Is opening a Pokemon TCG business a BAD IDEA in 2023?

[@DannyPhantump]

Congratulations to the winners: @blakesmith1993 @thrax2421 @TheCardCommando

[@tayloradams245]

Haircut.

[@aaronscott2278]

Congratulations winners really appreciate the chance Danny 🙏

[@MrSneakyrich]

Congratulations 🎉

[@poke_warrior]

congrats guys!

[@3_x_plus_1]

Weird not my @ all good next time.

[@Chadderboxhobby]

I just had my brick and mortar grand opening on Saturday the 7th! I was online only for about 2 years and then started selling at the local farmers market to warm up the community to my shop before it opened. Our opening day was a huge success! Danny, you've always been a huge motivation booster for me so thank you!

[@BenWritesThings]

Congrats on the launch! That’s awesome.

[@VRule1]

As a small business owner myself, I can tell others it is a big commitment even as a small side hustle it takes a lot more hard work than people think. Nothing is impossible though. My mantra is "Do the work"

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@Peanut_butter101]

That mantra sounds familiar 🤔

[@VRule1]

@Peanut_butter101 it's a popular one and not my creation but simple and solid.

[@djsano23]

Looking to start something on the side. Any tips?

[@VRule1]

@djsano23 people often say to do what you love. I follow the idea: do things that you don't hate but will bring you to the goal of doing what you love. I've done many tasks and many jobs and taking many clients that I wasn't excited about but it was a stepping stone to getting to the more successful side of my business. Another thing you'll often hear is to Niche down. Get specific about your goals and keep pursuing those specifics. F.O.C.U.S (follow one course until success)

[@alltexgaming8573]

I’ve been back in the hobby since 2020 and have sold bulk for cheap but am looking into selling singles and starting a business possibly a brick and mortar. It’s now a hobby, sorting, researching, I love it. Reminds me of the days where I would sit in the living room with hundreds of cards around me in a circle all around the room sorting. This is great info thank you.

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@Melobane_TCG]

I would love to have the time to open a tcg business. But I’ll stick to making small opening videos and making small gains where I can. Keep up the good work Danny! Love the content.

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@rigzzz]

i used to collect a bunch more but school has taken priority so waiting to see some stuff before i can go and buy stuff again

[@NayleeWammieSethany]

Yeah sticking to selling my extra singles on tcg seems to be the way to go for me. Just enough time sunk in to make a couple bucks on the side to make some back from opening, not enough to super stress. Your videos definitely help with that though! Always looking out for commons and uncommons you call out to pull for value. Thanks Danny!

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@simthegeek1428]

It's making it's work in my head. Still hesitating before starting a TCG Business in Quebec, Canada. But love to watch contents and learn about it. Your're a great help

[@timokthy]

Love how you're always educating the community in all aspects of the hobby. Thanks Danny

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@PokeBeardTCG]

HELP!!! Extremely overwhelmed. When you type in starting a business in your state it's not that simple. There's so many different things and options and most ask for money. Please help. I'm your neighbor in Minnesota. If you could tell me what you recommend for a eBay store and possibly my own website soon?? I buy big lots online and sell them individually only right now. Would like to sell some sealed from distributor also eventually.

[@stevens22589]

I wanted to open a shop during 2020, really glad I DIDNT

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@ssubzerofn]

Why?

[@haitham1789]

Why tho

[@sterlingcards]

great video! super informative and really hits on the main points of running a TCG hustle/business!

[@yumecards_ca]

Luckily, Scarlet & Violet base set looks good for now 😊

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@thomasaquinas601]

Thank you for touching on this topic. I really appreciate your insight on this that I just don't hear anywhere else...much appreciated.

[@trevorsimpsonglass3963]

Thanks for the love and sharing your experience brother. It means a lot🙌🙌🙌

[@swoopgg3720]

I’ve been selling on TCGplayer for 5-6 months and it’s great, but it’s a lot of work and I have such a small inventory. There’s way more to it than it seems and can become overwhelming. But I do love Pokémon, collecting and helping others with their collections!!

[@15blows]

Wow, so informative thank you!! Seems so easy watching some of these guys do it but when you break it down its definitely a grind!

[@Fureverhomes812]

I plan on opening up my shop in 2023, your videos have been huge for others like me! Thanks man! Appreciate it for sure!

