The retail giant Enforces Purchase Limits on Pokémon Trading Cards
As a notable development, Walmart has begun implementing strict limits on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can buy during a single visit. This policy officially takes effect starting November 5th, based on a company memo shared with employees.
Tackling Reseller Problems
Although not formally announced by Walmart, many believe this decision was prompted by a widely shared social media clip that showed a customer buying an enormous quantity of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The employee seen in the video faced significant criticism for permitting the large-scale transaction to go through.
Policy Details and Potential Loopholes
The updated guideline specifies that shoppers may only buy a maximum of five trading card boxes or packs each time they enter. Yet, the language has raised questions due to its vagueness. Precisely what qualifies as a "box" remains unclear, and if someone could still purchase five premium Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Additionally, because the restriction is tied to individual trips, in theory an eager reseller could return repeatedly—purchasing the maximum each time—to accumulate significant stocks throughout the day.
The Reseller Crisis
For the average collector, this approach might seem over the top, yet for resellers, it's common behavior. In recent years, scalpers have greatly contributed to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, spurred by the game's rising popularity.
Certain buyers aim to resell sealed items at a markup, while others search for rare cards that can fetch sky-high values. For instance, the Mega Lucario ex card from the latest set has been listed for over $800 in online marketplaces.
Looking Ahead
This policy change coincides with the imminent release of the latest Pokémon expansion, coming on November 14th. Pre-release sales indicate premium cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex listed for around fifteen hundred dollars, highlighting the ongoing demand and potential scalper target.
With any luck, Walmart's restrictions will help reduce mass buying and increase access for true fans and casual players alike.
