How to Buy and Sell Pokémon Cards for Profit: A Complete Guide

Are you dreaming of making money buying and selling Pokémon cards? If so, you're in the right place! In today’s guide, I’ll walk you through the exact strategies I use to run my Pokémon card business, sharing the tips and tricks that have worked for me over the past six months.


Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your methods, this article covers everything: how to buy cards, price them, sell them, and build a solid foundation for your trading card business.

Let’s dive in!

Why eBay Should Be Your Starting Point

When you're starting out in the trading card business—whether it’s Pokémon, sports, or any other TCG—eBay is your best friend. It’s a well-established platform with a massive audience, making it the perfect place to list your cards for sale.

Here are the three main selling methods on eBay:

1. Buy It Now (BIN)

This method allows you to set a fixed price for your card. For example, if you’re selling a 151 Squirtle that typically sells for $25, you can list it at $24.99 and let buyers purchase it directly. You also have the option to accept offers, which can help attract buyers looking for a deal.

Pro Tip:

  • Write clear, descriptive titles with keywords like “Squirtle 151 Near Mint Pokémon Card”.
  • Include sharp, well-lit photos of the front and back of the card.
  • Specify if shipping is included or separate (e.g., $4 shipping).

2. Auctions

If you want to sell cards quickly, auctions are the way to go. Start your auction at $1 with free shipping to attract more bids. While this method is great for liquidating inventory, keep in mind that some cards may sell for less than expected.

Pro Tips for Auctions:

  • Run your auctions for seven days, ending on Sunday nights at 9:30 PM (EST). Most buyers are active then, increasing the chance of competitive bidding.
  • Use auctions for cards that haven’t sold through Buy It Now, or for bulk inventory you need to clear.

3. eBay Stores

Once you’ve built up a larger inventory, consider setting up an eBay store. While it comes with additional fees, it provides better organization and exposure for your listings.

Remember: eBay takes a fee of around 12-14%, so price your cards accordingly to maintain profitability. For example, if you sell a card for $100, expect to receive about $85 after fees.

Building Trust and Sales Through Social Media

Social media is a game-changer for selling Pokémon cards. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook allow you to reach a broader audience and engage directly with buyers. However, building trust is key.

1. Instagram: Your Best Ally

Instagram is my top platform for selling cards, and here’s how you can use it effectively:

  • Feed Posts: Take high-quality photos of your cards, add engaging captions, and use hashtags like #PokemonCardsForSale or #TCGCommunity.
  • Stories: Post 3–10 stories daily showcasing cards with their prices. Use tags like “$4 shipping, OBO (Or Best Offer)” to attract buyers.
  • Reels: Create 60-second videos showcasing multiple cards in a claim sale format. For example, say: “Sylveon VMAX PSA 10, $300. DM me if interested!”

2. TikTok and Facebook

  • TikTok is great for showcasing your inventory with fun, engaging content. Post pack openings, sales, or even live streams.
  • Join Facebook groups dedicated to Pokémon trading. Engage with the community, make deals, and build a trustworthy reputation.

Pro Tip: Always interact with your followers and show references from past buyers. People are more likely to purchase when they see you’re a trusted seller.

Leveling Up: Selling at Card Shows

Card shows are one of the most exciting ways to buy and sell Pokémon cards. You’ll meet other collectors, negotiate deals in person, and enjoy the thrill of the hobby.

Why Sell at Shows?

  • Cash Transactions: Most sales are cash, saving you from online platform fees.
  • Negotiation Opportunities: You can haggle directly with buyers, often securing better margins.
  • Exposure: Display your cards on a table and let your passion shine.

Pro Tip:
Set up your table professionally. Use clear displays, pricing labels, and offer bundle deals to encourage higher sales.

How to Accurately Price Pokémon Cards

Knowing how to price your cards is critical to your success. Overpricing will scare buyers away, while underpricing leaves money on the table.

Tools to Use for Pricing:

  1. TCGPlayer
    Search for your card on TCGPlayer and check the market prices for conditions like Near Mint, Lightly Played, or Heavily Played. Take the average of the last three sales to determine the current value.

  2. Card Ladder (Recommended for Graded Cards)
    This subscription-based tool tracks verified sales and provides trend lines for cards. It’s especially useful for graded cards like PSA 10s.

  3. Alt
    Alt is another great tool for tracking graded card values. It shows the latest sales data, helping you stay competitive.

Where to Buy Pokémon Cards for Resale

Finding inventory is one of the biggest challenges in the trading card business. Here are some of the best places to buy cards:

1. Local Card Shops

Visit your nearest card shop to find individual cards or bulk lots. Building a good relationship with shop owners can also lead to exclusive deals.

2. Online Platforms

  • eBay: Look for auctions with high-quality photos and judge the card’s condition carefully.
  • Whatnot: Join live auctions for deals on raw cards or sealed packs.

3. Card Shows

Attend local or regional card shows to buy cards directly from other collectors. You’ll often find great deals by negotiating in person.

4. Facebook Groups and Communities

Join groups dedicated to Pokémon card trading. Engage with members, buy cards, and even make bulk purchases.

Final Thoughts: Growing Your Pokémon Card Business

Starting a Pokémon card business is both fun and challenging. By leveraging platforms like eBay and Instagram, attending card shows, and using tools like TCGPlayer and Card Ladder, you’ll build a profitable venture in no time.

Key Takeaways:

  • Start small with eBay auctions and Buy It Now listings.
  • Build trust and a following on Instagram and TikTok.
  • Use tools like TCGPlayer and Card Ladder for accurate pricing.
  • Attend card shows to network and make deals in person.

If you’re passionate about Pokémon cards, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Start selling today and watch your business grow!

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