A buylist tells players what you’ll pay for their cards. Done well, it keeps your singles case stocked, brings players back with store credit, and protects your margin. Done badly, it turns every buy into a negotiation. Here’s how to run one that works.
Price every card from current market data
Card prices move with every set release and tournament result. Start each offer from a current market price, such as TCGPlayer market value, rather than last week’s printout. GameSnapPOS pulls TCGPlayer pricing live when you look up a card.
Set cash and credit rates
Most stores pay a percentage of market value, with a higher percentage for store credit to keep the value in the store. Many use tiers: a stronger rate for high-demand cards and a lower rate for bulk. Publish your rates or keep them consistent at the counter.
Grade condition consistently
Near Mint (NM): little to no visible wear
Lightly Played (LP): minor edge or surface wear
Moderately Played (MP): noticeable wear
Heavily Played or Damaged: major wear, creases, or water damage
Adjust the offer by condition and write the grade on the record so the card is priced correctly when it hits the case.
Know what you don’t want
Your buylist doesn’t need to include every card. Skip or pay bulk rates for cards you already have plenty of, and focus on the staples and chase cards your players ask for.
Close the visit in one flow
The best buylist visits end with the player spending their credit before they leave. Keep the buylist, the purchase, and the payment on one customer record so there’s nothing to re-enter.
Quick checklist
Look up current market value for each card
Grade condition and note it
Offer cash and credit side by side
Pay bulk rates for overstocked cards
Let credit apply to today’s purchase
