Questions and answers
Everything people ask us
Pick who you are, or narrow it to one topic. Can’t find your question? Ask us.
Leagues
How much money can we earn?
Your league earns a share of every sale, paid directly to your bank account via Stripe. The exact rate is set in your agreement.
“We don’t have volunteers for another fundraiser.”
You don’t need them. Coaches share one team link. Nobody takes orders, collects cash, or sorts boxes.
“We can’t front money or store inventory.”
You won’t. It’s free to run, and every card is printed after a parent orders it. Nothing to buy, nothing left over.
“What if only a few families order?”
Then your league earns less, and loses nothing. There’s no minimum and no fee, and every item sold still earns its share.
“Parents are tired of being asked to sell.”
Nobody sells anything. Families who want a keepsake of their own player buy one; everyone else ignores the link.
“Who handles the money?”
Parents pay at checkout. Stripe pays your league’s bank account directly, on the schedule you choose. No invoices, no checks.
“You’re new. Why trust you?”
Fair. We’re onboarding our first schools and leagues, so there’s no money up front and nothing at risk. You get a direct line to our Los Angeles team.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 1–2 weeks. We email you when your card goes to print.
Does anything reach coaches or families before we’re ready?
Nothing reaches coaches or families until you invite them.
How do we see what’s happening?
Teams, orders and earnings in one dashboard. No spreadsheets.
We’re a nonprofit. Is a for-profit partner a problem?
Nonprofits work with vendors all the time. The terms are written down in a signed agreement.
Are we commercializing the kids?
No. No player has to take part, no player is paid to promote anything, and no one’s spot on a team depends on buying.
Do we have to hand over our roster?
No. Families make their own cards, so the league shares no player names, photos or contact details. Coaches who add players confirm each family’s permission.
Is this even allowed under our rules?
Leagues already work with outside photographers to sell team photos. Cards are the same kind of optional keepsake. We’ll walk your board through your governing body’s rules.
Can each team have its own link?
Yes — every team gets a unique link, so orders are attributed to the right team, season, and division in your reports.
Where do cards ship?
Your choice per team: to each family’s home, or together to the coach to hand out.
Does this work for every sport?
Yes — baseball, basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, cheer, dance, swimming, track, and more. Templates and uniforms adapt to the sport automatically.
What does the coach have to do?
Share a team link with parents. That is the entire ask — coaches don’t take orders, collect cash, or manage anything related to fulfillment.
“These are photos of kids. Who sees them?”
The family who uploaded them, the team’s coach, and us, to make the card. The coach can share the team’s cards with the other families on the team, but each parent decides for their own child, and a parent’s choice always overrides the coach’s. Parents and players can share their cards with others and change who sees them anytime. Photos are never public, and are deleted automatically within a year of upload. We never sell data or use photos to train AI. Details are in our Privacy Policy.
“Will our kids end up in your ads?”
No. A child’s card is never used in our marketing unless that family says yes. Our ads show invented players.
“Who decides if a card is shown to the team?”
The family, always. A coach can let cards appear on the team’s page, which only people with the link can see and search engines don’t list. Any family can say no, and their answer wins.
“Can a parent take it all back?”
Yes. Families can delete their photos, cards and account themselves at any time, and it’s done within 24 hours.
“Do kids have accounts? Are they tracked?”
No. Parents place the orders. The pages made for kids, such as a shared card or a pack opening, carry no ads or tracking.
“Can you use our name and logo?”
Only what you approve, and only for your league’s cards and pages. When you sign, you choose exactly what we may use: name, logo, colors. It stops when the agreement ends.
“What about pro team logos?”
Cards carry your league’s own name and marks. We use NFL, NFL FLAG, college or sponsor marks only with written permission from their owner.
“Do we have to use only you?”
Only if you choose to. Exclusivity is an option in the agreement, not a requirement, and it’s off unless you ask for it. If you include it, it covers custom trading cards only, while the agreement is in effect, including between seasons. Team photos, photo packages and other merchandise are never affected, and any card deal you already have when you sign is excluded until it ends.
“Who’s the seller? Do we deal with sales tax?”
We are the seller. Card Genie sells to families, collects and files sales tax, and handles refunds. Your league’s share arrives in its own Stripe account.
“Is it tax-deductible for parents?”
No. Parents are buying a keepsake, not making a donation.
