Best places to buy your Trading sports cards

Omar Aly
7 min readMar 23, 2024

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Hope you have been keeping up. Last time I wrote an article that discussed about trading licensed sports cards as an investment. If you have’nt read that one, then click here to read on why you might want to consider it a part of your investment portfolio.

This time however, I have a new thing for you. I discovered that a very common question in that community is ‘’from where do I buy licensed trading sports cards?’’ and that’s what I am going to cover today. I will give you a detailed review on multiple places you could purchase licensed sports cards. Without further a due, buckle up !! this will get interesting.

Fanatics (Sports Memorabilia)

I saved the best for first. By far my favourite place to buy from anything sports related. And I will discuss why in just a second. It’s a place that literally has everything related to sports, and by everything, I mean EVERYTHING!! — signed T-Shirts, shoes, balls, bats, gloves, photos, pictures,game user equipment/gear and most importantly Trading sports cards for every Athlete, For every team, for every sport and beyond.

As for the pricing, Fanatics offers competitive pricing across its product range. While prices may vary depending on the item’s rarity, demand, and condition, Fanatics generally provides reasonable rates compared to other reputable sports memorabilia retailers. Additionally, frequent sales, discounts, and promotional offers further sweeten the deal for customers.

And, if you are A soccer Fan like me, then you can choose the item you want from all Europ’es major leagues. Personally, I like the cr7, MO salah and Haaland one.

Finally, if you have a favourite retired Athlete that you grew up watching then there are items that belong to ex-legends and Athletes.

If you aren’t interested in becoming a Licensed trading sports card and just want to buy an item belonging to your favourite team or athlete for the sake of fun, then go ahead. It’s my pleasure to help.

Currently, they have 25% discount deal. You might want to capitalize on that.

CLICK HERE to Access the website. (Disclosure: I am an affiliate for this program, meaning if you take action via this link, I get paid commission)

One of the items sold in fanatics.com

Steiner sports review

Steiner Sports specializes in providing authentic sports memorabilia, focusing on items autographed by top athletes across various sports leagues. Their inventory includes a wide range of products, such as:

  • Authenticated autographed jerseys, helmets, balls, and photos
  • Game-used equipment and gear
  • Limited edition collectibles and displays
  • Exclusive memorabilia from iconic moments in sports history

In addition to their merchandise, Steiner Sports offers authentication services and custom framing options to enhance the value and presentation of collectible items.

Average Prices and Relative Pricing: As a provider of authenticated memorabilia, Steiner Sports tends to offer products at higher price points compared to general sports merchandise retailers like Fanatics. Prices vary depending on the rarity and significance of the item, with exclusive or one-of-a-kind pieces commanding premium rates. While Steiner Sports’ products may be more expensive, customers can trust in the authenticity and quality of their purchases.

In conclusion, it’s safe to say steiner review offers more premium priced, exclusive items compared to Fanatics. Click here to Access.

SCP Auctions

As mentioned in the word itself. It’s an Auction, so if you have money and a serious investor of rare collectibles and items. This is the place to go. Look at this example here-

$22,000 Tom Brady card

Click here to Access.

This was supposed to be the end of it. But because of the kindness in my heart :)I decided why not , let’s help you out and give you two additional places.

E-bay

Surprise, surprise. Bet you didn’t expect this one here didn’t you. But in all seriousness, it’s a good place to buy from. I will tell you some of the things to watch out for.

Pros:

  1. Endless Variety: One of the biggest draws of eBay is its dizzying assortment of sports cards. From vintage classics to modern-day marvels, there’s something to pique the interest of collectors of all stripes. Whether you’re on the hunt for rookie cards, autographed gems, or hard-to-find inserts, eBay’s got you covered.
  2. Thrilling Auctions: There’s an undeniable rush that comes with bidding in eBay auctions. The adrenaline kicks in as you watch the timer tick down, fingers poised to place that winning bid at the last possible moment. It’s a game of strategy and nerve, where you might just snag a bargain if luck’s on your side.
  3. Global Marketplace: With eBay, the world becomes your oyster. No matter where you’re located, you can connect with sellers and fellow collectors from every corner of the globe. It’s a melting pot of enthusiasts, sharing their passion for sports cards and forging connections beyond borders.

