The collectibles market, particularly for comic books, Pokémon cards, and Magic: The Gathering cards, is currently experiencing a significant downturn. Prices have dropped across the board, reflecting broader trends in the economy and consumer demand. For collectors looking to sell their collections, this can seem discouraging. However, this phase of the market offers unique opportunities for both sellers and buyers, especially if you know how to navigate the landscape. In this guide, we’ll cover how to maximize the value of your collection during this low market, and why Fantasy Road is the perfect place to sell.
Understanding the Low Market for Collectibles
Over the past four years, the prices of collectibles, from rare comic books to sought-after trading cards, have decreased substantially. This is due to a variety of factors, including inflation, rising interest rates, and a slowdown in discretionary spending, and a unique market situation caused by the covid lockdown. As a result, what once seemed like an endless boom in the value of collectibles has now beguno plummet.
For example, Pokémon cards that sold for thousands of pounds in early 2022 are now fetching prices in the low hundreds. The same is true for high-grade key issue comic books, particularly those that don’t feature first appearances or significant storylines, with up to a 70% decrease in single issue value in some cases. Magic: The Gathering cards, once one of the hottest commodities in the hobby market, have also seen a downturn in value, especially for non-reserve list cards, though these items have seen the least diminishment overal out of the major collectible items.
Why Sell Now?
If the market is at a low point, you may be wondering why it’s a good time to sell your collection. Here are a few reasons why selling now might make sense:
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Move on from stagnating assets: Holding onto collectibles in hopes of another market surge can be risky. While it's possible that the market could rebound, it’s highly likely that prices will continue to fall. By selling now, you avoid further potential depreciation.
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Liquidity over long-term holding: In a low market, cash can often be more valuable than holding onto depreciating assets. Selling your collection now can provide liquidity that you can use for other investments or needs.
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Niche buyers still active: Even though the overall market is low, there are still niche buyers and collectors looking for specific items. Rare or well-preserved collections can still fetch competitive prices, especially if they include sought-after pieces.
How to Maximize Your Sale in a Low Market
In a down market, it’s more important than ever to take the right steps to ensure you get the best price possible for your collection. Here’s how:
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Grade Your Collection: Whether you’re selling comic books or trading cards, having them professionally graded can make a huge difference in price. High-grade items, particularly CGC-graded comics or PSA-graded Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering cards, are much more attractive to buyers and tend to hold their value better, even in a low market. Having said, ensure you research wether grading is the right choice or not, as in the current market, grading a book can actually result in a loss if the wrong sort of book is used.
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Sell as a Complete Set: For many collectors, completing a full set of cards or a series of comic books is more valuable than buying individual pieces. If you have a complete set, you may be able to sell it for a premium, even in a down market.
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Research the Market: Take the time to look up recent sales of similar items on auction sites like eBay or Heritage Auctions. This will give you a realistic sense of what your collection is currently worth. While prices may be lower than a year ago, it’s still possible to find buyers who are willing to pay a fair price.
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Highlight Key Items: In every collection, there are key items that stand out. These could be rare first appearances in a comic book series, or a high-demand card from an older Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering set. When selling your collection, make sure to highlight these key pieces, as they may attract serious buyers.
Why Sell to Fantasy Road?
At Fantasy Road, we understand the intricacies of the current market for comic books and trading cards, and we offer competitive prices even during this downturn. Here’s why selling to us makes sense:
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Expert Valuation: Our team consists of industry experts with years of experience in evaluating collections. We understand the current market trends and will give you a fair and competitive offer based on the true value of your items.
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Hassle-Free Process: Selling your collection privately can be time-consuming and complicated. At Fantasy Road, we offer a streamlined, hassle-free process. Simply fill out our collection submission form, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
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Quick Turnaround: Once we agree on a price, we’ll arrange for collection and payment, giving you quick access to cash without the need to wait for auctions or private sales.
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No Hidden Fees: Unlike auction houses or online marketplaces, where fees and commissions can eat into your profits, our process is transparent and straightforward. You’ll know exactly how much you’re getting, with no surprises.
- Collection from your door: Unlike most collectibles shops, whom expect you to bring your lot to them, we collect from you. This is usually personally pick up by one of our staff, though if this is not possible due to distance or situation, we provide a shipping label and arrange courier collection.
The Future of the Collectibles Market: The end of the road?
For comics, the market is in a very bad place, with much speculation as to what is causing it. The baseline, and the rumour that keeps resurfacing lately, is that the 'generation of the true collector' is, putting it bluntly, dying out. Those of us that have collected since childhood, and are perhaps now retired, and have the expendable income to invest in comic books, will no longe rbe doing so. In a world where a couple both need full time jobs, and sometimes secondary jobs, to live in a house they will very likely never own, spending is down.
So what does this mean? It means that in ten years, there will be one of two outcomes. firstly, that the market sustains, and begins to correct. This would be the ideal situation for everyone, and the outcome that would benefit us all. The alternative, is that the market won't exist at all.
Some collectors are choosing to hold onto their items in hopes of a future rebound. If you’re in this camp, it’s still important to keep your collection in good condition and stay informed about market trends, but be aware. This comes with risk, as you may find that instead of returning to past values, your lot may be worth nothing at all, when you do decide to sell.
Key Comic Books, Pokémon, and Magic Cards to Watch
On a brighter note. Even in a low market, certain items continue to hold their value or even appreciate. Here are a few key items to watch for:
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Comic Books: Issues featuring the first appearance of popular characters (like Spider-Man or Wolverine) continue to perform well, even in a down market. Additionally, rare variant covers and limited editions can still fetch high prices.
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Pokémon Cards: Vintage cards from the base set, particularly first edition holographic cards, are still highly sought after. Cards featuring Charizard, Blastoise, and Pikachu remain some of the most valuable.
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Magic: The Gathering: Reserved List cards, which will never be reprinted, remain some of the most valuable in the Magic world. Cards like the Black Lotus and dual lands continue to command high prices.
Final Thoughts: Selling in a Low Market
While the collectibles market is currently at a low point, this doesn’t mean that selling your comic book, Pokémon card, or Magic: The Gathering collection is a bad idea. With the right strategy, you can still get a fair price for your items and make the most of the current situation. At Fantasy Road, we’re committed to helping you through every step of the process, from valuation to payment, ensuring a smooth and profitable experience.
If you’re ready to sell your collection, contact us today for a free evaluation. Whether you’re looking to offload a single item or a massive collection, we’re here to help. Sell your comic books, Pokémon cards, and Magic: The Gathering cards to Fantasy Road, and turn your collectibles into cash today.
