Selling Comic Books on eBay - x3 Most Important eBay Selling Tips

[@chrism70kc]

Shipping Tip: Put the book in a bag (obviously) and then tape it to a piece of cardboard that is at least an inch wider than the comic all the way around so the book is "floating" in the middle of the cardboard. That will keep the edges/corners from getting dinged.

[@frazzetafan]

First time I bought comics from a seller who used this method, I thanked crom

[@bretthessart63]

That first selling on Ebay video you and your dad did was the first video of yours I ever watched, been watching ever since. You guys rock! You made this year that much better.

[@cheaptacos]

1. One thing I really appreciate on eBay is when a seller has a full front and back photo of the book, as well as close ups of each corner. I can zoom in and get an idea of the spine, but the corners are what I look for.

[@pokey699666]

Another helpful tip!! Great Video. Here is a tip regarding shipping. If your selling Comic books, You more than likely are buying them as well. Tear off the shipping label and re-use the box's you get. So many sellers use comic shippers, I've got a stack of 15 ready to go for when and If i start selling, I have also accumulated Rolls of Bubble wrap, and priority shipping box's. Breaking down the box's into organized stacks from the start helps to reduce in space and save money. When your talking about margins with sales that average $15.00 $1.50 for shipping materials is a whopping %10 of your total sale and up to %20 of your profit. Also, when shipping multiple comics packed tightly, be sure to place them Face to face (When bagged and boarded) so the spines are evenly stacked in package. Avoiding unnecessary spine damage. Bags and Boards also add to the appeal of comics when they are opened so invest In bags and boards when they are on sale. (I prefer bcw resealable)

[@PuketiCat2]

I purchased some Chew comics from your eBay store after watching this video can't wait to check them out. Keep up the great job guys i haven't read comics in 4 years and I'm just beginning to rediscover my love of reading and collecting them and this has been largely due to watching ComicTom101.

[@nerdtopiapodcast5278]

Thank you!

[@mattstajduharstaff785]

Shipping and import charges are the main reasons I stopped buying on ebay (I'm in Canada) but when I do bid: - I'm sure everyone does this but always factor the shipping price in your maximum bid. - When buying, don't be afraid to ask question or request more pictures... pictures speak more than any description will. Great video, Thanks!

[@anonanon7235]

2024 (I'm in Canada), the high shipping, import duties, and brokerage handling fees are insane. We cannot buy from US sellers anymore, it's not worth it.

[@garyrindlisbacher4963]

Hey Great Video! I haven't sold many comics on E bay but when I do I always make sure I put the comic between two pieces of Cardboard before I pack it. Don't feel lonely about having had cereal boxes show up at your doorstep I've been collecting for twenty plus years and it's happened to me multiple times. I also get lots of comics stuffed into my mail box even though, "do not bend" was on the package. I liked the comment on checking the sold items. This also helps when you're buying a comic so you can see what price you should be paying. I use the app on my phone more than my computer so if you want to check out sold comics on your phone you use the filter option and then go to sold. One thing you might address is "what is the best way to charge for shipping a comic or multiple comics. Do you combine your shipping cost? Does free shipping work." When I'm buying I like to see what I am paying for shipping. I hate it when someone puts actual shipping or will combine shipping, or when they give you a media mail shipping price and then when it gets to me I end up paying the rest of the shipping cost. Speaking of packaging, maybe you could do an episode showing proper packaging so people could see the best way to package comics, multiple and single. Lastly, I don't put a grade on a non graded comic because grading is extremely subjective, I put up photos and let the buyer decide if it's the comic they want at a price they are willing to pay.

[@nerdyearper626]

I have received books in all sorts of packaging my favorite the frosted flakes box with some tissue paper without a bag and board thank the comic gods it arrived unharmed

[@smurphgardens2802]

Im trying to get enough selling regularly to go full time i think the wording of title and description + Pictures pictures pictures will get you sales and quality safe shipping will keep em coming back😁😁😁 love seeing comic pops show up!🔥I also call my dad, pops. Thanks again y'all always a good time watching!

