When I first got into Pokémon collecting, I knew nothing.
My husband ripped open an ETB (Elite Trainer Box) of Fusion Strike and I was hooked.
After pulling my 18th Butterfree holo I was overwhelmed, second-guessing everything and not sure what I'd gotten myself into.
Fast forward a few years later and I’ve found an amazing community of enthusiastic people and a genuine passion for Pokémon that’s become such a bright part of my life.
Whether you’re just starting out or coming back after a break, here are ten things I wish I’d known before I dove in head first.
1. Collect What You Love
The biggest mistake new collectors make is chasing hype. When a new set drops, it’s easy to feel like you have to get the latest chase card or you’re missing out. But you’ll be happier (and wealthier) if you collect what you actually love.
If you’re drawn to the artwork, the nostalgia of a particular era, or even just one Pokémon you’ve always adored, follow that. Passion lasts longer than trends, and a collection that feels personal will always be more meaningful than one built around what’s popular on social media this week.
I have recently started a Hound Binder, starting with my favourite Pokémon Snubbull.
My personal favourite - Snubbull
2. Singles vs Sealed
Sealed packs are exciting. The mystery, the thrill, that tiny chance of pulling something amazing. For most collectors (myself included), ripping packs is half the fun. I can never walk past an EB Games without checking what they have in stock.
But it’s also really easy to fall into the just one more pack mindset.
One Christmas, during the peak of the Evolving Skies hype, I drove around to every Coles Express in my area and spent over $500 on packs (when they were still $7 each). We pulled about $120 worth of hits and a whole lot of disappointment. The worst part is that those same packs are now worth upwards of $80 per blister.
This is what inspired the Evolving Cries sticker you may find in your Monster Mart parcel.
Opening packs is absolutely part of the experience, but if you’re chasing a specific card or not trying to complete a whole set, it’s often safer and cheaper to just buy the single you love outright.
3. Fakes Exist (and They’re Getting Better)
Counterfeit Pokémon cards are everywhere, and some of them look really convincing. A good fake can have the right shine, the right font, even the right texture, but something always gives it away.
If you want to dive deeper, I’ve written a guide on how to spot fake Pokémon cards that walks through real examples and comparison photos.
Learn the basics early: check for strange colours, spelling mistakes, and look for the texture. If something feels off, it probably is.
When in doubt, always buy from reputable sellers or trusted community members. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or proof of legitimacy, especially on large deals. We’ve learned that lesson the hard way.
It might feel awkward to ask, but it’s worth it. One fake card or bad trade can ruin the experience, so protecting yourself is part of being a smart collector.
4. Understand the Real Market
Just because someone listed a card for $100 on eBay doesn’t make it worth that.
Look at sold listings, not asking prices.
The Pokémon market moves fast, sometimes up, sometimes down, and hype can inflate prices quickly. Prices are usually highest when a new set first comes out and tend to settle within the first week.
Keep an eye on PriceCharting and eBay last sold data to watch for spikes or drops before you commit.
To compare card prices on eBay, select these filters to ensure you are looking at last sold in Australia.
If you’re selling, check what similar cards actually sold for in the last week or two.
Understanding how the market moves early will help you avoid overpaying or underselling. Pokémon cards are a market like any other, and a little research goes a long way.
5. How to Store and Care for Your Cards
If you plan to keep your cards in good condition, storage is everything. Cards don’t like heat, humidity, or sunlight and unfortunately, Australia has plenty of all three.
Use acid-free penny sleeves and semi-rigid holders (toploaders) for valuable cards.
Standard
2-1/2" x 3-1/2" (63.5mm x 88.9mm) penny sleeves & Roaring Moon Card Sleeves
Standard 3" x 4" 35 point toploader
Store binders upright and never overfill the pages, avoid ring binders if possible as they tend to damage the cards over time.
Avoid stacking binders flat, as it can warp the cards over time.
If you’re in a humid area, silica packs in your storage boxes can help.
