Should you Buy Pokémon Cards Online?

Purchasing Pokémon cards online can be a convenient and cost-effective way to build your collection, but it also comes with some potential risks. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of buying Pokémon cards online so that you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for you.

Advantages of Buying Pokémon Cards Online

Wider Selection of Vendors

First, let's start with the benefits of buying Pokémon cards online. One of the biggest advantages is the wider selection of cards that are available. When you shop in person, you're limited to the stock that a particular store has on hand. However, when you shop online, you have access to a much larger pool of sellers, which means you can find a greater variety of cards. This is especially useful for collectors who are trying to track down rare or hard-to-find cards.

Filters and ease of use

Finding specific cards in person could be hard as you may need to look through multiple binders or boxes to locate them. Online websites are typically equipped with filters or search capabilities so that you can type the card name, or find it by set, rarity or other filter.

Price comparison

Another benefit of buying Pokémon cards online is the ability to easily compare prices. When you shop in person, you may have to visit several different stores to get a sense of what different cards are selling for. Online, you can quickly and easily search for specific Pokémon singles and see what it's going for on different websites. This can help you get a better deal and avoid overpaying for a card. You may also be able to find coupons online to save a bit on your order!

Shop outside your country

In addition to the wider selection and ability to compare prices, buying Pokémon cards online also gives you the opportunity to purchase from international sellers. This can be particularly useful if you're looking for cards that aren't widely available in your country. However, it's worth noting that purchasing from an international seller may result in additional fees, such as customs charges or import duties. It is important to check the website's listed currency as you may get charged a conversion fee if you are not careful.

Downsides of buying Pokémon Cards Online 

Fake or Counterfeit cards

Now, let's move on to some of the potential downsides of buying Pokémon cards online. One of the main risks is the possibility of receiving counterfeit or fake cards. While there are many reputable sellers online, it's important to be aware that there are also unscrupulous individuals who may try to pass off fake cards as the real thing. Sites like Ebay and TCG Player are generally good at siding with buyers that end up with counterfeit items if the item is not as listed. To minimize this risk, it's a good idea to only purchase from trusted sellers who have a proven track record of selling authentic cards. Be weary of being on places such as Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist or other platforms where anyone can list fake cards.

Personal and sensitive information

Another potential issue is the risk of fraud or identity theft. When you make a purchase online, you may be required to enter sensitive personal and financial information. It's important to be cautious when entering this information and make sure that you're using a secure website. One way to protect yourself is to use a credit card for your purchases, as most credit card companies offer some level of protection against fraudulent charges. Make sure that the website in question is using an SSL Certificate, which means you would see an HTTPS or SECURED connection next to the domain.

Not receiving your cards

Finally, there's the risk of not receiving the cards that you ordered or receiving them in poor condition. While most online sellers are reputable and will send you the cards that you ordered, there is always the possibility of an issue arising. To mitigate this risk, it's a good idea to purchase from a seller who has a high satisfaction rating and to choose a shipping method that includes tracking and insurance. You should also check a websites return, shipping or refund policy. 

So, should you buy Pokémon cards online? Ultimately, the decision is up to you and will depend on your personal preferences and risk tolerance. If you're looking for a wider selection of cards and the convenience of shopping from home, then buying online may be a good choice for you. Just be sure to take steps to protect yourself and only purchase from trusted sellers. On the other hand, if you're concerned about the risks associated with online shopping, you may feel more comfortable purchasing your cards in person.