Buying Raw Cards on Ebay

[oldeboo]

Who you are buying from is very important. There are a number of reputable sellers on there selling legit cards. You'll be able to figure out who they are.

Stay away from any key cards unless you really know what you are looking at. Take the time and look at some of the fakes(like nearly all raw 1933 Goudey Ruth cards) and notice the characteristics. Shoddy printing, unrealistic wear, and a lot of fakes are using horrible artificially aged looking paper. Also compare cards to known reprints.

In general you have to become familiar with the issue. Many cards have different characteristics...print quality, paper type, etc. that are good clues.

Besides that, there are deals to be had, just have to find them.

[JollyElm]

Check other things they have sold in the past to get a feel for what types of cards they comfortably deal in. See if the pictures and descriptions seem to match up fine and are consistently accurate with stated grade or grades, and then read the heck out of their feedback to see if everything was up to snuff with other buyers.

Good luck!!

[bigred1]

i stopped buying raw on ebay after I bought a recolored Rose rookie. Need to go with reputable sellers. I would still stay away from high priced raw regardless, grading currently takes too long if questions remain.

[todeen]

Originally Posted by oldeboo

Who you are buying from is very important. There are a number of reputable sellers on there selling legit cards. You'll be able to figure out who they are.

I generally only buy raw. I don't buy raw EXPENSIVE on eBay, however. If you want that, stick to the BST on Net54. Plenty of raw cards are being moved on the BST.

First, look at the seller's feedback. A seller with thousands of feedback is going to deal in safe cards for you to purchase.

Then, read the description. If the seller mentions the defects, they are trying to be honest and forward about what you are receiving. I will not deal with someone who says "You get what you see in the pic." Pictures lie.

Buy one card from the seller, determine if you like the transaction, and if you did, buy from them in the future. I deal a lot with Mill Creek Sports for autographs because I trust them, the product, and the easy transaction.

EXP: I am looking for a 1990 Topps Tiffany Griffey Jr. There are a tons of "Topps Tiffany" being sold by individuals with just one feedback. I would never buy from them. There are people who advertise Topps Tiffany with a PSA holdered card. The Flip doesn't say Tiffany at all. They are trying to scam hoping I don't look at details, or I purchase because the price is too good to be true. I will never buy from them. If you pay attention, and focus on the details, you will do okay.

And remember, shit happens. We all have felt swindled or misled on eBay. But you can always return the card if you don't like it.

[Eric72]

1- know what you’re shopping for
2- stick to listings with quality photos
3- really scrutinize those photos
4- buy from sellers with a long track record and lots positive feedback for selling raw cards
5- message the seller with specific questions (for example: does this card have any creases or wrinkles...)
6- start with lower dollar cards and compare the items you get with the listings

After a while, you’ll develop an eye for what items are truly worth buying. Along the way, you’ll expand your network of contacts and find people worthy of your trust, and worthy of your business.

[Casey2296]

"2- stick to listings with quality photos"

Its unbelievable that someone would post a card costing in excess of 10K and not take the time to spend $225 on a scanner and 20 minutes to set it up so they could post good photos.