Calgary-Based Company Brings Innovation to Trading Card Game Collection with Automated Sorting Machine
Collecting trading card games like Pokemon is a beloved hobby for many enthusiasts worldwide. However, one common challenge faced by collectors is the tedious task of sorting through their extensive card collections. Graeme Gordon, the president and CEO of TCG Machines, a Calgary-based company, recognized this problem and decided to revolutionize the trading card game collection process.
Gordon first came up with the idea while recovering from a knee injury. As he sorted through his childhood collection of Magic: The Gathering cards, he realized just how time-consuming and monotonous the process was. This sparked the realization that collectors, both personal and business, could benefit from an automated solution to identify, sort, and evaluate cards.
With a background in automated equipment design for the oil and gas industry, Gordon embarked on market research to assess the demand for such a solution. He made hundreds of phone calls to stores across various provinces and states and discovered that shops selling and reselling collectible card games were indeed in need of an automated way to handle their vast inventory of cards.
To validate the effectiveness of his concept, Gordon tested a prototype with Phoenix Comics, a popular store in Calgary. The results were astounding. Brian Ziemba, the owner of Phoenix Comics, referred to the automated sorting machine as a game changer. The machine utilized an optical scanner to identify and match card images to a database, allowing it to sort 60 cards per minute based on various criteria such as valuation, color, print year, and other card characteristics.
Recognizing the need for further advancements, Gordon plans to incorporate artificial intelligence into the sorting software. This addition will enhance the machine’s ability to recognize new games faster, providing even more value to clients. TCG Machines has already made significant progress in this area by venturing into machine learning.
The success of TCG Machines has been remarkable. A grant of $100,000 enabled the company to distribute eight more machines to stores across the province in 2020. The commercial launch on May 4, 2021, proved to be a resounding success, with 50 sales made within the first 30 days. This overwhelming response necessitated a scaling up of operations, and the company expanded from five employees to nearly 20 by the end of the year.
Since its inception, TCG Machines has processed over 100 million cards, equivalent to a weight of 200 tons. The company’s growth aligns with the thriving global trading card game market, which was estimated to be around USD$13 billion in 2021. Industry giants like the Pokemon Company and Hasbro’s Magic: The Gathering continue to experience substantial revenue growth, further indicating the market’s potential.
Looking ahead, TCG Machines has ambitious plans to enter new markets beyond trading card games. With sports cards being the next big milestone, the company intends to venture into that realm in 2024. Additionally, expanding globally and entering the European market is a priority.
TCG Machines’ rise to prominence has primarily been driven by word of mouth and organic growth. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and solving a prevalent problem in the trading card game community has solidified its position as an industry frontrunner.
As TCG Machines continues to innovate and evolve, collectors can expect an enhanced and streamlined experience when managing their expansive card collections. The automated sorting machine offers a transformative solution that saves time, reduces tedium, and facilitates efficient organization for both personal collectors and businesses alike. With its progressive approach and dedication to customer needs, TCG Machines is set to leave an indelible mark on the world of trading card game collection.
