Within the Pokémon TCG community collectors often see the fun side of the hobby: Open packs, create trades and hunt grails. But behind the scenes is a completely different world. Vendors, webshops and dealers make sure that these cards are on the table at all events at fairs, online and within the community.
For this blog we talked to Noud van Eastwood TCG, a known name within the Dutch scene. We talked about how he started, what life as a vendor looks like and how the Pokémon market has changed completely in recent years.
Who is Noud and how did Eastwood TCG develop?
My name is Noud Bakx. I collect since 2011 again Pokémon cards, but actually it started when Pokémon just came out in Europe. I was then about 10 years old and was mostly at the Game Boy and the schoolyard trading cards.
At that time, there were no real Pokémon scholarships. I mainly went to game fairs, but there was actually Pokémon hardly to be found. As the hobby grew, there were more and more events in the Netherlands and Belgium and I went there not only as a visitor, but also as a vendor.
Through a search for products I ended up at Pokéstop in Oosterhout. That's where I met Lars. Because of a lot of contact, we noticed that we worked well together and complemented each other. Eventually we decided to start Eastwood TCG together, with the idea to set something up for both players and collectors. The rest actually started to grow by itself.
When did Pokémon become more than just a hobby?
My best memories are still old memories. Along with my little brother in turn playing Game Boy, swap cards or even throw them against the wall to win them and stuff. Pokémon is really nostalgia to me.
When I started again in 2011, I started buying and trading more and more collections to expand my own collection. That got more serious. At some point I noticed that I put so much time and energy in it that it made sense to take it professionally. From there, it actually grew to a company.
What does the life of a Pokémon TCG vendor look like?
Many people only see the stand at a fair or a webshop, but there is quite a bit of work behind that.
An average week largely consists of processing and sending orders via the webshop and Cardmarket. In addition, we are working daily on content on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, which is now almost as important as the sale itself.
In addition, the preparation for scholarships actually continues continuously. That's not something you only do in the week of an event, but something you're constantly working on.
What comes to mind when running a TCG business?
It's much wider than people think. Of course it's about buying and selling tickets, but there's a lot more to that.
You're in the middle of buying supplies, setting prices, processing orders and customer contact. But also with visibility: create content, track social media and be present at fairs.
It's actually a mix of enterprise, community building and constantly responding to what's going on in the market.
What makes Pokémon TCG different from other TCGs?
For me, it's mostly the question and the emotion behind it. Pokémon is nostalgia for a lot of people and that makes it different from other TCG.
We also sell other card games, but Pokémon remains by far the most requested. You can see that in everything.
Besides, you see that everyone collects in their own way. One focuses on one specific Pokémon, while the other wants to complete complete sets. That makes the hobby so wide.
How has the Pokémon market changed?
Growth has been enormous in recent years.
Demand has risen considerably and you can see that in prices. Where Pokémon used to be seen as something for children, it is now increasingly taken seriously, even as an investment.
You actually notice that difference every day. The market has just grown up.
What happens behind the scenes at a fair?
A scholarship actually starts months in advance. You book your place, decide how many tables you have, and on that you base how much stock you bring.
Everything is priced and ready. If it's possible, we're already building on Friday, so we don't have any stress on Saturday.
On the day itself it starts with everything neatly set down: Fill displays, check prices and make sure the more expensive cards are clearly visible. After that, it's mostly selling, trading and contacting people. That's ultimately what you're doing it for.
What is currently popular?
Honestly, Everything.
The demand for Pokémon is so wide that it hardly matters what you have; There's always interest. From sealed to singles, it keeps running.
How do you look at investing?
I see investing as something positive. I also do it with sealed products.
For me, it doesn't matter why someone's in Pokémon. Whether you do it for the hobby or for investment, it's both part of it. Eventually, it also keeps the market moving.
How important is social media for a TCG business?
Very important. We started content last year and that really helped.
Not only is it fun to do, but it also shows what the hobby means. People get a better idea of who you are and that creates trust.
We just live in a digital world. When you're visible, you grow faster.
What works well on social media?
Pack openings and vendor POV content do best.
People like to watch behind the scenes or to see the tension of pulls. And yes, social media certainly affects what people buy. That's exactly why influencers exist.
Is social media necessary these days?
I think so.
Without social media, you can still grow, but it gets a lot harder. It greatly helps visibility and trust, and that is just important these days.
What are the most beautiful moments for a vendor?
There have been many cool trades, but what really stands out is the atmosphere at fairs.
It's still special to see so many people coming together for the same hobby. That sense of community, you don't forget.
What makes the Pokémon community so strong?
Everyone shares the same passion and you notice it. People help each other, share knowledge and are just excited.
That ultimately makes the hobby more than just collecting cards.
Community question: how do allocation work?
You get allocation through contacts and distributors. That's something you build up over time.
Do you see Pokémon as a hobby or a job?
Even though there's a lot of hours in it, it doesn't feel like work.
The days are often too short and there is always something to do. I'm grateful that I can do this with Lars and hope to do so for a long time.
I'm just a collector.
Do you have any advice for people who just started out in the hobby?
Gather what you like. Don't be too guided by others and trust your own feelings.
In the end, it's all about fun in the hobby.
Closure
We want Noud van Eastwood TCG thank you for his time and openness. This interview gives an honest look behind the scenes of the vendor life within the Pokémon TCG and shows how much is actually coming to this side of the hobby.
As regular customers of eastwood we can recommend their webshop because they excel in their service and customer contact!
Great interview Kai. Really nice to read the story of what happens behind the scenes. But also to read how a beautiful company like EastwoodTCG was created and from what basis.
You can also always experience that the service and communication of EastwoodTCG is top!
Great interview Kai. Really nice to read the story of what happens behind the scenes. But also to read how a beautiful company like EastwoodTCG was created and from what basis.
You can also always experience that the service and communication of EastwoodTCG is top!