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Trading cards and collectibles
Sell cards you already own to a shop, use a buylist, or list them for collectors. Prices depend on the cards, condition and selling route; there is no reliable earnings figure for a beginner.
Open the interactive guide (checklist, video, read-aloud) →In plain words
- Sort cards by game, set and language.
- Check each card for damage.
- Compare recent prices for the same card.
- Choose a shop, buylist or marketplace.
- Pack cards safely and keep postage proof.
Who it suits
Collectors who know what they own and are willing to check prices, describe condition honestly and pack cards carefully. It can suit someone starting with cards they already have, rather than buying stock straight away.
Collectors pay for cards they want, and shops or buylists buy cards they can resell. Your return depends on the exact cards, their condition and the selling route; there is no reliable beginner earnings figure.
Step by step
- Sort cards by game, set and language. Make separate piles for each game, then group cards by set and language. Keep sealed products and graded cards apart from loose cards so you can assess them separately. About 30 minutes to several hours.
- Check each card’s condition in good light. Look for whitening, scratches, creases and surface wear. Write down flaws honestly; do not assume a card is Near Mint just because it looks good at first glance. About 1-3 minutes per card.
- Find recent sold prices for the exact card. Match the card, version and language, then compare recent sold prices rather than relying only on current asking prices. For Board & Brewed’s online quote, enter English Pokémon cards and review its indicative offer; it assumes Near Mint unless you mark a different condition Board & Brewed. About 5-15 minutes per card.
- Compare offers and selling costs. Compare likely payouts after fees, postage and possible return costs. Decide whether you prefer cash or store credit, and check the buyer’s terms before agreeing. About 15-30 minutes.
- Request and review a TCGDEX offer. List the cards and provide photos through its form. TCGDEX aims to make a formal offer within two working days; if you accept, use its tracked label and pack the cards securely TCGDEX. About 20-40 minutes, then allow up to two working days for the offer.
- Ask PokeShop for a quote. Email details or photos of your cards and wait for its quote. If you agree, send them to the address it provides, using tracked postage as recommended PokeShop. About 15-30 minutes, plus reply time.
- Get a Board & Brewed quote and condition check. Review the online quote, then bring the cards to its Dún Laoghaire shop for a condition check and firm offer. Alternatively, email the quote and photos to ask about sending them Board & Brewed. About 20-40 minutes, plus travel or reply time.
- List cards clearly or agree a direct sale in writing. Take clear photos and state the exact card and its condition. Agree the price and delivery method in writing, then keep proof of postage; marketplace fees vary, so check current terms before listing. About 10-20 minutes per listing.
- Record sales, costs and relevant tax information. Keep a record of each card sold, the amount received and related costs. If you sell regularly or make items to sell, check the tax rules where you live. About 5-10 minutes per sale.
Your first 15 minutes
Choose a small group of cards you already own, photograph them clearly, record their condition and compare recent sold prices with one buylist or shop quote before deciding whether to sell.
The money
Check recent sold prices for the exact card, version and condition, then compare what a shop, buylist or marketplace would actually pay you. Account for fees, postage and possible return costs; decide whether cash or store credit suits you better, and check current platform terms before listing.
Example only: If cards sell for £50 and postage and fees cost £5, £50 − £5 = £45 before tax. Separately, if cards sell for €50 and postage and fees cost €5, €50 − €5 = €45 before tax. These are made-up figures, not an earnings estimate.
The rules
You can generally sell cards you own in the UK and Ireland. Platform terms and tax rules still matter. If you sell online to consumers as a business, consumer rules may apply. Private sales can be treated differently.
UK and Northern Ireland
- Tax and records. The first £1,000 a year of trading income is covered by the trading allowance. If you earn more, tell HMRC. The allowance is based on gross income before expenses. You may need to register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the tax year ends GOV.UK Tax Help for Hustles GOV.UK. You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover is over £90,000 Business.gov.uk.
- Platform reporting. Since 1 January 2024, platforms have reported sellers with 30 or more items or about £1,700 a year to HMRC. Selling your own unwanted items is not taxed under this reporting rule. Check your tax position with HMRC GOV.UK.
- Consumer rights. If you sell online to consumers as a trader, distance-selling rules may apply. For goods, the normal cancellation period ends 14 days after the consumer receives them. Exceptions apply. Before the contract, give the required information and, where cancellation rights apply, the cancellation form. Tell consumers if they must pay return costs. Consumers generally have 14 days after cancelling to return goods. Refunds are due within 14 days of receiving the goods or proof of return. Unless you agree otherwise, delivery must be without undue delay and within 30 days legislation.gov.uk UK Government.
- Age and service terms. The age limits for the services you use are not confirmed. Check each service’s terms. If you are under 18, involve a parent or guardian before sending cards or accepting an offer.
- Other checks. There is no special trading-card licence or vetting requirement. Consider insurance for valuable cards in transit. Clearly label advertising or affiliate posts, for example “Ad” ASA.
Ireland
- Income tax. If you work under PAYE, you must register for self-assessment using Form 11 if your taxable non-PAYE income is over €5,000 or your gross non-PAYE income is over €30,000. Below that, declare it on Form 12 through myAccount. Check your situation with Revenue or a tax adviser Revenue.
- VAT. The VAT registration thresholds are €85,000 for goods and €42,500 for services. Check with Revenue if your selling activity or turnover may reach a threshold Revenue.
- Platform reporting. Under DAC7, platforms report sellers of goods unless they have fewer than 30 transactions and under €2,000. Platform reporting does not by itself decide whether you owe tax. Check your tax position with Revenue Revenue.
- Consumer rights. If you sell online to consumers as a business, the 14-day cancellation right may apply. It does not apply to purchases from private individuals. For goods, the period starts when the consumer receives the item. Before purchase, give the required business and product details, the total price and any extra charges, cancellation information and a cancellation form. The consumer must tell you within 14 days if they want to cancel. They then have a further 14 days to return the goods. Refund the consumer within 14 days of being told about the cancellation, subject to receiving returned items. Use the same payment method unless the consumer agrees otherwise. Exceptions apply, so check the rules before selling as a trader CCPC CCPC.
- Business name and age. If you trade under a name other than your own, register the business name with the CRO (€20 online) CRO. The age limits for the services you use are not confirmed. Check their terms. If you are under 18, involve a parent or guardian.
- Other checks. There is no special trading-card licence or vetting requirement. Consider insurance for valuable cards in transit. If you are an influencer, clearly label commercial content, for example “#Ad” CCPC.
Checked against official sources: 22 October 2026. Not yet reviewed by a qualified tax or legal adviser. General guidance, not legal advice. Check the official link beside each point before you start.
Common mistakes
- Treating an asking price as proof that a card will sell for that amount.
- Calling a card Near Mint without checking for wear carefully.
- Forgetting fees, postage or possible return costs when comparing offers.
- Sending valuable cards without secure packing or tracked postage.
- Buying more stock before understanding demand and the full selling costs.
AI-made demonstration: this module has a 20-second street-chat video in the interactive guide. The presenter and the people in it are computer-generated, not real people.