Do you wish to sell your comic books? Yes, your old comic books can be a goldmine for you as you can earn a lot of money from selling them. So, whether you have or inherited some comic books, you can make so much money by knowing where to sell your comic books.
As much as you want to know where to sell your comic books, you also need to understand how local comic book buyers can help you achieved that goal of selling your comics. Once you know the buyer’s needs and motivations, it will be easier to get a fair price.
Table of contents
Is Buying A Comic Worth It?
Buying comics as an investment is relatively new to the comic book world. At first comics were read, used, and thrown or shared among friends. Few were properly stored and survived today.
As comics grew in popularity and the people who owned them got older, comics began to be valued. However, with the release of comic book characters into pop culture through film and television, the value of these classic comic books increased significantly.
Over time, some of these comics, especially origin editions, can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, such as Action Comics # 1 worth about half a million dollars.
What Are The Types Of Comic Book Buyers?
There are different types of buyers
Investment buyers: These people have the idea that they will increase in value by buying high quality (usually vinyl) key items. They pay the highest price for quality books and they make up the most visible part of the market.
High Quality Collectors: They want really nice specimens, but they are not necessarily for investment purposes. They also pay top dollars for the higher quality books.
Flippers: These people are there for a quick buck. They are trying to anticipate the next hot book, buying up things and trying to sell them for a profit as soon as possible. “
Regular collectors: “There are two types: patient and impatient. Impatient collectors want a book and buy it at a higher price so they can get their hands on it faster. Patient collectors play the long game.
How Do I Know The Value Of A Comic?
Evaluating a comic is not an easy thing. It takes time and experience. The comics market is mostly focused on more vintage comics, most of which were released in the 1930s through the mid-1970s.
The easiest way to tell if your comics fall into the “good” category is by looking at the cover price. Almost all comics have the retail price on the cover at the time of publication.
The valuable ones have 10c, 12c, 15c, 20c or 25c on the cover. Most comics with 30c or higher on the cover are from a later year and are of limited value.
According to comics website Newsarama, the average price for comics is $2.99. Larger issues cost $3.99 or $4.99, depending on the size of the issue.
Specifically, an original copy of Action Comics # 1, which initially cost 10 cents and featured Earth Superman, became the world’s most expensive comic on Sunday when it grossed $3.2 million on eBay.
Where to Sell Your Comics
There are several places where you can sell your comics, which including online comic book stores, local brick and mortar comic and book stores, auction websites, and local classified sites.
Here is a list of places to sell your comics
- Online Comic Book Stores and Bookstores
- Auctions
- Peer-to-peer selling platforms
- Local Classifieds Sites and Apps
- Online Forums and Communities
- Brick-and-mortar comic and book stores
- Events
Online Comic Book Stores and Bookstores
Online comic book stores and bookstores are staffed with experts who understand the value of your comics. This means sales are quick and your payment will arrive a few days after receiving your comics.
These companies offer cash withdrawals, although many offer additional broadcast services and credits (which can add up to value if you want to buy new comics after they sell).
While quick and convenient, online comic book stores and bookstores generally don’t pay top dollar for comics because they have to resell your comics for a retail profit.
The downside is, you don’t have to go through the hassle of selling your comics to collectors: customer service, answering customer questions, invoicing, packaging and shipping, returns, missing items, complaints, and re-listing unsold items.
Sell My Comic Books
Sell My Comic Books is owned and operated by Ashley Cotter-Cairns, who is an advisor to the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide – widely regarded as the authority on pricing for comics.
Expect quick withdrawals using cash, wire transfer, PayPal, certified check, MoneyGram, or Western Union. In addition, Sell My Comic Books pays for and organizes all shipping and processing.
Dylan Universe Comics
Dylan Universe Comics was founded by the father/son team of Dylan and Paul Schwartz and will buy individual comics and entire collections.
The company offers free shipping (via PayPal or a shipping label) and pays you before your comics ship, which largely eliminates the risk of selling it through the mail. Payments are submitted quickly using PayPal, cash, certified check, MoneyGram, or money order.