[@makcity7850]

I don't know how it works over there but here in the UK standard mail is insured up to £20 and you pay extra for tracked/signed packages which can be insured for pricer comics. ALWAYS make sure you are covered for losses or damages and that you can claim it back. One of the easiest ways to get scammed off eBay is " It didn't arrive" and you have no proof.

[@dcdeadmanfan]

Shipping is key!!! More eBay sellers need to see this video!

[@coachmiller6053]

These are great tips for new Ebay sellers of comics. Most of us had to learn these things the hard way. Good job tom

[@nerdvanacomics1164]

When I do ship I get a padded envelope the comic is bagged and boarded and I have some British magazine boards turns out they are too small for my British magazine go figure but perfect to fit in the envelope so one goes either side.

[@JoseCastillo-ps7hn]

It's so good to see and hear the Latin connection son and dad working together that's so cool I'm Puerto Rican and I'm proud of you guys are doing well I'M 56 YEARS old and I'm still reading comics I feel younger every day keep it up you are doing a great job

[@nerdtopiapodcast5278]

Gracias, papa. See the quiere de gratis.

[@joshuasanders9710]

Once again ComicPops and ComicTom coming through dropping them knowledge bombs, BOOM!!!! Always helping out our great community and hooking us up. Also it's always great to see and hear from ComicPops. Thank You guys for all you do.

[@badnewz3531]

Thank you for this video.....I have been wanting to sell on Ebay but have been afraid because I dont know anyone who does it......or how to do it....these tips I know will come in handy. I hope to start selling soon.

[@bronzeagebroski9647]

Awesome video. I think you guys hit it on the head with all 3 points. You really get it and thanks for passing that knowledge to people who might not be aware. Very grateful!!

[@ericwilliams1845]

As for tips I would say treat your buyers when and if you can. I have a ton of dollar or less books and sometimes I toss one or two in as an extra thank you

[@J_Eusebio]

I use waterproof/ tear proof bubble mailers, my books are painters taped to the inside of two pieces of rigid cardboard and wrapped in more bubble wrap

[@fl092078]

Great do's and don'ts! Very helpful for those beginning to sell.

[@olrac9727]

Great video. Good tips. I've been selling for awhile and people always ask how to do it. I'm glad you guys brought up the items SOLD as opposed to what's listed. That always gets people. I like these type of vids. Keep up the good work. Awesome whenever ComicPops is on!

[@laserduchamp8071]

good vid guys. 10:32 shake test tip : )

[@kingmobcollective]

Always comin in clutch with the key info

[@thomaswolfnburger6478]

Just used my mystery mail call box to ship some comics from a ebay sale. Thanks guys!

[@fireguyryan9362]

Recyclops approves!

[@dsroom9498]

Happy happy joy joy. Thank you for the info. Also love the father son hanging out 😀😀😀

[@dinkthinks3958]

Great vid and content!! Gemini has never let me down. Always tape the books to the box so they don’t slide. I’ve only had to buy Gemini boxes once. Most of the time I recycle from books I buy. If I sell a modern book I double bag it in a recycled silver bag/board facing the board then tape down inside the mailer. If I sell multiple books I tape them together facing each other then tape to the inside of the mailer. I ALWAYS send books in fresh bags and boards because I re-bag and board EVERYTHING I buy as soon as I get it home. Happy buyers!

[@dayymares]

I never to put a grade on a book, but list any defects I see and use all 12 pictures if needed, and then let the buyer determine the grade themselves

[@vaultkreeper2635]

That's very smart. Adding a grade is asking for trouble. I highly, highly advise NOT doing it as a seller.

[@Anjinsan14]

Cereal Box shipping story...amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@erickeller2413]

been subscribed since the start and ur evolution from the bank gave me the courage to do this myself , so i can get to brick and mortor . ty guus

[@moodswing4460]

Definitely need a video on grading. Also what would be the best way to ship 1 comic. Do you still put that in a box?

[@ericwilliams1845]

I love buying on eBay. So many people list things and don't say what's in their stacks. I click and look through pics and have scored many keys this way for cheap such as Batman 251 and countless early ASM issues.

[@777bhana]

Great vid. I've been thinking about selling comics online myself and I was wondering how to grade and ship comics out. Anyway you can show how you personally package your comics and ship them out?

