The Hobby Experience WEEK 7 - Powered by The Grading Club

Welcome to The Hobby Experience, your go-to source for everything related to collectible trading cards in the UK! Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, we’ll guide you through product releases, reviews, market insights, and the latest UK hobby news.

This week we look into:

- The Latest eBay News: No Fees for Private Sellers in the UK
- Special Grading Offer
- Product Review: 2019 Panini Chronicles Soccer Hobby Box
- Upcoming card shows in October
- This weeks product releases
- Card of the Week 
- Top 3 sport card sales from last week
- Ted Lasso Funko POP free giveaway

UK Hobby
The Latest eBay News: No Fees for Private Sellers in the UK

Selling on eBay just got even more attractive for UK-based private sellers. As of October 1, 2024, eBay has announced that private sellers will no longer be charged transaction or listing fees for up to 300 items a month. This change is a game-changer for casual sellers, especially those in the trading card community. But while this new policy offers great opportunities, it also comes with potential implications for sellers who sell frequently. Let’s dive into what this means for trading card collectors in the UK and explore some important considerations to keep in mind.

What’s Changed for Private Sellers on eBay?

eBay’s latest update removes both transaction and listing fees for private sellers in the UK. With up to 300 free listings a month, sellers can now make extra money without worrying about losing a percentage of their sales to fees. This is great news for casual sellers who want to clear out their card collections or make a little extra cash on the side.

Previously, eBay charged a final value fee on sold items, typically 12.8% of the sale price, along with a 30p per order fee. For trading card sellers, these fees could add up quickly, making it difficult to profit from low to mid-value cards. Now, with the removal of these fees, sellers can list and sell cards more freely, giving them a higher chance of maximizing their returns.

Benefits for Trading Card Collectors

For trading card collectors, this change opens up a more profitable and low-risk selling platform. Whether you’re looking to sell duplicates, unwanted cards, or even graded cards, you no longer need to factor in the extra costs associated with listing and selling your items. Here’s why this is particularly exciting for the trading card community:

1. Higher Profit Margins: Without final value fees, collectors can now pocket more of the money they make from each sale.

2. Encouraging Casual Selling: If you’re selling cards only occasionally, this is a golden opportunity to list cards without worrying about fees.

3. No Risk of Upfront Costs: Since listing fees are waived for up to 300 items, you don’t have to worry about paying to list an item that might not sell.

The Risks: Could You Be Seen as a Business Seller?

While this is great news for casual sellers, regular sellers need to be cautious. If you’re frequently selling cards or earning substantial income from eBay, you could be classified as a business seller by eBay and the UK’s HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).

eBay’s Definition of a Business Seller

eBay has strict guidelines on who qualifies as a business seller. Regularly selling items for profit or selling new items can flag your account as a business. If eBay determines that your selling activity goes beyond casual selling, they may require you to register as a business seller. This means higher fees and more stringent policies. Plus, you’ll need to comply with additional regulations, including offering returns and meeting customer service standards.

HMRC’s View on Trading and Tax Reporting

If you’re selling regularly, HMRC may classify you as a trader rather than a casual seller. HMRC requires sellers who make over £1,000 in profits to declare their earnings, and you may need to register for Self Assessment. Regular selling, especially for profit, can push you into the category of a sole trader, requiring you to report your income and potentially pay taxes on your sales.

For trading card enthusiasts, this means you must be aware of your trading patterns and income. Regular sales of high-value or graded cards can quickly turn a casual hobby into a taxable business.

International Sales and Fees

While eBay’s new policy benefits UK-based sellers, those selling internationally still need to be aware of additional fees. If you’re shipping cards outside of the UK, eBay will charge a currency conversion fee of 2.5%, along with other potential international fees. Additionally, certain regions may impose taxes on your sales, which could affect your profits. If you frequently sell internationally, it’s crucial to understand these costs before diving into cross-border sales.

The Impact of DAC7 Reporting

It’s also important to keep in mind the DAC7 reporting obligations. Under this directive, digital platforms like eBay are required to report seller earnings to tax authorities. If your sales exceed £1,700 or you’ve sold more than 30 items, eBay is required to report your activity to HMRC. Even if your income falls under the trading allowance of £1,000, it’s crucial to keep accurate records, as HMRC will have visibility of your earnings.

Conclusion: A New Era for Private Sellers

eBay’s move to eliminate fees for private sellers is undoubtedly a game-changer, particularly for the trading card community in the UK. While this update makes it easier for casual sellers to turn their collections into cash, regular sellers should stay aware of the potential tax implications and the risk of being classified as a business. Whether you’re selling a few cards here and there or looking to offload a larger collection, this new policy offers exciting opportunities—but it’s essential to stay informed and compliant.

Submission
Find our latest pricing and special offers below

To submit cards, head to our website www.thegradingclub.com. Here, you can use our pricing calculator to see how much a submission would cost, and it will also tell you when the cards are due to be returned.

Here’s a guide on how to submit cards through the portal if you’ve never done it before.

SPECIAL OFFER

• Maximum Declared Value - $1000/£8000 (The maximum amount per item you may claim as compensation in the event of loss or damage)

• Turnaround Time - 3 Weeks (from the day it arrives at PSA)

• All types of cards accepted (Pokemon, Sport, Other TCG, Non-Sport)

• Auto Grade not included

• Cards need to be with us by 14th October or 31st October 2024

PRODUCT REVIEW
2019 Panini Chronicles Soccer - Hobby Box

The 2019 Panini Chronicles Soccer release is fondly remembered as a turning point in the world of soccer card collecting, particularly in the UK. It came at a time when soccer card products were few and far between, and collectors eagerly awaited new releases every few months, unlike today's regular drops. Chronicles was a fresh breath in a market starved of variety and innovation, and for many collectors, it was their introduction to this exciting hobby.

