How to Make Money Reselling Playing Cards

Playing cards are a fun and inexpensive hobby for many people. Collecting rare or antique decks, learning card tricks and playing card games with friends are just a few ways cards are enjoyed. But did you know that reselling playing cards can also be a profitable side hustle or even full-time business? With the right knowledge and strategy, you can buy decks low and sell them for a nice profit. Here are some tips to get started making money reselling playing cards.

The key to making money reselling anything is buying at low prices. This allows you to sell at market value and pocket the difference. Here are some places to find discounted decks of playing cards to flip:

• Yard Sales - Yard and garage sales can be treasure troves for finding deals on playing cards. Many people sell off bundles of assorted decks they no longer want for just a few dollars.

• Thrift Stores - Check the board game and puzzle sections of thrift stores to uncover card decks priced at just $1-2 each. Look for rare vintage decks or unopened packs.

• Estate Sales - When people pass away, their collections of playing cards are often sold off at discounted prices by estate sale companies. Show up early to get first pick.

• Clearance Sections - Retail stores like Walmart and Target will deeply discount opened packs or older decks of cards, making them prime to resell at higher prices.

• Auctions - Scope out local auction houses or online auction sites like eBay for job lots of playing cards you can get on the cheap and break apart into individual decks to resell.

Once you’ve amassed a collection of discounted decks, it’s time to determine their market value for resale. Some factors that increase a deck's worth include:

• Age - Vintage decks from the 1800s or early-to-mid 1900s are often highly collectible. Decks that are decades old in great condition command higher prices.

• Limited Runs - Decks printed in small batches as part of limited edition runs generate demand. The fewer in circulation, the more they may fetch.

• Condition - Decks still factory sealed in cellophane or that are gently used go for more than decks that are heavily worn and damaged.

• Design - Unique, rare or historically significant artwork and design raises deck values. Bicycle branded decks are also popular among collectors.

• Manufacturer - Rare decks from antique manufacturers like Russell Playing Card Company are worth more than common manufacturer decks still in production.

• Celebrity Endorsements - Decks autographed by magicians like David Blaine or endorsed/designed by celebrities have boosted value.

Check auction sale prices, collector forums and price guide sites to gauge deck values. Condition is extremely important, so inspect carefully before purchasing decks to resell.

Once you know what your decks are worth, it’s time to resell them for a profit! Here are some options:

• eBay - This massive auction site is ideal for selling rare and collectible decks globally to the highest bidder. Make sure to charge calculated shipping rates.

• Etsy - Curated vintage shops do well selling antique and custom playing card decks on this handmade marketplace.

• Facebook - Join enthusiast groups like “Playing Cards Buy Sell Trade” and auction off decks or list with a “Buy Now” price.

• Playing card conventions - Events like the 52 Plus Joker Club convention are perfect for connecting with serious collectors who will pay top dollar for rare decks.

• Magic shops - Get to know local magicians and strike a deal with shops to sell select high-value decks on consignment and split profits.

• Farmer’s markets - Rent a table at weekends markets and peddle your common, lower-value decks at a markup to the general public.

No matter where you sell, make sure to clearly photograph each deck and accurately describe condition, age, origin and significance to justify the price. Pack decks extremely securely for shipping to avoid damage complaints. Reinvest profits into sourcing more discount decks, and watch your reselling side hustle take off!

Here are a few final tips to help you prosper reselling playing cards:

• Specialize in a niche like vintage, European decks or magic trick decks to become an expert curator in that area.

• Keep an detailed inventory with acquisition costs and estimated resale values for tax purposes. Track sales and expenses.

• Budget wisely for purchasing inventory. Don’t overspend just to score a rare deck if it won’t generate ROI.

• Grow your brand on social media and connect with fellow collectors to gain inside industry knowledge.

• Provide stellar customer service by shipping promptly, answering questions, and accepting returns gracefully to build your reputation.

Reselling playing cards is a fun hobby that can become a real money maker with the right skills and strategies. Armed with this guide, you now have the blueprint to start scouting deals, assessing deck values, and connecting with buyers. Good luck building your new reselling business! Resell Calendar website has more guides on starting a profitable resale business for any niche.

Playing cards offer an exciting product to resell for big profits because of the thriving collector market. With savvy sourcing of discounted decks and understanding of deck valuations, you can buy low and sell high. Use online platforms like eBay and Etsy to connect with buyers globally, while also selling locally at conventions, shops and markets. Specialize, track meticulous inventory and provide great service to grow your reselling playing card side hustle into a thriving business.