How to Buy Sports Cards Wholesale and Get a Distributor Account

If you’re serious about scaling your sports card or Pokémon reselling business, sourcing inventory at the right price is just as important as knowing what to buy. One of the biggest steps a reseller can take to increase profits and streamline operations is buying cards wholesale — directly from distributors or through licensed accounts.

But how do you get started? In this post, we’ll walk you through two crucial parts of growing your reselling business the smart way:

1. Where to buy wholesale sports cards
2. How to get approved for a card distributor account

Let’s break it down.

Where to Buy Wholesale Sports Cards

When you buy cards from retail stores, online flippers, or auctions, you’re already behind. Wholesale prices are significantly lower, allowing room for larger margins — especially when you’re selling singles, sealed product, or grading inventory.

Here are some of the best options for wholesale sourcing:

1. Licensed Distributors

These companies are the “middlemen” between the manufacturers (like Panini, Topps, or The Pokémon Company) and retailers/resellers.



Popular U.S. distributors include:

• GTS Distribution
• Southern Hobby
• Peach State Hobby
• Magazine Exchange
• PokeDirect (for Pokémon)

These companies typically require a reseller’s license, a storefront (physical or online), and sometimes a minimum order volume.

2. Liquidation and Overstock Sites

Look for bulk inventory from overstock or store returns. These can include:

• Via Trading
• BULQ
• 888 Lots
• Liquidation.com

Sometimes stores like Target or Walmart liquidate shelf pulls that still contain sealed card packs — a goldmine if you know what to look for.

3. Local Card Shops (LCS)

Building relationships with local shops can sometimes get you insider access to restocks, wholesale deals, or sealed boxes at better prices — especially if you buy in bulk.

4. eBay Lots and Facebook Marketplace

Though technically not “wholesale,” you can sometimes find bulk deals or mislisted collections for pennies on the dollar. Search for

• “Unsorted card lots”
• “Garage sale cards”
• “Moving sale Pokémon/sports cards”

How to Get a Pokémon or Sports Card Distributor Account

Getting approved for a distributor account is one of the best long-term plays for resellers. Here’s what it typically takes and how you can position yourself to qualify.

Step 1: Get a Resale Certificate / Business License

Most distributors will not do business with individuals — they require you to have a registered business, EIN, and sales tax certificate from your state. You can get this by:

• Registering an LLC or sole proprietorship
• Applying for a state resale license
• Opening a business bank account

Step 2: Build a Website or Online Store

Some distributors require proof that you’re already actively selling. This could be:

• A Shopify or BigCommerce store
• A successful eBay, Whatnot, or Amazon seller profile
• A branded domain and email address

Step 3: Prepare Business References or Purchase History

Distributors might ask for invoices from other vendors or proof that you’ve bought sealed inventory in the past.

Pro Tip: Start by buying from smaller distributors or wholesalers and keeping your receipts.

 Step 4: Reach Out and Apply

Visit the distributor’s website and look for a “Become a Dealer” or “Apply for Account” link. Be ready to submit:

• Your business license
• Sales tax ID
• A short write-up of your business model (online sales, live selling, physical shop, etc.)

Why It Matters

• Better Margins: Buying at wholesale prices drastically increases your profit potential.
• Faster Scaling: With bulk buying, you don’t run out of inventory when demand spikes.
• Exclusive Access: Distributor accounts give you early access to new product drops and allocations.
• Legitimacy: When you buy direct, it boosts your credibility with buyers, especially when selling sealed boxes.

The reselling game is becoming more competitive, but those who learn how to play it like a business — with wholesale pricing and distributor access — will win long-term. Don’t just chase hot cards; build a system that lets you scale smarter.