To first learn about booster packs, you need to dive into the world of trading card games (TCGs).
In recent years the popularity of TCGs has exploded, they offer a blend of strategy, skill, and luck which captures the imaginations of millions.
At the core of this, lays boosters packs.
This blog will look into all that there is about booster packs, what they are, their significance and how you can make your own.
What is a Booster Pack?
A booster pack is a sealed package containing a random assortment of trading cards. They will typically range from what I would call common all the way to legendary status.
A TCG player would need to buy booster packs to build their deck, but since the pack is randomized, they would need to purchase multiple packs to get enough variation of cards or the epic level ones.
Booster packs are a staple in many popular TCGs, including Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, each offering its own unique set of cards.
What’s Behind the Surge in Trading Card?
As a 90s kid, I am all too familiar with trading cards.
You name it, dragon ball z, Pokémon and many more. Sure, they may have had some in Japanese and I couldn’t read a single character, but they looked cool.
As with any hype, the popularity died down and the cards forgotten and lost, something I deeply regret today.
But then over the past few years (from 2024) popularity came back, and those trading game cards are worth, basically a small fortune.
As to why they are so popular, some people like to think that because those cards remind a whole generation of their nostalgic past.
Since those precious cards are now in limited supply and those young kids from back then are now adults, with cash, who are willing to pay to get back something from their childhood.
However, it’s not just fans from the past.
There is a particular allure and excitement to opening a booster pack whether you are collecting the cards or hoping to find something super rare and worth a wonderful amount.
Opening each pack hits you with the thrill of a hunt, the unpredictability held inside promises you with new possibilities in strategy or boost a deck.
This element of surprise seems to be a factor in the enduring popularity of TCGs.
Contents of a Booster Pack
The contents and number of cards in a booster pack will vary, but they will typically contain a mix of cards that range from common to rare.
Let’s look at a popular pack like Pokémon for example.
Their boosters’ packs might contain 10 cards which could be split into 4 commons, 3 uncommons, and 3 foils, with at least one card being rare or higher.
Furthermore,
You might think that each game would have one type of booster pack, unfortunately you would be incorrect in this case.
Lets look at Magic: The Gathering, they other two variations of these packs, one which they named Draft boosters which contains cards for gameplay, and another pack names Set Boosters for collectors.
Their idea behind the two is so that they can cater to different aspects of the game, either to build a competitive deck or simply enhancing a collection.
In my opinion, I admit I like this approach. When I think that they could have added collector cards into the original packs and reduced the chances of getting a good card I would be most unhappy. Therefore, separating them seems more than ideal for both the company and the users.
So, we now know what booster packs are.
But have you heard of booster box?
What is a booster box?
A booster box is essentially a box containing multiple booster packs.
Built for those who hardcore players and enthusiasts who don’t want to waste time in individual packs and what to place a substantial investment into their TCG.
How many packs do they contain?
Just like the number of cards within a park, this number can vary depending on the company and the purpose of the box, but if you twist my arm and insist on a number then you could see between 24-36 packs.
Let’s also look at our previous two examples Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, they contain 36 pack and between 30 – 36 packs respectively.
Significance of Buying a Booster Box
Purchasing a booster box is often seen as a more practical approach for serious players and collectors. Not only does it generally offer savings compared to buying individual packs, but it also increases the odds of obtaining rare and valuable cards.
Now to the crux of this blog.
You could, with relative ease, make your own booster packs to sell.
Whether you decide to buy in bulk to sell or adopt a print on demand model where you only order when you receive sales, and no minimum order quantity (MOQ).
How to Make Booster Packs
Booster packs are composed of four core components.
- Design
- Material
- Randomization
- packaging
I would say that the design element is the most crucial part.
You need to consider the following.
- Concept development: brainstorm themes and characters that will captivate audiences. Each card should have a unique identity and have a special role in the game.
- Artwork design: create by yourself or bring in artists to illustrate each card. The visuals are everything to the card and ensure they are digitalized.
- Template creation: the layout of the cards does not need to be consistent. The rarer the card the more extravagant the layout can be.
Select the right materials
You’ve just created some stunning out of this world visuals, you do not want to have them printed onto flimsy photocopy paper, dulling the whole look. You want the characters to jump out of the card and then you need to consider the following.
- Card stock: Thicker card stock which is interpreted by having a higher GSM will be the ideal option. If you want to learn more about how to choose card stock check out this article.
- Finishing: Explore the captivating allure of holographic effects, where cards shimmer with a mesmerizing reflective sheen that enhances their visual appeal.
Randomization
Due to the inevitability of having more commons cards vs rare cards, you will need to ensure the booster packs are randomized and adhering to a fair distribution.
While you could sort this out manually with low quantity decks, my assumption is that if you are going into the booster pack game it won’t be a small, cute number, we are talking about thousands and more.
Not something you would want to manually do.
Therefore, sophisticated technology is required to sort, identify, randomize and distribute the cards.
QPMN specializes in this randomization process, offering precise and fair distribution that enhances the gaming experience.
Packaging the Booster Packs
This part also requires designers to create a visually appealing cover for the wrapper and the wrappers themselves need to be sealed properly after the cards are automatically inserted to avoid tempering and ensuring quality control.
Choose QPMN are you Print on Demand Partner
QPMN offers comprehensive services in card randomization and packaging, making us a trusted partner for entrepreneurs and businesses venturing into the trading card market.
Our expertise ensures that each booster pack meets the highest standards of quality and excitement, providing a premium experience for both creators and consumers.
Whether you want to start a dropshipping business or adopt the print on demand model, we are strategically placed and have the technology and experience to help you start your business and create booster packs.
Conclusion
Booster packs are more than just packages of cards; they are the lifeblood of the trading card community. They fuel the excitement of the game, create opportunities for trade and strategy, and bring players together in shared anticipation.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new player, the allure of opening a booster pack remains a timeless thrill, offering endless possibilities and the joy of discovery.
Embrace the mystery and magic of booster packs and let them enhance your journey through the captivating world of trading card games.
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