4 Ways to Source Pokémon Inventory When Distributors Are Sold Out
By Carling Berkhout •
Pokémon is once again surging in popularity, with the spikes in demand leading to empty shelves. This craze is a result of numerous factors, mainly the launch of Pokémon TCG Pocket and the release of Terastal Festival Ex and Prismatic Evolutions. The explosion in Pokémon sales has led to massive product shortages across the board. The challenge: how can you keep your inventory stocked and capitalize on the Pokémon craze when your primary distributors are sold out? Here are 4 ways to source Pokémon TCG products when the supply chain dries up.
Tip 1: Run Buying Promotions in Your LGS
During periods of product shortage, buying from your local community of customers can be a game-changer. Offering store credit for bulk, singles, or sealed product incentivises your customers to bring in product that they no longer want, in exchange for a trade-in bonus. Not only does this help you source more inventory, but it also rewards customer loyalty.
Tip 2: Vend at Local Card Shows
Card shows are valuable inventory sourcing opportunities –– you can set up as a vendor and network with other sellers who are looking to offload bulk, singles, or sealed product. These shows present a unique opportunity to transact with people who aren’t local to your store. We recommend marketing that you will be attending the card show and looking to buy ahead of the event.
Tip 3: Contact Streamers for Their Pokémon Bulk
Search WhatNot, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, eBay Live, and other streaming services/live shopping services to find a list of Pokémon streamers to contact. Most streamers open hundreds of packs per week, solely after big hits –– this means non-holo rares, uncommons, and commons sometimes pile up. Reach out by offering to buy their unwanted cards. These connections can lead to consistent inventory pipelines, while also helping streamers monetize a part of their business.
Tip 4: Source Product Through International Distributors
If it makes sense for your business, you can explore beyond your domestic distributors by searching overseas for international distributors. Some markets experience different demand, allowing you to source product that’s out-of-stock in the United States. To find international distribution, we recommend checking out Pokémon Trading Card Game Resellers or talking to fellow store owners.
Stay alert with the current Pokémon market to ensure you’re following the trends and capitalizing on the hype. Check out The 100 Most Expensive Common Pokémon Cards Right Now and Price Trends: Pokémon Cards Climbing in Price for the most recent market trends.
Follow along on the Seller Blog to catch monthly Pokémon Price Trends articles, focused on cards that are dramatically increasing in price, and bi-weekly In Demand Understocked Cards & Sealed Products reports, focused on products in high demand that are currently understocked on the marketplace.
If you don't currently have distribution access or you're new to selling, sourcing inventory looks a bit different: keep an eye on eBay and Facebook Marketplace for collection deals, especially on bulk; partner with local game stores to purchase their excess inventory; and don't overlook apps like TCG Bulk for affordable bulk inventory. Looking for help growing as a seller? Enroll in our free Growth Acceleration Program.