smpratte & smblack Q&A

@ smpratte: How many PSA-1 cards have you graded? And were you expecting them, or expecting 8+ instead and were (very) surprised with the 1s?
@ smblack: Who has been the strangest person(s) walking into your store?
@ both: Excluding English and Japanese, what is your favorite language for the Pokémon TCG?

Greetz,
Quuador

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  1. Smpratte - At what point did you realize that your enjoyment of the Pokemon TCG could turn into a profitable business?

  2. Smblack - What would you say is the main difference between collectors in the USA and collectors in Japan?

Hey smpratte! First off I’d like to say thank you for all the knowledge u provide too the pokemon community…Jun I’d like to thank you for being a vital part of e4’s Godzilla detection and early warning system on our front lines in Japan…my question is…how big was the gx ultra shiny reprint?..Do you think sealed product prices will act differently compared to non gx sets, long term, due to things like…2-3 shines a box, reverse holos, a guaranteed gx in every pack?

Jun: Have you ever had a pokemon illustrator/s visit your shop?

Smblack: have you ever seen the elusive game show Keldeo ex and/or Rayquaza ex in person in Japan. Or are they just a myth lol

smpratte = what do you think about the long term collectibility of cards that can’t be graded - such as no damage ninetails or For Position Only cards?

smblack = does working at a card shop diminish your personal enjoyment for cards?

both = do you have any hobbies outside of TCG’s or collecting memorabilia?

Jun: What is the collector’s network like in Japan? Are there people who are known for their collections, is it a tight knit community, are there more or fewer people who strictly collect in Japan than there are overseas, etc.?

Scott: I heard Steam Siege is making a comeback. Care to comment?

Jun: Welcome back! We know there was a lot of excitement around the scream promos state side, but how about in Japan? Was it just as crazy?

Scott + Jun: Outside of Pokemon, what cards do you collect or have started to collect?

Scott@ you really should give Jun a full and proper introduction. J watched your video with me today and when it was over, he said, “who is that guy?” You certainly want all your new subscribers to know.

Smpratte: has the popularity of E4 surpassed your initial expectations back when you set it up?

Smblack: are you accustomed to the Japanese diet?

Smblack: is pixelated ‘adult content’ a big issue? Hahaha

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Hey Scott!!! I know this might sound weird but with all this talk of signatures, would it be possible for you to sign one of my pokemon cards? :blush:
Jun: what was your profession/career before you had your shop?

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Hi Scott. I previously asked you if something like the shadowless “no damage” ninetales would ever be gradable. Now that we have confirmation it came from the theme decks, does that help the argument for its origin in regards to PSA, especially if they ask your opinion?

If you have time, what is your take on the “Champion Road” Japanese promos? The cyndaquil, Chikorita and Totodile with gold neo genesis star. They seem pretty rare, but also a bit niche. Why aren’t they more popular?

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Coming in like Slowpoke but I live for the meme

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smblack : What is the most insane Pokemon card collection you have ever seen in Japan?

both : Name one Tag Team you would like to see in future sets (basically predicting a future tag team).

both : There are rumors that Gen 8 is being revealed this Pokemon Day(27th Feb). What are your guesses on the title of the new gen?

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Smpratte: What is the strategy behind a rational seller listing items for sale far above their anticipated value or sale price? Is the hope that the perceived value will increase due to exposure, or that there may actually be a buyer, or is there another purpose behind it?

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Both of you.

What one card or pokemon related item have you come across in your travels do you wish you could of attained ?
Maybe you were unfamiliar with what you were looking at, at the time or perhaps the owner would not part with it no matter how much.
Maybe it was online, in person, at world’s, through your business Jun.

What golden goose slipped through yours fingers.

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You mentioned you’d like to see an Arita/Sugimori tag-team GX. Personally I love Ooyama’s Magikarp/Wailord and Komiya’s Snorlax/Eevee promo. Are there any other illustrators you’d like to see do a tag-team GX or GX card?

Love the content, keep up the great work!

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Scott, what do you think about modern sports these days when you’ve got the Brady champ ticket currently at 300k and Crosby, Ovi, McDavid etc autos/patches getting 10’s of thousands more than OG staples like the Jordan/Gretzky rookies (obv. not the Gretzky 10). Have you picked up any modern sports cards lately?

Also I heard you were raffling an illustrator, $50/spot with 20,000 spots, confirm/deny?

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I just return from Japan and noticed Pokemon Centers had tons of booster boxes (SM9a and 9b). Do either of you know/understand why Pokemon is hoarding the booster boxes themselves instead of letting distributors distribute it out hobby shops?

PS: love the content from both of you. Great insight on both Japan and America market. Would love to see more interviews from both of you, even if it’s just through skype or hangout.

Here is the video! Sorry it ran on for a bit, the questions were good enough that each could be its own video topic.

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