How I Started a Pokémon Card Business While Working Full Time

[@sterlingcards]

Your disclaimer at the beginning is the transparency I really appreciate! Everyone's circumstances are different so knowing some background is always great context to add.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

The goal is to always be 100% transparent. I want this to be a channel of knowledge sharing and not a channel of comparing. Thanks so much for watching.

[@OutoftheWoodsWork]

@@sterlingcards yeah we don't all get free handouts

[@02stampede]

@@OutoftheWoodsWork Wait, are you implying that getting retirement is a free handout?

[@OutoftheWoodsWork]

@02stampede no that's not what I'm implying. Never does he say "retirement"... he says "disability"

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@OutoftheWoodsWork Hi there, you might have me confused with someone else's video. Around 35 seconds into the video I actually say that I am a Retired Army Veteran. I actually never say anything about disability. Hope that clears some confusion up for you. Thanks for watching and hope you continue following along on our journey.

[@ZanityTCG]

Retired Marine here and just hopped on to the business side recently. I can appreciate the transparency and thank you for your service, brother.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@ZanityTCG transparency is always the goal. Don’t ever want to mislead anyone. Thank you for service and thanks for watching.

[@christopherborchers766]

It's funny how many people were inspired by pokene. We watched several creators, including PokeNe, who all inspired us to make smart moves. Congrats on the hustle, living the dream

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

That guy is such a huge inspiration and definitely gave me the push to start scaling up. Much appreciated, and thank you so much for watching.

[@viciousemporium5192]

Thank you for your service brother! And congratulations on your success in business. Your family’s support is a huge blessing and a testament to the love and support you must have put into developing your family unit as well. I respect and admire that wholeheartedly, and maybe even a little more than the knowledge and experience you shared about the business. And the information you shared about your business is invaluable! I’m sure a video on business overhead and cost of supplies would be helpful to the community. I recently signed up for amazon’s associates program so I can earn a little commission recommending the products I use. I just made a list of the packing and card storage supplies, tools and lighting for pictures and livestreams, and even snacks I eat while sorting cards. That way when a customer or homie hanging out in my livestream asks about what binder I use or how much I pay for sleeves or anything relating to the supplies I use, I can direct them to the exact same ones I use and I can personally endorse and approve of. If you did something like that with your business while you’re making these content videos and growing the reach of your brand, it would create a more solid connection between your viewers and your business. I never thought anything of it, but realistically, nobody just quits everything they’re doing and goes to work for themselves the way I did when I was a psycho in my mid 20’s. The amount of time I spend researching for my passions as well as my businesses most people just don’t have. And being in the unique position we are in this hobby where he are constantly handling product and packaging orders, we pick up a lot of seemingly basic knowledge that is actually very useful and could save others a ton of time if we shared it with them. Sorry for the long message, and my unsolicited two sense 😅 but you have a new fan in me. Thank you for sharing your perspective and I appreciate the transparency you display while delivering your experience. It’s both refreshing and inspiring! -Vicious (the grumpiest streamer on whatnot 😅)

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Thank you for the kind words and the great feedback you provided. No need to ever apologize for a long comment, I really enjoy hearing back from anyone that watches my videos. Seems like you have some great insight to share as well. Thanks so much for watching.

[@MannyTripleStar]

It was nice to watch this video and see how you started and where you are now. I started selling on eBay in May of 2023 so I have just a bit of a head start from you but I have never tried selling on a different platform or tried to make any videos on KZbin although it has crossed my mind. Still working full time and trying to figure out if selling is something I want to keep pursuing. I am interested to see which platform ends up being your main focus and how this KZbin thing works out for you. PokeNE is great and has a lot of insight. I wish you all the success and best of luck. I’ll be following your journey!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I truly appreciate the kind words and I'm excited to have you along for the journey. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Mountain_Peak_TCG]

Just found you channel and this video is awesome and refreshing. Definitely looking forward to seeing more of your videos and hopefully getting in contact with you! Recently started a pokemon focused business and looking on how to improve.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it. I'm still learning myself, but always willing to share the things that have helped me out. Thanks so much for watching.

[@carolina3502]

Just found your channel . I’m a new subscriber you’re very inspiring. I’m a woman who just started this adventure and I hope it goes well is a little intimidating since this hobby is more for men. For sure I will continue watching your videos to continue learning. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@carolina3502 thanks so much for the kind words. Lots of great women in this hobby as well. I’m here to help in any way I can. Thanks for watching and subscribing.

