Walmart Introduces Buying Restrictions on Pokémon Trading Cards
As a notable development, Walmart has started enforcing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can acquire during a single visit. This policy was activated as of early November, according to an internal announcement distributed to employees.
Tackling Reseller Problems
Although not formally announced by Walmart, many believe this decision was influenced by a viral TikTok video that showed a customer purchasing an enormous quantity of Pokémon card items at a checkout counter. The employee featured in the video faced significant criticism for permitting the bulk transaction to proceed.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The new restriction states that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card boxes or packs per store visit. However, the wording has raised questions due to its lack of clarity. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" is not defined, and if someone could buy five high-value Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Additionally, because the restriction is based on each visit, in theory a determined scalper could make multiple trips—purchasing the maximum each time—to gather significant stocks throughout the day.
The Reseller Crisis
To most players, such efforts might seem excessive, but for scalpers, it's standard practice. Over the past few seasons, scalpers have significantly added to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, spurred by the TCG's growing fame.
Some resellers aim to sell unopened products at a markup, whereas some hunt for valuable pulls that can fetch sky-high values. As an example, the Mega Lucario ex card in recent releases is currently selling for over $800 on various platforms.
Upcoming Releases
The new rule aligns with the imminent release of the Phantasmal Flames set, scheduled for November 14th. Early listings indicate chase cards like the Charizard mega evolution being offered for around fifteen hundred dollars, highlighting the persistent interest and likely scalper target.
Hopefully, the retail limits will curb bulk purchases and improve availability for true fans and casual players alike.
