Good to know that they might not be from the same sheet - I wasn’t aware that they had a separate printing process for these, but I guess it makes sense 
Don’t want to take this too off topic but will keep it relevant regarding recourse on Mercari, and the challenges around disputes.
It becomes more about knowing how to correctly approach mercari support and the seller themselves.
Addressing the Seller: This is important as mercari loves getting you to resolve the issue amongst yourselves first. They will only step in if you cannot reach an agreement. Scammers can be very fiery to deal with and best avoided if you stress easily or not confident arguing in Japanese.
Addressing Mercari support: As long as you have a strong basis for a refund, they will grant it. That, and knowing your rights on mercari. Even if the seller says ‘no returns’, this is not allowed under mercari rules, as long as you have a valid claim.
Don’t bring emotions, western logic or suggestions into the picture. State the problem as it is with reference to mercari ToS and follow their instructions. It’s mercari’s way, or no way. So familiarise yourself with Mercari rules before you play the game as you’ll need to fight your own corner to some extent if there is pushback.
- Example (1): The seller listed the item as ‘near new’ and used the word ‘mint’ in the description and you find a dent. You can claim ‘item not as described’. Refund.
- Example (2): The seller listed the item as ‘used’ and says “treat it as a played card”. You find an issue. No refund.
- Example (3): The seller lists an item as “unauthenticated”. You claim it is fake. You provide sufficient reasoning. Refund (after some verbal abuse from the scammer). Fakes are not allowed on mercari but support will ask for your reasoning and for pictures. They don’t really question your evidence.
Regarding pushback, if your issue is surrounding a legit card, usually the seller will be more cooperative as they would want their card back the way it was.
On the other hand, scammers on mercari are uncooperative and incredibly quick to fight back with typical narratives such as saying the Buyer is cancelling on a whim, refusing returns due to the possibility of switcheroos, saying you didn’t check the listing correctly, saying “never said it was authenticated anyway” etc. If no agreement is reached, then as a last resort, mercari will let the seller keep the funds, compensate you and let you keep the item.
I have been sold a fake card before and the seller was incredibly rude and uncooperative. There were personal insults, time wasting etc. They do this to reach the “no agreement” resolution, allowing them to keep your funds. However, it will definitely be a lot of stress for a few days whilst you argue your case to both mercari and the seller.
Not much different to eBay level of buyer privilege. Just a lot more talking to the seller.
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Thank you for taking the time to write that out! It sounds like you have (unfortunately) had to experience a lot of that first-hand. I am sure the advice will come in handy down the road. Thank you again!
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