How To Sell Your Postcards

If you have postcards to sell that you got from a family member or postcards that you collected over the years, here are some suggestions.

First, they are probalbly not worth what you might think, even postcards from the early 1900s. There is usually no difference in value if the cards are written on and have been mailed or if they unused.

Most postcard collectors are not interested in the stamps that might be affixed to the cards and they do not add value.

The condition of the cards will impact the price.

You can get an idea of value by searching on eBay for the same card. Look at completed sale prices, not listing prices. eBay is the largest marketplace for collectible postcards.

You might be able to sell your entire collection to a postcard dealer. In many cases a dealer will buy the entire collection. Most dealers, in most situations, will pay around 10 cents per card for an entire collection of more than 100 postcards.

Real photo (RPPC) postcards are typically worth more than postcards that were printed on a printing press. Real photo postcards are postcards printed in a darkroom on photo paper designed to be used for postcards. If you look at the image under magnification, you will not see dots, like you do with a printed postcard. Some real photo postcards have white lettering on part of the photo. Real photo postcards are always black and white.

Search online for postcard shows in your area. If there is a show, you can bring your postcards to the show and talk to the dealers there about buying them.
https://postcardhistory.net/shows-and-events/

You can sell the on eBay. However, this takes time and word to scan and list the cards. Consider selling them in sets of 10 or more postcards. Selling individual cards on eBay will bring the most money per card. Expect most cards to sell for between $2.00 and $6.00. RPPC will sell for more.

Search online to find a postcard dealer near you. Below is a list of some reputable dealers.

Tim Garrad – 315-594-8830
John Leszak – 716-854-0222
Steward Reed – 765-969-5029
Mark Jones – contact@smpostcards.com
Mary L. Martin – MaryLMartin.com
Int’l Federation – ifpdpostcards.com