[@thereegstah]

Big props to those looking to start a small business. Im keeping this a hobby with small profit potential myself

[@ezrawinget8109]

Danny you’re so generous with these boxes we really appreciate it man. Thanks for being transparent about why you started your business you rock dude🔥

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@poketherapy2020]

I honestly can't thank you enough. I have been thinking of having my own business for Pokemon cards but didn't realize what it really meant. Ever since I've been following you I have learned so much about everything Pokemon and I can't tell you "thank you" enough. You're Arceus sent🤩

[@cooltrainer_chris]

Hey Danny, recent subscriber and fan here - wanted to share a funny story with ya. Long story short, I’m pretty much brand new to Pokémon collecting. In fact, it’s basically been over twenty years since I’ve bought anything Pokémon. However, after recently finding my old collection and cards only a few months ago at my parents’ place, I’ve since discovered a newfound appreciation and love for Pokémon and the thrill/nostalgia of collecting again. I randomly came across your channel while looking at Pokémon collecting videos one day, and how to “get back into it”. It was then that I began to realize how much my collection was worth, but also how I could start to enjoy and look at Pokémon not just as a hobby again, but as a means of investment. So after 20+ years of not opening or buying anything Pokémon related, I asked for “whatever the newest pack is” and ended up purchasing a handful of Silver Tempest packs at a local card store. Not knowing really any single Pokémon of these newer generations, I had to Google nearly every card I pulled. Well, one of those very pulls just happened to be (what I now realize is) the highly sought after Lugia card... “beginners luck” I guess am I right? Anyways since that moment, I’ve worked on learning more about the trading card game itself and the art of collecting, investing, and possibly in my case, maybe even starting a side business down the road. So I just wanted to say, your videos have been instrumental in recapturing my love for this game, twenty some odd years later, so thank you. I also realize now, that this was anything but a “long story short” - but again, many thanks Danny, and keep up the great work. Sincerely, New Pokémon fan

[@King13Amar]

I’ve been looking into opening a TCG business for a few months now. I came across your channel and it’s given me a lot of insight. Seems like a lot of agro for small margins. But I will keep at it and see if there is a way to make it happen.

[@Southwest1]

Tysm for being a chill guy and not screaming every 2 seconds

[@shuckletcg]

Did a bunch of research for opening a brick/mortar LGS this year but ultimately had to decide against it. My area has a lot of established shops with dedicated player bases that would be difficult to compete with.

[@Chris-qt6dn]

I've been considering becoming a Pokemon bulk seller because of your videos, along with a few other content creators. Thank you for the vids!

[@nosferdox]

I also recommend to start small with it. Also the business strategy varies depending where you live. I am in Europe and in our stores packs cost 7+ Eur. I bought for 256 eur 2x Silver Tempest boxes and sold singles for cheaper (5 - 5.50 eur). I sold them quite quickly and ordered new bulk (reinvested). But my country has no strong competetive scene. People mostly collect and don't even know how to play. So while I sall locally by word of mouth and Facebook, I am researching ways to sell outside of my country in Europe, because it could slow down at any moment. Maybe the new price increase helps to drive more traffic to me because stores will increase the price probably even more. I have to also start getting the boxes at wholesale prices and not cardmarket prices. For beginning it is ok. This wouldn't work in the USA. Cheers. PS: Danny, if you have any tips or tricks for Europe people... :))))

[@beanypdx9150]

Love the honesty and transparency -- you're one of a kind in this biz! Keep it up!

[@Where.jos.]

Very grateful and respect people that decided to open business to provide for the community while still doing something they enjoy

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@michaelfanton205]

As always, thanks for the advice! It's so hard to find good deals on eBay anymore. This is true for anything really, not just Pokemon.

[@gunn3d207]

Loving the content. Really connected with this one, started a TCG business 10 months ago and still going strong!

[@oreolag5753]

Thank you for the video! I definitely want to start a business this year for 2023. I have yet to decide what business I would like, but a TCG is one I’ve been considering.

[@claytonfrusco6460]

Thanks for all the informational videos!! I’ve just started looking into trying to make a little money on the side with the hobby. These videos are a huge help!

[@nathanmitchell3281]

TCG Business in general is something I've contemplated for a long time. Over the past month we have started doing some extra things in collecting like buying bulk, finding deals at major chains, LCS etc to help in making a little extra money and it has been very fun so far!

