Hey all. This thread could probably fit in the ‘Sour Grapes’ section better, but I do have a question so I’m asking here. Today I received a package from TCGPlayer that I was really looking forward to. I had bought about 120 holo/reverse holos from a seller for around $80, all were marked as NM but were also substantially cheaper than all other sellers’ listings for those cards. Average price of each card was between $0.50-$1. Already risky, I know.
When the cards arrived, I opened the package only to find two stacks of 50ish cards unsleeved and curling. Ok, I can deal with that, but it was the first red flag. I went through each card one by one and right away on the first card I noticed the top edge of the back was covered in dust/dirt. Oh boy. Every card, save for about 5, of the 118 cards I ordered had some degree of dust/dirt covering the back edge. Additionally, a decent amount of cards have MOISTURE DAMAGE on the backs that bled onto the fronts of cards sitting directly behind them in the stack. Almost every reverse holo has noticeable deep holo scratches, and the holos have scratches all over the card itself (not the holo portion). The most expensive card (a whopping $2.55) even has a dent/crease on one of its corners. All in all I’d say only about 10 cards are ‘NM’ by virtue of not having significant amounts of dirt/scratches alone.
My question is, what should I do? The seller has 50000+ positive feedback, and the cards only cost me about $80 so it’s not about the money. I’m conflicted since on principle I know I should explain to the seller that 108/118 of their ‘NM cards’ were NOT NM and in many cases damaged, not to mention all cards are dirty. But I also know for cheap prices I paid, I took a decent gamble (I basically paid the price of LP-MP cards and expected them to be NM). Still, they were marked as NM so I feel I should say something. I’m curious what you guys would do/say? Would you try and get a return/refund? Or would you take the hit and throw 100+ cards away in your closet, never to be seen again?
I would personally reach out to the seller with some pictures and ask if there’s anything they’d be willing to do. I’m not sure how things work on TCGPlayer though so if they’re not willing to do anything I’m not sure what you would do from there but I think it’s a good place to start.
Thanks all. Reached out to the seller explaining the situation, asked what they could do and said I’m willing to ship the cards back. Now we wait.
Like I said before, it’s not about the money but receiving 100+ cards advertised as NM clearly not in NM condition really grinds my gears haha. I appreciate anyone reading.
Sometimes cards can be touch and go with being off graded raw but if they are significant not NM as they appear to be then take action. Otherwise whats the point in having a condition structure, If its a regular occurrence for a seller to be picked up on it maybe they will learn and describe more accurately.
It is getting a bit daft now as you basically have to expect getting worse condition cards but unless I’m happy to keep what I’ve received then I would return, I’m not taking it on the chin every time
Yeah with these situations it can make you feel like a penny pincher - but I’d say that’s only the case if it’s like a card or 2. You’re completely justified in taking action with this.
tcgplayer have a nice discrepancy/return system.
while it sounds like you have just messaged the seller, actually start the process and make them make it right.
card condition can be subjective to the individual but you would have the right to return the card either way.
Now, had it have been 2 or 3 cards well thats most probably not worth the hassle but a 91.5% rate…
if they dont reply tcgplayer will step in and make it right so either way you are satisfied.
I don’t see why you’d let it slide unless you’re satisfied with your cards for what you paid. I’ve bought cheaper-than-usual cards several times and returned the ones I didn’t feel were worth the price I paid. Like if they send me a LP instead of a NM for a good price I keep it more often than not, but not if they sent a damaged one.
take action. I bought a complete reverse holo dragon frontiers described as Mint/pack fresh but 37 of the cards had a dent or crease. The seller refunded me $250 bring my purchase price to ~500.
The thing is, it helps all of us when people kindly let the seller know that their cards are not up to par. NM can have some leeway…after all, their not being classified as “Mint”. But with that being said, there is some leeway and then there are some tcgplayer sellers who just don’t give an eff and unless someone points it out, everyone is going to keep getting shafted.
I feel your pain. I’ve been order batches of the same cards from TCG Player all in NM, but every time only about 10%-20% is anywhere near NM. But I don’t do anything about it because these are all cards under $2. Not sure if I should make a fuss because the $0.70 reverse holo I bought has tons of scratches when it was marked as NM. It doesn’t seem worth it. But on the other hand, the fact that I’ve never actually gotten a NM reverse holo from the site despite ordering many is so frustrating.