I've been looking around at some of the online stores for Magic singles - getting singles over here where I live is not always a pleasant task ;-(.
What, if any, online stores do people here use ? What experiences do you have with delivery time, prices, conditions of cards, shipment etc. ?
Just curious...
Use the priceguide at Blackborder.com (it links to the cheapest sites on the web). I have used Abundantmagic.com a bit, but they are overpriced. They did deliver well and in great condition.
Silverdragon0
Find magic players sites. I recommend Jon Beckmon for cheap singles (especially uncommons at 25c and commons since I never buy boosters now). You need to jump in fast since most players sell out of chase rares very quickly although you can pick up good rares for $2-5.
Shops have overheads and a need for profit, players are looking to unload cards to offset their expensive habit.
I believe Peter Pantera has a huge site selling cards at reasonable prices.
Type I - you just have to read this list and buy when a player quits. Anything else costs the earth.
I have buy directly from Blackborder and there card are in good playing condition (not for collection, rarely NM for the older card) the shipping is fast (I live in Canada) and the price is really good. The other online shop I try is CollectMart.com, AlphaBetaUnlimited (magicthegathering.net I think) and KardKastle. Those one have also a great service and good price. I did not have any bad experience with the 4 online shop so buy with confidance on those one.
Starcitygames.com will have about everything you would need....BUT expect to pay alot for chase cards and alittle more (ok a lot more) than some other places. However, they do have almost everything you might be looking for (ex. I got 3 Goblin Welders from them and received them 3 days later with free shipping).
You should seriously consider Ebay for single's. Although you have to pay shipping most of the time (check out Smedlock's auctions for free shipping) it still ends up being cheaper. For instance, I just bought 4 mint Dust Bowls on Ebay for $4 including shipping but would have paid $20 ($5 each) for the same cards at Starcitygames.com.
Just something to consider. Besides which, excepting Type 2 you can be pretty sure that you can resell anything you buy on Ebay for the same price.
-Rico
You usually have to pay shipping regardless of whther you buy from eBay or an online store.
Definitely go eBay. If you only want 1 of a card, then maybe try a local store. If you want 4, then most of the time you'll end up saving money by bidding on eBay.
LordLamneth