So you’ve got a stack of Pokémon cards to sell. You’ve already researched their value, sorted them into penny sleeves, maybe you even had them appraised or graded. Now it’s time to figure out where to sell Pokémon cards so you can actually make you a profit. Or maybe you just want to get rid of your collection as quickly and efficiently as possible, while still coming out on top financially. Maybe you’re looking to build community and meet other collectors in person while also putting some cash in your pocket. Whatever your motivation, if you’re asking, “where can I sell my Pokémon cards for the most money,” here’s the scoop.
There was a time when people actually used Pokémon cards to play games in person. That may not be the primary focus of the cards anymore, but there are still brick and mortar shops where you can go down the Pokémon rabbit hole. (Scorbunny hole? Raboot hole? You get the idea.) Tabletop game shops, gaming cafes, and comic book stores are all great places to not only sell your Pokémon cards, but also join a community of people who share your hobby.
It’s likely that at least some of the staff at those kinds of establishments will know about Pokémon cards and be able to guide you through the selling process. Chances are they know other people in the community who are looking to buy, too, which will be a more satisfying experience for people who really want to connect above and beyond making a sale. Pawn shops are another solid brick and mortar option, although you’ll need to find one that knows enough about Pokémon cards to understand their value and give you a fair price.
Even with all the dedicated card marketplaces out there, eBay is still one of the most popular tools for buying and selling Pokémon cards. Before you even list your card for sale, eBay is also a very helpful resource for assessing what’s on the market. You can check the going rate on cards similar to yours, or scan published listings to see what types of cards are in demand right now. It’s always a good idea to cross-reference prices and expand your research, but eBay’s huge reach and international audience make it a great way to sell Pokémon cards for cash quickly.
When you’re ready to publish your Pokémon card listings, eBay lets you set your own prices. You can choose between a fixed price option or an auction-style sale; fixed prices mean buyers agree to pay whatever you’re asking, while auction selling allows buyers to bid on your listing, outbidding each other and pushing up the price in the process. It’s also helpful that the first 200 listings on the site are free to post; eBay takes a percentage (approximately 10%) of your final sales price instead of charging up-front fees.
Classifieds websites like Craigslist in the U.S. and Kijiji in Canada can have a bit of a wild west atmosphere, but in some ways the “anything goes” environment can make it easier to sell Pokémon cards quickly. Sites like these will often let you set a radius so you can keep your interactions close to home, and open-ended listings mean you can sell cards in any configuration — sell valuable cards one by one, put together complete sets, or move your entire collection in a bulk listing that gets cash into your pocket faster.
Facebook offers a few avenues for selling Pokémon cards. First, there’s Facebook Marketplace, where people sell all kinds of things. Because Facebook Marketplace creates a direct transaction between buyer and seller, it’s a great option for anyone who prefers to sell nearby and meet in person for pick-ups or drop-offs. Facebook Groups are also a helpful resource; look for groups that cater specifically to Pokémon card fans to get started. Dedicated collectors will post about specific cards they want to buy, and you’re in luck if you happen to have that one in your collection. Sellers can also post about single cards, packs, or collections that they want to find new homes for (including setting prices or offering price ranges to get the conversation started).
The truth is you can sell your Pokémon cards on virtually any social media platform, but some have more vibrant communities than others. Instagram’s image-focused nature makes it a great way to visually showcase high quality cards you want to sell, but it can be harder to find followers and build community there if you’re an independent seller. Reddit, on the other hand, is organized around subthread communities (known as subreddits) that are already excited about a specific topic. There’s a dedicated subreddit for buying, selling, and trading Pokémon cards by mail where people post card listings and also trade tips and tricks about the world of Pokémon card trading today. Listing Pokémon cards on marketplaces and buying, selling, and trading cards in person is always an option.