First, contact Dylan Universe Comics for a list of comics for sale (and photos, if any), their ages and conditions, and your location.
If you have a large or valuable collection, Dylan Universe Comics will travel to you.
Lone Star Comics
Lone Star Comics, a family business founded in 1961, has several selling options: you can either send a list of your comics to get a quote before they ship. Or you can speed up the process by sending your comics to them for evaluation first.
Lone Star Comics also offers a “Wanted List”. If your comic is on the list, you can instantly see how much they’re paying for it.
Comics worth $50 or more can be sold through Lone Star Comics’ shipping service, which includes free evaluation and listings on MyComicShop.com and eBay.
Commission fees range from 10% for items sold for less than $300 to 6% for items sold for more than $3,000.
The company will travel to you if you have a large collection or property, and you can visit the Arlington, Texas warehouse for a personalized quote.
Once your comics are received, it will take approximately 10 business days to process. Pay-outs are sent within 2 working days.
New Dimension Comics
New Dimension Comics has six brick and mortar locations in addition to its online presence and has been buying and selling comics since it was founded by Todd McDevitt, advisor to the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, in 1986.
I Like Comics
I Like Comics, based in Vancouver, Washington, where it operates a stationary comic book store, also buys comics online. The company pays using cash, trade, or credit of your choice.
First, fill out the online form to see if you are interested in purchasing your comics.
Get Cash for Comics
Get Cash for Comics buys vintage comics, CGC-rated comics, and entire collections of comics. The company claims that no business pays more cash than it does – 80% to 90% of what you could sell for on eBay, without the hassle of an auction or commission fees.
If you have a large collection, Get Cash for Comics will travel to you or pay you to fly out to them. Get a quote by calling, emailing or filling out the online contact form.
Sparkle City Comics
Sparkle City Comics purchases both vintage and modern comics direct and provides broadcast services. The site claims it can top any offer. If your comics are valuable
Sparkle City Comics travel to you.
The company offers free reviews for all comics with an Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide value of $1,000 or more.
If you sell through broadcast services (your comic must be at least $300 to qualify), it will charge you a commission between 10% and 25% based on how much it sells.
Nostalgia Zone
This Minneapolis-based store also buys comics online, either through cash or through retailers (they typically offer 10% to 25% more retail value than cash). Mail does not sell the nostalgia zoe, but it is an option that can be discussed.
Call or email with a list of the comics and what condition they are in seeing if Nostalgia Zone is interested in buying them.
Lee’s Comics
Lee’s Comics specialize in vintage comic book collections, but they also buy comics from the 80s through the modern day and pay small quantities for long boxes.
To learn more about the process and get a quote, list the comics you need to sell and contact them directly.
Superworld Comics
Superworld Comics buys Silver Age Marvel and DC Comics, Golden Age and Bronze Age Comics, Pre-Code Horror and Science Fiction Comics, Pre-Hero Marvel Comics, and various comics such as westerns and romances.
Your focus is on comics published in the 1930s through 1970s, but they will consider all comics and collections. They will come to you if you have a large or valuable collection.
Midtown Comics
Midtown Comics buys vintage comics from the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Ages, as well as other important themes, regardless of age.
Few details are given on their website. Contact them regarding selling your comics for more information.
Bb Novelties
You can sell your vintage comics to BB Novelties, who pay a flat fee per comic based on the original prices: $ 1.50 for 10-cent covers, $ 1 for 12-cent covers, and 20 cents for 15 , 20, and 25 cent covers. BB Novelties also buys entire collections of comics.
The company will pay for shipping if your comics cost more than $ 25. Confirmation emails will be sent within one week of your shipment being received at their location, and PayPal payments will be issued within one day of receiving them.
We Buy Comics
Owned by Jon R. Warren, who authored the Wizard Prize Guide to Comics, they will gain a variety of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Age comics, as well as rare first editions, 10 and 12 cent comics, and more.
