Where to Find Pokemon Customers: The Complete Guide to Online and Offline Communities
After 10+ years in the Pokemon business, I've learned one truth: your customers are already gathering somewhere—you just need to know where to look and how to join these communities authentically.
This guide reveals exactly where Pokemon fans hang out, how to approach each community, and proven strategies for building genuine connections that lead to sales.
Understanding Pokemon Community Dynamics
Before diving into specific platforms, understand this: Pokemon communities are built on trust, shared passion, and authenticity. Show up as a seller-first, and you'll be rejected. Show up as a fellow Pokemon enthusiast who happens to sell cards, and you'll build lasting customer relationships.
The Golden Rule: Give value before asking for sales. Help, educate, and engage genuinely.
Online Communities: Where Digital Pokemon Fans Gather
1. Facebook Groups: The Local Connection Hub
Why Facebook Groups Matter:
Facebook groups are the best platform for reaching local Pokemon customers who want in-person meetups, local pickups, and community connections.
Types of Pokemon Facebook Groups:
- Local Pokemon TCG Groups: City or region-specific (e.g., "Pokemon TCG Los Angeles")
- Pokemon Buy/Sell/Trade Groups: Marketplace-focused communities
- Pokemon Collection Groups: Collectors sharing pulls and collections
- Pokemon TCG Competitive Groups: Players discussing strategies and decks
How to Find the Right Groups:
Search Facebook for:
- "[Your City] Pokemon TCG"
- "Pokemon Buy Sell Trade [Your State]"
- "Pokemon Card Collectors"
- "Pokemon TCG Community"
Best Practices for Facebook Groups:
- Read group rules FIRST: Every group has posting guidelines
- Introduce yourself authentically: "Hi, I'm [Name], been collecting Pokemon for 10+ years, excited to connect with local fans"
- Engage before selling: Comment on others' posts, answer questions, share knowledge
- Provide value: Post card condition guides, pricing tips, market updates
- Be transparent: Always disclose you're a seller when relevant
Real Example from My Business:
I joined a local Pokemon Facebook group and spent two weeks just engaging—answering newbie questions, congratulating people on pulls, sharing market insights. When I finally posted cards for sale, I had 15 responses in the first hour because I'd already built trust and credibility.
Common Mistake: Joining a group and immediately posting "Cards for sale!" Gets you banned or ignored.
2. Discord Servers: Real-Time Pokemon Communities
Why Discord Matters:
Discord is where serious Pokemon fans live 24/7. Real-time conversations, active communities, and younger demographics (teens to young adults).
Types of Pokemon Discord Servers:
- Pokemon TCG Official Servers: Large communities (10,000+ members)
- Trading/Selling Servers: Dedicated marketplace channels
- Competitive Play Servers: Strategy discussions and deck building
- Collection Showcase Servers: Members sharing their collections
How to Find Pokemon Discord Servers:
- Google: "Pokemon TCG Discord server"
- Disboard.org: Search "Pokemon TCG"
- Ask in Facebook groups: "Anyone know good Pokemon Discord servers?"
- Check YouTube community posts: Content creators often have Discord links
Best Practices for Discord:
- Read server rules and intro channels: Essential to avoid instant bans
- Use appropriate channels: Don't sell in general chat—use marketplace channels
- Build reputation: Active, helpful members get more sales
- Use server verification systems: Many have seller verification (builds trust)
- Respond quickly: Discord is real-time—slow responses lose sales
Discord Seller Reputation Tip:
Servers often have feedback channels. Encourage buyers to leave feedback after transactions. Positive feedback history = more sales.
Warning: Discord scams are common. Use PayPal Goods & Services, never Friends & Family. Verify buyer reputation before shipping.
3. Reddit: The Engaged Collector Community
Why Reddit Matters:
Reddit Pokemon communities are highly engaged, knowledgeable, and willing to spend money on quality cards. More experienced collectors than Facebook.
Key Pokemon Subreddits:
- r/PokemonTCG (500,000+ members): General Pokemon TCG community
- r/pkmntcgtrades (Trading and selling marketplace)
- r/pkmntcgcollections (Collection showcases)
- r/ptcgo and r/ptcgl (Pokemon TCG online/live game)
- r/PokeInvesting (Pokemon card investing discussions)
How to Succeed on Reddit:
- Build karma first: Participate in discussions before selling (low karma = suspicious)
- Follow subreddit rules STRICTLY: Reddit mods enforce rules aggressively
- Use r/pkmntcgtrades correctly: Read comprehensive rules before posting
- Include verification photos: Timestamp + username in every listing
- Check user feedback: r/pkmntcgtrades has reputation tracking system
Reddit Selling Format (r/pkmntcgtrades):
[US, US] [H] PayPal [W] Vintage WOTC holos
[Timestamp photos]
- Charizard Base Set NM - $150
- Blastoise Base Set LP - $80
Real Example:
I posted a vintage card lot on r/pkmntcgtrades with detailed condition descriptions and timestamp photos. Sold within 3 hours because Reddit buyers trust sellers who follow community standards precisely.
