Hidden Gems: The Best Places to Score Sports Card Deals

The sports card market moves fast—values can shift in hours due to a standout game, a player trade, a Hall of Fame induction, or even media buzz like a documentary. Taking advantage of these fluctuations is essential to getting the best deals and knowing where to look.

While platforms like eBay dominate the sports card marketplace, some of the best deals often come from lesser-known or “secret” sources that many collectors overlook. In this article, I’ll share the hidden gems where I’ve been buying cards for years, alongside a few newer, innovative options to explore.

Beckett Marketplace: A Hidden Gem for Sports Card Deals

The Beckett Marketplace is one of my go-to spots for finding affordable autographed rookie and low-serial-numbered first-year cards. It’s especially great for snagging cards of trendy players who’ve recently started performing well.

One reason is that many sellers don’t update their prices quickly, even when a player’s popularity or value surges. For example, in 2021, I purchased an Andrew Velazquez 1st Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor for just $11 on the Beckett Marketplace. Velazquez was performing well for the Yankees, and I flipped the card for $150 within a week.

Similarly, when Jake Browning became the Bengals’ starting quarterback last season, I bought 17 of his 2019 Panini Score rookie cards for $2 each and sold them at $6 apiece, turning a $68 profit.

Why Use Beckett Marketplace?

• Pros:
  • Access to undervalued, rare, and trendy cards.
  • No sales tax on purchases.
• Cons:
  • Shipping costs can’t be combined across different sellers. For instance, if you find one card for $7, expect to pay $4–$5 in shipping. Adding another card from a different seller means separate shipping fees.
  • Many listings lack card images, so you often buy based on the written description alone.

If you’re willing to navigate these minor drawbacks, the Beckett Marketplace can be an excellent source for finding deals on emerging players and undervalued cards. It’s user-friendly and remains one of the few platforms where sales tax doesn’t cut into your profits. You can check it out here.

Sportlots.com: Undercover Treasure for Bargain Hunters

I discovered Sportlots.com during the sports card boom of 2019–20, and it quickly became one of my favorite places to find great deals on emerging players. Like Beckett Marketplace, this site offers lower-end cards of breakout stars at bargain prices.

For example, during Nestor Cortes’ breakout season in 2022, I bought several Cortes rookie cards on Sportlots and Beckett Marketplace. Every season, I search for new breakout players here, focusing on low-serial-numbered or rare cards. It’s an excellent resource for finding hidden gems, especially for cards in the $5–$40 range.

Key Features of Sportlots.com:

• Pros:
  • Affordable options for lower-end cards of emerging players.
  • Ability to buy cards in bulk for added value.
  • Some auction listings, though the Buy It Now feature is more widely used.
• Cons:
  • Many listings lack images, so purchases rely on the written condition (usually “Near Mint” unless otherwise noted).
  • Be mindful of additional shipping costs, which can add up when buying from multiple sellers.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly platform to score deals on trendy players, Sportlots.com is worth exploring. You can register and start hunting for deals here.

Facebook Groups: Best Peer To Per Marketplace

Facebook Sports Card groups gained traction around 2016 and have since become a thriving marketplace for buying and selling. At one point, my feed was so card-heavy that I had to scale back to about 30 groups! These groups are excellent for finding deals, trading, and connecting with other collectors, but they require building a solid reputation to participate fully.

How to Get Started:

1. Join Active Groups: Focus on groups with strong moderation and active members for the best experience.
2. Build Trust: Purchase cards in these groups and collect “vouches” from other members as proof of trustworthy transactions.

Facebook groups are a fantastic alternative platform for finding great deals and connecting with the card community. With a little effort, you can unlock some incredible opportunities!

Why Use Facebook Groups?

• Pros:
  • A vast selection of cards, from high-end to budget-friendly.
  • Opportunities for direct trades and negotiation.
  • A community vibe where you can share knowledge and tips.
• Cons:
  • Entry can be challenging without an established reputation.
  • Scams are a risk; only deal with trusted members.

Top Facebook Groups for Sports Cards

Mercari: A Growing Marketplace for Sports Cards

Mercari, launched in 2013, has become a popular app for sports card buyers and sellers. I started using the platform in 2017, scoring great deals, including vintage ’99 Pokémon Charizard Holo cards. Over the years, Mercari has expanded significantly, with many sellers now dual-listing their inventory from eBay.

