Why collectors miss this
A listing can be “under market” on the sticker price and still be a bad buy after shipping. Landed cost is your true entry price — and your decision should be based on landed cost vs realistic comps, not price alone.
A simple landed cost formula
Landed cost = item price + postage
That’s it. If you’re comparing a £42 listing with £7 postage to a £50 comp with free shipping, the £42 listing is not cheaper.
How to set a max bid (without overthinking)
- Pick your play: long-term hold or quick flip.
- Choose a realistic exit number: a price you’d be happy to list at, not the highest sale you can find.
- Subtract your safety margin: if the market is thin (F1, niche Marvel inserts, some Star Wars), widen the margin.
- Now back into your max bid: max bid is what keeps landed cost inside that margin.
When postage creates an edge
- Bundles: Sellers price a lot low but the shipping looks high — the landed cost can still win per card if you only want the top 1–2 pieces.
- Cross-market listings: A UK buyer avoids import friction on a UK listing. The same “headline” price from overseas can be a trap.
- Local timing: When shipping is the problem, you can wait for a better-shipping clone of the same card.
Use Card Sniper to price targets like a sniper
The Sniper Board is built around the question: “Is there enough upside after postage?” Use it to compare targets consistently, clean your feed with Not Interested, and build watchlists by category (NFL, NBA, Pokémon sealed, soccer rookies, F1, Marvel, Star Wars, vintage).
Start with live targets and keep it strict: Check live eBay targets.