If you’re a collector, you know the pain of waiting for a hobby box release only to find it out of stock at your local store. Sports cards are thriving online despite rapidly changing consumer preferences, and there has never been a better time to become a collector. Here’s why you should get that next hobby box online.
A Massive Selection
Imagine a brick-and-mortar store overflowing with cards from every era, sport, and team. Now multiply that by a hundred. That’s the kind of selection you can encounter online.
- No Shelf Space Limitations: Stores have limited physical space, so they can only stock a curated selection. Online retailers are limited only by server space, allowing them to carry a vast selection of soccer cards and so much more.
- Global Reach: The internet connects you with the global market. You can find vintage cards from Japan, rookie cards from Europe, or autographed memorabilia from the US, all on one online platform.
- Niche Markets: Online sellers cater to niche collectors. For example, you might find a store specializing in obscure sports or vintage card sets that your local store wouldn’t be able to stock.
It’s Convenient
Online shopping allows you to browse sports cards anytime from the comfort of your home. You don’t need to rush to the store before it closes or deal with long lines, and you won’t have to consider additional travel expenses either.
- 24/7 Access: You can browse for cards whenever the mood strikes, whether it’s early in the morning or late at night.
- Zero Travel: Shop from your computer or phone to save time and gas money. There is no need to factor in traffic or find a parking spot.
- Wide Selection: Browse through thousands of cards online. Compare options, research specific cards, and make informed decisions without feeling pressured by salespeople.
This is particularly important because building a great collection takes a great deal of time and thought. Imagine trying to compare two similarly-graded Tom Brady rookie autograph cards in a loud and bustling convention hall.
Better Prices
Many online platforms let you compare multiple sellers with a single click. This lets you see all the available options and find the most competitive offer. Hunting down better prices in a physical store, on the other hand, involves a great deal of luck and bargaining skills.
However, when it comes to prices, the best part of online sports card shopping is the discounts. Online retailers often run promotions, offer discounts on bulk purchases, or have clearance sections. Similarly, auction sites with “make an offer” functions can lead to significant savings. You can potentially snag cards for lower prices than the fixed price you’d find in a store.
Find Specific Cards
Gone are the days of flipping through endless binders at a card shop, hoping to stumble upon that hidden gem. Online stores allow you to quickly find that one elusive autograph card in seconds using filters for player names, teams, the year of release, brand, and the hobby box it came from.
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
Multiple Sellers
Variety is always good for the consumer, and that’s what you get online. Collectors can find sellers catering to virtually every niche online. Looking for a mainline Topps or Panini release? You’ll find it on every major retailer’s website, along with authentication guarantees and secure payment methods.
- Individual Sellers: Similar to fashion trends, the real value of online sports card shopping lies beyond the mainstream. Online platforms like COMC allow individual collectors to easily sell their prized sports cards. If your collection is missing a rare card or niche set, this is where you’ll find it.
- Niche Sports Card Stores: These are online stores dedicated exclusively to a very specific genre of sports cards. For example, you might find a store that deals exclusively in Red Sox cards and merchandise. These stores are a boon for completionists who want everything all in one place.
Reviews
Sports card shopping, whether online or in person, requires a massive amount of trust. As a first-time customer, you’re never completely certain that the vendor in front of you has your best interests at heart. When browsing sports cards online, you can at least look at verified reviews and testimonials on community forums.
Joining a Community
Forums aren’t just for reviews! As a collector, you’re not limited to online stores when shopping for sports cards. Sports card forums are full of seasoned, active collectors who will be happy to show off their cards and learn about yours. Participating in fan culture and making new friends can help you secure extremely rare cards.
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
Live Breaks
A live break is a unique form of online sports card shopping that lets you pick up brand-new cards at a massive discount. These events work on a slot system. You buy a spot during the break representing a particular team or a random selection of cards, which will later be distributed based on the slots sold.
Simply put, live breaks are a novel way to participate in a premium box opening without paying for the whole thing. Everything in your slot, including potential rookies and autographs, belongs to you.
Shop Like an All-Star
Shopping online gives you access to the best of the sports card world, from upcoming hobby box pre-orders to the rarest sports cards of all time. Find an online trading card store that speaks to your niche and supersize your collection today.