Strategies for Success on Mercari

• Search Smart: To narrow your results, use specific keywords like “PSA,” “Rookie,” and “Auto,” or search for particular players.
• Browse Often: Keep an eye on newly listed items and suggestions in relevant categories for fresh deals.
• Avoid Excessive Fees: Mercari’s recent updates increased buyer fees. To bypass these, you can comment on an item and ask the seller if they’re active on social media to work out a deal off-platform.
• Offer Strategically: When buying through the app, factor in buyer fees when making offers to ensure the total price aligns with your budget.

Pros of Using Mercari:

• A wide variety of cards, including mismarked items that may offer great deals.
• Ability to browse thousands of listings quickly.
• Access to detailed sales history showing sold items and dates.

Cons of Using Mercari:

• Buyer fees can add up significantly.
• Increased risk of scams; if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Mercari remains a solid option for finding deals on sports cards, especially if you approach it with a savvy strategy. Just be mindful of the risks and fees. You can start browsing the marketplace here.

MySlabs.com: A Peer-to-Peer Marketplace for Graded Sports Cards

Since 2019, I’ve successfully utilized MySlabs.com, a platform designed for buying and selling graded sports cards. Initially, transactions were limited to fixed prices, but the platform has since introduced auction features and implemented sales tax on purchases. Despite these changes, MySlabs remains a viable alternative to larger marketplaces like eBay.

Notable Experience: One of my best buys at MySlabs was a beautifully centered 1948 Bowman Yogi Berra SGC 4 rookie, which I purchased for $700 and sold for $950 this past year.

Pros:

• Lower Seller Fees: MySlabs charges a 3% seller fee (+Paypal Processing Fees) on graded and ungraded cards (recently hiked from 2%), significantly less than competitors, which can lead to better deals for buyers. Note that Buyers also pay a 1% fee.
• Curated Listings: The platform focuses on graded cards and sealed wax, ensuring a specialized selection.

Cons:

• Auction Reserves: Many auctions have reserve prices, making securing items below market value challenging.
• Limited Inventory: With fewer daily listings than larger platforms like eBay, finding specific cards may require patience.

Tips for Buyers:

• Regular Monitoring: Check new listings daily to spot undervalued cards.
• Market Research: Review the sold items section to understand current market trends and pricing.

While MySlabs may have a limited inventory of larger marketplaces, its lower fees and specialized focus make it a worthwhile platform for collectors seeking graded sports cards. You can register here MySlabs – All, and begin submitting offers, browsing the newest cards posted, and trying to win some auctions!

Alt: A Modern Marketplace for Trading Cards

Established in 2020, Alt offers a contemporary platform for buying and selling authenticated trading cards. The platform features fixed-price listings and bi-weekly “Liquid Auctions”. Users can store their cards in a secure vault or have them shipped directly.

Shipping one card usually costs around $8-10, so if you buy something, make sure it’s not too low-end. The Liquid Auctions run weekly and feature a lot of nice cards to buy, both vintage and modern.

If you browse the fixed-price listings, you may find some fantastic deals. Another cool feature at Alt is their Market Trends section, which shows sports player cards trending up or down over the last 30 days.

Fanatics Collect: A New Player in the Sports Card Marketplace

Launched in 2024, Fanatics Collect has quickly become a notable platform for sports card enthusiasts, offering fixed-price listings and weekly auctions. The platform expanded its offerings by integrating PWCC’s marketplace, providing a comprehensive environment for collectors.

Key Features:

• Weekly Auctions: Fanatics Collect hosts weekly auctions featuring a diverse array of sports cards.
• Buy Now Marketplace: The platform offers a fixed-price marketplace where collectors can purchase cards directly. While deals are available, competition can make securing bargains challenging.

Considerations:

• Additional Fees: Be mindful of the 20% buyer’s premium added to auction hammer prices, sales tax, and shipping costs, which can impact the overall expense.
• Competition: The auction environment is competitive, making it challenging to win cards at favorable prices. Exploring the Buy Now marketplace may yield better opportunities.

