Tiny Toys, Real Money: Inside Malaysia’s Collectible Resell Scene

What starts as a hobby can turn into pocket money, or even a business. Here’s how to make the most of Malaysia’s evolving collector resell scene.

The Thrill of the Hunt

They call it collecting, but for many Malaysians, it’s starting to look a lot like commerce. One minute it’s unboxing limited-edition LEGO sets, the next it’s snapping up rare sneakers, quirky Happy Meal toys, or collectible snacks to flip online. Timing, taste, and trends decide what’s hot, while social media and chat groups transform it into a mini-economy. What started as a hobby is quietly becoming a side hustle, with young collectors learning the ropes of buying smart, selling fast, and spotting opportunities before they vanish.

Lately, Pokémon cards have re-entered the spotlight. Reports in late 2025 showed Malaysian collectors queuing for card releases, while grading services like PSA continued to see strong submission volumes, especially for promotional Pikachu cards. The hype peaked when a local collector made headlines after selling his Pokémon collection for RM1.87 million, reminding everyone that nostalgia, when paired with scarcity, can carry serious value.

How the Resell Economy Works

Platforms like Shopee, Carousel, Instagram, and Facebook groups make it easy to list items and reach buyers. Categories range from blind boxes, sneakers, and trading cards to bags, collectible snacks, and special edition merch. Margins vary wildly, from 10% flips on widely released items to 3x markups on rare drops you might have to queue overnight for (and probably still take an L on it). 

Pokémon cards, in particular, play by slightly different rules. Value hinges not just on demand, but condition, grading, and timing. A sealed Japanese booster box, a PSA-graded promo card, or a limited tournament release can command very different prices depending on when and where it surfaces. Unlike trend-led items that peak quickly, some Pokémon pieces reward patience, while others are pure momentum plays tied to social buzz and new set announcements.

Who’s Flipping and Why

Mostly Gen Z and young millennials lead the charge, blending digital fluency with entrepreneurial curiosity. Even Malaysian celebrities like Qismina are starting to join in the collection, lending extra visibility and hype to the scene. Some treat reselling as passive income, while others turn it into a full-on microbusiness, sometimes funding holidays, gadgets, or study trips from their profits. 

Emotional rewards like the thrill of hunting, trading, and watching resale values rise often drive decisions as much as profit. For others, it’s a chance to flex (you’ve seen the pics of resellers sitting on boxes of their purchased loot for resale), experiment, and make a quick buck.

Reality Check: Costs and Risks

Reselling isn’t risk-free. Markets saturate fast: what’s hot today can tank tomorrow. Platform fees, shipping, and time all eat into margins, while counterfeit items and scams lurk behind dodgy listings. Even popular items like Labubus or Pop Mart blind boxes can lose value quickly if too many sellers enter the market. 

Regular or high-volume reselling may also carry tax obligations, with LHDN recommending that you track income for transparency. Behind every quick flip is careful strategy, a bit of luck, and sometimes a lesson in business basics.

Starting Smart

Begin small and focus on niches you know well. Track purchase costs and resale values using spreadsheets or budget apps. Join collector groups and forums to spot trends early, gauge demand, and learn which drops are likely to sell fast. 

Savvier resellers also think one step ahead. With new Pokémon sets scheduled for release in early 2026, many collectors are already watching previews, managing cash flow, and deciding whether to flip early or hold for long-term value. Preparation, not just hype-chasing, often makes the difference.

Closer

Even side hustles benefit from planning and patience. Not every item is a guaranteed sell, and you might end up with boxes you can’t unload. In the end, reselling isn’t just about flipping things; it’s about learning value, patience, and the art of turning passion into purpose.