[@AmaraCantHurt]

Definitely a ton of work. I’m content buying a case every time a new set drops, rip a couple, sell a couple, hold a few. Congrats on your success.

[@dustinheer9702]

Your generosity is insane! The community thanks you

[@pokeredandblue2383]

Amazing video Danny. I'm a small business owner in Aus. And videos like this really help me out mate. Keep doing you and being awesome. Appreciate the insight!

[@KatDizzy]

Honestly I couldn’t do a poke shop but I do appreciate all of you that do!

[@ganthunie]

Some people dont fully understand the grind, hours, and very slim margins

[@brandoc04]

I would say no, unless this is a full time gig it’s hard to make this a consistent stream of income. Reason being, the IRS this year, has recognized $600 or more as being taxable for reselling . This used to be 22,000. So if you buy a lot of cards for 500 on eBay and let’s say you spend a month flipping it to 1000. When tax season comes, that 1000 is up for taxing, which you should expect to give up at least 400 of those dollars. Leaving you with an actual 100 profit. Now I’m not sure how you could possibly fill out “expenses” for a business if this is your part time gig and you’re selling cards individually. But this is my two cents as a successful reseller last year.

[@Silas_Games]

Working to start my business currently :) Thankful for the advice.

[@brettcook7787]

I’ve dabbled on eBay for the past few years buying and selling… hard to pull a profit! Time consuming like heck but fun!! Hoping to expand one day?? Appreciate all your advice and truth bombs! ❤

[@DannyM7207]

Thanks for the honest info! I’m looking to open up a brick and mortar in my local area this year and this was very helpful!

[@joseyupanqui151]

for the past 4 years ive run a part time Otaku stall at a local Flea Market. while the majority of my inventory is comprised of Anime-oriented merchandise including Bandai, Sanrio, Funko, Nendo, YouTooz, Shitmallows, my (now) 12 year old son convinced me to jump into Pokemon just before the Pandemic Pokemon Panic of 2020… what started as a 2’ x 2’ section dedicated to whatever Pokemon hanger sleeves & blisters i could get my hands on has expanded into a 6 foot jewelry case dedicated entirely to tins, collection boxes, ETB’s & vintage packs. early on when American product got hard to find cheap Japanese booster boxes really got me over. 30 pack Japanese boosters for $50 bucks could easily be flipped into $150 by selling at $5 a pack which is high compared to market average but the perfect price point for kids looking for ANYTHING to rip while Target & Walmart shelves were bare. ive never dealt with a proper Pokemon distributor- the abundance of cheap product from Sams, Costco & the combined holiday deals + going out of business fire sales from now-defunct LCS’ has allowed me to stock up on inventory as needed without being locked into forced allotments etc. this model WILL NOT work for online-only vendors as customers have competitive information right on Google and shipping eats a significant amount of profit, but in person u get impulse buys from kids asking parents for packs, tins & boxes on a whim & parents looking for gifts for their kids. if Walmart charges $45 for its ETB’s & i charge $50 (after paying $25-30), the price is close enough to retail that most in-person customers are not turned off by the slight markup over MSRP, especially considering my selection is significantly better than Walmart or Target. at any given time i’ll have SWSH Base, BStyles, Darkness, Vivid, Reign, Fusion, Stars, AssRad, GO!, Origins & Tempest ETB’s on hand. most big box stores have 2 or at most 3 sets for those looking to dip their toe in the water i would recommend against diving directly into distribution/wholesale deals. the key to surviving your first couple of years is flexibility. the LAST thing u want is to get coerced into buying more product than u need, or buying shit product (Battle decks anyone?) just so distributors will give u access to the good stuff. your margins are going to be tight & u cant afford to sit on unwanted product or eat it by selling at cost. instead, find the cheapest products u can- buy 10 of those Costco 5-pack tin bundles at $30 (or less) a piece then break em down & sell the tins for $10-$12 a piece. u just doubled your money. snatch up a few of those Heavy Hitters at $25, sell the full box for $50 or break down the packs for $5 a piece & u turned $25 into $70. $9 Virizion boxes at GameStop will sell for $20. $15 Trick or Trade bags turn into $40 if u sell each pack for $1. start cheap, stay flexible, dont get locked into bad distribution deals & have a few similar themed items to go with the cards: Pokemon plushies, Shitmallows & random anime crap from 5Below, some cheap YuGiOh shit, maybe some Manga, Pokemon funko pops, One Piece cards… Pokemon will be your focal point, the tree trunk, but u need a few branches. this will get u started… from there u can start thinking bigger & with a little work u should be able to build a decent customer base, at which point u start looking at distribution & filing your business papers. again this is a basic formula for a brick & mortar, preferably in a mall or market that already has traffic that u can tap into.

