Add proxy info page #1

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westfarn · 2026-01-24T13:27:54Z

westfarn commented

2026-01-24 13:27:54 +00:00

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westfarn commented

2026-01-24 13:28:23 +00:00

Offering a proxy service is a bold way to differentiate a TCG marketplace, but it requires a careful balance between quality, legality, and logistics. Because "proxying" is often a gray area, your execution will define whether you're seen as a "counterfeiter" or a "community-friendly service."

How to Implement the Service
To stand out, your proxies must feel like real cards but look clearly like proxies.

Materials & Printing:
- The Gold Standard: Use 330gsm German Black Core cardstock. This provides the "snap" and weight of a real card and ensures the card is opaque (fails the light test).
- Finish: Offer a matte or linen finish to ensure they shuffle smoothly.
- Resolution: Require or provide 600 DPI files to avoid "fuzzy" text, which is the hallmark of cheap proxies.
The "Not-a-Counterfeit" Protocol:
- Custom Backs: Never use the official TCG back (e.g., the Pokémon Pokéball or the MTG oval). Design a sleek "Marketplace Original" back.
- Watermarking: Add a small "Proxy - Not for Sale" or your marketplace logo in the bottom margin/corner of the card front.
- Artist Credit: If using alternate art, ensure you have a system for crediting or licensing from fan artists to avoid IP theft.
Technical Workflow:
- Build an automated print-file generator. Users upload a decklist, and your system pulls high-res images from a database (like Scryfall for MTG), applies your "Proxy" watermark/back, and lays them out for the printer.

Pricing Strategy
Pricing usually depends on volume. Based on current market leaders (like Mythic Black Core or MakePlayingCards), here is a recommended tiered structure:

Quantity	Price Per Card	Target Margin
Singles (1-9)	$2.50 – $4.00	High (Covers setup time)
Small Batches (10-50)	$1.50 – $2.00	Competitive
Full Decks (60-100)	$0.75 – $1.00	Volume-based
Foils/Special Arts	+$2.00 Premium	Luxury/Niche

Pro Tip: Offer a "New Player Deck Bundle" where a full proxied meta-deck costs $40–$50. This is a massive draw for players who want to test a $1,000 deck before buying the real singles on your marketplace.

Marketplace vs. Sellers: Who Should Offer It?
Option A: The Marketplace Offers It (Recommended for Quality)

Pros: Total control over quality and "non-counterfeit" branding. You can use it as a "loss leader" to get people onto your platform to buy real cards.
Cons: Higher overhead. You need to manage the printing equipment or a contract with a professional print house.
Verdict: This is the better path for differentiation. If you provide the service, you guarantee that every proxy bought on your site is high-quality and ethically watermarked.
Option B: The Sellers Offer It (Recommended for Variety)
Pros: Unlimited variety of custom arts and styles. No manufacturing overhead for you.
Cons: High risk of sellers listing "counterfeits" (proxies intended to deceive), which can get your marketplace flagged or sued by IP holders like Nintendo or Wizards of the Coast.
Verdict: This is harder to police. If you go this route, you must have strict "Design Guidelines" that sellers must follow (e.g., "No official backs allowed").
Recommendation: The "Hybrid" Approach
Start by offering it as a centralized Marketplace service.
The Hook: When a user looks at an expensive card (e.g., a $500 Charizard), show a button: "Buy the real card or get a Playtest Proxy for $3."
The Transition: Once the service is established, you can invite specific "Vetted Artists" to sell their custom designs through your printing pipeline, taking a commission on every print.
Would you like me to help you draft a "Terms of Service" section specifically regarding the legal distinction between your proxies and counterfeits?

Offering a proxy service is a bold way to differentiate a TCG marketplace, but it requires a careful balance between quality, legality, and logistics. Because "proxying" is often a gray area, your execution will define whether you're seen as a "counterfeiter" or a "community-friendly service." 1. How to Implement the Service To stand out, your proxies must feel like real cards but look clearly like proxies. * Materials & Printing: * The Gold Standard: Use 330gsm German Black Core cardstock. This provides the "snap" and weight of a real card and ensures the card is opaque (fails the light test). * Finish: Offer a matte or linen finish to ensure they shuffle smoothly. * Resolution: Require or provide 600 DPI files to avoid "fuzzy" text, which is the hallmark of cheap proxies. * The "Not-a-Counterfeit" Protocol: * Custom Backs: Never use the official TCG back (e.g., the Pokémon Pokéball or the MTG oval). Design a sleek "Marketplace Original" back. * Watermarking: Add a small "Proxy - Not for Sale" or your marketplace logo in the bottom margin/corner of the card front. * Artist Credit: If using alternate art, ensure you have a system for crediting or licensing from fan artists to avoid IP theft. * Technical Workflow: * Build an automated print-file generator. Users upload a decklist, and your system pulls high-res images from a database (like Scryfall for MTG), applies your "Proxy" watermark/back, and lays them out for the printer. 2. Pricing Strategy Pricing usually depends on volume. Based on current market leaders (like Mythic Black Core or MakePlayingCards), here is a recommended tiered structure: | Quantity | Price Per Card | Target Margin | |---|---|---| | Singles (1-9) | $2.50 – $4.00 | High (Covers setup time) | | Small Batches (10-50) | $1.50 – $2.00 | Competitive | | Full Decks (60-100) | $0.75 – $1.00 | Volume-based | | Foils/Special Arts | +$2.00 Premium | Luxury/Niche | > Pro Tip: Offer a "New Player Deck Bundle" where a full proxied meta-deck costs $40–$50. This is a massive draw for players who want to test a $1,000 deck before buying the real singles on your marketplace. > 3. Marketplace vs. Sellers: Who Should Offer It? Option A: The Marketplace Offers It (Recommended for Quality) * Pros: Total control over quality and "non-counterfeit" branding. You can use it as a "loss leader" to get people onto your platform to buy real cards. * Cons: Higher overhead. You need to manage the printing equipment or a contract with a professional print house. * Verdict: This is the better path for differentiation. If you provide the service, you guarantee that every proxy bought on your site is high-quality and ethically watermarked. Option B: The Sellers Offer It (Recommended for Variety) * Pros: Unlimited variety of custom arts and styles. No manufacturing overhead for you. * Cons: High risk of sellers listing "counterfeits" (proxies intended to deceive), which can get your marketplace flagged or sued by IP holders like Nintendo or Wizards of the Coast. * Verdict: This is harder to police. If you go this route, you must have strict "Design Guidelines" that sellers must follow (e.g., "No official backs allowed"). Recommendation: The "Hybrid" Approach Start by offering it as a centralized Marketplace service. * The Hook: When a user looks at an expensive card (e.g., a $500 Charizard), show a button: "Buy the real card or get a Playtest Proxy for $3." * The Transition: Once the service is established, you can invite specific "Vetted Artists" to sell their custom designs through your printing pipeline, taking a commission on every print. Would you like me to help you draft a "Terms of Service" section specifically regarding the legal distinction between your proxies and counterfeits?

westfarn referenced this issue from a commit

2026-01-26 10:13:33 +00:00

Last bit of major changes

westfarn closed this issue

2026-01-26 10:13:33 +00:00

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Reference: ai_ml_operations/Example-TCG-Site#1