Disclaimer: The following article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not financial advice, nor are any of the predictions or trends discussed guaranteed to happen in the future. Please do your own research and use your best judgment before making any decisions related to sports card collecting or investing.

The sports card industry has seen some great innovations, but one thing that hasn’t changed much is the high cost of selling. While technology has made it easier than ever to buy, sell, and trade cards, most major platforms still charge a double digit commission fee, which is far higher than most industries. As the hobby and technology continue to evolve, I believe these fees are poised to come down.

Why Are Fees So High Today?

Selling sports cards online typically means paying a hefty commission. eBay, the industry’s largest marketplace, charges a 13.25% final value fee for most card sales under $7,500, and this is in line with most other platforms. These fees are somewhat justified by the need for secure transactions, buyer protection, and the physical handling and shipping of valuable collectibles. However, as technology improves, the justification for such high fees is starting to erode.

How Technology Will Lower Fees

1. Digital-Physical Integration

One of the most promising trends is the rise of digital assets linked to physical cards. Blockchain technology and NFTs are already being used to create digital “twins” of physical cards, allowing collectors to buy, sell, and trade ownership instantly—without the need to ship the card every time a transaction occurs. The card remains securely stored (in a vault or with a trusted third party) until the owner wants it shipped, reducing shipping costs and risks.

While this will not change anything for collectors who want to have their cards immediately and store them themselves, if more collectors become comfortable with digital ownership and vaulting, the need for repeated physical shipping will decrease, and so will the associated fees.

2. Innovation in Shipping and Marketplaces

Shipping is a major cost driver, but new entrants are already working to streamline the process. Some platforms, like SportsCardsPro, have eliminated sales fees entirely, charging only payment processing costs. As competition increases and technology improves logistics, it’s fair to expect more efficient, lower-cost shipping solutions.

3. Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences

Looking further ahead, virtual reality and augmented reality could allow collectors to “own” and display cards in digital spaces—metaverse galleries, virtual card shows, or AR-enhanced apps—without ever needing to ship the physical card. This could create new ways to enjoy and trade cards, further reducing the need for costly physical exchanges.

What Happens When Fees Drop?

Lower transaction costs would make it easier for new collectors to enter the hobby and for existing collectors to transact more frequently. This increased liquidity and accessibility could actually drive card prices up, as more people compete for the best cards and the market becomes more efficient.

Additionally, as the world becomes more digital, physical collectibles like trading cards may become even more coveted as tangible assets—one of the last “real” things you can own in an increasingly virtual world.

Potential Challenges

Of course, there will always be some premium for physical handling, insurance, and protection against loss or damage. And not every collector will embrace digital ownership or virtual experiences right away. But the direction is clear: technology can and is making collecting easier, safer, and more affordable.

Final Thoughts

The sports card industry is on the cusp of a new era. As technology continues to improve—from blockchain and AI to better shipping and digital experiences—fees will come down. For collectors, this means more opportunities, more liquidity, and, ultimately, a more vibrant and valuable marketplace.

If you’re passionate about cards, keep an eye on these trends. The next decade could bring the biggest changes the hobby has ever seen.