A Unique Mix of Panini Brands

Chronicles brought together a variety of different Panini brands, giving collectors a taste of everything in one product. It featured over 10 Panini sets, including popular names like Prizm, Elite, Illusions, XR, and Absolute, as well as lesser-known sets like Fuego and Titan. The combination of familiar and fresh designs helped create a product that felt both nostalgic and new at the same time.

This product also catered to fans of three of the most competitive leagues in Europe—Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A—with a total of 60 teams represented. Whether you followed English football, Spanish giants, or Italian maestros, Chronicles had you covered. This added variety was a key reason why the product was so appealing to both seasoned collectors and newcomers.

The UK Hobby Landscape in 2019

At the time of its release, the UK was just beginning to see a resurgence in interest for sports card collecting, especially soccer cards. The 2019 Panini Chronicles Soccer product became a significant part of that rise. Soccer card products were not as widely available as they are today, and when they did hit the shelves, they were scooped up quickly. Chronicles came at a time when demand was soaring, and it offered something that hadn’t been seen in the UK before—variety in one box.

Cracked Ice Rookie Cards and Historic Tickets

One of the standout features of the 2019 Panini Chronicles Soccer release was the Cracked Ice Rookie Cards. These cards are still among the most visually appealing soccer cards ever produced, featuring young rising stars in a beautiful cracked ice design that collectors love.

Another major draw was the Historic Ticket Autographs, featuring legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. These cards quickly became some of the most coveted pulls in the hobby, blending iconic designs with the chance to own a piece of soccer history.

From Affordable to Highly Sought After

When the 2019 Panini Chronicles Soccer Hobby Box first hit the market, its retail price ranged from £150-£200. For a product offering such variety, this was considered great value. However, as demand grew and more people entered the hobby, prices soared. During the card boom of 2020 and 2021, sealed hobby boxes were selling for £700-£800, reflecting both the scarcity of the product and its increasing popularity.

The rise in price was driven by the quality of the cards and the hits collectors were pulling. Chronicles' mix of high-profile autographs, rookie cards, and inserts made it a hot commodity, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about products of the year.

Diverse Inserts to Chase

One of the reasons collectors loved Chronicles was the sheer variety of inserts. This product wasn’t limited to just one or two sets; instead, it featured multiple brands, each offering something unique. Key inserts included:

• Prizm: The shining star of Panini products, known for its chrome finish and serial-numbered parallels.

• Contenders Rookie Tickets: Always a favorite for rookie card collectors, featuring top young talent in their debut seasons.

• Titan: Making its soccer debut in 2019 Chronicles, the Titan set brought a sleek, space-themed design that was completely new to soccer card collectors.

• Silhouettes Auto/Mem Cards: These cards, combining autographs and memorabilia, are usually seen in other sports but made their soccer debut in this product.

The diverse mix of inserts kept collectors on their toes, with every pack offering the chance for something different, making each break exciting.

Autographs and Memorabilia: The Heart of Chronicles

Collectors who are after autographs and memorabilia were particularly drawn to Chronicles because it delivered on both fronts. With 3 autographs or memorabilia cards per hobby box, there were plenty of opportunities to pull something big. The autograph lineup featured a mix of global stars and young prospects, while the memorabilia cards included game-worn jerseys and other items tied to iconic players.

The autographs were available in a range of parallel versions, including some numbered cards that offered higher value. Hits like Messi and Ronaldo autographs immediately became some of the most desired cards in the product, drawing collectors in and keeping interest high.

Where the Product Stands Today

As of 2024, the price of a sealed 2019 Panini Chronicles Soccer Hobby Box has settled around £350. While this is lower than its peak during the card boom, it remains a product that holds value due to its diversity and the chance to pull significant cards. For many collectors, Chronicles is something they come back to time and again because of its unique structure and the potential for big hits.

CARD SHOWS
Upcoming Card Shows In October

This is not an exhaustive list of all the card shows that may be happening. These are just the ones we’re attending or have found major value from going to.

19th October

The Brighton Football Card & Memorabilia Show

Any chance to go to Brighton we take it! But this is going to be a fantastic show. Purely Football related! over 50 tables of footballing joy, from modern to vintage, to Shirts and programmes. If you love football in the hobby, this is not one you want to miss. We’ll be there taking in submissions, handing out cards and offering free pre-grades.

If you fancy popping along you can purchase your tickets below as well as get more information about the event. See you there.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brighton-football-card-memorabilia-show-tickets-884294256927?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

26th October 

Another edition to the fantastic MCC events. A free trade day. A more relaxed approach compared to the hustle and bustle of trading card shows. This will be a much more relaxed approach, so come down, chill out, bring your collection and you never know what you might leave with. Click the link above for more info.

PRODUCT RELEASE
Sport and Non Sport product releasing this week

8 October

9 October

CARD OF THE WEEK

HIGH VALUE CARDS

Top 3 Sport Card Sales From Last Week

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Thank you for being a part of our growing community! We’re thrilled to have you with us on this exciting journey through the world of sports cards. Keep an eye out for next week’s edition, packed with more insights, tips, and offers. And as always, we’re here to help you make the most of your collection – happy collecting!