A complete UK trading card marketplace with escrow payments, Stripe Connect payouts, a 182,000-card catalogue and price engine. Built, live, pre-revenue.
The document outlines key features and operations of an established two-sided marketplace focused on trading cards, specifically for games like Pokémon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh, One Piece, Lorcana, and various sports. The platform, fully functional beyond a simple MVP or concept, includes an extensive 182,000-card database with comprehensive search and language support. It employs escrow payments with automated delivery confirmation and handles disputes efficiently. The site incorporates Stripe Connect for seller onboarding and payouts, validated through real transactions. A price intelligence engine using over 170,000 actual sales records is in place, and the marketplace supports SEO and shopping integration with tools like Google Merchant Center. Technical operations run efficiently with 147 automated tests, utilizing modern tech stacks and cloud services for a cost-effective performance at around £150/month.
The marketplace's revenue model is predominantly transaction-based, with a 10% commission on sales (lower for Pro members) and a 5% buyer protection fee. Operations are largely automated, requiring minimal weekly effort for support and moderation. Currently targeting UK trading card collectors, it features 97 registered users and 16 active sellers, generating about 12,900 organic page views. Despite being pre-revenue with only two completed orders, there's potential growth if aligned with a business having an established audience or sales channel.
The document suggests that while the platform mechanics are robust and proven, seller engagement remains the crucial missing component. The marketplace could benefit from integration with existing sales networks or communities to quickly enhance its inventory and activity. Licensing agreements for card and price data are transferable, and the current owner offers 30 days of support for a smooth transition.
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