Lotus ScanHow to Scan Magic Cards to Sell Online
A step-by-step guide to help you scan magic cards to sell online quickly and accurately.
Selling Magic cards online can be surprisingly profitable, but only if you price them correctly and list them efficiently. Scanning your cards with a dedicated app gives you instant access to current market prices, which is essential for competitive listings. Whether you're selling a few expensive staples or liquidating an entire collection, the scanning and sorting process is where the real money is made or lost. This guide covers the complete workflow from scanning to sold.
Step-by-Step Guide
Scan and separate cards by value tier
Use Lotus Scan to catalog everything and then sort cards into value tiers. Cards worth $5 and above should be listed individually. Cards worth $1-5 can be grouped into lots or playsets. Cards under $1 are bulk and should be sold in bulk lots by the hundred or thousand.
Tip: The time it takes to individually list, package, and ship a $2 card often isn't worth the profit. Set your individual-listing threshold based on your time.
Grade conditions conservatively
When selling online, grade one step more conservatively than you think. Sellers who grade too optimistically get returns and negative reviews. Photograph every card over $20 so the buyer can assess condition themselves. Most online marketplaces use TCGPlayer's condition standards as the reference.
Check current prices on your target platform
TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom buylist, and eBay all have different pricing landscapes. Check where the cheapest copy is currently listed on your chosen platform and price yours competitively. Being the lowest-priced Near Mint copy on TCGPlayer almost guarantees a quick sale.
Tip: For cards worth over $50, check eBay sold listings for the most accurate picture of what buyers actually pay.
Export your sell list
Export the cards you want to sell as a CSV from your scanning app. This export can be uploaded to TCGPlayer's seller portal, posted in Facebook trade groups, or used as your master sell sheet. Include card name, set, condition, quantity, and your asking price.
Choose your selling platform
TCGPlayer is best for competitive pricing with high volume. eBay works well for high-end singles and lots. Facebook MTG trade groups let you sell directly with lower fees. Card Kingdom buylist is the fastest option if you want cash quickly and are willing to accept 50-60% of retail value.
Package cards properly for shipping
For singles, place the card in a penny sleeve inside a toploader, tape the toploader shut, and ship in a rigid mailer. For larger orders, use a small box with padding. Poor packaging leads to damaged cards, refund requests, and bad reviews that tank your seller profile.
Make It Easier with Lotus Scan
Lotus Scan for iPhone simplifies this entire process with AI-powered card recognition, real-time price tracking, and intuitive collection management. Just point your camera and scan.
Pro Tips
- Sell into price spikes. When a card jumps 50% overnight due to tournament results, that's your window. The price often settles back down within a week.
- Bundle cards from the same deck together as a "deck lot" to attract buyers who want a complete list without sourcing each card individually.
- Factor in platform fees when pricing. TCGPlayer takes roughly 10-13%, eBay takes about 13%, and PayPal adds another 2.9%.
- Ship with tracking for any order over $20. The cost is minimal and protects you from "item not received" claims.
- Take clear, well-lit photos of expensive cards. Buyers are far more likely to purchase when they can see exactly what they're getting.