Amazon is an online powerhouse marketplace where anyone can find almost anything they want. They have an excellent reputation for prompt delivery. Plus, people can find the lowest prices available for a myriad of items that we can’t locate anywhere else.
But is it safe to buy Pokémon cards on Amazon? Yes, it’s a fairly safe bet to buy Pokémon cards on Amazon. However, you have to make sure you know where they’re coming from. If they come from some obscure seller in China, you might end up getting ripped off.
Smart and serious Pokémon card collectors will amass a number of places and sources to obtain new ones. With stock constantly changing combined with scarce availability, it’s a good idea to have an array of places to hunt these cards down. Having a good mix of online and in-store options is ideal.
Are Pokémon Cards on Amazon Legit?
Most cards on Amazon are legitimately from the Pokémon brand. However, there may be some nefarious sellers out there and it’s difficult to trust which seller is being honest about their merchandise. That said, a good catchall is to ensure Amazon fulfills the order. That way you’ll ensure you get the real deal.
To check out the current prices and availability of Pokemon Booster Boxes, click here to view them on Amazon.
Amazon versus Other Sellers
If you don’t like what Amazon has available to fulfill on their own, you could also ensure you source the cards come from a US-based seller. Avoid buying from foreign sellers. But, when you do this, you’re going to have to do a bit of investigation and background research. This will be for both the product and the seller.
In the event you get cards that end up being fake, Amazon will be able to help you get your money back. As long as you can definitively prove without a doubt that the seller shafted you, they’ll not only refund your purchase but they will also shut the seller down. This will be especially true if it’s a repeated pattern with the seller in question.
How Can You Tell if Pokémon Cards Are Fake on Amazon?
There are a few things you can do to gauge whether the cards you’re looking at on Amazon are fake or not. These involve reading the product description, scanning user reviews and evaluating the seller’s overall rating.
Read the Product Description
Far too many people overlook what the seller indicates in the product description in favor of the image shown. Never assume that what’s in the image is what you’re going to get in regards to Pokémon cards. It should tell you exactly what you’re going to get, including the number of cards, boxes and etc.
If there is no indication of what you’re getting, chances are the cards are going to be rip offs. You can see of the proof of this when you get to the second point of gauging fakes on Amazon, the user reviews.
Reading User Reviews for Signs of Fakery
Aside from comments of those who failed to read the description, scan the reviews for mentions about tampered boxes and resealed packages. When you notice a great number of these, you can bet that what they sell is fake.
Also see if anyone says anything about the quality of the cards they received. For instance, look for comments that include blurry images, clear scanning lines, black bars down the card or poor cutting jobs. These are all sure signs of fake knockoff cards.
Check Out the Sellers Overall Rating
The next thing is to look at the seller’s overall review. You can find a link for them underneath the button that says, “Buy Now.” When you click on it, you will go to their seller page. Here you can find customer reviews and automated averages from all the products they sell.
If they have a rating of 95% or higher, you can place a fair amount of trust in what you’re getting is genuine. However, there are a few caveats to take note of in this situation. Not every high rating is going to be a foolproof way to gauge the cards.
For example, it helps if the seller dedicates itself to providing merchandise specifically in the trading cards and gaming industry. Sometimes, a seller will have a high rating, but they sell a plethora of other items, not just trading cards. While they may provide great service for everything else in their shop, their Pokémon cards may leave much to desire.
Related: Value of 1st Edition Pokémon Cards
What Is the Best Website for Buying Pokémon Cards?
While Amazon is okay for Pokémon cards, it’s a little expensive. There are a host of places online that sell them for much cheaper. So, it’s in your best interest to shop around and go with the one that has the best price. Many people report great success at the following sites:
- GameStop (aka EB Games)
- EBay
- Poké Collect
- Channel Fireball
- Central Trading
- Beckett Castle CG
- Troll ; Toad
- Game Nerdz
- Wholesale Gaming
Final Thoughts
So, it is usually quite safe to purchase Pokémon cards from Amazon. But, you will have to do your due diligence and research the product and the seller before deciding on it. The only time you’ll be able to be a little less mindful about it is if you’ve purchased from the seller before.
But, if it’s an unknown seller, check the user reviews for signs of fakery such as poor printing quality and resealed packs. That said, you can just make sure that Amazon is the one who fulfills the order, that’s the only way you can take the guesswork out of the cards’ authenticity.
While you may be able to find bona fide Pokémon cards on Amazon, they tend to be a little on the pricey side. Therefore, it may be a better idea to locate several online sellers. That way you can do some comparison shopping before deciding on which ones to buy.