Quote:
Originally Posted by ejstel
Hi looking to see if anyone here is interested in sharing their perspective/experience on buying cards on facebook? I checked and it seemed like chaos (like 50 replies to a post) or an easy way to get scammed (my great grand pappy gave me this signed mickey mantle card and I want to sell it here)...?
Best,
Ed
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Here is my $.02
I have done both buying and selling on both FB and Ebay and both are good, yet different.
Facebook
- The key is which group(s) you're in. Find a few and watch for a bit. Learn how they work. Two of the ones I am in are so big and there are so many sales it's easy to miss things, or lose one to go back to. If posting, theoretically, any post/reply will "bump it back up" but the FB algorithms are strange and it doesn't work for everyone. There are different settings for different groups (FB settings for posts) such as New Posts, Newest Activity or Most Relevant. I am still trying to figure out how to change these permanently. I'll change it to New Posts in a group and the next time I go to that page its back to Most Relevant. So your post, even if there is a lot of activity/posts may still miss some if it's not relevant to what they have been searching for recently.
- Sometimes how to sell on FB is a guessing game. Which group do I use? Do I sell as an auction, claim sale or just a fixed price. There are advantages to all. I actually tend to best selling lower dollar cards in claim sales. They're a lot of work though, but if done right you can move stuff that is just sitting around. Higher dollar/stars will do better but they need to be priced right.
- Buying is all about timing. A lot of posts just provide pics (some not so great) and give no info on condition. Ultimately, you should be able to find what you are looking for, but if you're picky on condition, be picky about sales and/or ask for more pics. Hang around enough and you'll find certain sellers that always have nice cards and do well at describing general condition and mention creases, flaws, etc.
Ebay - I like being able to save certain sellers and at my leisure look at what cards they have added since I last looked. I like to look at a lot of cards and are very picky with condition on non-graded cards. My definition of NM is not the same as everyone's. But I can look anonymously and pass on cards that aren't pleasing. That part I like.
- Finding good sellers is key in my opinion. It lessens the chance you'll find some jackass who doesn't know how to package cards properly to ship and you'll find some consistency.
- The other thing I like if I am buying multiple cards, is there are sellers who do high volume and let you stack cards for several days and not pay additional shipping charges. I've won cards from the same seller for almost a week before and didn't pay until 6 or 7 days. They will combine the invoice and reduce shipping charges before you pay. Just have to find the sellers that do this. Note: there are some FB sellers that do the same. The handful of claim sales I have done, I spread out over 3 days and only charge $5 shipping no matter how many cards they buy. I don't send anyone a total until the sale is done, so they can take advantage of flat shipping costs. I've even, via Messenger, added cards that I had not posted to their lot. That helps keep costs down. Personally, I like getting to know a bit about those that buy from me and what they collect. it has led to added sales and led to me buying from them, and even a trade (not my favorite)!
I'm rambling, so hopefully that helps some. If you have any specific questions about FB groups, ebay sellers, etc. feel free to PM me.