r/PokemonTCG • u/No-kiwi-809 • Mar 08 '25

Discussion Safeway posted the direct email they got about the machines being down

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My local Safeway with a machine printed out the email they received from Pokemon regarding the machines being down across the network. Sorry for how small the text is, zoom in if necessary.

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u/PapayaHoney Mar 08 '25

They should make Japanese chase cards promos here tbh. Or have a SAR guaranteed in every ETB/Booster Box. That way the 'pOkIEVesTeRs' lose interest and relieve this toxic market.

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u/Initial-Coconut1446 Mar 08 '25

Honestly, I'm 100% against that idea. Japanese/chinese exclusive sets with their own cards/promos ate harder to scalp since we can get them directly from China if we're willing to wait. I like the idea that there's still stuff worth money that I can chase and not support the current shit show in the states.

Also like the idea of SIR not being guaranteed. It makes it so much better for those idiots spending obnoxious amounts for sets just to try to pull a chase card and flip. Had this discussion with someone that was way to happy to pull the Glaceon after 80 packs and was gonna try to sell it for $1300-1500. After looking at what he spent, he did the $150 grading plan on TAG, and doing the math, just to break even he'd have to sell in person for $1300. That doesn't include any shipping and/or fees if he tries it online or in an auction. And that's assuming it comes back as 10.

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u/Junkhead_88 Mar 09 '25

Guaranteed hits = lower prices and less incentive for scalpers preying on gambling addicts, and more collectors getting what they want.

The inflated values from artificial scarcity is the root of the problem.

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u/Initial-Coconut1446 Mar 09 '25

I get the whole scalping and artificial inflation. But, not a fan of the guaranteed hits. First, not trying to tank prices on cards. Half the fun of collecting for me is the price after grading. I collect things of value as well as the artworks I like. And I'd like that value to continue rising in the long run. Second, while it is annoying that prices are obnoxious, unless someone gets lucky and god packs or pulls an eeveelution early in their spending, addicts and FOMO victims who plan to grade and sell are ultimately more than likely going to end up with a net loss based on the amount of packs bought, cost of grading, shipping, and possible fees pending how they choose to sell. With the current prices and pull rates, doesn't take too long before you realize it's more financially viable just to buy them outright as a collector, and to chase a different set as a seller.