[@djflare87]

Always a thought in my head to open up shop but never took that first step. Thanks for all the info, and the courage to possibly pursue this dream.

[@Nicegram-Me-Kwite-Page]

Hey 🎉🎉🎉..,.

[@urbanaltar]

its tough to start any business long hours and small growth to start, props to you for sticking through the stagnant periods!

[@StockhouseGames]

Thanks for the great content Danny Phantump. Giving some insights on your journey and giving some reality checks on starting a business with the Pokemon trading card game! I look forward to consuming some more content from you.

[@jonpfingsten25]

Thank you for all you do for the community!

[@xESPplayer500x]

The trick to investing is to buy when no one is buying

[@orlandoalvarez214]

Thank you for you business expertise! Definitely looking forward to your videos in 2023.

[@anklez8623]

My 12 year old is the president of their middle school shop. They sell little things like pencils, fidgets, small stuff like that. The group decided they want to start selling Pokémon cards. I have no idea how they plan on getting started on that since it will be expensive to get inventory.

[@justthebreaksgaming]

We appreciate you're informative process. We're just trying to start something out and hope to generate a following thanks to you and many other Pokemon fans!

[@LegendaryJin]

Starting a small business with just pokemon products is hard especially in these times! There’s so much competition among online shops and also your local shops.

[@spookytooter]

I've been working towards getting a business degree and in class I always think about how I'd start a tcg business if I had the means to do it. Thank you for this insight to the real-world business man really enjoyed the video

[@FamerGame]

Def would be a dream come true to be able to help so many kids fulfill their dreams with completing sets/getting their favorite Pokemon and setting up shop somewhere. Good luck out there yall!

[@russell4781]

Congrats to the winners! Thanks Danny for all ya do

[@nevercold808]

This is a great vid to ground people who have their head in the clouds. I think a ton of new "stores" flame out quick because they don't realize how much work goes into running an LGS. Good luck to anyone chasing their dreams. Just know what you're getting into.

[@sooty87]

Really interesting, shows the importance of getting the volume through with such small margins. Good luck to anyone who gives it a go!

[@MrMeanGrinch]

Thanks for the info. Have been playing with the idea of this and have taken some of the first steps. Need to understand the competitive side better for sure for some of the singles I have.

[@mirkamon8768]

Sounds tough to get up and running with a Pokemon TCG business. Great info in this video. Thanks much.

[@yexiong85]

appreciate how you are giving back to the community. i like your content.

[@CFronTV]

happy 2023!!! hoping to get a box!! thanks for everything you do for the community!!

[@yojimbojack777]

Very pragmatic view of opening up a TCG business. Thanks for sharing your views and info about the business side of things. And 90K subs just around the corner with 100K on the horizon.

[@ASTERBULK]

It's a win win scenario imo. Opening Pokemon cards is both filled with enjoyment and also a possibility to make some cash :)

[@pearishplays]

This is the content I originally found your channel for, but I have stayed for all of the content you produce. Great stuff as always! I've always had a huge interest in starting my own business, but have been taking things VERY slow as I am pretty risk adverse, but starting selling on TCG Player and Ebay is a pretty risk free way to get started, and selling "bulk" competitive cards is a good way to get the feedback up, thanks for the info!

[@JusZard]

Much love Danny !!!

[@jeremyhanner7720]

I always think about starting a business But I end up just keeping everything for myself 🤣🤣

[@JokeEnhanced]

As a backpack seller with access to an international border, I started with a family loan of 2,500 + personal credit line of 10,000 to add to my personal collection of about 3k to start selling products abroad. After about 6 months of grinding, I can happily say that my “backpack vendor” enterprise has ballooned to 40,000$ usd (acquisition cost for product), with no personal debt and the family loan fully paid off within the first 3 months.

[@BlackBeltNob]

any tips/advice for someone serious in succeeding?

