Unbelievable Pokemon TCG shipping error results in $500 card being destroyed

Buying Pokemon cards online can be a convenient method for obtaining rare pieces, but it can also carry some risk depending on the retailer, as one collector learned through personal experience.

Are the seller’s packaging methods reliable? Can the authenticity of the card be guaranteed? As a passionate Pokemon TCG collector searching for elusive cards, not being able to physically inspect a card can be nerve-wracking. It’s no surprise that shipping horror stories are popular within the community.

A collector of Pokemon TCG cards recently posted on Reddit about a shipping mishap that left them devastated. The highly coveted Gold Star Mew, which can sell for thousands of dollars when graded, arrived with the buyer’s name engraved on top.

the person I bought this Mew Gold Star from engraved my name on it… byu/RYUKARI77 inPokemonTCG

Some Pokemon TCG collectors in the thread expressed their disappointment with the condition of the Dragon Frontiers Pokemon card, which appears to have a value of $500 based on its quality. They sympathized with the buyer.

Upon inspection, it appeared that the seller had neglected to add any type of protective covering, such as a toploader, to the card before mailing it. This resulted in the buyer’s name being written directly on the envelope, causing damage to the paper and resulting in a poorly customized Pokemon card.

Many commenters, who are avid Pokemon fans, encouraged the buyer to return the card and request a refund. One individual specifically advised, “Send it back, and every time they see your name, they’ll be reminded of their mistake.”

Another reader made a humorous remark, stating, “I had my son’s name engraved on him like a cow. But in all seriousness, please return this. It’s unfortunate to see and I apologize for the situation.”However, other readers quickly interjected, pointing out that cows are not typically engraved and one even mentioned their preference for embroidering their cows instead.

Additional Pokemon TCG enthusiasts shared their own recommendations for shipping, expressing surprise at the disregard shown in the image. One individual pointed out, “I’ve observed individuals using large bubble mailers and multiple layers of protection for single cards, including cardboard and toploaders. There is no justification for not even implementing a fraction of these measures.”

When purchasing Pokemon cards online, particularly valuable ones like Gold Star Mew, it is crucial to only buy from reputable retailers. If you have any doubts about the condition of the card, reach out to the seller and kindly inquire about their shipping procedures.