Personal Experience: Since joining Fanatics Collect, I’ve primarily utilized the Buy Now marketplace, successfully acquiring a few cards. The platform’s user-friendly interface and integration with PWCC’s marketplace enhance the buying experience. You can register here: Fanatics Collect | Trading Cards, Memorabilia & More

Veriswap: A Trading Platform for Card Collectors

Veriswap has existed for a few years and is primarily a platform for trading sports cards. It also allows buyers to submit cash offers. Offering both direct purchases and trade opportunities, it’s a unique option for collectors looking to diversify their strategies.

Key Features:

• Trading and Offers: While the platform focuses on trades, users can also submit cash offers for the cards listed. If a Buy It Now price isn’t available, you must negotiate directly with the seller.
• Value Opportunities: Many cards on Veriswap are priced reasonably, but deals still depend on successful negotiations with the seller.
• Security: Once a deal is agreed upon, parties must ship their cards to a Veriswap escrow hub. Veriswap acts as a middleman and confirms that the right cards are being sent.
• App Availability: Veriswap has a mobile app for convenient browsing and transactions.

Pros:

• Flexibility to trade or buy cards.
• Potential to find underpriced cards through negotiations.
• Easy-to-use platform with mobile accessibility.

Cons:

• Transactions depend on seller acceptance, which can slow the process.
• Limited to user-submitted inventory, so that selection may vary.

Personal Take:
I’ve found Veriswap to be a cool platform worth exploring. It’s particularly useful for collectors interested in trading, but cash offers can also yield great deals if you’re patient and strategic.

You can explore Veriswap and register here or download the app for easier access. It’s a great tool to have in your card-buying arsenal!

Arena Club Marketplace: A Unique Platform Backed by Derek Jeter

Arena Club launched in 2023 as a grading company and has quickly gained traction, partly thanks to its partnership with Derek Jeter. In addition to grading services, Arena Club offers a marketplace where collectors can buy, sell, or submit offers on cards. This includes Arena Club-graded cards and those graded by PSA.

Key Features:

• Marketplace for Offers: Users can submit offers on listed cards, providing opportunities to negotiate deals.
• Celebrity Collections: One of the standout features is the “showrooms,” where you can browse celebrity card collections, adding a fun and unique browsing experience.
• Graded Card Variety: The platform supports Arena Club-graded and PSA-graded cards, catering to a broad collector base.

Pros:

• Potential to find hidden gems or undervalued cards.
• Unique “showrooms” feature to explore curated celebrity collections.
• A growing platform with a user-friendly interface.

Cons:

• It is a relatively new marketplace, so inventory might not be as extensive as larger platforms.
• Limited to specific grading services.

Personal Take:
Arena Club’s combination of a marketplace and celebrity-driven features makes it a fun and exciting platform to explore. While it’s still growing, it’s worth checking regularly for potential deals.

You can register and explore the platform here. It’s another valuable addition to your sports card-buying toolkit!

Blowout Cards Forums: A Classic Platform for Sports Card Deals

Blowout Cards Forums, often considered one of the “OG” platforms for buying sports cards, remains a staple for collectors. With a dedicated section called The Marketplace, users can browse threads featuring cards for sale, organized by sport and even vintage categories.

Key Features:

• Marketplace Threads: Each sport has its own section, making finding cards tailored to your interests easy. There’s also a vintage thread for older collectibles.
• Community Interaction: Buyers can claim cards directly in threads or contact sellers via direct message (DM) to negotiate deals.
• Longstanding Reputation: Active since the early 2010s, the forums have built a trusted community of collectors and sellers.

Pros:

• A wide variety of cards, including vintage and niche finds.
• Direct buyer-to-seller communication allows for negotiation and personal connections.
• There are no additional fees compared to larger marketplaces.

Cons:

• Limited to user-generated inventory, so availability fluctuates.
• It is less streamlined than newer platforms, requiring patience to scroll through threads.

Personal Take:
I’ve used Blowout Cards Forums for over a decade and found some fantastic deals. It’s a great platform for collectors who enjoy a more old-school, community-driven experience.

You can register and start exploring here. It’s worth checking regularly, as you never know what treasures might pop up!

