The Pokémon franchise has been an integral part of the childhoods and formative years of most 90s and early 2000s kids. In 1996, the franchise released Pokémon cards for consumers to play with and trade.
Pokémon are also known as Pocket Monsters in Japan. Before Pokémon had become a beloved show, the franchise began with the release of Pokémon Red and Green for Game Boy. The franchise was created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1995 and centers around mythical creatures called Pokémon and their human counterparts better known as Pokémon trainers. Pokémon quickly became one of the most successful video game franchises the world had seen before it was overthrown by Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros.
The franchise has inspired two super successful animated series’- Pokémon (1997- present) and Pokémon Chronicles (2006). The series’ follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum- who is a Pokémon Master at training and his band of friends as they travel around the world participating in various Pokémon tournaments. There are over 23 movies inspired by the beloved franchise. The most recent one being Pokémon Detective Pikachu released in 2019. There is another movie set for production in July 2020.
In 2016 Niantic collaborated with The Pokémon Company to develop an augmented reality mobile game for both iOS and Android. The game was an instant hit. It had soon become the most used and most profitable mobile app of 2016. There are about 147 million worldwide players of Pokémon Go today. The game had inspired people to get out of their houses for a bit and hunt for Pokémon hidden in their ordinary surroundings.
Pokémon has been providing a source of happiness, distraction, and fun for hundreds of millions of people worldwide for the past 25 years and continues to do so. While it holds a sense of nostalgia for the 90’s kids, it continues to make a difference in the lives of children born much later.
The Pokémon cards are just another way the franchise attempted to engage its players and bring the community closer together. There is the Basic Cards– these are the foundation of all possible decks. Without the Basic card, you cannot play the game because the first step is to lay down a Basic card. Then you have the Attack Cards, each featuring a different form of attack. However attacking requires energy, for which you have the Energy cards. Based on the type of Pokémon you get Evolved Cards. The whole gaming system is brilliantly designed to keep you engaged hours at an end.
As of March 2020, an estimated 30.4 billion cards have been sold worldwide. Today these trading cards are exotic collectors' pieces worth a lot of money. The price of a few first edition cards has inflated over 10,000 percent. The limited supply, high demand, and the exclusivity surrounding Pokémon cards are just some of the reasons why they are an excellent business idea.
1. The most fabulous cards are actually worth a lot- probably more than you think.
The highest price ever paid for a Pokémon card was for The Pikachu Illustrated Card at a whopping $233,000. A man named Gary, with his series of Pokémon cards, had made headlines back in 2018. Gary's entire Pokémon card series was valued at $5 million.
Pokémon are also known as Pocket Monsters in Japan. Before Pokémon had become a beloved show, the franchise began with the release of Pokémon Red and Green for Game Boy. The franchise was created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1995 and centers around mythical creatures called Pokémon and their human counterparts better known as Pokémon trainers. Pokémon quickly became one of the most successful video game franchises the world had seen before it was overthrown by Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros.
The franchise has inspired two super successful animated series’- Pokémon (1997- present) and Pokémon Chronicles (2006). The series’ follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum- who is a Pokémon Master al
While the average price for the more commonly available cards is quite low, highly collectible and rare cards can be worth large sums of money. The minimum price for many such cards can be as high as $200,000. However, more common cards can also fetch a considerable amount of money. For example- the Charizard Holo cards originating from the 1999 base set value between $5,000 and $10,000.
2. Value of authentic collectibles are guaranteed to increase
Like any good investment, the value of authentic collectibles is guaranteed to increase as time passes. Following the basic economic laws, limited supply equals high demand, which results in skyrocketing prices. The supply constraints associated with Pokémon card mean that they become even more obsolete and difficult to collect as time goes by, therefore driving their values up. The longer you hold on to your Pokémon cards before selling them, the more money you stand to make. Many sets of cards went out of print a long time ago, so like all rare collectibles, there is no way, especially a card that has gone out of print, to decrease in value.
3. Pokémon cards can be sold in the global market
The franchise itself is a global phenomenon adored by millions across oceans and borders. So, of course, there is a worldwide market for Pokémon cards. There are several conventions, conferences, and even auction houses dedicated to Pokémon and related paraphernalia. All of this is good news for someone who is buying and selling Pokémon cards because this means that you will never have to look far to find a potential buyer. Many willing buyers also help further drive up the value of your cards.
4. Finding the price of a specific card is very easy
Many websites and other resources online dedicated to hosting information regarding every Pokémon card that was ever printed, including an approximate value for each. Information regarding Pokémon cards is, therefore, readily available through multiple sources. This means that any investment decisions you make regarding them can be thoroughly researched and informed decisions.
Websites such as Pokemonprices.com provide hourly updates on changing card prices.
5. Many collectors out there are willing to pay a substantial amount for rare cards
Collecting rare collectibles and other paraphernalia is more than a hobby for some people, and a lot of them are willing to pay a pretty penny for rare cards. Sometimes, the collectors themselves compete to see who finds the priciest and rarest possible cards. This is a good value driver for your cards, especially if they are highly coveted rare ones.
So, unlike buying selling other products, you won't have to put in any effort in marketing or seeking out your customer. Through a simple online listing, you need to make sure that the right people know what kind of cards you possess and are willing to sell. Then wait for them to come to you.
6. Understanding the market is quick and easy
Unlike the stock or bond market, you don't need any prior or in-depth knowledge to invest in Pokémon cards. Just some basic knowledge that is readily available online is enough to kickstart your Pokémon card trading business.
7. Unopened and limited edition box sets only increase in value as time passes
Box sets are notoriously difficult to find, and while individual rare cards fetch a top dollar, box sets can be worth a lot more- especially unopened, untouched box sets. Recently the famous YouTuber Logan Paul purchased a Pokémon cards box set for a whopping $200,000. Inside, he found a first edition Charizard Card worth almost $40,000. Investing in box sets is a quick way to get started in this business, especially if you do not know the franchise. Provided that the box that you sell is genuine and valuable.
8. Detailed information on each card is readily available
The world of Pokémon transcends borders, so unsurprisingly, there are many resources readily accessible online for you to use. Whether you are a player or want to trade cards for business, there are dedicated search engines to provide you with the most accurate and relevant information possible. As a result, people will not be able to rip you off or undervalue your cards and pay you any less than what they are actually worth!
9. Hassle-free storage
While valuable cards need to be stored with care to prevent wear and tear over time, the effort required to do this is minimal. Specially designed organizers are readily available for low prices.
10. You don't need in-depth or prior knowledge about the franchise.
You don't need to be an experienced investor or an avid Pokémon fan to invest in the cards. There are dedicated fan clubs and professional Pokémon card players participating in tournaments globally. You neither need to be a part of this community nor need any insider info to run your Pokémon card business successfully. While knowledge of the franchise does help, especially if it's something you are genuinely passionate about, it is not a prerequisite.