“What are we signing? Can we get out?”
A free partnership agreement with no minimums. It renews each year for the same season. You can turn off renewal at any time, in your portal or by email, and it ends when the current season ends. You get a signed PDF for your records.
“What if a card arrives damaged or wrong?”
We replace it free. Families contact us, not your league. The one exception is a mistake the family made themselves, like a misspelled name they typed.
“Who are you, legally?”
Card Genie is run by Blue Wave Development, LLC, based in Los Angeles.
Schools
How much money can we earn?
Your school earns a share of every sale, paid directly to your bank account via Stripe. The exact rate is set in your agreement.
“We don’t have volunteers for another fundraiser.”
You don’t need them. Coaches share one team link. Nobody takes orders, collects cash, or sorts boxes.
“We can’t front money or store inventory.”
You won’t. It’s free to run, and every card is printed after a parent orders it. Nothing to buy, nothing left over.
“What if only a few families order?”
Then your school earns less, and loses nothing. There’s no minimum and no fee, and every item sold still earns its share.
“Parents are tired of being asked to sell.”
Nobody sells anything. Families who want a keepsake of their own player buy one; everyone else ignores the link.
“Who handles the money?”
Parents pay at checkout. Stripe pays your school’s bank account directly, on the schedule you choose. No invoices, no checks.
“You’re new. Why trust you?”
Fair. We’re onboarding our first schools and leagues, so there’s no money up front and nothing at risk. You get a direct line to our Los Angeles team.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 1–2 weeks. We email you when your card goes to print.
Does anything reach coaches or families before we’re ready?
Nothing reaches coaches or families until you invite them.
How do we see what’s happening?
Teams, orders and earnings in one dashboard. No spreadsheets.
We’re a nonprofit. Is a for-profit partner a problem?
Nonprofits work with vendors all the time. The terms are written down in a signed agreement.
Are we commercializing the kids?
No. No student has to take part, no student is paid to promote anything, and no one’s spot on a team depends on buying.
Do we have to hand over our roster?
No. Families make their own cards, so the school shares no student names, photos or contact details. Coaches who add students confirm each family’s permission.
Is this even allowed under our rules?
Schools already work with outside photographers to sell picture-day photos. Cards are the same kind of optional keepsake. We’ll walk your board through any rules that apply.
Can each team have its own link?
Yes — every team gets a unique link, so orders are attributed to the right team, season, and division in your reports.
Where do cards ship?
Your choice per team: to each family’s home, or together to the coach to hand out.
Does this work for every sport?
Yes — baseball, basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, cheer, dance, swimming, track, and more. Templates and uniforms adapt to the sport automatically.
Can we launch with one team?
Yes. Start with a single team or sport, see how families respond, and expand school-wide whenever you’re ready.
Can this support a booster club fundraiser?
Absolutely. The school or booster club earns revenue on every order, and payouts go directly to your account via Stripe.
What does the coach have to do?
Share a team link with parents. That is the entire ask — coaches don’t take orders, collect cash, or manage anything related to fulfillment.
“These are photos of kids. Who sees them?”
The family who uploaded them, the team’s coach, and us, to make the card. The coach can share the team’s cards with the other families on the team, but each parent decides for their own child, and a parent’s choice always overrides the coach’s. Parents and players can share their cards with others and change who sees them anytime. Photos are never public, and are deleted automatically within a year of upload. We never sell data or use photos to train AI. Details are in our Privacy Policy.
“Will our kids end up in your ads?”
No. A child’s card is never used in our marketing unless that family says yes. Our ads show invented players.
“Who decides if a card is shown to the team?”
The family, always. A coach can let cards appear on the team’s page, which only people with the link can see and search engines don’t list. Any family can say no, and their answer wins.
“Can a parent take it all back?”
Yes. Families can delete their photos, cards and account themselves at any time, and it’s done within 24 hours.
“Do kids have accounts? Are they tracked?”
No. Parents place the orders. The pages made for kids, such as a shared card or a pack opening, carry no ads or tracking.
“Can you use our name and logo?”
Only what you approve, and only for your school’s cards and pages. When you sign, you choose exactly what we may use: name, logo, colors. It stops when the agreement ends.
“What about pro team logos?”
Cards carry your school’s own name and marks. We use NFL, NFL FLAG, college or sponsor marks only with written permission from their owner.
