A Beginner’s Guide by Bekki from Shop-Complex.com
Hey! I’m Bekki, the owner of Shop-Complex.com and a long-time Pokémon card collector.
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own collection—or jumping back in after years away—you’re not alone. I made this guide because I know firsthand how confusing and overwhelming it can be at the beginning. The hobby’s bigger than ever, with more sets, more hype, and way more noise than it used to have.
But don’t worry. You don’t need to be an expert, and you definitely don’t need to be rich. You just need the right info, a little patience, and a reason to collect that matters to you.
Let’s break it all down.
Why Start Collecting Pokémon Cards?
Here’s the real talk: collecting Pokémon cards is just plain fun.
- Opening packs is exciting. It’s like a mini lottery every time—you never know what you’ll pull.
- The card art is beautiful. From cute starters to powerful alt arts, many cards are mini pieces of artwork. (And Japanese cards? Stunning.)
- You make your own rules. Collect only your favorite Pokémon, a type like Fire or Psychic, or cards from a certain era—there’s no wrong way to do it.
- It’s calming. Sorting, sleeving, organizing—it’s actually a great way to chill out.
- There’s a whole community out here. Whether online or at local shops, there are thousands of us geeking out over cardboard creatures.
For me, it started as a kid, but as an adult, collecting became a way to connect with something I love—and now it’s my business, too.
Is Collecting Pokémon Cards Expensive?
It doesn’t have to be.
You can start small and build up over time. Here’s a rough idea of what different budgets can get you:
- $10–$30: A few booster packs or some singles to start filling a binder.
- $100–$300: A great starter setup—binder, sleeves, and a solid collection based on your favorite cards or Pokémon.
- $300+: This is where people go deeper—sealed booster boxes, vintage holos, or grading cards.
💡 Want the best value? Start with Japanese booster packs.
They’re usually more affordable than English ones, with better print quality, sharper colors, and more consistent centering. That’s why I built Shop-Complex.com around them—I wanted quality product without the markup.
Where to Buy Pokémon Cards (Safely)
Let’s talk buying options—because not all are created equal:
- Shop-Complex.com – My store! I carry authentic Japanese booster packs and occasionally offer English packs when available. Everything is hand-checked and sourced from trusted suppliers—no reseals, no fakes, ever.
- Local game shops – A great place to buy singles, sealed product, and meet other collectors. Prices might be slightly above MSRP, but you usually get a strong selection and that local community vibe.
- Big box stores (Target, Walmart, etc.) – These stores usually sell at MSRP, but stock disappears fast due to scalpers and low restocks.
- Online marketplaces (TCGPlayer, eBay) – Good for singles and rare finds. Just be cautious—check seller feedback and confirm authenticity before buying.
💡 How to Check Card Prices Before You Buy
If you’re going to spend money on cards, you should know what they’re worth. Here’s how to do it right:
- TCGPlayer.com – Tracks real-time prices from hundreds of sellers on their marketplace. You’ll see lowest listing, market average, and recent sales. Great for checking both singles and sealed products.
- PokemonPrices.com – Pulls data from eBay and large online retailers. Super easy to use if you want a fast snapshot of a card’s current value.
- PriceCharting – Uses completed eBay sales to track how prices change over time. Great for watching value trends and figuring out if a card is going up or down in price.
- eBay Sold Listings – Search for the card, filter by “Sold Items,” and you’ll see what people are actually paying—not just what sellers are asking.
👉 Tip: Check at least two sources before making a purchase. That way, you avoid overpaying or buying into hype.
How to Build Your Collection Without Losing Your Mind
Modern Pokémon sets are massive. Some have over 200 cards, with multiple rarities, alternate arts, secret rares, and promos. Trying to complete every set can get expensive fast—and honestly, it can kill the fun.
Here’s how to keep your collecting fun and manageable:
- Pick a theme. It could be your favorite Pokémon, a type (like Ghost or Dragon), or even a color scheme.
- Set small goals. Complete one evolution line. Fill one binder page. Find 10 cards that make you smile.
- Don’t chase hype. If everyone’s flipping out over a $300 alt art and you don’t even like the Pokémon… skip it.
- Make your collection personal. If it brings you joy, that card belongs in your binder—whether it’s worth $1 or $100.
Collecting vs. Investing
This part is important: collecting and investing are not the same thing.
- Collecting is personal. It’s about what you like.
- Investing is financial. It’s about what will go up in value over time.
Both are valid, but don’t confuse the two. If your goal is to enjoy the hobby, then ignore price charts and focus on what makes you happy. If you’re interested in Pokémon card investing, I’ve got a separate blog post coming that breaks it all down.
Bekki’s Quick Start Tips for New Collectors
- ✅ Protect your cards. Use sleeves, top loaders, and a binder from day one.
- ✅ Learn to spot fakes. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- ✅ Start with Japanese packs. Better value, better quality, and they look amazing.
- ✅ Track your collection. Use a spreadsheet or checklist so you don’t buy duplicates.
- ✅ Join the community. I run a fun, laid-back Facebook group where collectors share pulls, ask questions, and help each other out.
👉 facebook.com/ShopComplexco
Final Thoughts
Pokémon collecting doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or stressful. It’s about nostalgia, excitement, and building something that’s truly yours. Whether you want to chase rares, fill a binder of cuties, or just relive your childhood—there’s room for you in this hobby.
If you're ready to get started, I’ve got you covered.
👉 Shop-Complex.com – Authentic Japanese booster packs, hand-checked and ready to rip.
👉 Facebook.com/ShopComplexco – Our community is growing. Come hang out.
Let’s build your dream collection—one card at a time.
– Bekki
Owner of Shop Complex | Collector | Pokémon Card Addict