Reality of running a Pokemon Shop! Where's the profit?

[@jab2393]

It's kinda crazy how distributors mark up the prices based of market conditions and y'all the retailers have the heavy lift and razor thin margins. Sounds like its time to get into the distributor business!

[@PokemonFamClub]

I think about that every day! That would require some serious capital and hefty loans, I'm sure.

[@robertromero8094]

Distribution only has non desirable stuff left.

[@robertromero8094]

​@PokemonFamClub i just don't like how they up charge and bundle in other stuff they can't sell to buy good stuff off them.

[@2736492821]

@@robertromero8094 Pokemon company should just not push those junk products out in the first place

[@thegmail356]

My Walmart hasn’t stocked any cards for 2 months now. Lcs only is it for the moment. No good ticktock deals and product need if only surging is any worth my time to purchase. I’m better off just singles at this time and whatnot stinks sometimes.

[@INordling]

I appreciate you running the shop the way you do. That's the only reason I keep opening a tab to see what you have listed and buy sometimes. By the way, I sent you a message on IG a few days ago describing a glitch (or possibly a feature) that confused me when browsing products on your website.

[@samersalama6275]

It’s slim pickings everywhere it seems. My local LGS also have barely any product. Everything is sold out and if you can’t find it, it generally marked up pretty high. I believe Pokene said that distributors will be carrying the new blooming Waters box. I think it would be best for you to wait for those before making a purchase on the upc. Everything you’ve mentioned as to why you don’t want to buy more of it makes perfect sense. Hopefully things pick up with our next normal set and you can get more boxes.

[@marioaltamirno2855]

Prismatic is limited inventory. Blooming water 151 collections also is limited. Many LGS are now canceled pre order for prismatic, just invest in Japanese set

[@bbq1040]

Sleeved boosters never a bad idea. It's pretty weird to not have sets regularly available this soon after releasing. For you, buying for market on a lot of this stuff is going to be tough, but you can live and learn for the future by picking up stuff for new sets. You could also have a lottery for the prismatic. People can just verify with you their address and they can order up to one of any of the products. If there is anything left if people don't all max out you can pick a few more names. It'll take the stress out of it for you and lock in expectations for people.

[@Brandonhart100]

I mean if distro is selling the UPCs at that... I think I'd take that route. Expensive but probably your best bet. The paradox rift blisters are also somewhat tempting.

[@PokemonFamClub]

Seems like a safe product that will go up regardless. However, I can only get 8, blooming waters is coming, and only Pokemon knows of reprints of anything 151 will happen beyond that. 1600 investment for the 8 max... still tempting. Ya, I think I need to get some PR next order.

[@robertromero8094]

Man 200 a upc from distribution is wild. Cosco hooked us up

[@jasonvtsportsguy2692]

Very nice! We love your passion and generosity! Have a great day and happy holidays!

[@PokemonFamClub]

Thank you, happy holidays!

[@EmotionalPanther]

I def want to support your shop for prismatic my suggestion, you should def do limits and cancel orders that do the more then one to the same address. 1 of each product is reasonable I feel like.

[@chuckyfo0l]

Its also crazy how walmart can get so many poster collection, booster bundles and that rip n ship store get so much product. I dont know how they manage to do it but its jisy crazy

[@chuckyfo0l]

Thats one type of video that i always wanted to see and no one does that. Very interesting

[@MorrieLow]

I would still buy the UPCs. Price will go up and they will sell.

[@jnunez06]

This is great transparency into running a card shop … those distro prices leave no room for a meaningful margin

[@nevercold808]

Dude, first off, I think it's very smart of you to just be using funds you have readily available. You've been patient with growing your business. May as well keep that going for a bit longer. All it would take is a couple of large sized big purchases to get you in a precarious situation. If you're doing this for what I'm gleaning as fun/learning/funding your personals, don't bite off more than you can chew just yet. You don't want a side gig to cause a rift with the Mrs, either. Honestly, I wouldn't really get anything that your distributor has to offer. The Paradox and Temporal products with the largest profit margins may be a play. People will warm up to those sets as time goes on, IMO. $200 wholesale for 151 UPCs is wild, bro. TPCI definitely didn't reprint that thing so I believe the distributor saw the writing on the wall as they get info way before retailers do and tucked a f ton away just for this very moment. I was getting those at Barnes for as low as $80 when they were readily available. I can't imagine paying the $240 market on them now. I guess some noobs or people who just can't resist the FOMO would grab it at that price but that's just insane to me.