[@7t1l1f]

I don't really comment on a lot of videos, but I wanted to show some gratitude for the transparency and knowledge. I really relate with the lifestyle, and I truly want to pursue my "dream" in the hobby. Would love to see any future content you're interested in sharing. Thanks again, and good luck with everything! 🙏

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Thanks so much for the kind words. The plan is to continue sharing knowledge. Thanks for watching.

[@GoldenPandaTCG]

good video! always cool to see behind the scenes 🤙

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@GoldenPandaTCG Thanks, we are bringing lots of behind the scenes!

[@TurboTurtles-03]

I appreciate the video brother. I started this journey about 6 months ago and learning as I go. I look forward to your progress moving forward.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@TurboTurtles-03 Awesome to hear. Always learning is the motto I follow. Thanks so much for watching.

[@AlaskaJiuJitsu]

Retired Infantry Paratrooper with a sugar momma myself! New subscriber. Rudy & pokeNE are definitely motivating for me, I run a Jiu-Jitsu Academy with my homie and am looking to open an actual TCG store to play here in Alaska as well. I love MTG myself, but will definitely be selling Pokémon.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Spent most my career in the Infantry, best and worst times of my life 🤣 I actually played MTG competitively for a few years, Avacyn Restored time period. Long term goal is to open a physical location as well. Thanks so much for watching and subscribing.

[@Adam1llion]

H-Town love! The transparency is key and you nailed it. Keep it up!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@Adam1llion H-Town, What’s Up! Appreciate the kind words and thanks for watching.

[@JamesBelliston]

Good on you. I love seeing people following their passions. I follow Brian as well. He's a stud.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@JamesBelliston it’s exciting for sure. I’m just thankful that I’m in a position to go for it. Thanks so much for watching.

[@batdaddy8357]

Just found your channel on recommended! Subscribed immediately. I’m also starting my own card selling journey

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Awesome to hear you are starting as well. Hope my videos are able to provide a bit of usefulness along the way. Thanks so much for watch and subscribing.

[@TYLM21]

Instant subscriber here. Looking forward to your content!! Great to see what others do after the military. 14 more years until retirement!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Thank you for your service! It's totally worth it to stay in and retire, if you can grind it out. Thanks for subbing and following along.

[@Lswat717Ent]

Keep up with the great grind and keep on pushing through

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@Lswat717Ent will do! Thanks for the words of encouragement and thanks for watching.

[@scriss1225]

Just stumbled in your account. And I subscribed too, I'm interested to see your growth and learn with someone who's starting at this business like me. I hope to see and learn more 😊

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I appreciate you following along this journey. I'll be documenting and sharing as I go. Thanks for watching.

[@scriss1225]

@Legendary_Cardboard thank you😊

[@KyodaiGG]

1000th subscriber right here. This was a great video.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Awesome! Thanks so much for subbing and getting me to that 1K sub mark. Thanks so much for watching.

[@danspokestop]

This was super interesting! I’ve always had the dream, and I’m so excited for your growth my man. Love the transparency as well!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Much appreciated! Keep the dream alive and follow along. Thanks so much for watching.

[@elvis723]

Great video. Just wanted to thank you for your service.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I truly appreciate that. Thanks so much for watching.

[@ftfuture6676]

did you recently do a pop up shop? think i saw you post about it not sure, glad to see you here on youtube, good luck!!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I sure did. Wow, small world. Going to be doing Pop-Ups every now and then, as I do some market research on possibly opening up a physical location in my area of Houston. Follow along for the journey. Thanks for watching.

[@Theriptour]

Awesome video! I’m embarking on-almost, the exact same path. Husband, father, myself. This was exactly what I needed thank you!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Great to hear you are starting your own journey as well. I'll be over here rooting for you. Thanks so much for watching.

[@roxyboxy69]

I respect what your doing, I plan on doing something like this myself in the next 5 yrs or so. Right now I'm buying only sealed product and I'm holding it. My goal is to save up around 150k worth of product first then start selling. I want to make sure I have enough funds coming in so I have enough money to purchase from a distributor once I get that. I have an eBay store with about 500 sales 100 percent feedback nothing crazy. So far I have saved up 75k in sealed product which I'm happy with over The last 3 yrs but like I said I want to get it up to 150k. Anyways that's some of my plan, will it work? I don't now. I research KZbin videos everyday and listen and learn. Best of luck to you in your journey I hope everything works out great, and thank you for your service!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@roxyboxy69 Sounds like you got a solid game plan. Hope it all works out for you as well. My long term goal is to eventually open a physical location. I’ve just been enjoying every aspect of this and going to continue documenting the journey. Thanks so much for watching.

