Every Pokemon collector eventually ends up with hundreds — or thousands — of commons and uncommons that aren't worth much individually. What do you actually do with them? Here's the honest answer.
What Is Pokemon Bulk?
Bulk refers to non-holo commons and uncommons — the cards you get in every pack that aren't the "good" ones. This includes:
- Common cards (circle symbol)
- Uncommon cards (diamond symbol)
- Reverse holo versions of commons/uncommons
- Non-holo rare cards in low demand
Bulk generally excludes holos, full arts, rares worth over $1, and any card with significant individual value.
What Is Bulk Actually Worth?
The honest answer: not much per card.
- Mixed Pokemon bulk (unsorted): $3–$6 per 1,000 cards
- Sorted Pokemon bulk (by set or type): $5–$10 per 1,000 cards
- Reverse holo bulk: $10–$20 per 1,000 cards (some individual reverses are worth $1–$5)
- Non-holo rare bulk: $5–$15 per 1,000 depending on demand
If you have 1,000 mixed commons: expect $3–$8 from a dealer. If you have 5,000, expect $15–$40 total. This is not a gold mine — but it's better than throwing them away.
Your Options With Bulk
Option 1: Sell to a Dealer
Fastest option. A dealer like HOKO will buy bulk lots — usually $5–$10 per 1,000 sorted, slightly less unsorted. You drop off or post a box, and you're done.
Best if: you just want it gone and don't want to spend time listing individually.
Option 2: Sell on eBay as Bulk Lots
Create bulk lots of 100–500 cards and list on eBay as "Pokemon Common/Uncommon Lot." These regularly sell for $10–$30 per 100-card lot depending on how well you present them and whether they're mixed or from a specific set.
The maths: 1,000 cards sold as 10 × 100-card lots at $15 each = $150. Versus selling 1,000 to a dealer at $8 = $8. Big difference — but you're doing 10 listings and 10 shipments.
Best if: you have time and want maximum return. Works particularly well for themed lots (e.g. "100 Pokemon Water Types") or lots from popular sets (Evolving Skies, Hidden Fates).
Option 3: Bulk Out at a Market Stall
Set up a "$1–$2 per card dig bin" at your next market stall. Customers love digging through bulk — especially kids and parents buying for kids. You'll move 50–100 cards on a good market day without doing individual listings.
Best if: you do markets already and want to convert slow stock into cash on the day.
Option 4: Donate to Local Schools or Youth Groups
Many schools and youth centres welcome Pokemon card donations — kids love them, the game encourages maths, reading, and strategic thinking, and it's a great community gesture. You won't get cash, but you also won't have to deal with the logistics.
Best if: the bulk genuinely isn't worth your time to sell and you'd like it to go somewhere useful.
Option 5: Keep for Future Lots or Giveaways
Bulk makes great giveaway prizes on social media ("Comment your favourite Pokemon to enter") and adds volume to collection lots you might sell in future. Holding a box of well-sorted bulk costs nothing and can be useful later.
Should You Bother Sorting Bulk?
Sorting significantly increases what dealers will pay ($3 vs $8 per 1,000) and what eBay lots sell for. The question is whether sorting time is worth it.
Rough guide:
- Under 500 cards: not worth sorting for a dealer — sell as-is or donate
- 500–2,000 cards: probably worth a basic sort (by set) if you're selling to a dealer
- 2,000+ cards: definitely worth sorting — the $/hour return improves significantly at scale
What About Reverse Holos?
Pull reverse holos out of your bulk before selling. Many reverse holos are worth $0.50–$5 individually — significantly more than bulk rates. Sort reverses separately and check the most popular ones on eBay before lumping them into your bulk lot.
Reverses of popular Pokemon (Pikachu, Charizard, Eevee evolutions) and reverses from sought-after sets (Evolving Skies, Hidden Fates) can be worth $3–$15 each.
Selling Bulk to HOKO
We buy Pokemon bulk — sorted or unsorted. Email us at hokotcgshop@gmail.com with a rough description of what you have (approximately how many cards, any idea of the sets, condition). We'll come back to you with a rate and arrange pickup or postage.