Sports cards are a huge multi-million dollar business and one that many people do not realize is open to all comers via the Internet. With all the websites out there that allow for a platform to sell your cards, the opportunity exists to start a sports cards business for almost anyone that has the passion and knowledge to do so. Here is a guide for how to start your very own sports card business from the ground up:
The first thing to know is that you have to be passionate about the business. It can grow ever so tiresome posting hundreds of sports cards onto the same auction sites and websites. If you do not love what you are doing, then you will not succeed. Assuming you have the passion to sell sports cards, the first step is to acquire some inventory.
This is the toughest part of an online sports card business. The easiest way to get started? Go out and actively search out card collections. You would be amazed how many people will sell collections for pennies on the dollar. Also, if you can get your hands on them, buy large batches of commons. People will want to fill their commons lists as well as buy the big ticket cards. Some players that are included in the cheap commons prices you will pay will not stay commons also. You will sometimes find a ton of hidden gems among all those commons. Buy all you can afford and get your hands on.
As you accumulate cards, organize them by year and team. This will allow you to quickly assemble team and year packages. These will be among your best sellers, so be sure to take the time to get them all in order. This will take long hours and dedication but it will pay off in the end.
Once you have your cards in order, you will need to decide on your online selling platform. Most people go with Ebay simply because they are a wonderful place to get a decent amount for your cards. You will not get the top dollar in the beginning for your cards, but as you grow in feedback and customer base, you will quickly see a rise in the profits.
Another platform is to start your own website to sell your collection. This is very time consuming and it takes much longer to build the customer base than it will with Ebay. The best option is to run the business on Ebay until you have a solid traffic flow on your website such that you no longer need the auction sites. That way you are earning as you grow.
Always make certain that you take plenty of care to give top notch service to your customers. These customers are among the most dedicated in any industry if you treat them right. Offer premium shipping, and always carefully package and protect the cards when you send them. Get to know your customers by first name, and always remember what they like to buy. You would be amazed at how quickly the customer base will grow if you provide a quality service.
Keep extensive records as you sell to various customers and always keep a record of what they bought. In the future as you acquire other sports cards or memorabilia that they might like, give them a nudge to let them know you have posted something they might want. Do not do this immediately with new customers. Only do this after they are established and regular customers. Also, be aware that Ebay does not allow you to use their system to sell off the site. You will have to cultivate these customers off of Ebay.
The final key to running a great online sports card business is to constantly reinvest. You should set aside ten percent at a minimum to repurchase cards. Always buy in bulk and at a discount unless you have a verified sale. You will begin to learn how to shop card shops and shows for big ticket items that you know can be sold to others at a premium. This is something that you must be careful with, however, and have a previous agreement with the buyers.
As with any business, an online sports card business is as good as you work it to be. Put in the time and effort and you can have an online sports card business with great success too.