[@championredd]

When you first started how many booster boxes where you buying?just 1 from each set? Or like etbs and things like that

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@championredd I started with a few Japanese booster boxes, because they were much cheaper than English, and 2 booster boxes of Twilight Masquerade. I started with only selling packs, and that was mainly to work on getting a website established. Then bought 2 booster boxes of Stellar Crown, for packs as well. All this was bought at retail prices, it was simply just to get started and try to establish a good reputation with selling.

[@championredd]

@ I see thanks for the advice

[@DanielCordone9]

Just buy cards for $10 and sell them for $4000. That's what I'm doing

[@madmedic466]

Thanks for posting this. I’ve always wanted to get into selling cards and your video helped a lot.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

So glad to hear that this helped. I plan to continue documenting the journey and posting updates as the business evolves. Thanks so much for watching.

[@kylerphill1906]

Hey love the video and glad to see people making moves in this TCG business. I want to give you a suggestion and some advice to help you boost your viewers and getting people to recognize who you are. You should start vending at a collect o con because the show will help you network and make a lot of profit. It is very common in Houston, I think 3 shows in the 2025 year so it would help you a lot!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I appreciate the kind words and the suggestions and advice. I take all advice since I'm still learning as well. Vending has crossed my mind, as I love the social aspect of meeting and talking with people. Thanks so much for watching.

[@reversiontothemean6129]

Seems like many of us that watch these type videos just want to have a hobby that at least breaks even or makes a little side money while we live life. Meaning the real focus is not primarily needing a certain level of profit to survive. I too retired early and have a hobby for pay gig at home with similar circimstances. I am just now getting closer to starting trading cards, hence watching videos like this. Many KZbinrs primarily want to be content creators and gloss over anything that can be negative about business. Good luck to you, I hope everything works out well and you get what you are seeking from the business.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

When I first started, I never imagined it turning into an actual business. I enjoy it so much and it grew organically. More than anything I really enjoy the interactions I get with everyone, whether it be online or in person. My hopes on here is to inspire others and help by documenting my journey along the way. Thanks so much for watching.

[@poke-transport1910]

Awesome video! I love pokene as well. If you could, share some videos about the whole shipping side of your business. That’s the most worrisome aspect for me. I’ve had some really well packaged cards come in, and then some the just threw in the envelope.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Pokene was a big inspiration and motivation for me to get started, seems like such a good dude. I actually have a video showing how I ship my singles. Check it out and if there is anything I didn't cover, feel free to ask. Thanks so much for watching.

[@BigFree562]

Truly Appreciated Legendary Cardboard!!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I truly appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@andrewparry7300]

During covid i started this but never looked at it as a business just fun. Ended up selling over $100k 2nd year. i cut back once it started feeling like work (and after that tax bill 😅) and just do it to try and fund my pc.. Good luck man!!!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

It all started out for fun and just slowly developed into starting a business. Luckily, I am still having a lot of fun as it continues to grow. I appreciate you watching.

[@DK_TCG_CAVE]

Great video! keep grinding brotha

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@DK_TCG_CAVE very much appreciated. Thanks for watching.

[@johnguava]

Cool man. Busy dad here, I want to dip my toe in water with my son and teach him business. I’ll rewatch again later

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

It can definitely be challenging to find the time as a busy family man. I just try and be as efficient as possible with the time that get. Thanks so much for watching.

[@cursedinfinity]

When are you (or have you started) selling on TCG Player. I just started for Lorcana. I'd be interested in a video on pricing cards for that platform.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I recently started selling my bulk on TCG Player. As of right now, I would not feel comfortable enough to make a video showing that, as TCG Player is way different than eBay. Once I get more of a strategy that seems to work well, I could plan a video. Thanks for watching.

[@TheWhiteLlamasCardCloset]

New sub here. Great content and I can relate with working full time/balancing family life (I have 3 kids myself and happily married for 17 years) with the hobby. Quick question. What equipment are you using to create and edit your vids/content? I have content uploaded but I’d like to take a step up similar to yourself. I dig the set up. I live in the Houston area as well.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Thanks for watching and subbing! I use my iPhone 16 Pro for my videos and use the free version of DaVinci Resolve for the editing.

[@gabandrant4958]

I just started this year June too! I mainly do YuGiOh it’s amazing to do

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Congrats on starting this year as well. I'm hoping to add YuGiOh down the line but I don't much about it right now. Good luck on your continued growth and thanks watching.

