Discussions

I have been collecting hockey cards and am finally looking to part with them. Have hundreds and they're all in amazing condition.  
I know I have a bunch of cards that are worth money, as well as complete sets.  
Wondering if anyone knows how I should go about selling them and finding out what they're truly worth.  
Thanks.

SS in Winnipeg buys and sells cards

It is now time to put some final work into your collection. The more research you do about your collection will maximize your return.  
I would suggest the latest issue of Beckett card magazine for most prices. Start spending time on eBay and watch many auctions. The hockey card business is very busy on eBay. The prices reflect current trends in the market. The auctions provide the most realistic value. Most of the 'buyitnow' listings are way overpriced especially for the most current cards.  
Selling cards on eBay is simple and could get you the best return , especially the complete sets. There are 1000's of buyers watching cards on there these days. Mcdavid, Mathews , Laine are to thank. Hockey card market is ultra hot the past few years.  
Whether you plan to sell on eBay or to a card shop you still need to research. I recently moved some fresh rookie cards at the shop mentioned above. They will Not make you an offer. The seller must open the negotiations and set the asking price. Then you can bargain a little. I imagine most shops work this way. So you better know the value of your cards going into the store.  
I don't know if the card shops are interested in complete sets or not. They might just want to cherry pick the rookie cards. But I could be wrong. Lots of older sets sell on eBay. Older meaning 60's,70's,80's. I'm sure the card shop guys would buy them if the price is right.  
Cards from the 90's are virtually worthless. Except for the ultra superstar rookies. Market really got saturated in the 90's. Pro set, bowman, score, UD, and of course topps/OPC.  
Selling on eBay does cost you a bit w the fees so the final sell price does not all go in your pocket.  
On the other hand, don't expect full market price from the card shop either. They need to make some money. They may have your card selling for $150 under the glass, but you may only get $100 when you want to sell them one.  
Be ready to package your singles into a group sale, or a few groups. Card shops would rather buy in lots then deal and negotiate for each single.  
 
It's going to take a lot of work to get the maximum value. If you really have some high dollar cards from the years mentioned, I would get them professionally graded to get the very best return. When you sell to card shop there is only one buyer. When you sell on eBay there are many buyers.  
Good luck.

Adding to the comment above, which players do you have that are worth money? I am a former sports card dealer, and have appraisal training and certificates from two of the three biggest names in the business (Beckett is tied in with one of them). I can tell you the marketability of your cards, as long as I know what you have.  
 
I asked the question above because these days, its not about the value of the card itself, its more about the value of the player. For example, you will easily find buyers for current hot list players such as Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine, Connor McDavid. You will also find buyers for older stars Carey Price, Henrik Lundqvist, Sidney Crosby. You will not, however, find buyers for duds like Aaron Ekblad, Nathan McKinnon, Taylor Hall, or Ryan Nugent Hopkins. Nor will you find buyers for drag-ons like Jagr and Iginla, even though their cards are worth a lot.  
 
If you have anything pre 1987, 1995/1996/1997, 2005-06, or post 2011, you will have a better chance selling those cards for 50% of book or better online. If you have cards from years in between, you will likely get 5 cents on the dollar through EBay! Dealers and card shops have a general rule that they sell for 50% of book, and need a 40% margin, so the absolute most a shop or dealer will give you is 10 cents on tbe dollar.  
 
In the end, if you had $5000 worth of cards, dont expect anymore than $500 for them, whether you piece them out or not.