Question 1

What is the optimal markup percentage for single cards in TCG Card Shop Simulator?

Accepted Answer

The empirical sweet spot for single cards is Market Price + 15% to + 20% (with +20% generating peak daily profit for cards under $50). Pricing above +25% causes customer complaints and walkouts, while pricing below +10% leaves substantial profit on the table.

Question 2

When is it mathematically profitable to send cards for PSA grading?

Accepted Answer

Grading is only statistically positive expected value (EV) for raw cards worth $60 or higher (for Economy grading) and $180 or higher (for Regular grading). Because lower grades (1–6) reduce card market value below raw cost, sending cheap commons or sub-$50 holos results in consistent net losses.

Question 3

How rare are Ghost cards and what are their drop odds?

Accepted Answer

Ghost cards have a 1 in 1,000 pull rate (0.001 probability) in Tetramon booster packs and a 1 in 500 pull rate (0.002 probability) in Destiny packs. In a display box of 32 packs, this equates to roughly a 3.15% box hit chance in Tetramon and 6.20% in Destiny.

Question 4

How do I prevent smelly customers from driving away clean shoppers?

Accepted Answer

Smelly customers spawn with an unpleasant odor aura that repels 40% of clean customers within 3 tiles. Installing automated ceiling scent diffusers ($250 each + $2.50/day refill) creates a 6-tile radius fragrance shield, neutralizing body odor instantly and preventing queue dropouts.

Question 5

Are play tables more profitable than retail shelves?

Accepted Answer

For early tournament formats (Casual and Weekly Local), double-wide retail shelves and glass card displays generate higher revenue per floor tile. However, once you unlock the Supreme Vintage Cup ($90/hr table fee), play tables outperform retail shelves at $185+/tile/day in 100% passive income.

TCG Card Shop Simulator: Master Decision Engines & Strategy Codex

Pack Opening EV vs. Sealed Box Margin Calculator

Wholesale & Cost Matrix

Slot Expected Value Contribution ($)

Algorithm Decision Recommendation