
Store and Protect Your Cards
The condition of your sports cards can be the difference between selling them for a few hundred dollars to fetching far more. When building your basketball card collection, keep it in mint condition to sell it for the best value.
Here’s how to store cards:
- Use protective cases
- Keep them in a cold, dry place
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight
There are many types of protective cases you can use to protect your cards. For example, you can keep them in penny sleeves, which are thin plastic sleeves. These will protect your cards from scratches. Top loaders are also a better option since they are more rigid and can prevent your cards from bending.
Exposure to humidity can damage your cards and significantly reduce their value. Keep your basketball collection dry to prevent warping and mold growth. Additionally, avoid direct sunlight since it can fade and damage your cards, especially those with autographs.
Get Professional Sports Card Grading
If you want to sell your rare basketball cards for the highest price, getting them professionally graded may be beneficial. Experts will check your card’s condition, authenticity, and quality, then score it between 1 and 10.
When you grade your basketball card collection, you get various benefits. For example, you’ll be able to attract trusted card buyers because they’ll be sure you’re selling authentic items.
Grading will also potentially increase your card’s value and protect it since the service provider will seal it in a hard plastic case to avoid damage.
Some top basketball card grading companies to consider include:
- Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA)
- Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
- Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC)
Selling Sports Cards for Profit
Knowing where and how to sell sports cards can help you enjoy a seamless experience. Online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace let you list your cards and sell them to collectors. You’ll set the price but may have to negotiate with several buyers and consider many offers before closing a deal.
Sports card shows may also be an option if you want to meet collectors and dealers. These in-person events give you room to negotiate, but you may need to pay for a booth or entrance fee.
Selling to sports card buyers is often the best choice since they specialize in purchasing whole collections. You won’t need to market your cards individually, and you can quickly get a great price.
How to Sell Your Basketball Collection Cards to Sports Card Buyers
When contacting a sports card buyer, you may need to provide various details. These include:
- Your name
- Email address
- Contact information
The card buyer will also need details about your card collection. For example, they might provide a checklist where you will highlight specific information about what you’re selling.
They could also ask you to describe the best cards in your collection. After receiving the information, the buyer will use it to estimate the value of your collection and respond with an offer.
Maximize the Selling Potential of Your Basketball Collecting Cards
Selling your basketball collecting cards is a great way to turn your passion into a profitable venture. Build a valuable collection by investing in rookie cards and those from the best brands.
Protect their value by storing them correctly and getting professional grading. You can then sell them for the best value with less hassle through a sports card buyer.
American Legends is a leading sports collectible superstore. We have been trading sports cards since 1992 and will give you a straightforward, fair offer. Sell your basketball card collection with us today.
