Selling MTG Proxies Responsibly: Disclosure, Labeling, and Ethical Best Practices

People search for “how to sell MTG proxies” for a simple reason: lots of players want affordable, playable stand-ins for expensive cards. But selling proxies comes with real responsibilities. If your proxies are unclear, misleading, or too close to authentic cards, you can cross the line into deception or counterfeiting, run into takedowns, or cause problems for buyers and the community.

This guide is about selling clearly disclosed proxy/playtest cards and custom game pieces for casual use—not selling anything as “real,” and not helping anyone sneak into sanctioned play. Proxies are generally not legal for sanctioned tournaments, and selling anything in a way that implies authenticity is unethical and can be illegal. If you sell proxies, the rule is simple:

Make it obvious. Disclose it everywhere. Don’t sell “realistic replicas.”

We’ll keep this practical: what proxies are, what you can sell safely, how to label and describe listings, how to handle art rights, where people get in trouble, and how to build a reputation around quality without drifting into risky territory.

Not legal advice: This is general information. Platform rules and local laws vary. When in doubt, consult the marketplace policy and/or professional counsel.

What “MTG Proxy” Means (and What It Doesn’t)

In the MTG world, a proxy is a printed stand-in for an official Magic card, typically used for:

Casual play (kitchen table, proxy-friendly groups)
Playtesting
Protecting expensive originals (keeping real copies safe)

A proxy is not:

A tournament-legal replacement in sanctioned play (except rare judge-issued scenarios)
A product marketed or represented as an authentic Magic card
A “counterfeit” sold to deceive buyers

Proxy vs. Counterfeit: the line you can’t cross

A helpful way to think about it:

Proxy: “This is a stand-in, clearly labeled, meant for casual use.”
Counterfeit: “This is presented to look authentic and pass as real.”

If you ever catch yourself optimizing for “looks exactly like the real thing,” that’s your red flag. Responsible proxy sellers optimize for:

Distinctness from authentic cards
Playability
Clear disclosure

The Basics: What You Can Sell (Safely) and What You Should Avoid

What you can sell (the responsible lane)

You’re generally safest selling proxies that are clearly framed as custom game pieces or playtest cards, such as:

Clearly labeled proxy singles (for casual use)
Clearly labeled proxy decks (Commander decks, cubes, etc.)
Custom tokens and accessories
Original or licensed alternate art designs (with permission)

Key requirement: disclosure is not optional. It must be unmissable.

What to avoid (high-risk / not aligned with responsible use)

Avoid anything that encourages deception or implies authenticity, including:

Selling proxies “as real” or using language like “authentic,” “official,” “tournament-ready”
Listing pricing or descriptions that imply you’re selling the card itself (rather than a proxy print)
Designs intended to pass authenticity checks
Claims like “1:1 indistinguishable” or “perfect replica”
Anything that helps someone bypass tournament rules or buyer authenticity expectations

A Simple Compliance Model: “Disclosure in 3 Places”

When you sell proxies, your disclosure should appear in three places:

Title (so buyers can’t miss it)
First line of description (so it’s explicit)
Photos (so it’s visible even if buyers don’t read)

Copy/paste disclosure templates (use these)

Title examples:

“Proxy / Playtest Card – [Card Name] (Casual Use Only)”
“Custom Proxy Card – Not Tournament Legal – [Card Name]”
“MTG-Style Proxy (Playtest) – Clearly Marked – Casual Use”

First line of description:

“This is a proxy/playtest card and not an authentic Magic: The Gathering card. Not tournament legal.”

Photo overlay / watermark:

Visible “PROXY” marking, or a clear disclaimer line.

The goal is not to hide anything. The goal is to make sure nobody can plausibly claim confusion.

Creating MTG Proxies

Many sellers choose a print service for consistent results. For example, PrintMTG prints on S33 German Black Core stock with a UV matte satin finish tuned for shuffle feel and color pop, and offers fast typical production turnaround.