Common Mistake: Posting without proper verification photos. Gets your post removed and reputation damaged.
4. Instagram: The Visual Pokemon Marketplace
Why Instagram Matters:
Pokemon card content performs exceptionally well on Instagram. Visual platform perfect for showcasing cards, pulls, and collections.
Instagram Strategy:
- Create Pokemon-focused account: @YourBusinessNamePokemon
- Post high-quality card photos: Clean backgrounds, good lighting
- Use Pokemon hashtags: #PokemonTCG #PokemonCards #PokemonCommunity
- Engage with Pokemon accounts: Comment genuinely on others' posts
- Use Instagram Stories: Daily deals, new inventory, behind-the-scenes
Effective Hashtags:
- #PokemonTCG (most popular)
- #PokemonCardCollector
- #VintagePokemon
- #PokemonForSale
- #TCGCommunity
Instagram Sales Approach:
- Post card photos with "DM for pricing"
- Link to Mercari/eBay/TCGPlayer in bio
- Use Instagram Shopping if eligible
- Build following before heavy selling
5. TikTok: The Emerging Pokemon Platform
Why TikTok Matters:
Explosive growth in Pokemon content. Younger audience (Gen Z) with significant buying power.
TikTok Content That Works:
- Pack opening videos: "Opening a $200 Pokemon booster box"
- Card reveals: Close-ups of rare pulls with dramatic music
- Market tips: "5 Pokemon cards to buy right now"
- Collection showcases: "My $10,000 Pokemon collection"
TikTok to Sales Funnel: TikTok → Link in bio → Mercari/eBay/Website
TikTok doesn't allow direct selling, but drives massive traffic to your actual sales platforms.
6. YouTube: Long-Form Pokemon Community
Why YouTube Matters:
Pokemon TCG YouTube community is massive. Watching channels helps you understand trends, customer preferences, and market direction.
How to Use YouTube for Business:
- Watch popular channels: Understand what Pokemon content resonates
- Comment on videos: Build presence in comment sections
- Consider starting channel: Opens doors to sponsorships and larger audience
- Community tab: Share your inventory, engage with subscribers
Top Pokemon TCG YouTubers to Follow (for market research):
- Leonhart
- MaxMoeFoe
- TCA Gaming
- Deep Pocket Monster
- PokeRev
Offline Communities: In-Person Pokemon Connections
1. Local Game Stores (LGS): The Pokemon Hub
Why LGS Matter:
Local game stores are THE physical hub for Pokemon TCG communities. Players, collectors, and parents buying for kids all gather here.
How to Approach LGS as a Seller:
Option 1: Become a Regular Customer First
- Buy products from the store occasionally
- Play in their tournaments
- Help new players learn
- Build relationship with owner
Then Approach About:
- Selling bulk cards to store
- Setting up a vendor table during events
- Partnering for tournaments (you sponsor prize support)
Option 2: Vendor Table at Events
Many game stores allow vendors during large events (pre-releases, championship tournaments).
How to Secure Vendor Table:
- Call store owner: "I sell Pokemon cards and would love to vendor at your next event"
- Ask about fees (typically $25-100 depending on event size)
- Prepare inventory: Popular singles, sealed products, supplies
- Bring display cases, price labels, business cards
Real Example:
I became a regular at my local game store for 6 months. Built friendships with the owner and players. When a major tournament came up, the owner invited me to vendor for free because I'd supported the store. Made $1,200 in sales that weekend.
Common Mistake: Trying to undercut the game store's prices while vending there. Respect their business—focus on different products or complementary inventory.
