Catching ’Em All on WhatNot: My Guide to Buying Pokémon Cards Like a Pro

Pokemon Jun 15, 2025

Something a little different from me today. If you’re into collecting Pokémon cards (like me), you’ve probably heard of WhatNot, a live auction and shopping platform that’s part eBay, part Twitch stream, and 100% chaotic (and fun). I dove in recently to explore the world of live breaks, graded cards, and last-second bidding wars. Here’s what I learned; plus some top tips if you’re thinking of jumping in. I was keen to expand my Pokémon TCG collection with some vintage cards.

What Is WhatNot?

WhatNot is a livestream auction platform where sellers (often collectors themselves) showcase Pokémon cards and products in real-time. You can:

Buy single cards, sealed products, or graded slabs
Join live ”breaks” (more on this below)
Chat with sellers and other collectors
Bid in fast-paced auctions, some as short as 5 seconds!

It’s fast, exciting, and occasionally overwhelming. But once you get the hang of it, it can be a great way to find deals, or just join a community of collectors.

Key lingo to know

If you’re new, the chat and seller talk can feel like a different language. Here’s a crash course:

Break: A seller opens sealed Pokémon products (e.g. booster boxes) live. You buy a “spot” and get the cards pulled from the packs assigned to you. Popular formats include rip-and-ship (you get everything opened on your behalf) and pack battles (winner takes all).
GG: Short for Gold Grading or Graded Gem, depending on context. More casually, it’s used to say “good game” when something great is pulled or won.
Razz: A raffle-style listing. You pay a small amount for a slot in a draw, and the winner gets the item.
Slab: A graded card encased in a plastic case (from PSA, CGC, BGS, etc.).
BIN: “Buy It Now” - a fixed-price item rather than an auction.
Sniping: Jumping in at the last second to win an auction. It’s part of the game and can be thrilling or annoying depending on which side you’re on.

Top tips for buying on WhatNot

1. Do Quick Research - Fast - Auctions often last just 15 to 30 seconds, so you need to be able to instantly judge value. Have a second tab open with eBay sold listings or TCGPlayer to check prices. It’s very easy to overpay if you get caught in the hype of the swipe.

2. Understand the Format of Breaks - Before buying into a break, read the listing carefully (often in the show notes):

Are you getting just the hits? (i.e. no bulk commons/uncommons)
Do you get reverse holos?
Is shipping included?
Is the break randomised (e.g. random energy) or do you pick your pack?

Always ask in the chat if you’re unsure, most sellers are happy to explain.

3. Be Cautious About Slabs - Graded cards can be a bargain on WhatNot, but not all slabs are created equal. PSA, CGC, and BGS are generally the most respected brands. You’ll also see a lot of lesser-known companies like GetGraded or other small-scale UK-based graders. These often don’t hold the same market value or buyer confidence, and some sellers appear to mass-sell these slabs cheaply to shift stock. Always check resale value on eBay before bidding on a slab, and if in doubt, pass.

4. Set a Budget and Stick to It - It’s easy to get carried away; especially during high-energy breaks or when you’ve just missed a great pull. Have a spending limit in mind and pace yourself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

5. Follow Trusted Sellers - Look for sellers with:

Good ratings and reviews
Transparent listings (no vague “mystery packs” without value range)
Professional setup (clear camera, good lighting, no “lost” pulls)

You can follow your favourites and get notified when they go live.

6. Enter Giveaways - Smartly - Giveaways are common and can be a great way to snag a free item, or more importantly, free shipping. My personal strategy: enter a giveaway, and if I win, that unlocks free shipping for the entire stream. I’ll then make my purchases after that. It’s a simple tactic that can save you money. But be mindful, some sellers do then go on to charge a small shipping fee if you do make a large number of purchases.

7. Be Aware of Shipping Costs - Shipping is usually calculated per seller, not per stream. If you’re buying several items from one seller, this can work in your favour. If you’re buying one card from five different sellers, less so.

8. Don’t Skip the Small Streams - Some of the best deals and genuine communities are in smaller streams with fewer viewers. Less competition = lower prices and more chances to interact directly with the seller.

Final thoughts

WhatNot brings a real social and adrenaline-fuelled aspect to Pokémon collecting that’s hard to replicate. I’ve had both wins and near misses, but each stream teaches you something. Whether you’re in it for nostalgia, investment, or fun, knowing the basics (and the lingo) makes a huge difference.