[@faaiqster]

Excellent video! :) very informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Thank you for the kind words. The goal is to be a channel of knowledge sharing. Thanks so much for watching.

[@JakeP2013]

Cool to see you take that leap and form a legit business. I've been a card show vendor for about 3 years now, just because I like doing it, but I've had cold feet for a while when it comes to getting more serious about getting organized and operating like a legit business.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@JakeP2013 I would think you might have a leg up being that you’ve been vending for 3 years. Throwing an LLC on the end of my name really hasn’t changed anything except how I’ll have to pay taxes. Good luck to you if you decide take the leap. Thanks so much for watching.

[@misajsan]

awesome i found your channel, just got back into collecting pokemon cards with my two sons, wondering if your going to have any more prismatic etb available in your store?

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Nothing better than a father and his sons bonding with Pokemon. We won't be putting anymore back up for pre-order, but we will have more on the site when it releases. We plan on pumping out an email to notify everyone when we post them. Be sure to sign up for the notification. Thanks so much for watching.

[@HarryWest19]

Great video! Would be great to hear your learnings on taking photos and listing singles on eBay

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Got a video planned of doing a full walk through on how I got started on eBay. Thanks for watching.

[@History.Arcana]

Great video. I love to know your listing process on eBay. Taking one picture at a time really takes a lot of time and effort. I wondering if you have a faster process

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@History.Arcana thanks for the kind words. I’m actually working on a video tonight on my process that should be posted tomorrow. A pro tip I mention in my video is complete all your listings on a computer and then save as draft. Then with your phone take all your pictures at once and then compete your listings on the eBay app. All you have to do is open your draft, upload the pictures and then post your listing.

[@patrickhoc]

If there's any way you could go through how you listed your personal collection and such that would be great! I'm in a similar situation, Active Duty Navy and have a similar work/life/father balance. Thanks in advance man

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Absolutely. I can definitely do a walk through of how I exactly started listing cards on eBay and what sources I use to find the current values. Thanks so much for watching and Thank You for your service!

[@patrickhoc]

@Legendary_Cardboard That would be great. I know I've got stuff in my trade binder I wouldn't mind selling. Also a bunch of extra Scarlet and Violet EXs I know I don't need just collecting dust.

[@TeamRIPIT_ALEX]

Does wix ask for verification for Japanese products?

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I have not been asked for verification up to this point. In the event that I am asked, I have my invoices and sources ready to provide to them, in hopes to avoid any issues.

[@TeamRIPIT_ALEX]

@@Legendary_Cardboard for sure thanks yeah I want to make the jump for a website but I seen pokene video about them shutting pokemon stores lol I have PayPal invoices from Japan that’s about it not sure if they’ll accept those but yeah thanks for the info much appreciated! Thanks for the info!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I watched the same video, but just went for it anyways. Good luck to you, and thanks for watching.

[@TeamRIPIT_ALEX]

@ thanks brotha same to you good luck!

[@taplayer5079]

what's been your main way of sourcing singles to sell?

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@taplayer5079 I like to try and source locally as that’s the best way to get some deals. Plus, this method is not recommended as a way to profit, my family and I rip a lot of packs because we enjoy it.

[@chrissan6015]

how do you deal with people who try to scam you saying they didn't receive the product. are you backed by ebay or just screwed? Thats my biggest problem with starting.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@chrissan6015 the great thing about eBay is that everything has tracking. So if the tracking says delivered, then eBay backs you. I’ve had a few times where the tracking didn’t update to delivered, so I refunded the order and then filed a lost item claim through eBay and received payment within a few days. Don’t let the scamming be the reason that prevents you from starting. It’s not as common as everyone makes it out to be. Plus eBay does a good job at protecting you as a seller.

[@elliottkleckner]

How hard was it to get a distributor? I have an ebay store and was thinking about creating a website but not sure if i want to make that step yet.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

I actually do not have a distributor right now. I source product from wholesalers and buy in bulk in order to get the best price and I have a supplier that has distributor access that can get me some product at a better rate. This is very much doable without having an actual distributor, just takes some creativity and out of the box thinking. I'm here to help in any way I can.

[@Icethebb]

Love the content !!! Subbed !!!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Appreciate it. Hoping to bring lots of value to everyone.

