Guides

TCG market research, written down

Everything here comes from the same dataset FlipBasis runs on — five years of sealed product price history, out-of-print tracking, and fee-true profit math. No hype, numbers included.

When do sealed TCG prices bottom — and how long should you hold?

We indexed 220 sealed products to their release price. The dip comes faster than you think, and the payoff takes longer.

What actually happens to prices when a set goes out of print

The OOP pop is real — but it is not immediate. The window between confirmation and repricing is the whole opportunity.

TCGplayer fees explained (and the profit math most sellers skip)

Commission, payment processing, shipping, supplies — a worked example and how cost records help distinguish gross payments from profit.

PWE or bubble mailer? The shipping math that decides your margin

The break-even framework for card shipping: expected loss cost vs tracking cost, and where the $20–30 cutover comes from.

Put the numbers to work: Explore free seller calculators or create a FlipBasis account.