Football trading cards have been around since 1948, and, along with sports cards from the other three major North American sports, remain a huge and lucrative business. Rare or coveted cards can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the resale market. In order to get good money for your cards, however, you'll have to work carefully. Like any other speculative market, there are plenty of sharks happy to swindle people by paying less than a given card is worth, and the cards themselves must be kept in good shape if they are to fetch a worthwhile price.
Instructions
1. Protect your cards carefully. Football cards are worth more if they are in good condition, but they will deteriorate rapidly if left unattended. Place them in mylar sleeves and then put the sleeves in a three-ring binder to keep them from bending. Store your cards in a cool dry place and make sure they stay free of moisture and the elements. It's probably a good idea to organize your cards as well, either by the year they were issued, by the set they were printed in or by individual teams in the NFL. That way, you have a good idea of what you have and can figure out how much they are worth from there.
2. Evaluate the market value for your cards. The best way to do this is to check websites such as Collect Sports and The Pit, though you can also buy a number of reliable price guides at any large book store. That should give you a good idea of how much your set is worth and you can proceed with a ballpark figure in your head.
3. Sound out a possible buyer. You can find buyers at sports card conventions, in forums online and through dependable services such as eBay. Keep in mind that the market value doesn't necessarily reflect what people are willing to pay. Depending upon your set, you may have to accept a little less than its stated worth in order to secure a sale or more if you find someone who dearly wants some or all of your football cards.
4. Arrange for a sale in a sensible manner thar protects your rights as a seller. If someone is eager to buy the minute they see your set and wants to rush you through a sale, chances are they're hoping to get a good deal at your expense. If the cards are worth buying, they're worth waiting a few days for. Never agree to any sale on short notice, and never sell to anyone until you have ascertained their reputation and reliability. A reputable card dealer or a service like eBay can help arrange a sale under fair and equitable terms.
