Selling cards on eBay can be insanely rewarding—but it can also feel like wading through a swamp of algorithms, shipping fees, and buyer negotiations. Over the past three years, I’ve sold more than 1,000 cards on eBay, and while I’m nowhere near a top-tier seller, I’ve learned a thing or two about making the process smoother, smarter, and more profitable.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your side hustle, I’ll share my favorite tips to help you master selling cards on eBay. From hitting that magic feedback threshold to choosing the right shipping methods, here’s everything you need to know to flip your cards into cash.
Hit 100 Feedback ASAP
If you’re serious about selling cards on eBay, your first mission is to build trust—and feedback is everything. Buyers are more likely to purchase from sellers with a solid reputation. I noticed a real uptick in my sales when I hit around 95 feedback. The closer you are to triple digits, the more legit you’ll seem.
How do you build feedback quickly? Start small. Buy and sell inexpensive cards—those $0.99 listings are your best friend. Complete transactions promptly and be polite and professional to secure those five-star reviews. Every positive interaction counts.
Use eBay Standard Envelope for Cheap Shipping
Here’s the thing about card buyers on eBay—they’ll often hesitate when they see high shipping costs, especially for lower-value purchases. Enter the eBay Standard Envelope, a game-changer for trading card sellers. With this shipping method, you can ship cards in a regular envelope for under $1. Yup, less than a buck!
A couple of key tips for using this method:
- Stick to thinner cards. Thick patch cards or top-loaders might push the envelope over the weight or thickness limit, which could get it flagged by USPS. I’ve even had a few patch cards get destroyed by USPS machines.
- Add a bit of protection. While a penny sleeve and a semi-rigid card holder will usually suffice, consider an extra piece of cardboard for extra sturdiness.
I’ve shipped hundreds of cards this way, and as long as you follow the rules, it’s smooth sailing.
Timing Is Everything—But Be Patient, Too
Got some hot rookie cards? Or a star player whose team’s heading into the postseason? Timing is everything when it comes to listing. Anticipate hype around big events—like the Super Bowl, a playoff series, or a championship game—and have your cards listed before the excitement peaks. This is especially true for big names like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, or Luka Dončić.
Here’s my strategy:
- List high-value cards at premium prices before the event in case a player makes headlines.
- Use auctions for lower-tier cards or any extras you don’t plan to hold onto. End the auction a day or so before the event to get the best price from excitable bidders.
For example, I’ve had cards sit on eBay for months and then suddenly sell when the player had a breakout moment. The card was already there, priced and ready to go. No scrambling or missed opportunities. If you’re patient, this strategy can pay off big time.
Auctions Work for Low-Value Cards (With a Twist)
Speaking of auctions, I find they work best for cards under $10 that I’m ready to offload. But timing is everything here, too. End your auctions when activity is highest—typically Sunday evenings. And if someone asks for a “Buy It Now” price during the auction? Set one if it makes sense, but stick to your target value.
One quick warning about auctions: they can be a gamble. If hype dies down or you time it poorly, your card might sell for less than expected. Still, it’s a great way to clear inventory.
Provide Top-Tier Customer Service
eBay is built on feedback, so keeping your customers happy is non-negotiable. If there’s an issue, handle it quickly and professionally. I always go above and beyond:
- Respond to questions promptly.
- If something goes wrong (e.g., delayed shipping or a damaged card), offer a solution fast. Refunds or free replacement cards can go a long way in earning goodwill.
- Add personal touches—like a small bonus card—to surprise buyers. Those little things help build connections.
Remember, glowing feedback leads to more sales.
Promote High-Value Listings (But Keep Fees Low)
For cards over $20, I almost always run promotions on eBay. Why? Promoting your listings boosts visibility, ensuring more buyers see your cards. But here’s the trick—don’t blindly accept eBay’s recommended ad rate. The default setting is often around 13%. No thanks!
I reduce my promotion rate to under 5%. While you won’t dominate the search results, you’ll still snag extra eyeballs without giving up a huge chunk of your profit. It’s a win-win.
Bonus Tips & Tricks for eBay Sellers
Here are a few more nuggets I’ve picked up over the years:
- Get comfortable with comps (comparables). Before pricing a card, check recent eBay sales to ensure you’re competitive. Tools like 130point.com or eBay’s Sold Listings filter are lifesavers.
- Group cards into lots. If you’ve got a ton of base cards or lower-value inserts, bundle them into lots. Buyers love bulk deals, and this helps you clear space.
- Take great photos. Bad lighting or blurry images can kill your sales. Use natural light and capture multiple angles—front, back, and close-ups.
Level Up Your eBay Card Sales Game
Selling cards on eBay can be both fun and profitable—if you do it right. From building your feedback to timing your listings and optimizing shipping, these strategies can make a huge difference in your success. Remember, patience and consistency are key. Sometimes, it’s about playing the long game, and that’s okay.
That said, don’t be afraid to experiment! Every seller’s experience is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Test these tips, tweak your approach, and find your sweet spot. Now, it’s your turn to hit 1,000 sales. Happy selling!
