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Am i supposed to list a sports trading card in "used" condition even if its flawless
So I've noticed under item specifics that the very first thing they ask you to specify it the cards condition. Well unfortunately in the trading card industry condition doesn't really work like that. You don't buy a card brand new unless it's inside a sealed pack which is inside of another sealed box, therefore you have no idea what card(s) you are actually buying. Just because someone pulls a specific card out of a pack they personally opened but then they immediately stop what they are currently doing to carefully put this card into a penny sleeve and then insert that into a toploader does that make the card USED??? And what about if you were to send that card to PSA to get it graded and it comes back to you with a Gem Mimt 10 grade, is it still considered a used card? I've noticed we basically have 3 options when it comes to listing a card's condition. We can select "New", "Used", or choose to leave it blank. I notice most sellers choose option C, and leave the condition portion blank which makes sense.
So that's what I've been doing but then I started reading up on ebay's listing algorithm, ( I can't remember exactly what the correct name of the software they use is called right now) but yall know what I'm talking about. I saw that the item specifics play a pretty big role in that, particularly the part where you're supposed to enter the item's condition! So unless im just way over analyzing this one specific listing requirement, it seems like what you select (or just leave blank) can be a major factor that decides where your listing ultimately lands in the search results (closest to the top of the list is best obviously) and nobody wants their listing to end up somewhere on page 4 or worse because you refuse to list your very expensive PSA 10 graded card as freaking "USED". And I am not only asking about graded cards, in fact it's the raw, upgraded cards that I have the most issues with deciding what to call their condition.
Again, maybe im putting way too much emphasis on this one little listing detail but I just started selling cards on ebay a month ago, before that I sold inexpensive vintage watches and i did pretty well, but selling sports cards has been a completely different experience for me. My exposure and page views rating absolutely suck and its not because my prices are too high or my photos suck or that I'm too lazy to write a detailed description. It has to do with that freaking algorithm and i truly believe the culprit behind it all is the item specifications portion. Even if it isnt the new/used condition part. You have to be very care about what you select on every category of item specifics because if you answer one question sometimes it will bring up 5 more questions related to to the question you just answered. The whole thing needs an overhaul in my opinion.
Anyway, I've gotten way off topic and at this point im just rambling so ill try and sum it up quickly.
I'm really only asking help on one question, "What should I select for item condition when list a sports card?"
I only think this is whats affecting my lack of exposure and sales because: A) I work my butt off to try and put up only quality listings at fair prices, and B) The very first thing it asks you for is the item's condition. I think it even says the we're required to choose a selection even though you can still list the item without doing so and leaving it blank. So, My question for all seasoned trading card or even comic book sellers is what is my best option to choose when I get to that point when listing a card? I'd prefer to leave it blank because a PSA 10 Juan Soto RC is NOT used in my opinion, but by me leaving that area blank, am I loosing tons of exposure and possible page views from potential buyers? Am I only getting $3 for a card worth $25 because I'm leaving it blank? And if I select used then people are gonna wonder if the card has flaws or damage, and if I select "new" then I'm technically being untruthful. If someone out there can please give me some advice on what the standard is for selling cards on ebay I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks yall!
