Walmart Introduces Purchase Limits on Pokémon TCG Products
In a significant move, Walmart has begun implementing strict limits on how many Pokémon trading card items customers can buy during one shopping trip. This policy was activated as of early November, according to a company memo shared with employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
While not officially confirmed by Walmart, numerous sources suggest this decision was prompted by a widely shared social media clip that showed a customer buying a massive amount of Pokémon card items at a checkout counter. The store manager featured in the video received significant criticism for allowing the bulk transaction to go through.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The updated guideline states that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card packs or boxes each time they enter. However, the wording has sparked debate due to its vagueness. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" remains unclear, and whether someone could still purchase five premium Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Additionally, because the restriction is tied to individual trips, theoretically an eager reseller could make multiple trips—purchasing the maximum each time—to accumulate significant stocks throughout the day.
The Reseller Crisis
To most players, such efforts might seem excessive, but for scalpers, it's common behavior. Over the past few seasons, scalpers have significantly added to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, driven by the TCG's growing fame.
Some resellers aim to sell unopened products for a profit, whereas some hunt for valuable pulls that can fetch extraordinary prices. As an example, a specific Mega Evolution card from the latest set has been listed at prices exceeding eight hundred dollars on various platforms.
Looking Ahead
The new rule coincides with the imminent release of the Phantasmal Flames set, scheduled for November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate premium cards like the Charizard mega evolution listed for nearly $1,500, highlighting the ongoing demand and potential scalper target.
Hopefully, Walmart's restrictions will help reduce mass buying and improve availability for genuine collectors and casual players alike.
