How to Start a Pokemon Collection

Originally a Nintendo video game series, Pokemon has become an entire empire of products aimed at children and pre-teens. This empire includes a playing card game and cartoon series as well as branded clothing, lunch boxes and other school paraphernalia. Collecting Pokemon cards has become a hot sensation among its target market and even some adults are getting in on the act.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet access
• Three-ring binders
• Plastic sleeves for storing cards

Instructions

Start a Great Pokemon Collection

1. Prepare a home for your Pokemon cards. In order to keep your cards in pristine condition, you have to store them properly. The best way to do this is to buy several three-ring binders and a supply of pocketed plastic sleeves. As you add cards to your collection, you can place them in the pockets of the plastic sleeves and then put the sleeves in the binders. Not only will this protect your cards, it will also allow you to organize your cards however you choose (such as by character or card number).

2. Go shopping. The first thing you want to do is visit your local toy store. Pokemon cards can usually be found in abundance in these places. Also, big department stores will often carry Pokemon cards in their toy sections.

3. Get your bids in. Like any collectible item, some Pokemon cards are common while others are hard to find. For those elusive cards, visit an online auction site like eBay (see Resources below). This site is a veritable clearinghouse for Pokemon cards of all kinds. When you see something you want, place a bid. If no one outbids you, it will be yours!

4. Trade with your friends. Since Pokemon cards come in decks, chances are you will end up with many duplicate cards. If you have friends who also collect Pokemon cards, get together with them to see if they have any duplicates of a card that you need and vice-versa. You can then work out a trade.

5. Go to a toy collectors' convention. You can find announcements for upcoming conventions in the Living or Metro section of your local newspaper. These conventions attract toy vendors from across the globe, some of whom may be peddling the very Pokemon cards you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Since they are made out of paper, Pokemon cards are easily damaged. Be careful to not get yours wet, torn or folded.

Resources

• Pokemon Web page
• Add to your Pokemon collection at eBay