GameStop issued a viral warning on social media saying they would ban everyone Pokemon Trading Card Game scalpers from their stores for life if they bring in a scale to weigh card packs. In response to the ultimatum from GameStop, some Pokemon TCG fans supported the retailer for taking some measures to discourage scalping, although others questioned GameStop's own pricing on Pokemon TCG products.
It's no secret that Pokemon TCG has been a prime target for scalpers since the start of the covid-19 pandemic, resulting in empty store shelves and ridiculous markups on resale sites. In addition, have Pokemon TCG has proven to be a lucrative target for thieves looking to steal rare and valuable cards. Victim of Pokemon TCG card theft includes former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who had nearly $10,000 worth of valuables Pokémon and baseball cards stolen from his CardVault store in New York City. The theft occurred just weeks after CardVault opened its doors in Lower Manhattan and remained an active NYPD investigation at the time of writing.
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GameStop Calls Out Pokemon TCG Scalpers
Although retailers like Walmart have imposed limits on Pokemon TCG products as a way to deter scalpers, GameStop's latest post on social media raised a few eyebrows. In a Nov. 17 X post, GameStop said it would ban scalers who bring a scale to GameStop stores to weigh Pokemon TCG card pack, claiming it would “ban you for life for your own good” as punishment. GameStop reposted a video of a scalper caught on camera using a scale to weigh differently One Piece card packs as a way to predict which packs may contain the most valuable cards. In response, some GameStop shoppers stated that because retailers set their own limits on Pokemon TCG packaging, GameStop's policy is an unfortunate but necessary measure.
Another user argued that every GameStop store must have some security on hand to enforce said ban. However, some customers called out GameStop's viral stance by posting pictures of Pokemon TCG booster box prices from various stores, with some prices still above the original MSRP. Despite an ongoing Black Friday sale at GameStop locations across the US, Pokemon TCG products are not included in the retailer's listed offers at this time.
However, Pokemon TCG gamers looking to see what their collection is worth will have a great opportunity soon, as GameStop will be hosting an unusual trade-in event on December 6th. Only time will tell how effective GameStop's latest attempt to deter card scalpers will be.
