This guide will help sportscard collector's and folks new to Ebay make smarter sportscard purchases on Ebay. I have been collecting sportscards for nearly 25 years off and on and can hopefully help some folks out.

When there are thousands apon thousands of sportscards on sale at any time on Ebay, which ones should you buy?  Doing a basic Ebay seach will yield single cards, sets and lots for sale. Most people think that a good scan of the card and a low price equals an excellent deal.... think again!!! It is very easy to be taken to the cleaners buying cards online. from the new to the seasoned collector, here are some ways to make sure you get quality cards for your money:

1. ASK QUESTIONS- Any good seller will gladly repond to any questions about there items for sale. Your not going to annoy a seller by asking questions, they are here to sell and you are a potential buyer. Stay away from any seller who does not respond to you questions or who side steps your questions in any way. Ask if the card has been altered in any way. Sometimes cards are trimmed to adjust centering or to sharpen corners. Once done these cards are virtually worthless. Asking direct questions does'nt make you a picky buyer. It makes you a more skilled, well informed buyer.

2. MORE PICTURES- Ask the seller to send you more pictures of the card/s if you think something seems wrong. In a lot of auctions you see sellers advertising multiple cards but only have a card or to pictured, asking for pictures will let you know that the seller is actually in posession of the cards they are advertising. More importantly when buying a single card, have the seller send you the scanned card unsized. The picture will be a lot bigger, but you will get a close up look at the card you are intrested in. Again, sellers are trying to sell. They will gladly send these pictures to you.

3. ASK AN EXPERT-  If you are looking for a card that you would consider expensive, don't take any chances if you think something is fishy or this deal is to good to be true. Get the seller to send you a picture of both sides of the card. Print these pictures and ask a local card shop rep what he thinks of the card. They will have nothing invested in your deal and will be honest as to the condition of the card.

4. CHECK THE RETURN POLICY-  If the auction says things like your buying these cards as is....STAY AWAY! Return policies on Ebay vary. Be weary according to your individual purchase as to what your sellers return policy is. If you are buying a card to have it graded, make sure you express this to the seller and get the seller to extend in writing his return policy until the grading process is completed. When buying lots make sure the return policy gives you time to really go through the cards your purchasing. Most sellers use a standard return policy that they made up themselves. Ask them to alter it if need be to complete your sell.

 There are many ways to be more aware when buying cards on Ebay. Never forget to check feedback and transaction history. Read every auction very closely to insure you understand exactly what is for sale and by all means ask questions. Look very closely at anyone that has terms like free gifts and everything must go. If everything must go in a sellers lots, that means the junk cards also. Look and see if the seller is selling lots alone or is selling the lesser valued cards in bulk in other auctions. this alone may save you many dollars and frustration. Also look for return customers. A good sign that a seller is delivering the goods is return customers.

 I hope that this guide has helped in some way help card buyers in our Ebay community. I quit collecting a few years ago and with none of my children getting involved in the hobby have lost interest. I actually picked some of this information up from my own buyers and there astute buying traits. They have helped me in becoming a better seller and I in return am passing this along to all the buyers out there.

If this helped you in some way, please vote yes below.  best wishes, Josh