Frequently Asked Questions

This page provides answers to the most common questions received by Card Zine.

About trading cards

Q: What are trading cards?
A: Trading cards are small collectable cards, usually measuring 3.5" by 2.5". They are similar to collectable stickers in that they are usually found in sealed packets and are designed so that one can swap doubles with other collectors in order to obtain a full set. They might be described as a modern day version of the cigarette cards which were particularly popular with tobacco manufacturers during the early part of the twentieth century.

Q: What features on these cards?
A: Trading cards can be divided into two categories - sports and non-sports. Sports cards have a particularly large following in the USA and feature players of games such as baseball, basketball, American football and ice hockey. Non-sports cards feature everything from movies and comic characters, to cult television programmes and fantasy artwork, and are the main focus of Card Zine.

Q: Where can I get hold of trading cards?
A: The vast majority of card sets are manufactured in the USA, which is where trading cards are thought to have originated. In the UK, packs of American trading cards can be found in specialist comic and collectors stores. Trading cards manufactured for the European market tend to be available through local newsagents and can be found near the collectable album stickers. Trading cards may also be purchased through mail order dealers, as complete sets or unopened display boxes containing a set number of packs. Collectables exhibitions and fairs can be an excellent way to visit several trading card dealers at one time. Advertisements for card dealers and exhibitions can be found in specialist collectables magazines.

Q: How can I get hold of free promo cards?
A: US card manufacturers Inkworks and Rittenhouse Archives run regular offers for free promo cards on their web sites. These offers are open to collectors internationally on receipt of an International Reply Coupon, which you can obtain at your local post office. It's a good idea to include a top loader with your coupon, so that your card will be protected on its journey back to you. Some manufacturers are willing to send out cards even if they do not explicitly state this on their web sites, so it's always worth sending an e-mail to ask. Non-Sport Update magazine includes a selection of promos with each issue and collectors fairs can also be a useful source for obtaining free material.

Q: How much are my trading cards worth?
A: There are a number of price guides available which can be used to give an indication of how much particular cards are worth, although it is important to remember that these are generally based upon items in top condition. Non-Sport Update magazine is the first port of call for many collectors, with other useful publications being the Promo Card Encyclopedia and Price Guide, Gum Guide and the catalogues released annually by the London Cigarette Card Company and Murray Cards. Card Zine's resources section contains detais of trading card publications.

About Card Zine

Q: Is Card Zine run by a trading card manufacturer or dealer?
A: No. Card Zine is an entirely independent site and is not endorsed by any individual manufacturer or dealer. All the site content is written by trading card collector Christopher Read.

Q: Can I buy trading cards through Card Zine?
A: No. We exist purely as an informational source for card collectors and as such do not sell any of the products featured.

Q: Is there a printed version of Card Zine?
A: Card Zine is exclusive to the web and there is no printed version currently available.

Q: I work for a manufacturer of trading card products. Would you be able to run coverage of our sets on your web site?
A: Yes. Card Zine is always interested in hearing the latest news from card manufacturers, so feel free to contact us.

Q: Can I use content from Card Zine for my own web site/publication?
A: No material from our site may be reproduced without our permission. Full details of Card Zine's copyright policy can be found on our home page.

Q: Is Card Zine able to supply information on trading cards to the media?
A: Absolutely. In the past, we have helped out television researchers, publishers of printed magazines and webmasters. Please get in touch letting us know your individual requirements.

Q: My question hasn't been answered here. How do I get in touch?
A: Please feel free to e-mail us at editor@cardzine.co.uk if you have any additional questions.