For enthusiasts immersed in the vibrant world of collectible card games, selling on eBay is about to get a whole lot easier. eBay, a leading global marketplace, has announced the upcoming launch of its innovative Ebay Scanning Tool, designed to streamline the listing process for trading cards. This feature, rolling out in late April, promises to cut listing times in half by enabling sellers to simply scan their cards using the eBay mobile app on iOS and Android devices.
Initially supporting Magic the Gathering cards, the ebay scanning tool will quickly expand its capabilities to include Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards in May. eBay plans to further broaden the tool’s compatibility later this year, encompassing sports trading cards and other popular collectible card games. This rollout reflects eBay’s commitment to enhancing the experience for its growing community of trading card enthusiasts.
Nicole Colombo, Head of Trading Cards and Collectibles at eBay, highlighted the surging popularity of trading cards on the platform. “We’ve witnessed unprecedented demand for trading cards over the past year among our 185 million global shoppers, with four million more cards sold compared to the previous year,” she stated. “We are proactively listening to our expanding community and investing in improvements, including leveraging computer vision technology and building a comprehensive trading card catalog. Our new ebay scanning tool is not just about speed and convenience for sellers; it’s about enriching the entire ecosystem with more accurate listings and a more robust inventory for buyers.”
How the eBay Scanning Tool Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selling your prized trading cards using the ebay scanning tool is remarkably straightforward. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
- Get the eBay App: Ensure you have the latest eBay app installed on your iOS or Android mobile device or tablet.
- Initiate a Listing: Begin creating a new listing and type the name of the card game into the search bar (for example, “Magic the Gathering”). When prompted, select the option “Tap to search with your camera.”
- Scan Your Card: Position your device’s camera to focus on the trading card you wish to list. Hold steady to allow the ebay scanning tool to capture the card’s image.
- Select the Match: A list of potential matches will appear, presenting detailed information about the scanned card, including the game name, card title, set, number, rarity, and other relevant attributes.
- Confirm and List: Tap on the correct match (or the closest match if an exact match isn’t available). The ebay scanning tool will automatically populate your listing with the card’s details. From there, you just need to add photos, specify the card’s condition, set your price, and define shipping options to finalize and publish your listing.
Further Enhancements for Trading Card Sellers and Buyers on eBay
eBay is not stopping at just the ebay scanning tool. They are implementing several additional improvements to bolster the trading card marketplace:
Simplified Returns: For Top Rated Sellers, eBay has streamlined the returns process. Top Rated Sellers are no longer obligated to accept remorse returns to qualify for Top Rated Plus status. This offers sellers a 10 percent discount, special badging, and enhanced seller protections.
Affordable Shipping Options: eBay Standard Envelope offers a cost-effective shipping solution tailored for trading cards. This service enables US-based sellers to ship raw trading cards (valued at $20 or less and weighing up to 3 ounces) securely in an envelope with tracking for under $1, making shipping more accessible and economical.
Enhanced Protection Policies: eBay is actively refining its buyer protection policy specifically for trading cards. This review aims to create a balanced policy that safeguards both buyers and sellers within this dynamic category, known for its market fluctuations.
eBay: A Powerhouse for Trading Cards – By the Numbers
The statistics speak volumes about eBay’s dominance in the trading card market:
- Constant Listings: An average of 119 trading cards are listed for sale on eBay every minute.
- Massive New Listings: Over 41 million new trading card listings were created within the trading card category on eBay in the past year alone.
- High Sales Volume: Approximately 90 cards are sold on eBay every minute.
- Millions Sold Annually: Nearly 45 million trading cards changed hands on eBay in 2020.
Notable Trading Card Sales of 2021:
eBay is where record-breaking trading card sales happen. Here are a few highlights from 2021:
- 1993 Magic the Gathering MTG Alpha Black Lotus R A AUTO PSA 10 GEM MINT: $511,100
- 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady ROOKIE RC AUTO #144 PSA 10 GEM MINT: $555,988
- 1996 Topps Chrome Refractor Kobe Bryant ROOKIE RC #138 PSA 10 GEM MINT: $500,000
- 1998 Pokémon Japanese Promo Holo Illustrator Pikachu PSA 7 NRMT: $375,000
- 2006 Pokémon World Championships Promo No. 2 Trainer PSA 9 MINT: $110,100
Top Trading Card Categories on eBay:
- Pokémon Trading Cards
- Basketball Trading Cards
- Baseball Trading Cards
- Magic the Gathering Cards
- Football Trading Cards
Trading Card Market Growth Across the US:
The trading card craze is sweeping the nation, with significant growth in these states:
- Montana: 482%
- Oregon: 399%
- Florida: 332%
- California: 332%
- Nevada: 326%
- Minnesota: 322%
- New Jersey: 288%
- Massachusetts: 287%
- Michigan: 283%
- Vermont: 270%
Data based on eBay search and sales data from January 2020 – December 2020.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Trading Card Selling with eBay’s Scanning Tool
eBay’s introduction of the ebay scanning tool marks a significant leap forward for trading card sellers. By simplifying and accelerating the listing process, eBay is empowering sellers to manage their inventory more efficiently and connect with a wider audience of buyers. Combined with other seller-friendly enhancements like streamlined returns and affordable shipping, eBay is solidifying its position as the premier platform for trading card enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the ebay scanning tool is poised to transform your selling experience on eBay.