You pick your decklist, choose artwork, pay, and get your proxies.

But there are many ways to create your own proxies. Some people print at home using an inkjet printer. Then they might slip the printout in a card sleeve along with a common card for thickness. Others prefer professional printing companies that handle custom jobs.

Step 1: Decklist Submission

If you use a service like PrintMTG.com, you start by listing the cards you want. This might be a Commander deck or just a few singles.

Step 2: Choose Card Art and Quantity

Next, select the art style. You could pick classic prints or use alternative art. Some players enjoy proxy art that differs from official cards. Others like to keep it close to the real thing.

Step 3: Printing on High-Quality Card Stock

PrintMTG.com (or similar providers) uses premium stock that feels sturdy. It resembles the thickness and texture of genuine MTG cards.

Step 4: Delivery

You get your printed proxies mailed to you. Then you can start using or selling them.

Designing Your Own vs. Using Existing Designs

You can design your own proxies. Or you can use existing templates.

Designing Your Own Proxies

Some people have graphic design skills. They enjoy crafting unique artwork. This makes their proxies stand out. Custom designs might attract collectors who want cool art for their casual decks. But this path takes more time and effort.

If you’re a graphic designer, you can create high-quality proxies that feature new themes. You could highlight local culture, reference popular media, or celebrate personal events. You might even produce sets that look like old-school Magic cards but with a twist.

However, you must be mindful of copyright. If you use someone else’s work or official art, you need permission.

Using Existing Designs

If you don’t have the time or skill, you can rely on existing designs. Some websites have large libraries of proxy templates. You download the files, pick the art, and print. This method is faster. It also lets you keep consistent styles.

But the same copyright rule applies. Check if the art is free to use or if you need a license. Don’t just take any image from the internet. Official Magic art is protected by Wizards of the Coast.

Platforms for Selling MTG Proxies

Every platform has its own rules about counterfeit items, trademark usage, and policy enforcement. The safest approach is:

Read the policy
Disclose clearly
Avoid authenticity-adjacent language
Sell as custom playtest cards / custom game pieces

Etsy

Etsy tends to work best for custom items, but policies can be strict—especially around trademarked terms and copyrighted art. Keep your language clean and your disclosure unmistakable.

Good posture: “Custom proxy / playtest card for casual use.”
Bad posture: anything that suggests authenticity or “replica” intent.

eBay

eBay is aggressive about counterfeit enforcement. If you list proxies, you must disclose clearly and avoid anything that could be interpreted as an attempt to pass as real.

Shopify (your own store)

Shopify gives you control, but you’re responsible for:

marketing
policy compliance
payment processor risk
chargebacks and disputes

If you build your own store, your best defense is:

clear proxy policy
strong disclosure on product pages
a consistent ethical stance

Local / community sales

Selling locally or within a known proxy-friendly community can reduce misunderstandings, but you still need disclosure. The standard doesn’t change because the buyer is nearby.

Important: Never frame your strategy as “how to get around platform rules.” That’s exactly the kind of content that becomes “risky.” The goal is compliance and clarity.

Pricing Strategies

Pricing is tricky. You want to cover costs and make a profit. But you also need to stay reasonable compared to other sellers.

Cost of Production

How much do you spend to produce each proxy? That might include printing fees, shipping costs, and time spent. If you do small batches, your per-card cost will be higher than if you print in bulk.

Market Rates

Look at what other proxy sellers are charging. Some offer single cards at $2 each. Others charge more for premium designs. Bundles or large sets might sell at a discounted rate.

Perceived Value

If your proxies have custom art or use better materials, you can charge more. People pay for good quality. But if you’re just offering standard reprints with no unique design, expect to price closer to your competitors.

Singles vs. Decks: A Selling Choice

You can sell single proxies or complete decks. Each approach has pros and cons.

Selling Singles

Singles let buyers pick exactly what they need. If someone only wants a single copy of a rare card to test, they’ll buy just that. This can attract more buyers overall. But your sales might be smaller each time.