“Do we have to use only you?”
Only if you choose to. Exclusivity is an option in the agreement, not a requirement, and it’s off unless you ask for it. If you include it, it covers custom trading cards only, while the agreement is in effect, including between seasons. Team photos, photo packages and other merchandise are never affected, and any card deal you already have when you sign is excluded until it ends.
“Who’s the seller? Do we deal with sales tax?”
We are the seller. Card Genie sells to families, collects and files sales tax, and handles refunds. Your school’s share arrives in its own Stripe account.
“Is it tax-deductible for parents?”
No. Parents are buying a keepsake, not making a donation.
“What are we signing? Can we get out?”
A free partnership agreement with no minimums. It renews each year for the same season. You can turn off renewal at any time, in your portal or by email, and it ends when the current season ends. You get a signed PDF for your records.
“What if a card arrives damaged or wrong?”
We replace it free. Families contact us, not your school. The one exception is a mistake the family made themselves, like a misspelled name they typed.
“Who are you, legally?”
Card Genie is run by Blue Wave Development, LLC, based in Los Angeles.
Studios
How much money can we earn?
Your studio earns a share of every sale, paid directly to your bank account via Stripe. The exact rate is set in your agreement.
“We don’t have volunteers for another fundraiser.”
You don’t need them. Coaches share one team link. Nobody takes orders, collects cash, or sorts boxes.
“We can’t front money or store inventory.”
You won’t. It’s free to run, and every card is printed after a parent orders it. Nothing to buy, nothing left over.
“What if only a few families order?”
Then your studio earns less, and loses nothing. There’s no minimum and no fee, and every item sold still earns its share.
“Parents are tired of being asked to sell.”
Nobody sells anything. Families who want a keepsake of their own player buy one; everyone else ignores the link.
“Who handles the money?”
Parents pay at checkout. Stripe pays your studio’s bank account directly, on the schedule you choose. No invoices, no checks.
“You’re new. Why trust you?”
Fair. We’re onboarding our first studios, so there’s no money up front and nothing at risk. You get a direct line to our Los Angeles team.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 1–2 weeks. We email you when your card goes to print.
Does anything reach coaches or families before we’re ready?
Nothing reaches coaches or families until you invite them.
How do we see what’s happening?
Teams, orders and earnings in one dashboard. No spreadsheets.
Is this extra work for our instructors?
No. Instructors share one class link. Nobody takes orders, collects cash or sorts boxes.
Are we commercializing our students?
No. No student has to take part, no student is paid to promote anything, and no one’s place in class depends on buying.
Do we have to hand over our student list?
No. Families make their own cards, so the studio shares no student names, photos or contact details. Instructors who add students confirm each family’s permission.
Is this even allowed under our rules?
Studios already work with photographers for class photos. Cards are the same kind of optional keepsake. We’ll walk you through anything your affiliation requires.
Can each team have its own link?
Yes — every team gets a unique link, so orders are attributed to the right team, season, and division in your reports.
What does the instructor have to do?
Share a class link with families. That is the entire ask — instructors don’t take orders, collect cash, or manage anything related to fulfillment.
Does the card show the student’s belt rank?
Yes. Each card is built around the promotion — the student’s name, their new belt rank, the studio logo, instructor names, and the promotion date. You choose which fields appear on your studio’s cards.
Can we use photos from class or belt-test day?
Yes. Parents upload the photo they want on their child’s card — an action shot from class, a portrait in uniform, or a belt-test photo all work. A single clear photo is enough.
How does our studio earn from this?
Your studio earns a share of every order. There’s nothing to buy and no orders to collect.
How much setup does it take?
Setup is a one-time step: upload your studio logo, add your belt ranks, instructor names, colors, and the card styles you approve. After that, families personalize and order on their own — no per-student work for the studio.
Do cards ship to the studio or to families?
Your studio decides. Cards can ship to the dojo so instructors present them during the belt ceremony, or ship directly to each family’s home — the choice is yours.
Can families order a card for every belt promotion?
Yes. Many parents build a keepsake timeline over the years — a new card for each belt earned, from white belt through black belt and any custom ranks your studio defines.
“These are photos of kids. Who sees them?”
