Best Place to Buy Sports Cards

If you’re new to the hobby, you might be asking, “Where is the best place to buy sports cards?”

Collecting sports cards has been a popular hobby for decades, and has certainly seen more interest during the pandemic.

With the rise of online marketplaces and even bricks and mortar local card shops (once again), collectors now have more options than ever before.

Check out some of the best places to buy sports cards both online and IRL, including eBay, Goldin Auctions, PWCC, Heritage Auctions, local card shops (LCS), and trade shows such as the National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC).

eBay

eBay is one of the most well-known online marketplaces for buying and selling sports cards. With millions of items for sale at any given time, eBay offers a wide variety of sports cards, from vintage to modern.

One of the advantages of shopping on eBay is the ability to find cards at a wide range of prices. Whether you’re looking for a bargain or a high-end collectible, you can likely find something you want on eBay.

Additionally, eBay offers a robust feedback system that allows buyers and sellers to rate their experiences with each other.

As always when purchasing online, there is always a risk of buying from an unscrupulous seller. But eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” is looking to reduce those incidents for higher value items.

We post some of the best eBay auctions ending daily on our popular Daily Auctions page so you don’t have to sift through all the high-end cards yourself.

Goldin Auctions

Goldin Auctions is a leading sports auction house that offers some of the most high-end sports cards on the market. Goldin Auctions has quickly become one of the more recognized names in the industry.

From rare vintage cards to modern-day superstars, Goldin Auctions offers some of the most sought-after cards in the hobby.

For the Elite auctions, however, the prices for some of the high-end collectibles can be quite steep. If you’re on a budget, the recently launched marketplace on the Goldin Auctions website might be a good starting point for you.

PWCC

PWCC is another online marketplace that specializes in sports cards. PWCC has grown to become one of the largest sellers of sports cards in the world.

One of the advantages of shopping with PWCC is the breadth of their inventory. They offer a wide variety of sports cards, from vintage to modern, at a range of prices.

Like eBay, however, PWCC has a large number of sellers and listings to sift through, which can be overwhelming.

Heritage Auctions

Heritage Auctions is one of the leading auction houses that specializes in high-end collectibles, including sports cards. Heritage Auctions has been in business for awhile now and is considered to be one of the most reputable auction houses in the industry.

One of the advantages of shopping with Heritage Auctions is the quality of the items they offer. Like its competitors, Heritage Auctions offers some of the most high-end cards in the hobby.

The prices on many of the high-end collectibles can be very expensive so if you’re on a budget, this auction house may not be the best option for you.

Best Place to Buy Sports Cards in Person

Local Card Shops (LCS)

Local card shops (LCS) are a great option for sports card collectors who prefer to see and touch the items they’re interested in purchasing. LCS can be found in most major cities and offer a wide range of sports cards.

One of the advantages of shopping at an LCS is the ability to connect with other collectors in your area. Many LCS host events and gatherings where collectors can meet and share their love of the hobby. Additionally, shopping at an LCS can be a great way to support small businesses in your community.

However, because LCS are physical stores, the selection can be limited compared to online marketplaces and auction houses. Additionally, prices at LCS can be higher than online retailers, so it’s important to do your research and compare prices before making a purchase.

National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC)

The National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) is an annual gathering of sports card collectors and dealers from around the world. The NSCC is considered to be the largest sports card convention in the world and is held in a different city each year.

One of the advantages of attending the NSCC is the ability to see and purchase rare and unique items that you may not be able to find elsewhere. Additionally, the NSCC is a great opportunity to connect with other collectors and attend panels and seminars on various topics related to sports card collecting.

However, attending the NSCC can be expensive, especially if you have to travel to the host city. Additionally, because the NSCC is only held once a year, it may not be a practical option for collectors who want to buy sports cards on a regular basis.

We know we haven’t listed all the best places to buy sports cards. There are online forums and social media groups to name a couple.

So let us know in the comments if you want to shout out any that we haven’t mentioned yet!

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