How to Sell NFL Memorabilia

Your days of collecting sports memorabilia may come to a close for a number of reasons. You may decide to get a return on your financial investment or get rid of NFL collectibles as you move into a new home. When you learn to sell NFL memorabilia properly, you can clear items out of your collection without sacrificing financial gain.

Things You'll Need

• Glass case for memorabilia
• Packing materials for shipping
• Mylar bags
• Cotton gloves

Instructions

Gain a Return on Your Investment in NFL Memorabilia

1. Protect your NFL memorabilia to ensure the best condition possible when you make a sale. Football cards, programs and other print documents should be preserved in Mylar bags and handled with cotton gloves. Most collectors use glass cases to protect footballs and helmets from wear and tear.

2. Subscribe to NFL collectibles magazines and guides to help you sell your cherished items for the right price. There are dozens of price guides produced for football fans who want to educate themselves on the best way to sell their memorabilia.

3. Set the reserve price for online auction listings at a high amount to gauge the level of interest in your memorabilia. Reserve prices are the minimum price at which an auction can be executed between bidder and seller. This method allows you to gauge the value of your memorabilia without making a sale.

4. Consult with a professional appraiser before you sell your NFL memorabilia to determine the current value. The American Society of Appraisers has a state-by-state listing of certified appraisers who can look at football cards, jerseys and other rarities before you place them on the market (see Resources below).

5. Post certificates of authenticity and other original documents for NFL memorabilia in your listing. You can scan these documents into your computer for sales or auctions online to ensure potential buyers that you are offering the real deal.

6. Mail your NFL memorabilia properly to ensure a flawless transaction with your buyer. Use plenty of paper, packing peanuts and other cushioning inside of a box to avoid damage during transit. Shipping insurance for the purchased value of the item can protect you from financial loss in case of a lost or damaged package.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your entire collection of NFL memorabilia collected before you sell anything. Determine the value of your item based on its history, present condition and complementary items that you provide upon purchase.

• Ask for appraisal forms to help buyers make an informed decision when they inquire.

Resources

• Local appraisers through American Society of Appraisers