If online cards can be redeemed for physical, then why are online cards so undervalued?

[Kage72]

When i search card values, I notice an unbelievable difference in online and physical. I see physical cards that are valued at $40 that are only valued at .02 online. Why is this? It seemed like one could buy an old set online for a few dollars, redeem for physical and sell for hundreds. So, what am I missing?

 

[Bryan]

Redemption used to be great when it was 5 dollars to get the set shipped to you. Wizards decided they wanted more money so not as many people do it now.

 

[Firedrake]

It seemed like one could buy an old set online for a few dollars, redeem for physical and sell for hundreds. So, what am I missing?

"Old" sets are not redeemable. Only Duskmourn, Bloomburrow and Outlaws. And they are all currently Out of Stock.

 

[Kage72]

Wow! So they only redeem newer sets? Well, it's no wonder mtgo is dying. Why would anyone invest in cards that will eventually devalue to nothing.

 

[Firedrake]

Probably because not everyone views it as an "investment." To some, it's just a hobby, and an expenditure. They told us from jump street they could pull the plug at any time and we'd get nothing back.