[@OhBenE2]

What about buying the 151 UPCs and breaking them down? That’s a lot of packs you could sell loose.

[@selvaa1592]

Why is stellar crown at 110 for distro prices?? Hills wholesale gaming has them at 99 a pop

[@PokemonFamClub]

I think my distro is probably low in stock and then they mark it up. Hills probably sitting on a pile they got prerelease for like 85 or maybe even better, I don't now. I'm sure their volume gets them much deeper discounts than me.

[@David-Bashford]

⁠@@PokemonFamClubother retailers are valid suppliers. If Hills has it at a price that you feel make it worth grabbing then you for sure should. 594 for a case, they do charge shipping. So maybe 610, 102/box might be worth it? Especially with prices only going in one direction?

[@JuanHernandez-hf2bw]

When will you have etb Paldea evolve

[@chuckyfo0l]

What about prismatic evolution pre order ?

[@erica1898]

Starting any business is hard. And like the saying is, you gotta spend money to make money. The 151 UPC is a crazy price you have to pay but those keep going up value and may be a good investment to hold them for a little then sell at a better profit. (Still a risk though) I believe I have heard other folks like yourself that are just starting out state that it gets better as you grow and distributors get to know you. Prices get better, allocations get better and more options.

[@PokemonFamClub]

Ya, it's risky, especially with the Blooming Waters collection coming soon.. and there's no telling what and when Pokemon could reprint something and all of a sudden they're 120 again. I still might go for it, it's a great product and eventually would sell for a profit even if I go in at 200.. tough choice! Thanks, I'm learning every day!

[@g0d53nd]

Love these videos a really great insight about the other side hobby.

[@mybedvt]

I honestly would look into getting singles and trying to mark them up, very volatile though

[@MOMtrepenuer-b6l]

Very informative video especially for someone like me that's just getting started!

[@trangtrong3967]

My man you're gonna have to source product in other ways...being new with a blazing market is no bueno...other lgs and even big box are a must with the banger sets coming

[@wafflez9191]

The margins on tcgs was never great. Its about quantity in the end. It is what it is. If its a side hustle you just have to wait and be patient

[@HEOCONPOKE]

I purchase the twilight masquerades building and battle box case from you guess what I pull, 2 sir and 2 gold from it. Too bad not the greninja but still a great case.🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@PokemonFamClub]

Awesome, love to hear it! ❤️

[@oldmanjake6541]

It’s too bad you’re not able to get those hot sets to sell. I’m currently picking up singles to fill out my master sets. 😂😂😂 Looks like 2025 will be one crazy Pokemon year. 😂😊

[@Haveafastbath]

Everywhere I look it’s always distro that are being shady. Honestly I think Pokémon are big enough to just do it directly now. Cut the distro out completely. When you actually think about it, it would benefit everyone.

[@eightyseveners]

Great video 👏🏽

[@MommazBoyz]

151 will sell 100%

[@garyburkholder4170]

Thanks for the great video.

[@Artu1216]

I love these videos. I always wish you the best

[@TheNachris720]

The one true great outcome to your business is you are going to have an extensive and massive portfolio investment wise for the future to come!

[@David-Bashford]

Real talk, your limitation seems to be your desire to unload what you buy right away. You say “invest” but that isn’t an investment mindset. We are in a tremendous bull market. If you adjusted your time horizon even a little, let’s say 3-6 months instead of 3-6 weeks, then all the booster boxes are safe bets. You said it, get them, put them on the site at the price you need, then let the market catch up. Everyone is going to be looking for stuff to rip and they won’t be ripping 151, SS or Prismatic because they won’t find it.

[@JuanHernandez-hf2bw]

New sub 🎉

[@HaiAnthony]

1st