The family who uploaded them, the class’s instructor, and us, to make the card. The instructor can share the class’s cards with the other families in the class, but each parent decides for their own child, and a parent’s choice always overrides the instructor’s. Parents and students can share their cards with others and change who sees them anytime. Photos are never public, and are deleted automatically within a year of upload. We never sell data or use photos to train AI. Details are in our Privacy Policy.
“Will our students end up in your ads?”
No. A child’s card is never used in our marketing unless that family says yes. Our ads show invented players.
“Who decides if a card is shown to the team?”
The family, always. A coach can let cards appear on the team’s page, which only people with the link can see and search engines don’t list. Any family can say no, and their answer wins.
“Can a parent take it all back?”
Yes. Families can delete their photos, cards and account themselves at any time, and it’s done within 24 hours.
“Do kids have accounts? Are they tracked?”
No. Parents place the orders. The pages made for kids, such as a shared card or a pack opening, carry no ads or tracking.
“Can you use our name and logo?”
Only what you approve, and only for your studio’s cards and pages. When you sign, you choose exactly what we may use: name, logo, colors. It stops when the agreement ends.
“What about pro team logos?”
Cards carry your studio’s own name and marks. We use NFL, NFL FLAG, college or sponsor marks only with written permission from their owner.
“Do we have to use only you?”
Only if you choose to. Exclusivity is an option in the agreement, not a requirement, and it’s off unless you ask for it. If you include it, it covers custom trading cards only, while the agreement is in effect, including between seasons. Team photos, photo packages and other merchandise are never affected, and any card deal you already have when you sign is excluded until it ends.
“Who’s the seller? Do we deal with sales tax?”
We are the seller. Card Genie sells to families, collects and files sales tax, and handles refunds. Your studio’s share arrives in its own Stripe account.
“Is it tax-deductible for parents?”
No. Parents are buying a keepsake, not making a donation.
“What are we signing? Can we get out?”
A free partnership agreement with no minimums. It renews each year for the same season. You can turn off renewal at any time, in your portal or by email, and it ends when the current season ends. You get a signed PDF for your records.
“What if a card arrives damaged or wrong?”
We replace it free. Families contact us, not your studio. The one exception is a mistake the family made themselves, like a misspelled name they typed.
“Who are you, legally?”
Card Genie is run by Blue Wave Development, LLC, based in Los Angeles.
Coaches
“We don’t have volunteers for another fundraiser.”
You don’t need them. Coaches share one team link. Nobody takes orders, collects cash, or sorts boxes.
“Parents are tired of being asked to sell.”
Nobody sells anything. Families who want a keepsake of their own player buy one; everyone else ignores the link.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 1–2 weeks. We email you when your card goes to print.
Can each team have its own link?
Yes — every team gets a unique link, so orders are attributed to the right team, season, and division in your reports.
Where do cards ship?
Your choice per team: to each family’s home, or together to the coach to hand out.
What does the coach have to do?
Share a team link with parents. That is the entire ask — coaches don’t take orders, collect cash, or manage anything related to fulfillment.
Do I have to pay for the whole team?
No. Families pay individually when they create their kid’s card.
Do I have to collect photos?
No. Each parent uploads their own photo.
Can I review the cards before printing?
Yes — you can review the entire team order before it’s sent to print.
What if one family is late?
You can set a deadline, send reminders, and submit the team order whenever you’re ready.
Can I order cards for a whole team?
Yes. A coach or team parent creates one free team link. Each family uploads their own photo, makes their player’s card and pays for it, and the team’s cards can ship together in one box. Leagues, schools and martial-arts studios can offer cards to every team.
“These are photos of kids. Who sees them?”
The family who uploaded them, the team’s coach, and us, to make the card. The coach can share the team’s cards with the other families on the team, but each parent decides for their own child, and a parent’s choice always overrides the coach’s. Parents and players can share their cards with others and change who sees them anytime. Photos are never public, and are deleted automatically within a year of upload. We never sell data or use photos to train AI. Details are in our Privacy Policy.
“Who decides if a card is shown to the team?”
The family, always. A coach can let cards appear on the team’s page, which only people with the link can see and search engines don’t list. Any family can say no, and their answer wins.
“Can a parent take it all back?”
Yes. Families can delete their photos, cards and account themselves at any time, and it’s done within 24 hours.
“What about pro team logos?”
Cards carry your league’s own name and marks. We use NFL, NFL FLAG, college or sponsor marks only with written permission from their owner.