[@DEMONJIM]

I always give lots of info in the description, lots of pics, and try my best to ship well on eBay no matter the item. I own some crappy silver age sleeves that I'm never going to use as the are just sized way off. They are large enough that I can slide two moderns bagged and boarded into one sleeve. I put them facing inwards to each other and tape it shut like a normal comic. When I tape them to the card board boards only the outer bag gets taped not the ones holding the comic. I position it so that the flap faces you. All the buyer has to do is open the flap and slide the comics out with having to risk bending the comic from the tape. The two comics sandwiched also provide a little more sturdiness for each other. I've gotten many compliments on this.

[@markhodges7554]

Another great video, especially about packaging/shipping. Another tip provide good sharp images of the book/s you're selling

[@secretrarecollctbles1892]

I spent good money on san diego comic con #2 and I don't know how it showed up in the condition it did lol some kind of office paper bag and no board just floating around in a yellow folder, guy was clearly un experienced and i wasn't mean about it but I just let him know to next time take more care in packaging comics, especially if your charging a lot of money. I have yet to sell on ebay but I imagine its more work,i have more fun buying lol

[@MarriedWithIssues]

Great video as always fellas! Great tips as well. I was actually just talking about selling comics on Ebay with a comic fam buddy yesterday so this was good timing 🤘

[@blackyodaprime]

You should thank Commander Crunch. He kept the soggies away. I don't even have to use the tracking info to know when my books have arrived. I just wait for it to rain. I'm guaranteed to have a wet box waiting for me at my doorstep. I'm talking about comics.

[@michaelpalma5882]

Every time I put up a comic, in the description I always write “comes from a pet free and smoke free home”. When I ship I use a package that is made for shipping books called comic book flash mailers, you can get them off of amazon or reuse one that gets shipped to you when you buy a comic online. I’m not usually superstitious but I think putting fragile or do not bend on the package causes it to get bend and ruined some how.

[@immortalweb2580]

I'm going back and watching old episodes, great information.

[@boloone7987]

Here we go. This is the type of content that originally drew me to the channel. Thanks @comictom101, thanks @comic_pops. Authentic comic collecting/curating content and tips on how to present/sell your comic wares to grow said collection. 1) Title Listing : COMMUNICATION of what you're selling 2) Grading : COMMUNICATION of condition of book 3) Shipping : quality of shipping = COMMUNICATION to customer " I respect your purchase" Communication = Feedback Protection Looking forward to future "how to sell on eBay" videos and great content like this. Keep up the great work guys! 👍👍

[@waynemsmith]

Some good tips in here - shipping properly is time consuming and expensive and a number of sellers skimp in this area. I have been buying (and occasionally selling) comics on Ebay for 20+ years. I once had a seller ship a Blue Bolt #108 in a priority mail envelope with no bag, board or anything. Fortunately, it was already a low grade copy (3.5) so a little bending wasn't going to affect it much if at all.

[@97Sucram]

Just building my collection, thinking about getting started. This was helpful. Thanks!

[@RobertoLigotti]

Couple of things that weren't mentioned : Don't trust the section that Ebay puts your auction in. Make sure you put it in whatever era it falls into. I've found books like a Silver Age Iron Man #8 in VF+ condition listed in the Platinum Era section of comics (1897 - 1935) and got for $20 cause it was listed in the wrong section. Also, comics are NOT to be shipped via Media Mail. It's against USPS rules for Media Mail and Media Mail is subject to being opened at the USPS discretion. They open a package you send with comics through Media Mail they will bill your customer the difference between the $2.66 and the going rate for First Class Mail and you will have one pissed off customer. Last...ship to as close as you can get for the price you quoted someone in your listing. Nobody is gonna get pissed for a 25 - 50 cent misquote...you go more than $1...you will get a negative feedback. Remember with Ebay...the buyer is ALWAYS right in Ebay's mind. It's just a fact.

[@alwayslearning8365]

Thanks for the info. I have a large eclectic collection I have collected since the 1960's. They take up a lot of space, so this video will help me to weed the collection.

[@wolfen2222]

This video is so very informative and awesome!!

