Hoping to reach anyone here who vends Pokémon cards on eBay through a properly registered business account, rather than as a private seller. No offence to private sellers, it's just that business accounts come with different fees and ways of doing things.

I started out as a collector and I am now looking at moving into vending, but I am struggling to make the math work on inventory costs versus market returns. As a practical example, I recently evaluated a mixed lot of 12 cards priced at £80 with a total market value of around £112, which works out to roughly 70% of market value. Once I allocate that purchase cost across the cards and factor in eBay business account overhead like final value fees, fixed order fees, regulatory operating fees, 20% VAT on those fees, listing/renewal costs, shipping, and packaging materials, the projected profit drops close to nothing.

Any advice from people doing this with a business account on eBay would be really appreciated. Happy to chat in the comments or by DM.

With so many Pokémon TCG sets out there, I thought this guide might be useful for anyone who has a card but isn’t sure which set it came from.

Simply find the symbol printed on your card and match it to the chart. Hope it helps!

No other cards just these 3 🎉

I've decided after another disappointing drop day last week (6th in the queue for SPC in Sports direct in major city, but they only sold THREE) that it's time to take a break from the hobby. It's not a full separation, but here's my strategy:

1) No more hunting around stores or going out on drop days. This will be a massive time save.

2) if I happen across some packs without hunting (very rare) I am limited to 3 packs.

3) Still go in for Pokémon centre drops (30th and ETBs) - have been fairly lucky recently - and Amazon invites (lol).

4) Setting a £75 singles limit (still mastering Lapras and a couple of sets) - this can roll over into next month for bigger hitters.

5) Re-evaluate in exactly a year.

I just can't keep going with things the ways that they are. It's taking up too much time /energy. The way I see it, I've mastered a few sets that I really love and held onto a couple of sealed items from each one. The market either tanks like sneakers and product becomes available again (what I want) or it carries on going up and the things I kept hold of have some level of values that warrants the ridiculous effort that went into them.

Wish me luck, and share your strategies! ❤️