Take My Money: Tips and Guides to Pricing K-Pop Photocards (2024)

Know what it’s worth. Don’t overpay. Remember that you will find that photocard again.

Pricing is subjective because it all depends on demand, quantity, how old or rare the photocards are, the type of photocard, and the people selling and buying. Every person will give you a different price that they think it should be.

However, I do have some useful tips and links to pricing guides that should make the hunt for our favorite photocards easier, so you don’t accidentally overpay. I will link to pricing guides for different groups at the end of this article, but for now, let me give you some tips on how to decide if the photocard is a good price and whether you should buy it or not.

Tip #1: Know what type of photocard it is

An album PC is going to cost a different amount than a pre-order benefit (POB) or lucky draw (LD). My previous article on the different types of photocards gives a price range based on my experience for collecting across different groups. So, while prices might be high, that tends to be extreme and is not average.

Just be aware of which type of PC you are looking for and know that the prices may vary.

Tip #2: Consider the group you are collecting

Which group you are collecting makes a huge difference. BTS has become more popular and continues to garner a large fanbase, and TXT is also growing quickly as well. These two groups will almost always have the highest priced PCs, LDs, POBs, literally everything. But, if you collect Stray Kids, ITZY, Atee*z, or other groups, prices are generally not as inflated.

Within different groups, there is also member pricing, which is a serious taboo in the trading community. Member pricing is where you may have a complete set of album PCs for BTS Butter, but you are selling Jungkook for $15 and RM for $9. Some people will pay for it, but more people will call you out for pricing this way and refuse to buy from you. It is because it makes it seem that one member is more special when fans want members to be viewed equally so members do not feel they aren’t loved.

Overall, based on the group, you might be paying more for some just because of their popularity and how many people are trading. Member pricing will also occur, but I urge you to stay away from those sellers because there are more selling for the right prices.

Tip #3: Wait until most people have received their albums and group orders

If you are rushing to finish your collection before everyone has received their orders, you will overpay for photocards. Generally, prices are higher right when something is released, but if you can stand to wait a few weeks, prices tend to even out to something more reasonable. It is okay to post your photocards for trade during this period, but wait to buy.

Tip #4: If you hesitate, don’t buy it

This is the biggest tip and self-explanatory. You know what you can afford, and you know just how much you want that photocard. If you hesitate, don’t do it because then you will just feel bad about it and not enjoy it as much. A better price will come around or you may even find a good trade! Sometimes people will trade POBs for 1:3 album PCs or there are so many different combinations of trades. You will know when the right price and photocard comes around.

Tip #5: Ask other collectors if you are unsure

Lastly, ask other collectors! If you are unsure, haven’t seen prices before, or it’s completely new, most collectors are happy to help you find a photocard for a good price or trade. I know many of my mutuals have sent me amazing finds for PCs I need. I also ask my best friend (@hobihworld), who collects multiple groups, what good prices are all the time. Collectors enjoy helping new people collect. Just remember to be respectful and they will do the same.

Pricing Guides on Instagram

Sometimes we really want that photocard and asking around doesn’t prove to be much help. Thankfully, some very kind K-Pop collectors have noticed how popular the hobby has become, and have created pricing guides for others to use. While the prices are still subjective to those who created them, these should be helpful in seeing the best round-about price and allow you to compare.

• BTS Photocard Pricing
• Twice Photocard Pricing
• BTS Proof Pricing Guide
• J-Hope Jack in the Box Pricing Guide
• Seventeen Pricing Guide
• Multiple K-Pop Groups Pricing Instagram

As an avid collector, I understand the mad dash to collect all your bias’ cards as soon as people start receiving their albums. Scrolling through WTS (want to sell) and WTT (want to trade) tags trying to find the missing pieces to your collection when finally, you see it! That seriously adorable selfie card of your bias poking their dimple! But it’s $15…what do you do?

Ultimately, it comes down to what you are willing to pay, but I hope these tips and the photocard pricing guides linked above will help you to not overpay for your collection. Next week I will be talking about the best platforms to use for trading and selling your K-Pop collection. Happy Collecting!

***All opinions and advice are based on my personal trading experience in the K-Pop community. Lists may not be comprehensive, and others may have different experiences.***