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I wasso excited about the new Pokemon TCG set.
However, it wasnt to be.
The launch ofDestined Rivalswas anunmitigated disaster.
Destined Rivals is the international version of the Japanese set The Glory of Team Rocket.
Unfortunately, I was booted from the queue on two occasions, with an ETB already in my basket.
Looking at sold listings, you find that these boxes have been bought forover six times their worth.
I cant blame them, though.
Buying off eBay is the only way most people can get their hands on new Pokemon cards these days.
Shops sell out instantly, online sales constantly mess up, so whats left to do?
If youve got the cash, why not turn to eBay?
Its the scalpers who are the problem.
Theres no worse collector in any hobby.
Will Pokemon Do Anything About Scalpers?
I doubt Pokemon will do anything about this.
The company is still selling boxes.
There are easy fixes to Pokemons scalping problem.
The Pokemon Company could require an account to purchase its products.
It could cross-reference that account with other purchases, checking the name, address, payment card, etc.
so that scalpers cant make multiple accounts for get around purchase limits.
We dont know exactly what Pokemons anti-bot systems are, but they clearly dont work.
Otherwise scalpers wouldnt so consistently get their hands on products when real fans dont.
And theres no real way that we can combat the problem.
Pokemon could print on demand.
It could crash the second-hand market with no detriment to its profits.
But us, the players?
I dont have a good answer to this.
Really, I wanted to vent about yet another Pokemon TCG set ruined by scalpers.
Trying to casually enjoy this hobby sucks.
So do me a favour.
If you managed to get your hands on a Destined Rivals ETB, crack it open.
Tear into those packs.
Whatever you do, dont keep it sealed because it might rise in value.
Dont stick it on eBay to make a few quid.
