If you want to succeed selling Pokémon cards, the best entrepreneurs don’t rely on just one channel. Inspired by Pat Flynn’s “Be Everywhere” model, the key is to combine multiple sales platforms—online marketplaces, live streams, physical shops, and social media—to build a strong, diversified business.
Here’s a detailed guide to five proven methods to get your Pokémon card business off the ground and growing.
1. Online Selling: eBay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and More
Starting your business online is often the easiest and most cost-effective way to reach a large audience. Platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace allow you to list your Pokémon cards and reach collectors worldwide.
- Pros: Low overhead, global reach, and easy to scale.
- Tips: Take clear photos, write detailed descriptions, and price competitively by researching current market values.
- Considerations: Fees can add up, and competition is high, so excellent customer service and fast shipping will help you stand out.
Image credit: Ebay.co.uk
2. TikTok Live and Whatnot – Selling in Real Time
Live selling is exploding right now. TikTok and Whatnot let you sell to a live audience with interaction — which creates hype, builds trust, and can move inventory fast.
Live selling is becoming one of the biggest ways to start and grow a Pokémon card business. You can go live on platforms like TikTok Shop or Whatnot, and sell cards through rip and ships, £1 auction starts, spin-the-wheel games, or mystery bundles.
Whatnot
Whatnot is a live selling platform built specifically for collectibles like Pokémon cards. You can run live shows where people bid in real time, buy packs for you to open live, or enter games like random pulls or wheel spins. It has built-in shipping and checkout, so it’s fast and easy for both the seller and buyer. There’s also a verified seller system which builds trust.
You can list individual cards, sealed packs, mystery slabs, or bundles. Rip and ship is popular — someone buys a pack, you open it live, show the pulls, then ship them out.
TikTok Live
TikTok Live with TikTok Shop lets you sell while you stream. Viewers see the product pinned on screen and can buy directly from the live without leaving the app. You can sell sealed product, do rip and ships, or promote your mystery pulls the same way as on Whatnot.
Even without TikTok Shop, you can still promote your store or direct buyers to your other platforms through Linktree or your own website. TikTok works best for hype — the big views, big reactions, and a younger crowd.
3. Brick-and-Mortar Shops
Opening a physical store or stall at card shows remains a strong way to reach local collectors and build a loyal customer base.
- Pros: Direct customer interaction, instant sales, and the chance to host events.
- Tips: Location is key; consider high foot-traffic areas or specialty card events. Use your physical presence to promote your online channels.
- Note: Even if you don’t have a permanent store, stalls at conventions and fairs can be a low-cost way to test the market.
4. Using Multiple Channels — Pat Flynn’s “Be Everywhere” Model
The most successful entrepreneurs don’t limit themselves to one sales channel. Inspired by Pat Flynn’s famous “Be Everywhere” approach, you should spread your presence across as many platforms as possible.
- Combine online marketplaces, live streams, physical shops, and social media to engage different audiences.
- Use cross-promotion: advertise your live streams on your website and podcast, promote your shop during live sales, and vice versa.
- Consistency and ubiquity build trust and help create loyal customers who follow you across channels.
5. Using Card Shows and Events for Sales and Promotion
Card shows aren’t just for selling—they’re prime opportunities to grow your brand and promote your other channels.
- Benefits: Meet collectors face-to-face, build community, and get feedback.
- Tips: Offer exclusive show deals, giveaways, or demos to draw attention.
- Cross-promote your YouTube channel, podcast, and blog at shows with business cards, flyers, and signage.
Final Thoughts
Launching a Pokémon card business means thinking big and acting smart. Take a page from Pat Flynn’s entrepreneurial playbook: don’t just pick one method, be everywhere your audience is.
Start small, learn what works best for you, and build multiple income streams to create a resilient and profitable business.
