I’m meeting someone at a police station today to buy their Rocket Unlimited set, although I’m a little nervous about getting ripped off. I don’t think I will be based on the background checks I’ve done on the people I’d be buying from, but I know it’s a possibility, especially with the sale no longer being backed by eBay. Have any of you guys ever had any bad experiences buying Pokémon cards in person from a stranger? Do you have any tips for me when the time comes to meet them?
Don’t pay them unless you’re satisfied with the cards after inspecting them in person. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything if you don’t want to or aren’t happy with the product. If you decide to purchase them after inspecting them and then change your mind later (after money has changed hands), my opinion is that it isn’t fair for you to try and take them back to the original seller.
When you go to a police station you must be fine I guess, lol.
But otherwise, don’t go alone, always bring a friend or family member.
Cash only
Just take your time and inspect the cards thoroughly. Also keep in mind your price range so that you aren’t pressured to spend more on the spot.
My only poor experiences making purchases locally have been buying childhood WOTC collections only to have the conditions be poor and stinking of cigarette smoke. Then having an angry seller complain about wasting their time/lowballing.
If they always say there’re a reputable person in the community. Huge red flag.
I have bought maaaaaaaaany collections like that between 200 euro and 9000 euro. Never backed by anything and always fetched them in person.
However, I never bought a collection from a collector as a collector knows what he is selling. So you wont find any hidden gems. The best kind of collections are the ones people selling their cards from their childhood. Still need to be carefull and observe condition, but atleast its never intentional if the cards arent as described.
Just take your time to check the cards if you are unsure. I never met at a random location though so might be a little more difficult. Dont be afraid to walk away from it. That’s the best advice I could give you and if you want a serious bargain then I would stay away from collectors.
- Get some pictures of the collection before the meeting to get an idea about the condition.
- Ask the seller before the meeting for a description of the condition in his words. Particularly ask about the condition and for pictures of the most valuable cards of the set.
- Do your market research before the meeting based on the pictures and the seller’s description, and think about a price that would be appropriate for it.
- Check out the cards in person whether they are indeed in the described condition
- Take your time checking out thee collection and don’t let the seller hurry you
- Depending on how fussy you are about the condition, take a flashlight with you in order to better identify flaws on the cards
- Only buy it if you are 100% happy with the condition and the price you are supposed to pay
- Don’t let the seller pressure you into the transaction. If you are a person who is easily pressured/convinced, then take a friend with you to have your back!
- Don’t buy it if you have some doubts and because of the fear to miss out. There are always other deals you can make.
As others mentioned, there is a chance that collectors have removed the most valuable cards from the collection or replaced it with copies in a bad condition. Just make sure you confirm the condition is as described and you pay the appropriate price for it according to your market research.