[@comicwarriors3735]

I sell on Ebay and have a regular account. Do you think I should get a Ebay store.. Do they get first dibs on Ebay buyers?

[@JPBudgetCollecting]

Yeah the way people ship on eBay is crazy. Just this week I got two books that the person charged $7 to ship. They were bag and boarded, wrapped in like three layers of newspaper and put in an unpadded envelope. By some miracle they arrived unharmed. I have been torn all week about what to do with their feedback. The books made it so I can’t really give negative but they are selling other books and I want to warn people. Personally I first recycle Gemini mailers if I have any and if not multiple layers of cardboard and bubblewrap.

[@donnievick3076]

Probably because they were boarded is why they showed up intact. I have shipped hundred of comics sandwiched between two thick pieces of cardboard, in a large zip lock bag inside. If the comic is pricey, I put that inside a small box. Never had a failure. I don't used overpriced mailers to ship comics that aren't that valuable. 7 bucks isn't that bad when you consider the time it takes to pack and go to the post office to get it sent. You're paying for someone's time as much as the shipping and handling.

[@tanto1021]

Is the first follow up video to the Don't Sell Comics on Ebay? post? Love both vids but the other one kind of left us with a cliffhanger.

[@olrac9727]

I just got a comic delivered where the seller said it was mint and then shipped it in a flimsy USPS flat rate box that he cut up to fit the comic and wrote do not bend. Of course it came a little damaged cuz the cardboard was not thick enough. And another time when a seller shipped it in an old record vinyl cover. I told the seller and he got mad saying that he shouldn't have sold it to me. Luckily the ultimate fallout #4 graded a 9.4

[@dalewaynick271]

That is the best knowledge you can give out and that's the funniest thing I've ever seen lol

[@Mvndrew]

Any tips for someone just looking to sell graded? I live close to a comic shop that has cgc signings all the time so I'm starting to get some back and any tips for listing them would be greatly helpful. Thanks for the videos!

[@trevorregay9283]

I do think the "Do not bend" is essentially for the postal person who hand delivers to your mailbox or door slot....I suppose the problem becomes when the package can't fit into whatever type of mailbox you have.......so, if you have an "intelligent" letter carrier that delivers your mail, one would hope they would not try to still bend a very rigid cardboard package to try to "fit" it in....granted, that leaves the only other option which is to leave the package out of the protection of the federally protected designated mailbox.....I think some people who sell comics don't realize how tiny some mailboxes are that apartment buildings use........anyway, there is no question that the initial shipping phase at the USPS pays little or no attention at all to the "do not bend/fragile" labeling....their job is to just get in bulk the mail flowing to its ultimate local walking road warrior deliverer....it really comes down to how respectful that person is.....you could very well have a Jim Carrey like Pet Detective mail deliverer who is completely oblivious to the labeling or....you could have someone who actually uses some common sense when faced with this dilemma of delivering....sadly, more time than not its a Jim Carrey type that delivers directly to the ultimate mailbox destination...

[@deronneuman6705]

I agree. Whenever someone does not add do not bend to a comic I get my mail carrier slams it into my mail box, if it is on there they put it on my door step.

[@robertt9342]

I'll take the cereal box over a stack of books being shipped in oversized bubble mailer that was about 3 times bigger than a comic.

[@Teardehawkee]

I've got a Daredevil 3 with a detached cover....what should be the grade?

[@CollectorChronicles]

I’m mainly a military button collector but I enjoyed watching you guys. 👍 In regards to writing “DO NOT BEND” on envelopes, I’ll up the ante and suggest there are cases where someone along the line will bend it out of spite upon seeing that.

[@patrickwilliams3530]

Question about point #2. If you are only selling brand new comics that just released, what is a good rule-of-thumb for grading? I really don't know much about it except that the books I get are in brand new condition, short of a handful that were creased on arrival.

[@defbird]

eBay is to be learned then finessed. Thank you for your valuable insight!!

[@RetroTechUSA]

Good stuff. You need to add a 4th though and that's fees! Everyone starts by paying at least 13% in fees by selling on eBay.