[@RonnieSportz]

Here’s my main issue. I have some product with large margins to get started with. But after shipping and eBay fees, it goes from 200% profit to like 30% profit (I have evolving skies and 151 product). How could I expect to stay in the black when I run out of my high margin stuff? Say I buy a case of paradox rift for $650, wait 6 months and it’s worth $700. That’s about 8% increase, which is great. But when I go to sell it, eBay will take 12%+ and I’ll have to pay to ship as well. Now I’m losing money. I just don’t see a way to continue to be profitable when I run out of my high margin product. MAYBE I could do the single card and grading thing… idk man.

[@StevePullsHeat]

With someone like that I would definitely only sell local or try and to sell at a trading convention

[@InnovateTCG]

I would sell locally or sell singles in batches/sets. This allows you to split up the fee from individual to all the high-priced cards. If a certain website isn't working for you I would recommend to simply try something outside of ebay. Locally can also be something like Facebook marketplace, as it would help flip it faster. This does require you to live in a big city though.

[@SejoMinoXP]

When it comes to sealed investments, 6 months is a very short amount of time for products. Usually takes a couple years for it to be worth the hassle of selling. No shortcuts when you are trying to build a company. How cheap can you get the product and how much can you make when selling it. The industry for cards is very small margins. Better off going to a card convention trading you case upfront.

[@SejoMinoXP]

The shipping fee isn't really supposed to kill you unless you are sending it out wrong. That is the reason why people get into the market to sell, they need to build up an inventory for shipping. There are many different ways for that when you sell, depending on what you are selling. In my case, I sell singles, that means I need to buy bulk bubble mailers/envelopes, bulk top loaders/sleeves, postage stamps, and thermal labeler if you have crappy hand writing. The shipping is supposed to be part of the reimbursement you used for materials to sell said items. Then you used the shipping amount to restock your supplies for the next order.

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@RonnieSportz Looks like people already got it covered, but I agree with the comments about selling locally for anything with high value/margins. As for eBay, I don't mind selling my singles on there, because I don't have the overhead of a physical location. I think of eBay as my "physical location" and the fees are my "rent". All sealed product for me is sold on our website.

[@DarwinsInvitation]

Count me in!✌️

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

You're counted in 🙌 Thanks for watching!

[@RobZA88]

Interesting to see the metrics of the business. Awesome video

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

The goal will always be to give a realistic (or at least my realistic) take, on starting this business. The plan is to continue sharing and updating the metrics as the business continues to grow. Thanks so much for watching.

[@RobZA88]

@Legendary_Cardboard yeah you gave a great breakdown on how to sell to a consumer the right with regarding packaging, costs, supplies, and more. I also have an ebay shop but the part about using the penny sleeves over the pokemon sleeves made sense to me 💯. Any tips on counter offer? Well at least thru ebay .

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

So glad you find this information useful. For counter offers, it really just depends on the card, it's current value, and how long it's been listed. Generally I try to stick with minimally 90% of recent sales. When I get the ridiculously low offers, I just decline immediately. I have also counted back and fourth just for the buyer to eventually decline my offer and then 10 minutes later someone buys it full price. So I try not to ever be in a hurry to sell everything.

[@Factopcalypse]

Let’s gooo! From Htown also! Let’s see that breakdown!!

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

H-Town in the House!

[@songpastordale]

Why don’t you sell on TCGplayer?

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Actually just recently started selling on there. I plan on doing a Business update video discussing it.

[@OutoftheWoodsWork]

Bro out here spending your hard earned tax dollars on Pokémon Cards

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

@@OutoftheWoodsWork life’s to short and I gotta catch ‘em all! Thanks for watching.

[@Evo_Me]

I was honestly expecting way more than 12k spent tbh

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Me personally, I think 12k is definitely on the low end but I know not everyone is in a similar situation as me. Just wanted to put things in perspective and be transparent in hopes to help people. Thanks for watching.

[@crazymonkeyspokemon]

We are in Houston too… what’s your Whatnot name?

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Awesome, some more H-Town peeps ! Our Whatnot name is legendarycardboard. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@FrozenShadoW918]

Link your website in the description of this video

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Got it done. Rookie mistake. Thanks for pointing that out and thanks for watching.

[@SampsonRoofing]

💰💰💰💰💰💰

[@InnovateTCG]

Hype

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

We definitely getting Hype over here! Thanks for watching.

[@johnmyers5256]

A lot of work to be negative 4K

[@Legendary_Cardboard]

Really great and fair point. Fortunately for me this doesn't feel like work at all and continue to enjoy every bit of it, and though I started with being pretty loose with my expenses in the beginning, I was still smart enough to build an exit plan if needed. Thanks so much for watching.