The retail giant Implements Buying Restrictions on Pokémon TCG Products
As a notable development, Walmart has started implementing purchase restrictions on how many Pokémon trading card products customers can buy during a single visit. This policy was activated as of early November, according to a company memo distributed to employees.
Addressing Scalper Activity
Although not formally announced by Walmart, many believe this decision was prompted by a viral TikTok video that showed a customer purchasing an enormous quantity of Pokémon card products at a checkout counter. The employee featured in the video faced widespread backlash for allowing the large-scale transaction to go through.
Rule Specifics and Possible Weaknesses
The new restriction states that shoppers may only buy up to five trading card packs or boxes per store visit. Yet, the wording has sparked debate due to its vagueness. What exactly qualifies as a "box" remains unclear, and if someone could buy five premium Elite Trainer Boxes is uncertain.
Additionally, since the limit is tied to individual trips, in theory a determined scalper could return repeatedly—buying five items each time—to accumulate large quantities over several hours.
The Reseller Crisis
To most players, this approach might seem over the top, but for scalpers, it's standard practice. Over the past few seasons, speculators have significantly added to frequent stockouts of Pokémon cards, spurred by the game's rising popularity.
Certain buyers seek to resell sealed items for a profit, while others hunt for valuable pulls that can command extraordinary prices. As an example, a specific Mega Evolution card from the latest set has been listed for over $800 in online marketplaces.
Upcoming Releases
This policy change aligns with the approaching launch of the Phantasmal Flames set, scheduled for November 14th. Pre-release sales already show premium cards like the Mega Charizard X Ex being offered for around fifteen hundred dollars, emphasizing the persistent interest and potential scalper target.
Hopefully, Walmart's restrictions will help reduce bulk purchases and improve availability for true fans and casual players as well.