2. Pokemon Tournaments: Where Players Spend Money
Types of Tournaments:
- Local League Challenges: Weekly/monthly small events (20-40 players)
- Pre-Release Events: New set releases (high turnout)
- Regional Championships: Large competitive events (100-300+ players)
- Pokemon League: Weekly casual play
How to Find Tournaments:
- Pokemon.com Event Locator: Official tournament finder
- Ask at local game stores: They host most events
- Facebook groups: Tournament announcements
- Play! Pokemon app: Official app with event listings
Tournament Selling Strategy:
- Attend as a player: Participate in tournament first
- Bring trade binders: Casual trading is expected at events
- Network during downtime: Between rounds, show inventory to other players
- Focus on meta-relevant cards: Competitive players need specific cards immediately
- Offer tournament deals: "Buy 3 cards, get 10% off"
What Sells at Tournaments:
- Current meta staples (cards needed for competitive decks)
- Sleeves and deck boxes (players forget supplies)
- Energy cards (always in demand)
- Popular trainer cards
Tournament Etiquette:
- Don't aggressively sell during matches
- Respect tournament rules about vendor activity
- If you're not an official vendor, keep sales low-key (trades and casual selling only)
3. Conventions: Large-Scale Pokemon Events
Types of Conventions:
- Pokemon-specific events: VGC (Video Game Championships) regions
- Anime conventions: Large Pokemon fan presence
- Comic conventions: TCG sections common
- Gaming conventions: Trading card areas
How to Sell at Conventions:
Option 1: Rent a Vendor Booth
- Research convention: Check attendance size
- Apply for vendor space (months in advance)
- Costs: $200-2,000 depending on convention size
- Bring significant inventory (conventions = big sales potential)
Option 2: Attend as a Guest
- Bring trade binders
- Network in TCG areas
- Exchange contact info for future sales
- Build brand awareness
Convention Success Tips:
- Eye-catching display: Stand out from other vendors
- Convention specials: "Convention exclusive pricing"
- Business cards: Everyone takes these home
- Accept multiple payment methods: Cash, card, Venmo, PayPal
- Bring helpers: Conventions are exhausting solo
Real Example:
My first anime convention vendor booth cost $300. I brought $3,000 in inventory (vintage cards, sealed products, popular singles). Sold $4,500 in three days. The exposure led to 20+ new online customers who found me at the event.
4. Schools and Libraries: Untapped Pokemon Goldmine
Why Schools/Libraries Matter:
Kids and parents are there. Pokemon is popular with elementary through middle school kids.
How to Approach:
- Contact school/library coordinator: "I run Pokemon TCG learn-to-play events"
- Offer free event: Teach kids how to play Pokemon TCG
- Provide value first: Free demo decks, gameplay instruction
- Light promotion: Business cards for parents ("I also sell cards online")
Pokemon League at Libraries:
Some libraries host weekly Pokemon League. Contact library about starting one:
- Free space for community
- You organize weekly play
- Parents appreciate safe environment
- Builds local customer base
Legal Note: Always get permission and follow school/library policies about promoting businesses.
Community Etiquette: How to Avoid Getting Banned
Universal Community Rules:
- Don't spam: Posting "cards for sale" daily = instant ban
- Engage genuinely: Comment, help, participate beyond selling
- Respect platform rules: Every community has seller guidelines
- Be transparent: Disclose condition, pricing, and seller status honestly
- Handle issues professionally: Bad transactions happen—resolve them maturely
Warning Signs You're Doing It Wrong:
- Getting banned from groups/servers
- Posts deleted by moderators
- No one engaging with your listings
- Negative feedback or comments
Signs You're Doing It Right:
- Repeat customers
- Positive feedback and reviews
- Community members recommending you to others
- Invited to vendor at events
- Growing follower base
Building Your Community Presence: The Long Game
Month 1: Join and Observe
- Join 5-10 communities
- Watch, read, learn community culture
- Don't sell yet
Month 2: Engage and Contribute
- Answer questions
- Share knowledge
- Post non-sales content
- Build reputation
Month 3: Start Selling (Gently)
- Post occasional listings
- Focus on value and service
- Continue engaging beyond sales
Month 6+: Established Community Member
- Known and trusted
- Regular customers
- Referrals from community
- Invited to events
This is how I built Break Check Barragan's customer base. Slow, genuine community building beats aggressive selling every time.
Action Steps
- Choose 3 communities to start: Pick platforms you're most comfortable with
- Join and observe for 1 week: Learn each community's culture
- Engage genuinely for 2 weeks: Comment, help, participate (no selling yet)
- Make first sale post: Follow community guidelines precisely
- Track results: Which platforms drive actual sales?
Ready to Master Community Building?
This is Module 3.2 of Week 3 in the Pokemon Business Startup Course.
Complete course includes:
- Community engagement templates
- Platform-specific posting guides
- How to handle negative feedback
- Advanced networking strategies
- Building your Pokemon brand across platforms
Enroll in the Pokemon Business Startup Course →
Module 3.2 of Week 3 - Pokemon Business Startup Course