Live Streaming Options: The New Wave of Buying Sports Cards

Live streaming has emerged as a dynamic and engaging way to buy and sell sports cards. Collectors can interact directly with sellers, participate in auctions, or browse live inventory for deals. Here are some of the most popular live-streaming platforms to explore:

1. Whatnot

• Overview: One of the most popular platforms, with over 500+ live streams daily.
• Features:
  • Buy it Now marketplace for direct purchases or offers.
  • Live auctions for real-time bidding.
• Why Use It: A wide variety of sellers and cards with an easy-to-use interface.
• Register: Whatnot: Buy, Sell & Go Live

2. Fanatics Live

• Overview: Focused on live shopping for sports card breaks and collecting.
• Why Use It: Ideal for those who enjoy card breaks with reputable brand backing.
• Register: Fanatics Live

3. Loupe

• Overview: Known for sports card breaks.
• Why Use It: A dedicated platform for breaking, making it a favorite for collectors seeking group breaks.
• Register: Loupe Sports Cards

4. TikTok

• Overview: Many creators host live sales showcasing their inventory.
• Why Use It: Depending on the seller, you can find great deals on live shows.
• How to Access: Scroll the TikTok app and follow creators hosting live sales.

5. Instagram (IG)

• Overview: Sellers frequently host live shows featuring auctions and Buy it Now cards.
• Why Use It: A great way to connect with sellers directly and find deals in a more casual setting.
• How to Access: Follow sports card accounts on IG to get notified of live shows.

6. Drip

• Overview: Similar to Whatnot, featuring live auction streams for sports cards.
• Why Use It: Interactive auctions with a smaller but growing community.
• Register: Drip – Shop Live

Why Choose Live Streaming Platforms?

• Engagement: Interact with sellers and other buyers in real-time.
• Deals: Live formats often lead to competitive prices and last-minute opportunities.
• Convenience: Access streams from multiple platforms to compare and shop from anywhere.

Live streaming offers a unique and interactive way to expand your collection. With so many platforms, finding the right one that fits your style and budget is easy!

Exploring a variety of auction websites and platforms can significantly enhance your sports card collection and investment opportunities.

Here’s a curated list of other notable platforms to consider

Major Auction Houses:

• Goldin Auctions: Renowned for high-profile sports memorabilia and card auctions.
• Robert Edward Auctions: Specializes in baseball cards and memorabilia, offering extensive catalogs.
• Heritage Auctions: A leading auction house with a dedicated sports section featuring rare cards and memorabilia. Heritage Auctions Sports
• Pristine Auctions: Offers daily online auctions with a wide range of sports cards and autographed memorabilia. Pristine Auction
• SCP Auctions: Focuses on sports memorabilia and cards known for significant historical items. SCP Auctions
• Lelands: The original sports memorabilia auction house, respected for its extensive experience. Lelands
• Sotheby’s: Collaborates with Fanatics to auction high-end trading cards, targeting premium collectors. Barron’s
• Julien’s Auctions: Known for entertainment and sports memorabilia, offering unique sports card auctions.

eBay Consignment Sellers:

• Probstein123: A top eBay consignment seller with a vast inventory of sports cards.
• DC Sports 87: Offers a wide range of sports cards through eBay auctions.

Specialized Auction Platforms:

• Wheatland Auction Services: Provides auctions for sports cards and memorabilia, catering to various collectors.
• Kevin Savage Cards: Features regular auctions and fixed-price sales of sports cards.
• Grey Flannel Auctions: Specializes in high-end sports memorabilia and vintage cards.
• LiveAuctioneers: Aggregates auctions from various houses, including sports memorabilia and cards.
• AllSportsAuctions: Dedicated to sports memorabilia and card auctions.
• Weiss Auctions: Offers a variety of collectibles, including sports cards.
• Sterling Sports Auctions: Regularly scheduled auctions focusing on sports cards.
• Milk Creek Sports: Provides sports memorabilia and card auctions.
• Invaluable: Hosts auctions from various sellers, including sports cards and memorabilia.

Recommendation

Utilizing a diverse array of these platforms can help you find the best deals and gain a comprehensive understanding of the sports card market. Regularly browsing these sites lets you stay informed about trends and spot undervalued cards. Some platforms are well-known, while others remain under the radar, offering unique opportunities for savvy collectors.

By familiarizing yourself with these auction houses and marketplaces, you can strategically enhance your collection and make informed purchasing decisions.