[@morrisgindi4890]

Just re-started my Pokémon journey and this video helps a lot

[@JHJ_hits]

Always great info and content, I’m not interested in opening a store but opens my eyes to what my lgs has to do to survive in the midst of a lot of competition, always gotta support local!

[@phizzlemydizzle8366]

Its always great coming together and getting to share in something we all love thanks Danny for all you do

[@EviIFantasy]

Have a website and an LLC, but after trying for 2 years, no distributors are currently willing to offer Pokemon cards to a new online-only store. Hope it changes soon!

[@stichez5173]

85$$ booster boxes are impossible to find in my area. Typically its 100-125. And bulk selling has went from a descent way to make extra to a chore I have to do to keep the mountains of cards down but I dont make much at all because the rates are ridiculous

[@CoachJDDesigns]

Starting a business is something I’ve thought about doing! Awesome video thanks!!

[@CP-kx7oi]

Came across your Videos 2 month ago and really appreciate your content ! Keep up the good work !

[@luisrodriguez402]

I’ve legit been watching your videos for the past couple of months and reason I got back into pokemon

[@robd9359]

Thanks for the insight. Not really looking to start a business, but definitely want to start selling on tcgplayer.

[@Otoczak_]

Very interesting material! I was thinking about opening an online store lately and the video is very helpful!

[@alltexgaming8573]

Been watching you since your garage and still love it keep up the good work

[@titusgaming07]

Bro thank you! This is so informative! I'm thinking about opening a business but I might just stay with ebay due to the simplicity of it!

[@matthewgoodin3641]

Always cool videos Danny, Like you've said in the past, a good margin of profit is 10%. Like you stated it's long grinds and slim margins, there are better opportunities out there if you want to make money. However, if you enjoy Pokemon and want to share it with the community, a business can work. Or like some have said small openings here and there. This is a good video to enlighten the community and to those who have an interest opening a store or thinking it's simpler then you're discussing. Also opening a business in 2023 can be very different then 2022 or prior. As always, awesome content and continue releasing awesome stuff

[@johnmichaelgaerlan44]

pokemon cards are a joy that brings people back to feeling younger again..

[@peagreen36]

These videos about the business side of things are my favourite that you share with us 😊

[@damienrosario2471]

We all dream of having our own tcg store, few can have your dedication to making it work. Thanks for the video!

[@trentonziegler]

I would love to be able to expand my business beyond just selling singles and sealed product on platforms like eBay and tcgplayer. Having distributor access and the clientele to sell would be a dream come true

[@Seifdaddy2]

This is great info. Pokémon is definitely a side hustle for me for now but this was still pertinent for anyone considering margins and places to buy!

[@williamlaur86]

Very good information here. Have never really looked into starting a Pokemon TCG business, so cool to learn about it.

[@thecardmerchant4930]

love these kinds of pokemon business vids, super insightful!

[@czarpoooop]

These vids are few and far between with good info, thanks man!

[@volcomshocka757]

Im so stoked your still making videos. Always love how informative your channel is. Keep it up!

[@lottstosea]

Interesting info! Never considering doing Pokémon as a side hustle but this was still really cool, thanks!

[@happyeggroll5267]

If you open a shop keeps your overhead as low as possible, embrace digital tools and selling platforms, be prepared to sit on product for it to vest and be prepared to fail if you can do those four things. I think the best way is virtual storefronts, keeping your day job to pay the bills and let the biz/investment on sealed product grow.

[@larryfrostgiver4933]

Seems like a tough biz. You do a great job. Thanks for keeping us informed.

[@StrikeCards]

Love these analytical vids Danny! Keep ‘em coming!

[@yangsue07]

Thanks for the information! I do plan on expanding from just selling singles!

[@dakidfresh1197]

this video is everything i was looking for! i really wanted to start one in 2021 when i got back into it. thanks for this!

[@markrodriquez6447]

Doing something you’re passionate about and making money while doing it, is the dream

[@JustACrumble]

Thanks for the info! Love learning about the seller side of things

[@whythreeh]

I've just started a small side hustle for Pokemon. It gives me an excuse to buy product and then of course sell them to continue financing myself. It is not as easy as people think it is. But, press on I will.

[@josevalle2555]

You have inspired me to finally pull the trigger on wanting to open my own tcg business. I will start with bulk for now