The company prefers to buy large collections but also buys individual comics. You can check out the “Wants List” to get an idea of the comics you are currently interested in. Just understand that the list is not exhaustive.
Metropolis Collectibles
Metropolis Collectibles sells comics by mail and claims that the fees are lower than conventional auction houses: there is “only a small shipment fee” compared to the standard 15% rate charged by auction houses.
Some comics are eligible for cash advances of up to half a million dollars. The website does not provide details on the payment method and time frame. You must therefore contact them directly for more information.
Gary Dolgoff Comics
GDC has over 30 years of experience buying comics and purchases a range of editions from the Golden Age to contemporary editions.
The company will buy comics in every class, from poor to new, and buy entire collections (no cherry-picking for the best comics) and inheritances.
GDC offers fast payment and will travel worldwide. Contact Gary Dolgoff Comics to learn more.
Dale Roberts Comics
DRC buys individual comics and entire collections of comics from all comic ages. The company offers cash withdrawals and will travel nationwide to review comic book collections. Contact Dale Roberts Comics to learn more.
Auctions
Selling your comics at auction can fetch a higher price than selling them at comic book stores. However, you need to factor in commissions and other sales fees.
It can take a while for your comics to sell at auction – if they sell at all – but you can also get a quick sale. Withdrawals are usually made in cash, by check, or through a service like PayPal (which also incurs fees).
There are several types of auctions you can run. Examples of this include traditional auction houses (who usually handle the entire process for you) and selling through online auction platforms (you do most of the work).
Make sure you understand all the terms and fees before selling your comics at auction. You can auction your comics on any of these websites.
Examples include:
Comiclink
There are two ways to auction comics on ComicLink. Option 1 charges a 10% commission but no listing fees for comics sold for more than $ 50 (items sold for less than $ 50 have a $ 5 fee).
To qualify for this option, your comics must be professionally rated and not available for sale anywhere else.
Option two is full service where ComicLink provides sorting, escrow and storage services. They also offer suggested prices to make sales easier.
As with option 1, there are no listing fees. The commissions are between 10% and 25%. Find out more about ComicLink auctions.
Comic Connect
Comic Connect is an auction site for comics. The service charges a 10% commission on all sales. If your comic sells for less than $50, there will be an additional $5 fee.
If buyers pay using a paid method such as credit cards or PayPal, 3% will be deducted from the final price.
Payouts are made by check within 30 days.
One advantage of Comic Connect is that there are no buyer premiums, making it an attractive option.
Reece’s Rare Comics
It’s free to create a seller account and list your comics on Reece’s Rare Comics. However, there is a minimum value of $25 to qualify.
If your comics sell, you will be charged a 10% commission (including any payment processing fees). Payouts are sent on the 10th of each month.
Pedigree Comics
Pedigree Comics offers consignment auctions for qualified comics with CGC and CBCS ratings. There are three ways to auction your comics on Pedigree Comics: Submit your comics to them, send scans via email, or upload your own scans.
Commissions are valued on a scale between 5% and 10%, depending on the sales price. There are no buyer premiums, which makes Pedigree Comics attractive to buyers.
Heritage Auctions
Heritage Auctions is a major comic auction provider, offering live and online auctions, broadcast services and private sales brokerage.
Commissions depend on several factors, including the final sale price and the type of auction you choose.
Catawiki
This UK-based online auction house is a popular comic book auction website. It’s free to register and put your items up for auction. Once you’ve done that, experts will review your lot and plan your comics for auction.
If your comics sell, you will be charged a flat fee of 12.5% plus VAT totaling 15% of the final sale price. You don’t have to ship your comics until they are sold.
Mound City Auctions
Mound City Auctions has over 600 world-record comic book sale prices, making it an attractive option for sellers looking to maximize profit from auctions.
The website states they offer low commissions (only 0%).
Hake’s Americana & Collectibles
Hake’s has been in business for over 50 years, running comic consignment auctions. Cash advances are available for quality items, and the website promises on-time payments (although it is unclear how quickly they pay or what commissions and fees they charge).
