Buying

Where to find Pokémon cards when shelves are empty, how to check seals, and what to know before you buy sealed product.

Illustration of a closed cardboard box on a kitchen table at night, under a warm lamp.
Buying · 4 min read

Are Pokémon Mystery Box Sites Actually Legit?

How one of these boxes works, what can land inside, and the three things that answer the legit question.

 Illustration of an empty store aisle with bare display pegs and a basket on the floor.
Buying · 3 min read

Why the Pokémon Card Aisle Keeps Coming Up Empty

Bots, scalpers and release days, plus a few habits that make the empty shelf less of a problem.

 Illustration of a magnifying glass over the crimped seal of a foil card pack.
Buying · 3 min read

How to Spot a Resealed or Tampered Pokémon Pack

Crimps, seams, shrink wrap and searched packs: what to check before you pay for sealed product.