“What if a card arrives damaged or wrong?”
We replace it free. Families contact us, not your league. The one exception is a mistake the family made themselves, like a misspelled name they typed.
“Who are you, legally?”
Card Genie is run by Blue Wave Development, LLC, based in Los Angeles.
Families
How long does delivery take?
Typically 1–2 weeks. We email you when your card goes to print.
Can I make trading cards of my kid?
Yes. Upload a photo of your child, pick a card design and add their name, number, position and team. Card Genie makes the card from your photo and shows you the front and back before you pay.
How much do custom trading cards cost?
A printed card sealed in a hard plastic case starts at $35. Holographic and metallic foil cards start at $45. A digital card to share online starts at $5. Cards ordered through a team or league link may be priced by that team or league.
Can I order cards for a whole team?
Yes. A coach or team parent creates one free team link. Each family uploads their own photo, makes their player’s card and pays for it, and the team’s cards can ship together in one box. Leagues, schools and martial-arts studios can offer cards to every team.
Is there a minimum order?
No. There is no minimum order. You can order a single card.
What if I don’t like the card?
You see the finished card before you pay. Try another style, or regenerate it. Nothing prints until you say so.
Does the photo need to be good?
A clear phone photo works. Face visible, uniform on, decent light. The design is built around the player, not the background.
What size are the cards? Are they real card stock?
Yes. Every printed card is the standard 2.5" × 3.5" trading-card size, printed in full color on thick 350gsm card stock, front and back.
Do you print holographic or foil cards?
Yes. Holographic, gold and silver foil designs are printed with a real foil layer and sold as cards sealed in a hard plastic case. They start at $45.
Does the digital version cost extra?
No. Every printed card or pack comes with a free digital twin in the Collections app — it shows up automatically.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes. Kid mode is PIN-protected, and you control what gets shared. A child’s card is never shared with other families unless that child’s own parent opts in.
Can I control what’s shared with the team?
You set the re-shareability of each card with a simple on/off switch. It’s off by default — a card spreads to teammates only when you turn it on.
What if my kid’s teammates haven’t joined yet?
Their cards fill in over time. As each family joins, their shared cards drop into everyone’s collection — so the team set grows.
Do I need to download an app?
No app store required. Add Card Genie Collections to your phone’s home screen right from the browser and it behaves like a native app.
“These are photos of kids. Who sees them?”
The family who uploaded them, the team’s coach, and us, to make the card. The coach can share the team’s cards with the other families on the team, but each parent decides for their own child, and a parent’s choice always overrides the coach’s. Parents and players can share their cards with others and change who sees them anytime. Photos are never public, and are deleted automatically within a year of upload. We never sell data or use photos to train AI. Details are in our Privacy Policy.
“Will our kids end up in your ads?”
No. A child’s card is never used in our marketing unless that family says yes. Our ads show invented players.
“Who decides if a card is shown to the team?”
The family, always. A coach can let cards appear on the team’s page, which only people with the link can see and search engines don’t list. Any family can say no, and their answer wins.
“Can a parent take it all back?”
Yes. Families can delete their photos, cards and account themselves at any time, and it’s done within 24 hours.
“Do kids have accounts? Are they tracked?”
No. Parents place the orders. The pages made for kids, such as a shared card or a pack opening, carry no ads or tracking.
“Is it tax-deductible for parents?”
No. Parents are buying a keepsake, not making a donation.
“What if a card arrives damaged or wrong?”
We replace it free. Families contact us, not your league. The one exception is a mistake the family made themselves, like a misspelled name they typed.
“Who are you, legally?”
Card Genie is run by Blue Wave Development, LLC, based in Los Angeles.
Photographers
How does the embed work?
You paste one snippet into your gallery, proofing site, storefront, or custom site — the widget drops in right next to your photos.
Do I need to design the cards?
No. Card Genie generates the card automatically from the photo the parent selects.
What does this cost me?
Setup is free and there are no monthly fees — you keep 15% to 70% of each sale, and cards are printed to order so you never buy inventory.
Who handles printing and shipping?
Card Genie can handle fulfillment end-to-end, or you can self-fulfill if you prefer to print in-house.
“Who are you, legally?”
Card Genie is run by Blue Wave Development, LLC, based in Los Angeles.