The thrill of buying, selling, and trading collectible cards has never been stronger. From rookie sports cards to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, collectors around the world are turning their passion into side income—or even full-time businesses. Yet for many sellers, that excitement fades the moment the final numbers come in. Hidden fees, confusing percentages, and unexpected deductions from large marketplaces can turn a $50 sale into a $42 payout.
At Pack Smash, we believe there’s a better way. Flat fees and honest pricing aren’t just convenient—they’re the foundation of trust in a community built by collectors, for collectors.
“Transparency isn’t a feature. It’s respect.”
— Pack Smash Founder
The Problem with the “Big Box” Marketplaces
Let’s call it what it is: platforms like eBay, TCGPlayer, and Whatnot have made it easier than ever to sell cards online—but they’ve also made it expensive.
- eBay takes around 10–13 % of every sale once payment processing is included.
- TCGPlayer charges a 10.25 % marketplace fee plus roughly 2.5 % for payment handling.
- Whatnot averages 11 % total between seller and processing fees.
Add in hidden adjustments, promoted-listing costs, and final-value fees on shipping, and sellers can easily lose up to one-eighth of every transaction.
For hobbyists, that’s discouraging. For small shops, it’s unsustainable.
Why Flat Fees Change Everything
Flat fees return control to the collector. Instead of percentages that grow with your success, you know exactly what you’ll pay before you hit “List.”
At Pack Smash, every seller pays the same transparent, predictable rate—never more than 3.25 % for free accounts and as little as 1.75 % for members. That includes the full cost of running the marketplace, moderation, and support.
Flat fees mean:
More trust between buyer and seller, because everyone sees the same numbers.
No surprises when your card sells.
No penalty for higher-value listings.
Easier pricing—you can calculate profit margins instantly.
Wrapping Up with Key Insights
Transparency Builds Community
Collectors don’t just want a marketplace; they want a community. Hidden fees, fine print, and inconsistent charges erode that sense of trust. Transparent pricing, on the other hand, strengthens it.
When you know what you’ll pay, you can focus on what really matters—authentic cards, fair deals, and meaningful connections.
Transparency encourages fairness, attracts repeat buyers, and keeps bad actors away. It’s how Pack Smash maintains a space where honesty isn’t optional—it’s expected.
Keeping More of What You Earn
Imagine selling a $100 card:
| Platform | Total Fees | You Keep |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | ≈ $12–13 | $87–88 |
| TCGPlayer | ≈ $12.75 | $87.25 |
| Whatnot | ≈ $11 | $89 |
| Pack Smash (Free) | ≈ $6–7 | $93–94 |
| Pack Smash (Dealer) | ≈ $5.50 | $94.50 |
That’s $5–8 more per sale staying in your pocket. Over time, those savings pay for entire boxes, grading fees, or new investments for your collection.
A Simpler Future for Collectors
Flat fees and transparency aren’t marketing buzzwords—they’re our operating principles. Every design choice, policy, and update at Pack Smash revolves around one goal: making collecting more rewarding and less complicated.
When you list with Pack Smash, you’ll always know:
- What you pay
- Why you pay it
- And where your money goes
That clarity keeps the hobby thriving—and keeps collectors connected.
Wrapping Up
The future of card collecting depends on trust, and trust depends on transparency.
By replacing hidden percentages with flat, predictable fees, Pack Smash gives collectors freedom, confidence, and community.
If you’re tired of watching your profits disappear into the fine print, it’s time to make the switch.
List smarter. Sell fair. Collect freely.
Pack Smash — Built for Collectors. Powered by Flat Fees.