[@thatoldcomicsmell56]

Mine are about 20%

[@RetroTechUSA]

@@thatoldcomicsmell56 I hear you there. I always plan for 20% myself too. Just PayPal and eBay alone are 13-14%, then add shipping materials and time to list/pack. 20% is a good number.

[@thatoldcomicsmell56]

eBay is a flat 15%> PayPal is 3% or so. But they also have a flat fee to. So I figure 5%. And that's BEFORE shipping. They rape you of 20% of the shipping too. Which comes from your pocket since they strongly discourage you of adding extra for shipping. Plus it's a turn off for the buyer to pay the higher shipping. I've passed on a bunch of auctions for the shipping being too high.

[@vhfm21]

Does anyone have advice on autographs on comics? Is it ok to have a book signed by the writer, inker, colorist, penciler, etc? Is it better to stick with signatures from the cover arist only?

[@YaBoyShaneSmith]

Id like to hear your take on what books to target for selling. Which books have the most profit margins? Is the right approach to target books with smaller margins but increased sale volume? Are selling graded books the key to making substantial profits? Should we be grading new books? Great topic with lots more to discuss! Cheers guys.

[@samuelleelongworth536]

Green arrow / Black Canary i have 2 tpb's that are signed by mike norton any idea how much i should sell them on ebay?

[@miguelvalentine9776]

can I ask if the cereal box was super packed with bubble wrap or paper. honestly I was expecting worse. kinda bad promotion that it was still a 9.8 though lol.

[@timmeyer9191]

Thanks for the video and especially for the info

[@rogerb7662]

Tom, I found your store on eBay but I would like to see Russ and Jeffs stores as well to help support the team. Can you please post their eBay seller names? Thanks. Great job. Keep it going!

[@nerdtopiapodcast5278]

Mine is under geekasoid

[@f3rn823]

I started selling last month. It's hard to get feedback. I email them to remind them to also. It's annoying lol.

[@southtownslayer495]

Did they at least include the toy with the Cap'N Crunch?? As always, great video, thanks for sharing!

[@GreatLegendShow]

Great tips Tom and Pops. I have some books I need to sell.

[@cultfilmvideo6936]

What about Amazon? Is that more for graphic novels?

[@zgurt]

Another important factor is the timing. Best IMO is between 7-9pm when pool are back from work resting and browsing.

[@vlaflip007]

Dope shirt @comicpops 👍👍👍

[@steam3840]

I like these types of videos, very informative, thnx!!

[@boomer8393]

Good advice fellas. I have four boxes of comics to sell, mostly Gaiman's 'Sandman' (some signed). Need to find a good comic shop in Vancouver, WA..?

[@tjkustoms]

How do you sell, auction or set price?

[@macmegmatt5]

This is great! I just wish I had known this before I sold my Secret Wars #8 for $.99 over a year ago.

[@Palermo1999]

What's wrong with the cereal box shipping? You still got a 9.8

[@aznsketcher]

by the grace of the comic book Gods, that's what's up! lol....9 times out of 10 I bet that books would be dinged up in it...

[@popecerebusthefirst1547]

I dig your pops.... how lucky that you can roll with him. He is the ultimate comic sherpa to learn the business. (Comic Sherpa is gonna be a Trademark now that I think of it... that's a great title!!!!)

[@Doty_Designs]

I just made my first eBay sale, Batman damned 1, and I definitely wasted time making Fragile Do Not Bend labels for the mailer.

[@bluecloudsmoke]

I ship Media mail with Gemini mailer and I get them out the next day. It cuts down on shipping time and I spend a fraction of what it costs for 1st class!

[@danielpolanco4805]

Thanks for the great info

[@adrianfuentes2406]

This is what i do: Always take plenty of pictures of the ENTIRE comic(s). I usually try not to grade the comic, since most people will return it if you overgrade it. If I do grade it, i always undergrade no matter what. I will get a little less money for it but it will ALWAYS sell! For shipping I always use a padded envelope, and 2 pieces of cardboard (front and back) on top of the comic(s) being bagged and boarded, and plenty of tape. These are always my basic methods to selling on Ebay. I expect the same from people who sell comics. Always look at the feedback comments, they help alot!