It’s boring advice, but this one thing can make the biggest difference to long-term value.
6. Check Card Condition
Condition is king in this hobby. A card that looks “perfect” to you might actually be considered lightly played to a collector.
Get familiar with what counts as Near Mint, Lightly Played, or Damaged, and always check centering, corners, edges, and surface. Even small whitening or light scratches can have a big impact on value.
At Monster Mart, we follow the CGC card grading scale and aim to list cards as close to mint as possible, so you can buy with confidence knowing our condition standards are consistent. Once you learn how to grade accurately, you’ll start spotting real bargains and understand why two of the same cards can have completely different prices.
7. Everything Has Value — Even the Uncommons
When you’re new, it’s tempting to toss your bulk into a box and forget about it. But even uncommon bulk might have value.Some of those ‘throwaway’ cards actually turn out to be great for decks and end up climbing in value.
Building decks is a great way to learn the game and even recoup some of the cost from opening packs. A friend introduced me to Limitless TCG, which shows popular decks and helps you see which cards are most playable.
The artwork on commons and uncommons is incredible too, and collectors are starting to notice.
A great example is Marshadow 103/236. It used to sit in dollar boxes everywhere, but after the popularity of Marshadow 146/132 from Mega Evolution, also illustrated by 0313, its price jumped to over $50.
Marshadow 103/236 & Marshadow 069/063
So before you write off your uncommons, look through them carefully. Whether it’s playability, art, or collector demand, you might be sitting on something surprisingly valuable. Nothing in this hobby truly goes to waste.
8. Track What You Spend
Pokémon collecting adds up fast. A few packs here, a few singles there, and suddenly you’ve spent hundreds (or thousands) without realising it.
Start by setting yourself a budget and keeping track of your purchases.
A simple spreadsheet works, but apps like Collectr make it easy to log your cards, see what you own, and get a rough idea of value.
It’s also worth remembering that opening packs is a game of chance. You might pull something incredible, or you might walk away with nothing special, especially since English boosters don’t guarantee hits.
It’s not about limiting the fun, it's about being about to enjoy collecting without the guilt later. And if you ever decide to sell, having your collection tracked makes the process much easier.
At the end of the day, cards are amazing, but they can’t feed you or keep you dry. Collect responsibly and let it stay fun.
9. Community Is Everything
Pokémon collecting isn’t just about the cards. It’s about the people. The friendships, the trades, and the buzz in line at Mr. Toys when a new set drops.
Finding your local game stores trade nights, attending events like Collectfest, and joining groups on Facebook and Discord is where you really learn the hobby. It’s the best way to grow your knowledge, make friends, and build confidence as a collector.
Being honest, fair, and clear in trades or sales goes a long way. The Pokémon world is smaller than it looks, and good relationships open more doors than any booster box.
The community is also how Monster Mart began. Without the connections and friendships I’ve made through collecting, this business wouldn’t exist. It’s proof that when you show up with kindness and passion, good things follow.
10. The Hobby Evolves Constantly
New sets, mechanics, and grading standards appear every few months. It keeps the hobby fresh, but it can also feel exhausting trying to keep up.
One month everyone’s chasing Illustration Rares; the next, everybody is buying up Mew Holos from Celebrations.
It’s easy to feel behind, but remember, Pokémon is meant to be fun. You don’t need to collect every set, every promo, or every new rarity. Collect at your own pace. The cards will still be there when you’re ready.
Staying curious and learning as you go keeps the hobby exciting, without burning yourself out.
✨ Final Thoughts
Pokémon collecting is equal parts nostalgia, strategy, and chaos and it’s also a very rewarding hobby.
If you’re just getting started, I hope these lessons save you some time (and a few rookie mistakes).
Whether you’re building a binder of favourites or slowly chasing down every card in a set, the key is simple: enjoy the process. Every collector starts somewhere.
If you have any questions about the cards available at Monster Mart, please don't hesitate to reach out via our contact page.