EBAY
The world’s most famous online auction site is also a popular place to buy and sell comics. Private and professional sellers use eBay to run their auctions, and collectors frequent the site.
As with all auction sites, there is no guarantee that you will sell your comics on eBay, but there is a large audience that will add to your sales potential. Your first 50 listings per month are free (although fees apply for updated listings).
The eBay commission rate is 10% of the final sale price. You’ll need to pay payment processing fees (like PayPal) if your comic sells. Besides a traditional auction format, you can set a buy-it-now price.
Peer-to-Peer Selling Platforms
You can list your comics for sale on peer-to-peer selling platforms. Some sites charge listing fees or commissions, and some do not.
Carefully check out every website that you plan to sell your comics on as it does not moderate some. This can present potential risks such as fraud. Others are moderated and offer seller protection such as escrow service.
While selling direct to collectors and other buyers will bring you the most money, it also takes the most work because you need to create a detailed listing and deal with buyers directly.
Examples include:
Comic Collector Live
If you have a large collection of comics to sell, you can set up your own online store using Comic Collector Live.
The website gives you your own eCommerce platform and makes listing easy as the database already contains photos and descriptions for many comics.
Comic Collector Live charges a monthly subscription fee of $14.95, a commission of 5%, and listing fees of one cent per comic. Learn more about Comic Collector Live fees.
Amazon
You can sell directly to buyers on Amazon through custom or professional plans. The custom plan has no monthly fee and charges 99 cents per entry – best if you want to sell fewer than 40 comics (or sell all of your comics as a single collection).
If you have a lot of comics to sell, the professional plan is $39.99 per month, but there are no listing fees. Both plans have a 15% referral fee plus a $1.80 closing fee if your comic is sold.
Alibris
Alibris allows you to post your comics for sale on its website and partner sites like Barnes & Noble and eBay. The program costs $19.99 per year for up to 1,000 entries.
If your comic is sold, you pay a commission of 15% plus a transaction fee of $1 (if it is sold on the partner network, the commission increases to 20%).
A professional unlimited entry plan is available if you have a large collection of comics.
Abe Books
Abe Books has an international presence and can help you reach numerous potential buyers. The site charges $25 per month for listing up to 500 comics, plus an 8% commission once your comics are sold.
Payments are sent every week by electronic transfer.
Local Classifieds Sites and Apps
Finding a local collector through classified ads may be more difficult, but doing so will allow you to complete the sale without shipping your products.
The caveat is that there is no moderation and you must meet the buyer in person. Local classified websites and apps include Craigslist, LetGo, and OfferUp.
Online Fora and Communities
Online Comics fora and other online communities often contain buy/sell threads you can use to put your comics up for sale. As with classified ads, there is usually no moderation. However, committed communities can be great places to find avid collectors.
Examples include:
- Reddit Comic Swap
- CGC Chat Boards
- The Comic Book Forum
- Comics Price Guide
- Comic Book Realm
- Comic Book Collectors Club
- Facebook groups like Comic Book Collecting and Comic Book Collecting Buy/Sell/Trade
Brick-and-mortar comic and book stores
Local comic book stores and other bookstores often pay cash and/or credit for comics. Like online stores, they have to resell your comics for a profit so you don’t get a top-dollar (typically you get between 30% and 70% of the retail value of your comics).
However, they offer same-day sales – perfect if you need some quick buck.
Some stores sell by post for a commission. You can also consider selling your comics to a pawn shop, though these cost less than other options.
You can online look for local comic book stores and bookstores.
Events
Events can be good places to sell comics, especially with an enthusiastic audience filled with comic book collectors.
Comic book conventions are good places to record your comics. But you can also sell them at flea markets, fairs, and other events.
You may have to travel to attend, which is an additional cost. But the downside is that these events can be a lot of fun.
Conclusion
Selling your comics is a serious business for many collectors. Your comics become much more than just a possession and take on something else, more like a valuable artifact than just a story with pictures.
If you take a more calculating route, selling is only part of the deal.
Writer’s Recommendations
