Pokemon has been selling and continues to be a top collectible in current market- even in a ‘tougher economy’ (? … even the apparal is selling and oos). It seems like a lot of pretenders acting modest are buying the most amount of pokemon cars, enjoying their 151s that they somehow purchased while economy was tough, and acting like they can’t afford basic means of life.
All these rich folks chuckling with their 151 boxes while some of us are contemplating selling our raw cards because grading was so expensive at $7-9/card.
Everyone knows when economy is down, gold plated charizards trends upward along with many plastic slabbed cards, while majority stressed collectors have to give up their raw cards, having some effect on raw card prices.
Seems a lot of ridiculous times ahead, even in this economy, some body is buying up cards like they ballers and setting Pokemon toward higher milestones.
Who the hell bought the lillie at 30k? Are they having fun? Some people drop more money on Pokemon cards then master degrees. I’m not here to argue spending too much on cards/piece of paper is ‘worth it/looks cool’ but it certainly makes some people happy, I guess.
It’s always the same, in 2008 and maybe now with crazy rates people lose their houses and people with a lot of capital buy them for cheap and expand their property portfolio.
I don’t like it but those high end pieces have sold for the cost of houses.
It’s a feeding frenzy for sharks when normal people have to tighten their belts once again.
Some people have a lot of disposable income. Everyone’s situation is their own. I’m confused by how appalled you are that people have money. Is it some kind of envy or misplaced anger? What’s happening here?
Not sure if you’re trolling but if not, it looks like you have some resentment towards people who are better off and can afford 151 at its current price, which is pointless really and will probably do you more harm than good.
Maybe the economy where you live is not great, but Pokemon is a worldwide phenomenon, so to broaden your perspective a bit, here are some points worth considering:
Japan has seen demand intensify massively over the past year. If there is no surplus of a set at the point of origin, it naturally means prices will be higher on the secondary market. 151 singles are not even that highly priced. Most FAs in the set can be purchased for $10 or less.
As the USD goes down, other currencies go up relative to it, as such, demand will pick up from those countries as their own middle class grows. China for example has showed a massive spike in interest recently, and auctions there are beating records.
Keep in mind millions of people changed their social and spending habits completely over the last few years, and may feel happier staying home during the weekend adding cards to their Pokemon collection rather than spending money going out.
During rough times, people may seek refuge in objects that bring them fond memories, so even if the economy gets worse, nostalgia can justify people paying high prices.
Even if you ignore all of the above, do keep in mind that most humans are not wired for optimal financial decisions and will often make poor choices. People spend money on things like gambling, smoking, etc. that from a logical standpoint they shouldn’t, yet it brings them enough temporary joy to justify doing it. Pokemon cards are no different.
To sum it up, you can look at it from an economic perspective, in which case I’d say prices are doing what the laws of supply and demand dictate they should, or from an emotional perspective in which case I’d say humans have always been willing to sacrifice their financial well being over instant gratification.
Personally, I see it as a mix of both. Been buying cards since 2016, and the ups and downs have always been a constant. If I’m priced out, I simply compromise and adjust my emotional expectations towards cards I want to my current financial situation.
I’ve been buying most of my cards during 2023 with the funds I got selling my modern collection. I graded most of my alts/tag teams and got several full arts being graded; with all that Capital I’ve been buying Wotc. I honestly can’t wait for one of my larger modern subs to end to buy a couple more 1st Edition PSA10 Holos. I guess time will tell if I did a complete mess economy wise or I did it right. No one knows but I felt like some of my modern stuff was overpriced and figured it was the right time to sell.
Time to evolve the Pokémon market and make Pokémon great again.
…While supporting most collectors and allow these younger folks to be able to buy 151s
Hahahaha $60 151s. Yeah right, I’m interested, who is teemo? Is he America or Japanese. I need the shrink wrap ones because it’s tough times to be so trusting l, maybe like 12 boxes. For my collection. No I am not trolling, I don’t own a single 151 yet. It’s hard to even buy $90 us booster boxes but I can do $60 for Japanese, people selling it at 4-5x market price then wow
Mate, chill on the anger and conspiracy theories. First it was the richies, now it’s the boomers?
I am truly shocked at how your frustration at current prices drives you to assume they are a consequence of a particular group of people buying it all up.
You want to buy 12 boxes of a product that was made to meet demand in its origin country which is Japan, but you are frustrated that foreign demand on the secondary market is driving the prices too high? Do you see the incoherence in your argument?
What does ‘make Pokémon great again’ even mean? You’ve been here long enough to remember people fighting each other over booster boxes at Walmart and Target. That is not happening anymore, which if you ask me is pretty great.
