Midwest Cards — Local services in Columbus

Definitely one of the biggest sports card stores in the area, though there are things that could be improved.

Store Environment – This is the largest card store around, and the design is super creative! It’s always a fun experience just walking through and browsing their displays. The layout makes it easy to spend a good amount of time exploring.

Prices – For the most part, prices on singles seem to be based on what they bought the cards for, so don’t expect much room for negotiation. Sealed products can also be more expensive than what you’ll find at other stores. I remember they used to have a rewards system plus multiple levels of discounts when you shop here, but after they moved to the new location they no longer do those(goodbye to my points!).

Store Trade-in – This is the part I really don’t like. To start a trade, you need to schedule an "appointment" beforehand and wait at the store (even when the staff aren’t busy). Once you show them your cards, they take them into a “secret room” to check prices, and you’re left waiting outside. I really don’t understand why they don’t just check comps together with you right there. It feels a bit strange and disconnected, let alone the value they offer is not reasonable.

Location - Hard to find parking spot nearby since it's in a busy downtown area.

I’d recommend visiting here for the experience, but not necessarily as a go-to hobby store. It’s definitely fun to check out if you're in the area, but you might want to look elsewhere for more reasonable prices a smoother...

They sell cards at over a 200% markup on comps/market value. If you bring up comps when buying they laugh them away and complain about overhead costs (yeah, you decided to be in the Arena District, what did you expect??) unless you are selling to them. Then the lowest comp they can find becomes relevant, only for them to offer anywhere form 55%-80% based on value. They won't buy any new product hits from customers for at least 2 weeks post release because the "prices are inflated". When we asked if that means they also don't sell those new products for the first few weeks, as to not rip off the customer with "inflated prices" they didn't understand the problem. Father and Son in Powell, Triple Play in Westerville, or CardCollector2 in Grove City have better prices, people, and general vibe. Cards shows in Hilliard, Grove City, Plain City, Xenia, and other locations are also a much better market to buy and sell. IF YOU ARE NEW TO THE HOBBY - THIS STORE IS NOT HOW THINGS SHOULD BE DONE - NOT ALL PEOPLE IN THE HOBBY...

I don't recommend use this card shop for PSA submissions. They seemed ok to business with, then I submitted 6 cards, paying the balance last February. A few days later an employee calls and states my Jordan sticker card is fake. But a "good fake." For some reason I believed him.Then. a few days later I get confirmation from another competitor who told me in about 30 seconds, its a real card. So, I submitted the same card to PSA. It grade real and a PSA 6. When I called them out by text on it, not only did I not even get an apology, I was told a boldface lie. The employee said, "We didnt have any interest in grading it. Thats why we suggested to you that you should grade it and see if PSA grades it or not." Midwest should have told me like ALL other shops do before taking my PSA submission money they didnt want to submit the card. So, basically someone who claims to be an expert is inspecting cards after the customer pays & submits the card. They lost...