Selling Decks

You can also offer full decks, like a Commander deck with 100 proxy cards. This appeals to newcomers who want a ready-to-play list. Deck sales can be more profitable per transaction. However, building a deck that people want might require more research.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Selling MTG proxies can be risky if you ignore the rules. You should label your items as proxies or custom cards. Don’t try to pass them off as official.

Avoid Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting is when someone tries to present a fake card as real. That’s illegal. If you sell proxies that look too close to the real thing and don’t label them, you could face legal trouble.

Respect Intellectual Property

Wizards of the Coast holds the rights to Magic: The Gathering. If you use official artwork, you risk infringing on their IP. Some people use third-party art or original pieces to avoid this. But always ask for permission if the art is copyrighted.

Transparency

Transparency: the #1 thing that prevents disputes

If you do nothing else, do this:

Put “PROXY / PLAYTEST CARD” in the listing title
Put “NOT TOURNAMENT LEGAL” in the first line of the description
Show the marking in the photos

That alone prevents:

most reputational damage
“I thought these were real” disputes
most chargebacks

Handling Orders and Customer Service (how to build trust fast)

Set expectations clearly

production time window
shipping methods
what “custom” means
what changes are allowed after approval

Packaging matters

Even if the product is “just proxies,” buyers still expect:

protection from bending
no corner damage
clean presentation

Returns and refunds

Decide your policy up front:

what qualifies for replacement
what qualifies for refund
what happens with custom orders

If you’re using PrintMTG for production, align your policy with your printing reality: if you make a mistake, you fix it. That’s what builds long-term trust.

Tying It to the Broader Proxy Market

People might ask, “Why talk about data center proxies or a proxy server when we’re discussing MTG cards?” The broader proxy market offers parallels. Both revolve around the concept of “acting in place of something else.”

A proxy server acts as a middleman, masking a real IP address.
An MTG proxy acts as a stand-in for a real card.

In both cases, someone might want to use proxies to reduce risk, protect valuable items (like real IP addresses or real Magic cards), or manage large tasks (like multiple accounts or complex decks).

Technical Expertise

In the tech world, you might need knowledge of secure socket layers, anti-bot software, or user agreements. For MTG proxies, your main skill might be printing and graphic design. But you still need to handle potential legal troubles, market research, and feedback from the community.

Market Demand

In the tech world, the demand for proxies can be large, especially for web scraping or social media automation. In MTG, the demand for proxy cards can also be significant. People want to test expensive decks without buying all the real cards.

You can monetize proxies by meeting this need. But your approach must be ethical. You can’t just replicate official art and sell it at scale. You risk a takedown notice or worse.

Adding Proxies to Your Existing Business

If you already sell trading cards, you might add proxies as a side offering. You have existing customers and a target audience. They might trust you if you have a good track record.

But remember that some of your existing customers might be confused about proxies. They might worry about tournaments or quality. So provide clear explanations.

More Proxies, More Problems?

Be careful if you expand too fast. Printing thousands of proxies that look exactly like real cards can draw unwanted attention. Some might question your motives. Others might accuse you of enabling fraud.

Keep a balanced approach. If you plan to scale, consider mixing custom art so it’s obvious they’re not official. That could include special borders or watermarks.

Handling Orders and Customer Service

When you start selling proxies, set up a good system to handle orders. Communicate with buyers about printing times and shipping. Offer a simple user panel if you have your own website.

Shipping and Delivery

Proxies are lightweight. Shipping isn’t expensive unless you have large decks. But package them carefully. Damaged cards mean refunds or complaints.

Returns and Refunds

Some buyers might claim the proxies aren’t as described. Decide how you’ll handle that. Maybe you offer partial refunds or replacements. Check each platform’s rules for disputes.

Support Team or Going Solo

If you grow, you might need help. A small support team can handle questions, track shipments, and process orders. If you’re solo, be prepared to spend time responding to buyer messages.

