The Poki Mart: When little toys are big business
Presented by Chase Payment Solutions®
IN SHORT
THE POKI MART: A haven for nerds seeking rare or nostalgic collectibles, in the City of Industry, California.
OWNER DERRICK NGUYEN: Builds community, not just business.
YEARS IN OPERATION: 15+.
MISSION: Spark joy for kids and adults.
HOW WE HELP: Derrick uses the Chase Point of Sale (POS)℠ Terminal and Chase Card Reader® to accept payments quickly and keep the line moving.
A collector community
“I'm a big nerd,” said Derrick Nguyen.
It’s a lucky thing, too. No self-respecting collector would expect anything but nerdery from The Poki Mart’s founder. His booth, in a former Costco warehouse, attracts enthusiasts on the prowl for new and nostalgic collectibles.
Tucked among 200 vendors in the building, now known as the Frank & Sons Collectible Show, Derrick’s booth spills forth with product: a mix of retro and new card decks, video games, plushies, and toys, to give a few examples.
Seasoned collectors are drawn to the shop, as are parents who want to share their collecting passion with their children. The Poki Mart has served plenty of celebrities, too, and Derrick enjoys his own measure of fame.
Many customers become Derrick’s friends. And his mission for the shop is centered on heart: “I want to create an environment that sparks joy for both kids and adults."
A gift for trend-spotting
Some might dismiss Derrick’s merchandise as toys for kids. But it's big business. Some of the games, card packs or action figures in his shop once went for $5. Now, they’ll leave a dent in your wallet to the tune of $500 or more.
To Derrick, collectibles are more than toys; they're pieces of the past, cherished memories waiting to be rediscovered.
Derrick has a sixth sense for what’s about to break out as the hot new item. Is it a superpower? Sort of.
He listens.
“We talk to kids about what's popular,” he said. “We listen to what parents are asking for.”
As a result, he’s often the first to sell collectibles that are just about to pop. He stocked Baby Yodas before the craze for this doll made it impossible to find. The Poki Mart sold out in two weeks.
A collector-first experience
Derrick is committed to prioritizing the customer experience and he has the reviews to show for it: “This business CARES about its customers!!!!” screams one fan on the ratings and review platform Yelp. “Amazing service!!!”
He’s a long-time Chase for Business customer, and his interactions with Chase extend beyond mere transactions; bankers know him by name. Given his experience with the bank's convenience and customer experience, it made sense that he'd choose Chase Payment Solutions.
He had tried payment products from other providers but as his business steadily grew, he found what he needed with Chase: solutions that accelerate checkout and free up more time to spend with his customers.
“The Chase POS Terminal makes everything so much easier,” said Derrick. “Customers tap it, and it's good to go. If customers don't want to tap, they can insert their card, and the purchase price is on the screen."
Quick checkout keeps lines short, so Derrick can spend more time on his priority: maintaining The Poki Mart’s role as a community for die-hard collectors. That includes people who scour his shelves for soon-to-be collectibles—as well as those seeking to unlock (and unbox) nostalgic childhood memories.
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