[@LocoMenteClaraOne]

I want to sell my collection but don't want it broken up in doing so as I have both sought after issues and not so sought after issues. What would you suggest?

[@derma_tek]

Love the video boys, keep it up

[@FourwayflashersonComics]

I want that Annie book that is behind Tom. I couldn't even focus on what you were saying. Just the fact that I want that book!

[@alterman08]

should i buy comics with signatures? does it really add value? i already know about yellow labels haha what’s the value of signatures? thanks

[@patricksgarage9416]

Use Gemini mailers then put that in either bubble mailer or a box depending on value of comic

[@purewordministries7813]

When shipping comics do not used Media Mail. Yes, it is cheaper but comics don't qualify for this service. I have had to pay extra at the Post Office just to receive the comics I ordered. In most cases you could be refunded but why should the buyer have to go through the hassle. Ship at least First Class if not Priority.

[@Mr.Persia958]

great video guys, one question though in regards to pricing books. is last sale on ebay better then an overstreet guide? which pricing method is more respected amongst buyers? cause iv'e noticed some last sale prices are all lover the place with some books plus you have people undercutting prices just to make a sale. appreciate any feedback

[@falconovic688]

I can't tell you how many times I've received envelopes from my ebay orders that sellers have written "do not bend" or "Fragile"... I just received an Avenging Spider-man 1 that was supposed to be NM, but it came in an envelope, and after opening i found out there were ticks all along the spine, and it had been jostled around in the packing, and the corner was bent pretty substantially and took some of the ink off, so definitely not a NM comic... I think I would be lucky to get an 8.5 on it.

[@LUCIFER-wr8xj]

100% AWSOME information thank you,another AWSOME video...

[@zachk7268]

PNW? Where are you guys located? I’m in Tacoma, WA!

[@BlackWings1994]

Shipping note. Consider shipping via USPS Priority Mail. The price is a flat rate and it comes with free insurance up to $50. It also is in the hands of the mail service for a lot less time because its always 2 or 3 day shipping. USPS also give you Priority boxes/envelopes for free. In my opinion I'd rather pay the extra 3 or 4 dollars on shipping because I would know that the item is not going to be in the hands of the mail service long periods of time where its tossed in the back of 18 different trucks.

[@lisamedcalf6986]

Great info, thank you! I give sellers 5 stars if the book matches description, it arrives early, and is packaged well. I'm now paying more attention to shipping costs and materials sellers use so the 5-stars will probably not be handed out so easily. As a buyer, I've found out sellers really like you if you pay quickly and leave feedback. It takes just a few seconds.

[@CometdownCat]

Would cgc actually knock off for foul odor?

[@CarolinaChris26]

What about international shipping cause I'm trying to get some of that overseas money ..also I've kept 100% Rating since I've started for past few yrs

[@ormandlionheart2562]

Re: shipping and fragile labeling. I worked as a temp for shipping companies including UPS, Canpar and FedEx they are all the same. Everything gets treated the same which to say is BRUTAL. When I ship stuff I over pack it with protection. I try to make it so it will survive if the plane goes down in flames. The only thing getting treated a fraction better would be things labelled dangerous goods and even that is debatable. The issues are not just the people handling items but having a ton of stuff packed on top of your package for hours while the whole load is bouncing around. Also unloading and loading trucks and containers etc and sorting is done at breakneck speed. No one is handling anything with care despite the commercials. You definitely want to make your package water proof.

[@ericwilliams1845]

As a seller I write that on my envelope. I still stuff it with a tight piece of cardboard but just in case I put that on my envelope too

[@cards-vs7hv]

Isn't shipping tax deductible as a business expense?

[@jimfraley8468]

CHEW #1>>>Media Mail, Cap'n Crunch box,.....lol that is hilarious and you are so dam lucky Comictom :).....Good info for comic book sellers!!!!

[@theretrosavage3337]

Love this chat with mr.comic pops...any chance he legally changes his name to comic pops?

[@nerdtopiapodcast5278]

....yes

[@ramfree27]

gotta love the "shipping-in-a-cereal-box" story !!! **Corner Crunch** ??? hey Kids, mitigate "Corner Crunch" with CAPTAIN CRUNCH !!!