Cons:

  1. The Authenticity Conundrum: While eBay strives to maintain integrity in its marketplace, there’s always a risk of encountering counterfeit or misrepresented items. It’s like treading a fine line between scoring a genuine gem and falling prey to a cleverly disguised dud. Proceed with caution and do your due diligence before making that purchase.
  2. Shipping Shenanigans: Ah, the joys of waiting for your eagerly anticipated package to arrive — only to be met with unexpected delays or exorbitant shipping costs. It’s a frustration that many eBay buyers are all too familiar with, reminding us to factor in these logistical hurdles when budgeting for our sports card splurges.
  3. Seller Roulette: Every eBay seller is a wild card, ranging from seasoned pros to occasional hobbyists. While many offer stellar service and top-notch communication, there’s the occasional rogue trader who leaves much to be desired. It’s a bit of a gamble, requiring a keen eye for reputable sellers and a dash of good fortune.

Average Prices and Relative Standpoint:

In terms of pricing, eBay’s landscape is as diverse as its offerings. You’ll find everything from wallet-friendly steals to wallet-wincing splurges, depending on factors like card rarity, condition, and seller reputation. Compared to specialized marketplaces, eBay’s sheer size gives it an edge in terms of selection and accessibility — though navigating its labyrinth of listings can be a daunting task at times.

Finally,

COMC (Check Out My Cards) stands out for its unique consignment-based model, offering collectors a streamlined experience for buying and selling sports cards. Here’s my take on the pros and cons of navigating the COMC landscape, along with some insights to help fellow enthusiasts make the most of their card-collecting journey.

Pros:

  1. Convenience at Your Fingertips: COMC’s consignment model simplifies the selling process for collectors, eliminating the hassle of individual listings and shipping logistics. Sellers can send their cards to COMC, where they’re professionally scanned, cataloged, and made available for purchase on the platform — a boon for those seeking a hassle-free selling experience.
  2. Diverse Inventory: COMC boasts an extensive catalog of sports cards, spanning a wide range of sports, players, and eras. Whether you’re hunting for vintage classics, modern-day marvels, or niche collectibles, COMC’s diverse inventory offers something to cater to every collector’s taste and preference.
  3. Centralized Marketplace: COMC serves as a centralized marketplace where collectors can browse, buy, and sell cards from a single platform. This streamlined approach fosters community engagement and simplifies the buying process, allowing collectors to focus on the thrill of discovering their next prized card without the clutter and complexity of multiple marketplaces.

Cons:

  1. Processing Times: While COMC’s consignment model offers convenience for sellers, it can lead to longer processing times for buyers. Cards must be shipped to COMC’s facilities, scanned, and added to the inventory before they’re available for purchase — a process that can take several weeks or even months in some cases.
  2. Limited Direct Seller Interaction: Unlike traditional marketplaces where buyers can communicate directly with sellers, COMC’s consignment model creates a degree of separation between buyers and sellers. While this streamlined approach offers convenience, it may result in less direct communication and negotiation opportunities compared to other platforms.
  3. Cost Considerations: COMC charges fees for various services, including storage, processing, and shipping, which can impact the overall cost of purchasing cards on the platform. Buyers should factor in these additional fees when budgeting for their purchases to avoid unexpected expenses.

Average Prices and Relative Standpoint:

COMC’s pricing landscape is influenced by factors such as card rarity, condition, and market demand. While prices may vary depending on the specific card and seller, COMC generally offers competitive rates compared to other online marketplaces. The platform’s consignment model allows sellers to set their own prices, leading to a diverse range of listings that cater to collectors with different budgets and preferences.

Compared to other platforms, COMC’s consignment-based model offers a unique blend of convenience, diversity, and community engagement. While traditional marketplaces like eBay may offer larger selections and more direct seller interaction, COMC’s streamlined approach simplifies the buying process and fosters a sense of camaraderie among collectors.

In conclusion, it’s a great place to buy and sell sports cards and more.

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