Selling Old Postcards

It's said that postcards are one of the top collectibles in the world. Actually postcards are probably about the third most collectible items that people enjoy, aside from the ever-reliable stamps and coins of course.

Either way you look at it, selling old postcards makes a lot of sense!

But why sell or trade in old postcards?

One of the great things about trading in postcards, is that postcards come with a view.

Stamps are next on the list, and coins on occasion too.

Plus postcards often carry a bit of history with them too. (We tend to hang on to the postcards we like).

Postcards also make the receiver feel special - that's why they keep the card and eventually the postcard 'evolves' into a part of their collection.

Not to mention that collecting and selling old postcards is a huge world-wide hobby.

You'll find all sorts of weird and wonderful reasons why people collect postcards. From hot celeb postcards to their favorite plant, sports teams, animals or places postcards, it's a lot to do with fulfilling the heart.

The Amazing World of Selling Old Postcards

Actually the reasons why people collect postcards is something to keep in mind when you are selling old styled postcards.

Knowing 'why' people are so attracted to old things, antiques, classic vehicles, victorian postcards etc, helps you to target the right buyers.

If you're going to be selling postcards then you want to be doing it correctly, right?

One way to start with selling old or antique postcards is by looking for collectible auctions.

Specifically you want to be looking at art auctions for postcards.

Here's a couple of collectible postcard styles you might keep an eye out for:

Vintage collectible postcards
Quilt postcards
Holiday collectible postcards
Foreign Postcards
Vintage Christmas Postcards

If I was to buy a classic postcard it would most likely be for two reasons: Because I love how the postcard looks visually, and because I think I can sell it later on for a much better price! (A good investment).

To be effective at selling old postcards you need to do your due diligence, know where the markets are and what the going (current) prices are at.

Having said that I think you can still pick up good - if not excellently priced postcards on eBay - simply because a lot of folks who are selling the postcards truly don't know how valuable their postcards really are!

Targeting Your Postcard Buyers

Online you can find an adorable range of collectible postcards too. Here's some antique postcard varieties that are just waiting for you (or someone else) to get their hands on:

A prawn fisherwoman (old postcard)

Advertising, angels, artist, bears, cats, children, dogs, fantasy, Indians, mechanical, military ships, passenger ships - and other postcards with incredible names.

More common are the diverse collectible postcards for all occasions like Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year, Easter, Valentines Day and Saint Patrick's Day.

See MoodysCollectibles.com to get your dose!

Another excellent online postcard store that offers collectible postcards is Postcard City.

(Look for them on eBay under the name RH Trading Company.

These guys focus on selling antique postcards from the early US states and town views (state postcards).

Dig deep and you'll also find numerous selections for topicals, transportation, amusements and the ever-delightful international postcards.

Here's a few eBay stores that offer old or antique postcards for sale:

How to Sell Your Postcards Effectively

My theory is that when you're selling postcards you need to approach it like this:

One: Know who the people are who want to buy your postcards, or at least, target and understand the specific types of people who buy postcards. Plus where they are going online to do the buying.

Two: Automate your selling process as much as possible. This allows you to sell more postcards, which is a wise move when potential profits on a postcard can be on the lower scale of things. Automate the whole process, as much as possible.

Three: Make your postcard auctions stand out. Use good quality (low res) photos and power-words in your selling description (although no need to hype-it-up). Compelling auction titles, and hit the buyers with lots of benefits. Speak to your audience in words they are familiar with.

Four: Be pro-active in your postcard marketing. Contact other eBay stores or website owners and see if they are interested in a commission based venture with you. If you have good postcards, then other sites might like to offer them to their customers. Keep promoting!