Pokémon Company Implements New Strategies to Combat Scalping

For years, fans have been urging The Pokémon Company to tackle the issue of resellers who clear out retail shelves as soon as new shipments arrive. Recently, the company unveiled a bold solution: requiring government-issued identification to purchase Pokémon cards.

This new policy will roll out at official Pokémon Centers in Japan starting in August. Japanese residents will need to show a My Number Card, which serves as an ID. In addition to card purchases, ID will also be necessary for participating in events and tournaments, which have seen a surge in attendance. The Pokémon Company assures that it will not collect or store any personal information.

The company stated that this initiative aims to “provide all customers with equal opportunities and ensure they can enjoy our services safely and securely.”

While there are no current plans to implement a similar requirement outside Japan, this trial could shape future decisions regarding card sales. The Pokémon Company has advised Japanese citizens to apply for an ID ahead of time, as the process can take several months.

Though limited in scope, this requirement is significant. Releases from official Pokémon Centers, which often include exclusive items, packaging, and cards, are highly sought after. Elite Trainer Boxes of new Pokémon Card sets are often resold at inflated prices. These boxes are not reprinted and come with additional booster packs, making Pokémon Centers a prime spot for fans to snag new products. Retailers often sell out within moments, and waiting times on the official Pokémon Center website can stretch for hours.

As the value of Pokémon cards rises, so do safety concerns. Fans frequently report altercations while trying to buy cards, and incidents of armed robberies are increasing. Earlier this year, a Pokémon Center employee in Japan was tragically killed by an alleged stalker, highlighting the need for the company to prioritize the safety of its employees and customers.

The ID requirement follows numerous attempts to combat card resellers. The Pokémon Company ramped up card production, printing a quarter of all existing cards within just two years. However, when scalpers fill their carts with Pokémon boxes, this increased output has done little to alleviate the resale issue. The company also introduced vending machines to make cards more accessible, but despite built-in limits, people still camp out at these machines or exploit glitches to make purchases.

The Pokémon community has devised creative strategies to counter scalpers. One shop in Japan required customers to pass a quiz before making a purchase. Some local card shops even open packaging upon sale or ask customers to unbox items immediately, making it less appealing for scalpers to buy.

So far, the Pokémon card dilemma remains unsolved. It’s uncertain whether the ID requirement will genuinely help or simply add more complications for dedicated fans.