"I want to sell cards." Ok so... **How?** Do you want to be a **Streamer**, a **Vendor**, or a **Shop**? Choose one and focus. Trying to manage a website, grind weekend card shows, and stream is exhausting.You'll burn through your money and energy. Success in TCG requires focus. You need to put your energy into **one** first. --- ### Identity Matrix Use this table to see where your skills and resources actually align. | Feature | The Vendor (Hustler) | The Store (Infrastructure) | The Streamer (Personality) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Inventory Risk** | **High.** You hold "raw" cards that can fluctuate in price daily. | **Moderate.** You carry bulk and sealed product which is more stable. | **Low.** You often sell "spots" or packs before you even open them. | | **Time Spend** | 70% Hunting / 30% Selling. | 20% Sourcing / 80% Logistics. | 10% Sourcing / 90% Performing. | | **Pros** | • No platform fees.
• Tax write-offs for travel.
• Instant "cash in hand." | • High resale value of the business.
• Automated sales.
• Professional credibility. | • Highest profit margins.
• Deep customer loyalty.
• Get paid to open cards. | | **Cons** | • Safety risks (carrying cash/cards).
• Market volatility.
• No "off" days. | • High monthly overhead.
• Death by 1,000 papercuts (fees).
• Boring/repetitive work. | • "Burnout" is extremely high.
• Toxic chat/internet trolls.
• Tech failures kill sales. | | **Growth Ceiling** | Limited by your physical energy. | Unlimited (can hire employees). | Limited by your "fame" & reach. | --- ### The "Common Denominator": Content Regardless of which path you choose, there is one universal truth: **Content.** This is something I’m constantly working on myself, because it is the only tool that can unlock infinite growth. Content is your brand, your digital footprint, and your jumping pad to the next level. * **For the Vendor:** It’s your digital business card. It tells people you’re active and trustworthy before they meet you at a table. * **For the Store:** It’s your trust signal. Showing people how you pack, protect, and ship cards proves you aren't just a "basement seller." * **For the Streamer:** It *is* the product. Your personality is why they stay. In a world of infinite sellers, content is the only thing that isn't a commodity. **If they know you, they’ll buy from you.** --- ### Permission to Pivot: It’s Okay to Fail Here is the secret most people won't tell you: **Your first choice doesn't have to be your forever choice.** The TCG market is a living, breathing thing. You might start as a Store, realize you hate the logistics of bubble mailers, and pivot into being a Vendor who loves the energy of the road. Or, you might try being a Streamer, realize you’re camera-shy, and find out you’re actually a genius at the data-driven side of running a Store. #### Failure isn't the end; it’s just data. * If a platform doesn't work? **Pivot.** * If a specific card game flops? **Pivot.** * If your "Identity" feels like a chore? **Pivot.** The only way to truly fail in this hobby is to stop moving altogether. Don't be afraid to try a lane, realize it’s not for you, and switch. Success also does not come at the start.. it could take time. --- ### Conclusion: Which one should you pick? * **Choose Vendor** if you have want to go to shows, trade, discuss and enjoy travel. * **Choose Store** if you are organized and want to build a scalable system. You need to source and figure out a focus. * **Choose Streamer** if you want to go live, be consistent and stay at home. **Pick one, start your camera, and don't be afraid to change your mind later.**

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