In recent years, trading card games (TCGs) or collectible card games (CCGs) have become increasingly popular, with both children and adults playing games like Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering, and of course Yu-Gi-Oh!. As a result, the market for trading cards has grown exponentially.
However, many trading card retailers have yet to capitalize on this opportunity by creating a website. A website gives trading card retailers a competitive advantage by allowing them to reach a wider audience and sell more cards. Additionally, websites like TCGPlayer and TrollAndToad offer features that are not available in brick-and-mortar stores, such as the ability to buy and sell cards online.
As the trading card market continues to grow, it is essential for retailers to have a website in order to stay competitive. According to blog post on TCGPlayer’s seller site, “more than 450 retailers nationwide have signed up (to TCGPlayer) and 200 have adopted the Pro platform”. This number is most likely significantly higher given the recent increase of trading card games in mainstream media due to influencers like Logan Paul.
From the Local Game Store to the Online Marketplace
Many trading card retailers are now moving online and selling their cards online versus in-store. There are several reasons for this shift.
First, TCGs have become increasingly popular in recent years, making it more difficult for brick-and-mortar stores to keep up with the demand.
Second, many TCG players now prefer to buy their cards online, either because it is more convenient or because they can find better deals.
Finally, having an online presence gives trading card retailers a competitive advantage, since potential customers can easily find and compare prices from different sellers. Ultimately, trading card retailers need a website in order to stay competitive and meet the needs of their customers.
Is selling on TCGPlayer and/or TrollandToad sufficient?
Both sites offer a great user experience, but there are some advantages to having your own website as opposed to just selling via centralized online marketplace.
Custom websites provide retailers with a way to reach a wider audience. They can use SEO techniques to make sure their site appears at the top of search results, and they can use social media to drive traffic to their site.
In addition, websites allow retailers to offer a more personal user experience. There are many TCGs out there, and not every customer knows or cares about every game, but they’ll be more likely to buy from a store that specializes in the game they’re looking for. A website allows customers to easily find the store that carries the items they’re looking for.
Retailers can also use their website to build trust with customers by providing clear policies and contact information.
In short, trading card retailers need websites so that customers can easily find the items they’re looking for, and so that online stores can easily reach their target market.
Having a website gives retailers a significant advantage in the marketplaces for TCGs and CCG, and is essential for success in the trading card industry.
