Pokémon is here to stay!
Soon as you think things are going to slow down a bit, they come out with something bigger and better. Of course, there are down times, but that is typical with almost any business. For the past five years, I have been a causal Pokémon Seller. Selling when I come across it, not selling when things get a bit crazy. However, over the past two years, I have acquired quite a collection of cards. From buying massive lots online, to people bringing me items to purchase that they have found in the attic or at their neighborhood yard sale.
They were stored in the closet, waiting for me to decide what I would like to do with them.
You see, I sell at one of my local flea markets, mainly Funko Pops and Anime Collectibles. There is probably a dozen or so Pokémon vendors already out there. Some are permanent and some just come when their schedule allows. In the past, when I got my hands on some Pokémon Merchandise, I would sell it to the other vendors. There was no need for me to fight the competition. So, my collection just grew, until tax season came.
After doing my taxes this year, I found out that I was making nothing with the Funko’s. Between the raising cost of the product, shipping, and all the damages, I needed to do something else. But, after two years of busting my ass and building a name for myself in the area, I just was not ready to throw in the towel. As, I was looking over my finances, my daughter came in and said, “Mom if you really need money, why don’t you start selling Pokémon Cards, you have about 50,000 cards, just collecting dust?” So, I did!
Fortunately for me, I was already an established, trusted business, people did not question if my cards were real, they knew they were. Within 30 days, I over doubled my income!
But you need to be creative and offer exceptional products and customer service. I sleeve and bag everything, I sell singles, mystery packs, binders, Custom Bags for holidays and Birthdays, Pokémon Plush, Pokémon Key chains, and here recently Pokémon Pillows. And the best part is you can start with just a little and then grow the business as you make money.
Here is a list of a few things that I sell that are very affordable to create, mainly using bulk Pokémon items, from cards to coins.
• Five Dollar Bags ~ typically 50 cards, use about 40 commons then add some rares and ultra rares to keep people coming back.
• Ten Dollar Bags ~ in the picture above is one of my $10 bags, it comes with 50 cards, stickers, a coin, binder, and what every else I can come across at an affordable price.
• Twenty Dollar cases ~ everything in the $10 bag, plus a hard case with a key chain
• Twenty-five-dollar binders ~ random binders with 162 cards all sorted by element
• Forty-five to one hundred dollar binders ~The binder pictured comes with 100 holos from all different sets, depending on what rarity, I can sell them between $45-$100 dollars, per binder.
• Element dollar packs ~ take about 10 water Pokémon or fire Pokémon and put in a sleeve, add a sticker and sell for $1
• Mystery Boxes ~ price range from $20-$50 ~ same concept as the hard-case, just put everything in a pencil case or a container with a lid. I have seen people use plain cardboard boxes, but it is just as easy to get a $1 plastic shoe box from Walmart or Dollar General. Add a few Pokémon stickers on it, and you are good to go. Just make sure that everything inside is worth more than what they pay for. You want customers to be happy about their purchase.
• Themed bags for the Holidays and Birthdays
• Single Card Binders ~ you can make these any way you like. I have one binder and every card in it is $3 or two for $5. I have one binder, and all cards are a $1, I have one Binder that is all Japanese, and I am currently working on a binder that has over 1000 Holos and those cards will be four for a $1. The amount will depend on what current stock you have. Having different price tiers helps gain many more customers,
Of course, I sell expensive cards and booster packs, but these are not guaranteed. As Pokémon continues to get harder to find, I may eventually have less to sell.
But there will always be Bulk Cards that I can buy thousands of.
And, before I go, I have also include a few other ideas, that I came across that I have not tried yet.
1. Build-Your-Own Deck Kits
New players want to learn the game but don’t know where to start. Package bulk cards into 60-card beginner decks with energy, trainers, and a basic strategy. These kits sell well on eBay, Etsy, and local game shops.
2. Pokémon Art Supply Packs
Teachers, crafters, and parents are always looking for low-cost art supplies. Market your bulk Pokémon cards as craft packs for kids’ art projects or school activities.
3. Birthday Party Favor Packs
Sell Pokémon card party favors in bundles of 10–20 cards each. These are a hit for themed birthday parties, and you can even offer bulk pricing for parents planning large events.
4. Pokémon Card Vending Machine
Have access to a high-traffic location? Consider placing a vending machine stocked with mini Pokémon card packs. This setup turns bulk cards into passive income with low overhead.
5. Monthly Pokémon Subscription Box
Launch a small-scale subscription box with rotating themes. Include 50–100 cards, 1 rare, a sticker, and a mini checklist. This is great for beginner collectors and can be sold through Cratejoy or your own site.
6. School Fundraiser Packs
Contact local schools and offer fundraiser packs — for every $5 sold, the school keeps a cut. Parents love this, and you build a steady customer base with minimal marketing.
7. Pokémon Resin Crafts
Have damaged or played cards? Up-cycle them into Pokémon-themed coasters, bookmarks, or key chains using resin. These crafts sell well on Etsy and at anime or comic conventions.
8. Two-Player Battle Packs
Create dual decks of 30 cards each so buyers can instantly battle with a friend. Package includes a simple rules sheet, making it perfect for casual players or families.
9. Social Media Giveaways and Flash Sales
Use TikTok or YouTube Shorts to run giveaways like “Comment your favorite Pokémon for a free card pack!” Then, promote mystery packs or themed bundles with links to your store.
10. Daily Pokémon Calendar
Turn your bulk into a fun daily surprise calendar. Package 30–60 cards with numbers and sell as a “Pokémon Card a Day” gift calendar for kids.
11. Local Business Loyalty Rewards
Partner with small retailers to give away a mini pack of cards to customers who spend $20 or more. You sell the bulk to the business, they boost customer loyalty — win-win!
12. Trainer-Themed Story Packs
Create fictional trainers and theme card packs around their “battle style.” For example: “Alex the Dragon Tamer’s Top Picks.” Add a backstory card to make it engaging for kids and collectors.
17. Pokémon Advent Calendars
Perfect for the holidays, these 24-day countdowns include 1 mini pack per day with a special card on Day 24. Customize for Christmas or birthdays and promote as a unique gift.
17. Custom Order Bundles
Offer a listing where buyers can request types or specific Pokémon (e.g., “Only Water Pokémon” or “Pikachu Cards Only”). You curate the lot, charge extra for personalization, and stand out from generic sellers.
Conclusion
Selling bulk Pokémon cards doesn’t have to be boring or low-value. With a bit of creativity and marketing strategy, you can turn surplus cards into steady income, fun products, or even a small business. Whether you’re flipping cards online or crafting custom bundles for events, there’s a demand waiting for your unique twist on Pokémon nostalgia.
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