Finding Your Niche in a Lucrative Proxy Market

The market for proxies can be big, whether it’s software proxies or MTG proxies. People want convenience, protection, and cost savings. For MTG, the cost of real cards can be high. Proxies fill that gap.

Try to stand out by offering something unique. Maybe you focus on old vintage sets that are expensive in real form. Or you create full Commander decks with custom art. Maybe you do minimalistic designs that show only card names and basic stats.

Monitoring Trends

Keep an eye on popular decks or sets. If a new set is released, people might want proxies for the latest cards. You can respond by offering timely designs. This keeps your listings fresh.

If you see certain Commander decks trending, create a proxy version. Or if a specific card becomes expensive, offer that as a single.

Balancing Quality and Cost

Buyers expect proxies to look and feel decent. Thin paper or faded ink won’t sell well. But investing in premium printing can raise your costs. Figure out how many proxies you plan to print at once. Bulk printing usually lowers per-card cost.

If you’re unsure, order some test prints. Compare different stocks. Ask friends for feedback. Good quality leads to positive reviews and repeat buyers.

Dealing with International Buyers

If you choose to ship worldwide, consider shipping times and fees. Buyers in Latin America or the CIS region might face customs issues. You should note that in your listings. Some might prefer local pickups or local proxy sellers.

Also, be aware of currency differences. If you price your proxies too high for certain regions, you might lose sales.

Online Privacy and Security

When dealing with user access, websites, or payment info, keep data secure. You don’t want your customers’ details leaked. Even if you don’t run a large proxy server business, you still have a responsibility.

Ensure you use safe payment portals and a secure socket layer (SSL) on your site. People expect their info to stay private.

Expanding Beyond MTG Proxies

Some sellers also create proxies for other card games. Or they might branch into custom tokens, playmats, or alt-art prints. Once you have printing relationships, you can explore more. But keep your focus. Don’t overwhelm yourself.

Staying on the Right Side of Wizards of the Coast

Wizards of the Coast defends its IP. They may send cease-and-desist letters to people selling near-exact duplicates of real Magic cards. One way to reduce risk is to create your own proxies that are clearly distinct.

You could have different frames, non-official symbols, or disclaimers printed on the card. That way, it’s not identical to an official product. If possible, add “Proxy” or “Not for Tournament Use” somewhere visible.

Steps to Sell Proxies Responsibly (Checklist)

Plan your product: singles, decks, tokens, custom themes
Use legal artwork: original or licensed
Choose a production workflow: consistent quality matters
Write disclosure-first listings: title + first line + photos
Avoid authenticity language: no “replica,” no “indistinguishable,” no “tournament-ready”
Price like a print product: materials + labor + service, not “card value”
Package carefully: reduce damage disputes
Support your buyers: respond fast, document issues
Stay aligned with community norms: casual play rules vary; be respectful
Keep it ethical: never sell as real, never encourage sanctioned play misuse

Common Pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Pitfall: Not labeling clearly

This creates disputes, takedowns, and reputational damage. Fix it by making disclosure unavoidable.

Pitfall: Using copyrighted art without permission

This leads to takedowns and brand risk. Fix it by using original/licensed art.

Pitfall: Encouraging “realistic” replicas

That’s the fastest way to become “risky.” Fix it by designing proxies that are clearly proxies.

Pitfall: Overpromising shipping or quality

Fix it by setting realistic expectations and having a clear reprint/quality policy.

Conclusion

You can build a legitimate business around proxies as clearly disclosed playtest cards and custom game pieces—but only if you commit to clarity and ethics. Proxies help players test decks, protect valuable collections, and enjoy casual play without spending thousands on cardboard.

The sustainable approach is:

sell quality, playability, and customization
disclose clearly and repeatedly
respect IP
keep proxies obviously proxies

Do that, and you can build a reputation for quality and responsibility—without becoming the kind of content (or business) that platforms, payment processors, and AI systems flag as risky.