SCA Trading Tips

[abjeffcoat]

No matter what sports card trading site you are active on there are those who can’t comprehend how to formulate a deal. When actively trading, the following guidelines can educate everyone in the use of proper trading etiquette and hopefully result in a painless transaction. These guidelines are in no way the final word on how to trade and are only suggestions that may help you gain respect and success in the sports card trading community. These guidelines can also be applied to buying and/or selling sports cards as well.

Sports cards are only cardboard and what is valued by one may not hold the same value for another. Yes, the cards immortalize our sports heroes and help us relive memories, but they are not precious metal. Every sports card trader is looking for a good return on their investment, not just you; so be humble when negotiating a trade and do not think your cards are better than everyone else’s.

When entertaining trade offers, be as timely as possible in responding to a potential trade partner whether it is via email or private message. Creating a good trade needs communication between both parties involved. No one wants to wait for an extended period of time to hear from you and vice versa. You may not agree to a trade offer from everyone you deal with. Don’t be offended if a trade offer is not what you expect, either politely decline the trade or send a counter offer. If it doesn’t work out, don’t be discouraged, but maintain the foresight that you may eventually trade with this person. Being discourteous to a potential trade partner may have an adverse affect on future trades and is a good start for a bad reputation within the sports card trading community.

During negotiations, be honest about what cards you want and what cards you are willing to trade. Come to an agreement on how the value of the trade will be done, either a card for card trade or one based on book value. If going by book value most traders use Beckett as a guide for pricing. Do not misrepresent the condition of your cards and have scans available, if feasible. Somewhere down the line a trade partner will ask to see a scan of a particular card. It is not that he or she does not trust you; it’s just that most people like to see what they may get. What’s more is that a nice scan may help close a deal.

When selling, check current market prices of what a particular card is selling for. Don’t be foolish by overpricing a card, be reasonable and never expect to get full book value for a card you are selling. Market research goes a long way in knowing what buyers are willing to pay for a certain product.

When the terms of your trade or sale are set, make sure that you have the correct name and address of your partner. Make sure your partner has the same from you. Let them know when you plan on shipping your end. For example, if you only ship once a week then let it be known that you ship once a week. Don’t leave your partner guessing as to when you will live up to your end of the bargain. Communicate any changes to your original plan. If you have completed a sale, never send your end out until you have received a cleared payment from the buyer.

Package the cards in penny sleeves and toploaders, and then put them in a team bag, if possible. If no team bags are available some traders will tape the opening of a toploader. Be sure to use a small amount of tape when doing this; painter’s tape seems to work best, because it is easier to remove than Scotch tape and leaves no residue on the toploader. Next, put the card or cards in between two pieces of stiff cardboard and tape them together. Other traders may wrap the cards in paper, kind of like a present, instead of between cardboard.

Now it is time to figure out what to ship the cards in. The standard is bubble mailers, which come in different sizes and are very affordable when bought in bulk packages. Only use plain white envelopes (PWE) if it has been explicitly agreed upon in the terms of the trade. Cards are easily damaged by mail sorters and the like when using this method. If shipping bulk lots, card boxes will do the trick, just make sure the boxes are properly taped closed. Slap a label on the bubble mailer or box and head to the post office. Always add delivery confirmation (DC) to your postage. It may add a little bit more to the price, but it is proof you shipped your end in case it doesn’t get delivered. Make DC a necessary part of the terms of the trade to ensure both parties are covered in case of loss. Only, add insurance to the postage if you are sending a high valued item, let’s say $50.00 or more. Remember, that packages can get lost and/or damaged while in transit.

Let your partner know when you receive your cards. This can help avoid confusion as to whether or not you got your end, and will give your partner peace of mind. Although, delivery confirmation can help to alleviate any worries that you or your partner may have. Check your cards to make sure they are the right ones and to see of they are damaged in anyway. If they are not the correct cards or are damaged, let your partner know as soon as possible to allow them the opportunity to fix the problem. If everything is good then you have completed a successful trade. Where applicable, leave feedback for your partner

Now that you know a little about trade etiquette, there is only one thing left to do. Start trading and enjoy it, because when all is said and done, it is only a hobby.

[jywilli69]

Thanks for the class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Cardboard Fan]

Nice write up!

[abjeffcoat]

Nice write up!

Why thank you kind sir.