Carl's Cards & Collectibles — Local services in Haverford Township

This is the first Sports Card Store I didn't catch a good vibe in. 99% of the time I'll drop an EASY $250 the first time in a new shop, this was the only 1%. Nobody was mean or rude, I just didnt catch a good vibe. They had all kinds of stuff. Selected a couple of cards to break the ice and test the waters (I dont look up comps in front of store oweners my first time in as a courtesy). I knew all the single cards were marked AT LEAST 25% over a 'realistic value'(Some I KNEW were 50% over). However, without hesitation they charged me their sticker price. Now.... I keep it uner $100 until they actually tell me what they are going to charge me. This way I can gage what to expect when I start adding more stuff in. I often overpay for pc stuff. For the first time in 10 years, I paid, said thank you, and walked out (my estimate was wrong, I paid about 50% over comps after I checked). This is proof that they are not honest brokers of the hobby. Being that it amazes me that they actually charged me 50% over comps without hesitation, I figured it warrented this review (the only review I've given after hundreds of sports card stores across the planet) as a warning before you walk in the door. I'm all about free market pricing.... but 50%.... without hestiation, knowingly, c'mon man, a horrible business model but great example of the plague within the hobby. I should have read the reviews before rolling there, all the 1 stars are legit and I caught the same vibe. On to...

Unfortunately all the bad reviews really do seem to be true. Went into here today for the first time just checking things out cause a buddy of mine at work has a friend who frequents here regularly. Walked in to three guys talking and can just tell they were annoyed I walked in. Brought like 40 base cards mostly philadelphia players just to see how he’d react and what he would say. No way I wanted to bring my expensive cards in before I found out who he was. Could tell he was annoyed and thought of me as someone he could care less about business wise. Had no intention of selling the cards but I was hesitant to come here and now I know why lol. That being said even with his attitude and all the above I’d go back if I ever wanted something specific Philadelphia wise. Even with his way overpriced products a lot of things are pretty cool. It is what it is when your the only guys in town. On my way out I did hear about him complaining about a live show by “the rook” or “the rookie” going on tonight and how he was worried about them cause they are on the come up. Not sure who or what he meant but if it was sports card and memorabilia related he should take notice and try to change with the times before it’s too late. Right before here I went to wheelhouse in Wayne and man the difference in friendliness and presentation were astronomical. Will one day in the future try again and maybe next time my experience wont...

If you’re looking for sports memorabilia, signed jerseys, autographs, and photo ops with big-name athletes yeah, Carl’s Cards in Havertown has all that. But let’s be honest: that’s not why I drive all the way down from Pottsville.

No, no. I come here for the gumball machine.

Carl’s machine isn’t just a gumball dispenser it’s basically the Hall of Fame of gumball machines. These things are fresher than half the players on the Eagles’ roster. One turn of that quarter dial and boom you’re chewing on pure happiness wrapped in a sugary shell.

I’ve dropped anywhere between $15 and $20 in that machine on a single visit. That’s right, I’m basically Carl’s unofficial “Gumball MVP.” Forget the signed baseballs I’m walking out of here with pockets full of rainbow jawbreakers like it’s the World Series of chewing gum.

So yeah, Carl’s is a legendary spot for sports fans. But me? I’m just here chasing that next perfect gumball, one quarter at a time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and an extra star if Carl ever puts in a second...