Starting a vending machine business with Pokémon cards is exciting. But one big question often comes up:
Should you start the business with single cards or booster packs?
In this post, we’ll discuss the key differences between the two. We will talk about profit margins, customer behavior, and best cases–so you can decide what to sell with your Pokemon vending machine.
Cost and Pricing: How much you make per Sale
Single Cards
Cost: $0.10 to $0.30 per card (depending on rarity and style)
Selling Price: $1 to $2 each
Example:
Sell 400 cards at $1 each = $400 revenue
If your cost is $0.20 per card, you only spend $80.
That’s $320 profit.
Conclusion: Super high margin. Even common cards can bring a great return.
Booster Packs
Cost: $2.00 to $3.00 per pack (based on supplier deals)
Selling Price: $5 to $6 each
Example:
Sell 80 packs at $5 each = $400 revenue
If your cost is $2.50 per pack, that’s $200 in cost.
You still make $200 profit.
Conclusion: Good profits, but will need higher upfront investment.
Buying Behavior: Who Buys What?
Single Cards: Perfect for Quick Fun and Casual Fans
Not everyone wants to spend $5 at once—especially kids.
For children or casual players, a single card is very attractive. It’s affordable, collectible, and exciting, and they can afford with their pocket change.
Some buyers enjoy slowly building their collection, picking out one card at a time. It feels more personal—and keeps them coming back for more.
“My son loves choosing one Pokémon card after school. It’s his little daily reward,” — Arcade owner, California
Booster Packs: A Bigger Surprise for Serious Collectors
Booster packs offer more excitement and variety in one buying. For collectors and older fans, the chance to pull a rare or shiny card can bring extra happiness.
“We had customers coming just for the booster packs—especially when we stocked rare series,” — Vending Operator, Texas
They feel like they have bigger chance to win when opening the pack.
Great for birthday gifts or surprise rewards.
Tip: Some successful vending operators place both versions in the same location.They will use single card machine for low-cost fun, and place booster pack machines for bigger sales.
Setup Tips for Better Sales
Use Bright Labels: Make clear what’s inside (Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, MTG, etc.)
Try Mystery Packs:Add the “surprise” elementto single cards.
Bundle Cards by Theme: Starter Pokémon?
Restock Regularly : Keep fresh designs in places.
Which One Makes More Money?
If you want high volume and frequent purchases,go with single cards.
But if you want higher sales value or more deep fans , booster packs win.
Best choice? Offer both machines to attract more buying groups.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose singles or booster packs depends on your location, audience, and budget. Many vending business owners start with single cards to test the waters and add booster packs once they see results. See more about Pokemon Discussion.
Need help picking the right vending machine?
Check out our Pokémon vending machines here
Perfect for cards, customizable, and easy to manage.
FAQ
Q: Do single cards need a license to sell?
A: If you’re reselling official cards, it’s fine. Just don’t use Pokémon logos in your design without permission.
Q: Can I mix different TCG brands?
A: Yes. Many sellers offer Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Magic: The Gathering in the same machine.
Q: How often do I need to refill the machine?
A: Depends on traffic. Some sellers refill weekly, others every 2–3 days.
Q: What’s the suggested price for cards?
A: $1–$2 per card, or $5–$7 per booster pack works well in most places.
