Safety Guide

Selling Pokémon cards online can be profitable, but it’s essential to take precautions to protect yourself from potential scams, disputes, and fraud. Here are steps to help safeguard your transactions:

1. Choose Reputable Platforms

• eBay, TCGPlayer, or Mercari: These platforms offer protections for sellers and buyers, including support for resolving disputes.

• PayPal for Payments: If selling independently (e.g., on Facebook or Instagram), use PayPal Goods & Services rather than “Friends & Family” to ensure buyer and seller protection.

1. Accurately Describe Card Condition

• High-quality photos: Take clear, detailed photos of each card from multiple angles, including any flaws. This documentation can protect you in case of a dispute.

• Detailed description: Clearly describe the card’s condition, noting any wear, scratches, or creases. Be honest about any damage to avoid claims of misrepresentation.

1. Pack and Ship Securely

• Use protective packaging: Place each card in a penny sleeve, followed by a toploader or semi-rigid cardholder. Ship in a bubble mailer to protect against bending.

• Tracking and insurance: Always use tracking for shipping, and consider adding insurance for high-value cards. This protects against loss or damage during transit.

• Signature confirmation for high-value cards: For valuable items (e.g., over $100), use signature confirmation to ensure the buyer receives the package.

1. Communicate Clearly with Buyers

• Provide shipping updates: Send tracking information to the buyer once shipped. This transparency builds trust and reduces the risk of disputes.

• Respond to questions: Answer buyer questions professionally and promptly. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and help with potential issues.

1. Be Aware of Common Scams

• Return fraud: Some buyers may claim the card was damaged or different from described. Avoid this by thoroughly documenting the card’s condition with photos.

• “Switcheroo” scams: Occasionally, a buyer may return a different or damaged card in place of the one you sold. Taking detailed photos before shipping and inspecting all returns can help prove if a card has been switched.

• Chargebacks: Some buyers may file chargebacks after receiving the item, claiming they never got it. Tracking and signature confirmation (for expensive cards) provide proof of delivery and help counter these claims.

1. Set a Clear Return Policy

• No returns for collectible cards: For rare or collectible items, state that returns aren’t accepted unless there is an error in the listing. Some platforms allow you to set this policy, but always be honest in descriptions to avoid disputes.

• Document your policy: Make sure the return policy is visible in your listing and complies with the platform’s rules.

1. Verify Buyer Credibility

• Check buyer feedback: On platforms with feedback (e.g., eBay), look at the buyer’s rating and history. Buyers with little or poor feedback may be riskier.

• Be cautious with new accounts: New buyers without feedback are sometimes used in scams. For large transactions, consider contacting them for confirmation or using platforms with buyer verification.

1. Keep Records of Transactions

• Document everything: Save records of the sale, photos of the item, shipping receipts, and tracking numbers. If a dispute arises, this documentation can be crucial in proving your case.

By following these steps, you can protect yourself when selling Pokémon cards online, reducing risks and creating a smoother, safer transaction process.