Launching a Pokémon card business in 2025 isn’t easy. Prices are high, supply is tight, and distribution is practically locked behind closed doors. But here’s the truth: if you can make it work now—during one of the most competitive periods the hobby has ever seen—you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

Collectors across the UK are turning their passion into proper businesses. Whether you want to sell full-time, build a side hustle, or simply fund your own collecting habit, this guide will walk you through how to start a Pokémon card business step by step.

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

The most successful sellers don’t try to sell everything—they focus on a specific area of the hobby. This is called niching down, and it’s how you stand out in a crowded market.

Some of the most common niches include:

  • Singles (modern or vintage)

  • Graded cards (ACE, PSA, BGS, etc.)

  • Sealed product (booster boxes, ETBs, bundles)

  • Japanese-exclusive cards

  • Promos (Pikachu, Stamped, Collection Box cards etc.)

Start with what you know and love. If you already collect modern Japanese cards, lean into that. If you’re a trainer card aficionado, make that your focus. The key is to become known as the go-to seller for a specific type of product. You’ll already know where to source stock and what collectors value—and that gives you a head start.

Step 2: Pick a Sales Strategy That Fits You

Not every sales method suits everyone. Ask yourself: Do I enjoy face-to-face interaction? Am I good on camera? Would I rather build a website and work in the background?

Here are your main options:

In-Person Selling

Perfect for dipping your toe in. You can start selling at local conventions, trade nights, or even arrange cash deals via Facebook Marketplace. It’s great for building connections and negotiating deals.

Online Marketplaces

Selling through eBay or Vinted is the most beginner-friendly route. These platforms provide traffic but eBay take 10–15% in fees. On Vinted the buyer pays for protection and postage, which is why this is my favourite platform at the moment.

Build a Shopify Store

This is ideal if you want control over your brand and customer data. It’s more work upfront—you’ll need to handle traffic, fulfilment, and marketing—but the long-term potential is huge.

Content Commerce (Live Selling)

Platforms like TikTok Shop, Whatnot, and Fanatics Live are booming. If you enjoy streaming or creating content, this is one of the most exciting ways to build a following and drive high-volume sales. Just remember: these platforms charge fees and require energy, consistency, and personality.

Step 3: Choose the Right Platform

Now you’ve picked a sales strategy, it’s time to choose the best platform.

  • eBay: Best for vintage, graded slabs, and Japanese product. Beginner-friendly.

  • Vinted: Free to sell, great for singles and lower-end sealed product.

  • TikTok Shop: Great for sealed products and mystery bundles. Difficult to set up, but high upside.

  • Whatnot: Ideal for singles, auctions, and ripping packs live.

  • Shopify: Best for long-term brand building. Combine with content creation for best results.

  • Conventions: Great for slabs and networking. You’ll build community and source inventory.

Match your platform to your niche and strengths.

Step 4: Secure Reliable Stock

Finding affordable Pokémon cards is the hardest part of running a business in 2025. The sealed product is drying up. Even official distributors are low on inventory, and most card shops don’t have much to spare.

Here’s how to get around it:

  • Start with singles and slabs: These are easier to find and offer better margins.

  • Build relationships with local card shops: You may be able to negotiate bulk buys at 85–90% of market price, especially for singles.

  • Attend card shows: Many sellers and vendors are open to trade deals or discounts for bulk purchases.

  • Use Instagram and Facebook: Search for UK-based Pokémon card dealers and wholesalers.

  • Explore Japanese suppliers: You can import from Japan via trusted sellers (use Wise to pay). The quality is higher and prices can be lower.

Avoid overpaying. If you’re consistently buying cards at full market value, your margins will suffer.

Step 5: Build a Brand That People Trust

In the age of content-driven commerce, your brand is everything. It’s how people remember you, and more importantly, it’s why they buy from you.

You don’t need millions of followers. You just need to show up consistently and offer value.

Post content about:

  • The niche you sell in (e.g. vintage, Japanese, modern)

  • New arrivals and inventory updates

  • Pokémon card tips and collecting knowledge

  • Behind-the-scenes of your business

The more helpful and authentic you are, the faster you’ll build trust—and trust leads to sales. Whether you’re selling on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, showing your face (or your cards!) builds familiarity and confidence in your brand.

Step 6: Make Sales and Refine Your Strategy

Once you’ve chosen your niche, set up your platform, sourced your stock, and built your brand, it’s time to sell.

Don’t overthink it—just start.

Watch what successful sellers in your space are doing and adapt their strategies. For example:

  • Whatnot sellers often run 5-second auctions to create urgency

  • TikTok sellers link sealed product directly in videos

  • High-end sellers post slick, aesthetic slab photos with strong branding

Analyse what’s working for others and apply it to your own approach. Selling is a skill, and like any skill, you’ll get better with experience.

Bonus Tip: Sell More By Moving Your Audience

One of the best ways to boost conversions is by moving customers between platforms. Someone who buys from your Shopify store is more likely to trust your Whatnot stream. Someone who watches your TikTok is more likely to visit your eBay listings.

Once someone trusts you, they’ll follow you wherever you go. So don’t just build a store—build a community.

Clive’s Final Thoughts

Starting a Pokémon card business in the UK might be harder than ever, but it’s also more possible than ever.

You don’t need a huge budget or a massive following to start. What you need is:

  • A clear niche

  • A sales strategy that suits your personality

  • Reliable sources of stock

  • A consistent online presence

With those in place, you’re already ahead of 90% of sellers. Stick with it, keep learning, and the business will come.