E-Commerce Tips for Card Collectors and Resellers

I run TCG Treasury, a graded card business, and built CardGrade.io to help collectors prepare cards for grading. I've learned a lot about what makes card e-commerce different—and what it takes to succeed.

Unique Challenges of Card Selling

Card selling isn't like selling t-shirts or electronics. Every card is different:

• One-of-one inventory: Each graded card has a unique certification number
• Condition matters enormously: The same card can be worth $50 or $5,000 depending on grade
• Price volatility: Values can swing wildly based on player performance, hype, or market trends
• Authentication concerns: Buyers worry about fakes, especially on high-value items
• Shipping risks: Cards are small but fragile; damage in transit is a real concern

Product Photography That Sells

Card buyers scrutinize photos carefully. They're looking for condition issues, centering problems, and any flaws that might affect value.

Essential Equipment

• Ring light or diffused lighting (avoid glare on slabs)
• Consistent background (black or white work best)
• Phone or camera with macro capability
• Card stand or holder for consistent positioning

What to Photograph

• Front of the card (full view)
• Back of the card
• Label/certification (for graded cards)
• Any notable features or flaws
• Close-ups of corners and edges (for raw cards)

Photo Tips

• Shoot at an angle to avoid flash reflection on slab
• Keep lighting consistent across all listings
• Don't over-edit—buyers want accurate representation
• Include a scale reference for context

Inventory Management

Managing one-of-a-kind inventory is harder than typical e-commerce. You can't just track "Widget A: 47 in stock."

Key Data to Track

• Certification number (unique identifier)
• Grade
• Player/character
• Year and set
• Purchase price (for profit tracking)
• Current market value
• Where it's listed
• Physical location

Multi-Platform Challenges

If you're selling on eBay, your own site, and local card shows, you need a system to prevent double-selling. Options:

• Centralized inventory database that updates all platforms
• Real-time sync via API integrations
• Manual removal as items sell (risky at volume)

When I built the TCG Treasury store, this was a primary consideration—each card needed to be tracked individually across the Shopify store and other sales channels.

Pricing Strategy

Know Your Comps

"Comps" are comparable sales. Before pricing any card, check what similar cards have actually sold for:

• eBay sold listings (not asking prices—actual sales)
• 130Point.com for eBay sale history
• PSA Card Facts for population and value data
• PWCC sales data

Pricing Factors

• Grade: Each point matters significantly in value
• Population: How many exist at this grade?
• Eye appeal: Good centering commands premiums
• Recent trends: Is this player/set hot right now?
• Fees: Factor in platform fees (eBay takes ~13%)

Dynamic Pricing

Card values change. What you paid $200 for last month might be worth $150 or $300 now. Review and adjust pricing regularly, especially for higher-value inventory.

Platform Selection

eBay

The dominant marketplace for cards. Huge audience, established trust, but high fees (~13% final value).

• Best for: Volume, established sellers, auction format
• Watch out for: Buyer protection can be exploited; scams happen

Your Own Website

Lower fees, full control, but you're responsible for driving traffic.

• Best for: Established brand, repeat customers, high-value items
• Watch out for: No built-in traffic; needs marketing

COMC (Check Out My Cards)

Consignment model—they handle storage, photos, and shipping.

• Best for: Bulk inventory, hands-off selling
• Watch out for: Higher fees, less control

Facebook Groups

Active community, no fees, but higher risk and less protection.

• Best for: Networking, local sales, group-specific cards
• Watch out for: Scams, limited buyer protection

Shipping Best Practices

Cards are small but can be valuable. Shipping needs to balance cost with protection.

For Low-Value Cards ($20 and under)

• Penny sleeve + toploader
• Team bag around toploader
• Between cardboard or in bubble mailer
• PWE (plain white envelope) for lowest cost, but no tracking

For Mid-Value Cards ($20-200)

• Same protection as above
• USPS First Class with tracking
• Consider bubble mailer or small box

For High-Value Cards ($200+)

• Graded slabs in fitted box or wrapped securely
• Priority Mail with insurance
• Signature confirmation on $500+
• Consider registered mail for very high value

Shipping Tips

• Never ship cards loose in an envelope
• Use "Do Not Bend" stamps liberally
• Take photos before sealing packages
• Keep all shipping receipts and tracking numbers

Scaling Your Operation

As you grow from hobby seller to serious operation, consider:

Business Formation

At volume, you likely need an LLC or similar. Consult with an accountant—especially important for sales tax compliance.

Inventory Software

Spreadsheets work for dozens of cards. At hundreds or thousands, you need dedicated inventory management.

Automation

Automate what you can: listing creation, inventory sync, shipping label generation, customer notifications.

Consignment/Partnership

Some sellers scale by taking consignment inventory or partnering with collectors who have cards but not time to sell.

Getting Started

If you're just starting out, focus on:

1. Buy cards you know and understand
2. Start on eBay to learn the market
3. Build a reputation with positive feedback
4. Track everything from day one
5. Reinvest profits to grow inventory

The card market rewards knowledge and patience. Learn your niche deeply, price fairly, ship safely, and the business will grow.