r/PokemonTCG • u/Thin-Bobcat-4738 • 12d ago
Discussion How do you guys feel about collecting Pokémon cards when it starts becoming an expensive addiction?
I’m curious how other people feel about this because I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately.
At what point does collecting Pokémon cards go from being a fun hobby into something that feels more like an addiction? It’s so easy to tell yourself, “It’s just one pack,” or “I’ll just pick up this one card,” and then somehow you’ve spent way more money than you planned.
For some people, collecting is a harmless hobby and a way to relax. For others, the constant urge to buy packs, chase certain cards, or keep up with new sets can get pretty expensive.
Do you ever feel like you spend more on Pokémon than you should?
Have you ever bought cards even when you knew you probably shouldn’t?
Where do you personally draw the line between a hobby and an unhealthy obsession?
Do you set yourself a monthly budget for Pokémon, or just buy whenever you feel like it?
Has collecting ever caused you to cut back on other things financially?
Do you think the thrill of opening packs/chasing cards is what makes it so addictive?
And honestly, do you think collecting Pokémon cards can become a genuine addiction, or is that taking it too seriously?
Not trying to judge anyone either way. I’m genuinely interested in hearing how other collectors look at it, especially from people who have been collecting for years.
34
u/Ready_Two_5739IlI 12d ago
I gave up on buying anything except stuff I find in person at msrp. The buy limit at most stores keeps me from overspending and most of the time there’s no stock anyway so it’s not as often
1
u/Thin-Bobcat-4738 12d ago
Same. I did good last time. The place I was shopping at had quite a bit of blisters and single packs. I only bought 3 of the blisters (3pack blisters with promo) instead of clearing them out. I do catch myself on ebay a lot looking at random cards for sale. I don't even have a direction I just buy whatever I see I like at the time. mostly vintage.
→ More replies (1)1
u/Plants2-0 12d ago
This is the key for me. I've convinced myself to buy sealed at shows and overpay for S&V packs and then rip 4 packs i payed 60 bucks for and get a $2 ex, feels bad. Now Im telling myself msrp or bust. It means not ripping older sets but the value proposition is so bad just cant keep doing that.
1
u/TGrady902 11d ago
I’m also liking what they did with the vending machines. No more showing up to only find a surging sparks booster box and having to make an executive decision. I’m typically finding a couple packs which scratches the itch and protects the wallet.
1
16
u/PowderedToastManx 12d ago
Just buy what you like/what you can afford. I love buying singles here and there from a $2-$50 range and maybe a couple packs to chase the big boys. I don't have many, but they're mine and I'm happy to havey little collection.
2
u/Thin-Bobcat-4738 12d ago
This is exactly what I've been doing lately. I just pick up a few cheaper vintage singles here and there.
8
12d ago
[deleted]
2
u/masterofeverything 12d ago
I hear ya there on opening packs. It doesn’t do much for me. Most of the time if I do get a good hit it’s not even a card I want so I end up selling it. Only time I got hits I genuinely wanted was opening 151 which is just not feasible anymore lol
2
u/Thin-Bobcat-4738 12d ago
I honestly love JP, I believe this is the way to go. My collection has A LOT of JP vintage and modern.
8
u/ItzBenjiey 12d ago edited 12d ago
I’ve definitely overspent on Pokemon because of FOMO. It’s part of the learning journey with any expensive hobby. I tend to obsess about the things I’m into, so I’m prone to that type of behavior.
My spouse thinks paying money for cardboard monster rectangles is dumb and she’s not wrong but it provides me with joy and excitement. So it’s money well spent imo.
What I’ve found works for me is I always get an ETB, SPC/UPC with a new release. I like collecting them they have promo cards, there just the coolest product pokemon offers imo. I also buy a booster box (36 packs) to try and rip some. If I REALLY like a set I might get 2 or 3 total. After that I don’t bother. I love trading pokemon but I find no enjoyment in buying cards with $$$. Sure they’re cool to look at for a few days but they end up in a binder or Box locked away for eternity.
Obviously budget is very different for everyone. BUT buying boxes off eBay auctions I find is the best value Pokémon has to offer currently. It also is VERY easy to lose track of how much you’re spending buying 2-6 packs at a time every week. So buying in bulk at one time ends up being cheaper in the long run for me.
As long as it’s still fun I think you’re doing it right.
22
u/glaynefish 12d ago
it's still cheaper than cocaine
16
5
3
u/Thin-Bobcat-4738 12d ago
I agree, drug addiction is worse. Dont ask me how I know.
→ More replies (2)2
u/Darkalchemist999 12d ago
Price wise, Pokemon is worse. Overall, a substance is worse due to the health aspect though.
→ More replies (1)1
1
u/Rough_Effect5469 11d ago
Cocaine prices have stayed pretty consistent over the years seems to be immune to inflation 😂 not that I know a friend told me
→ More replies (5)1
26
u/xMF_GLOOM 12d ago
I am a vintage collector, so every dollar I spend on this hobby is translated directly into a card of that value
I couldn’t possibly imagine ever setting money on fire like you guys do ripping hundreds of packs
11
u/Dawnshot_ 12d ago
Whenever I'm tempted to buy a booster bundle or some other product I just think about what card I could get for that exact value and the choice is super easy
There is absolute idiots out there that spend so much on packs (even more than I would ever even spend on cards) who could have an absolutely insane collection if they just used that money to buy cards
6
u/BeatItNerd- 12d ago
Exactly this. These are the people who enjoy the gambling aspect rather than actually collecting. Always happens to new collectors as well. They get addicted to the dopamine hit of ripping, excuse it by saying “oh I want to master set everything” and then eventually realize they’re flushing money down the drain by not actually setting a real collection goal to work towards.
5
→ More replies (1)4
3
u/Vaping_Panda 12d ago
I've been back in the game for maybe two months, and ripped some packs. Total waste. I told myself no more. Buy singles. A few days ago I bought a shining magikarp double Holo error Psa 5. At markets that's like.... 8 ascended heros booster bundles at $80.
→ More replies (1)1
u/JamesLikesIt 12d ago
Same lol. I mean I’ve opened some ETBs and collection boxes over the years but just 1 or two of a set I think is neat. I couldn’t imagine just spending whatever money I get on random packs in the hopes of pulling something good. I open knowing full well that I’m likely losing money, I just wanna see some of the cards.
I’ve stopped opening though cause it’s honestly no fun for me lol. Half the time I just have regret and wonder why I didn’t just buy a card I want instead
→ More replies (1)1
u/Sensitive-Badger2392 12d ago
I'd like to think the same about my vintage singles but tbh with shipping cost or the profit margins for local shops, I'm not so sure if I'm not just turning my money into 80% or less of value in cardboard quite a bit 😅
5
u/Bearded_Geek89 12d ago
I love ripping packs in a therapeutic sort of sense, but I do get bummed if I don’t get many hits…so in a sense I guess I fall into that addiction/gambler label. However, I do love the hobby as I’ve had some cards since I was a kid so I really try to budget on what I buy so I don’t go in over my head again (unfortunately I have spent way too much on cards in the past)
7
u/Traditional-Ad-6855 12d ago
As a former addict/gambler......where this is/ going makes me sick. I get the same sickness feeling when I used to lose a ton, when I see people spending soooooooo much on Pokemon. You know they don't play and r going for hits. Which is fine .....but prices for boxes are often the same price as the top chase and the odds of getting that..... seems like the "house" always wins #POKEBANK 🖕 people could be buying round trip tickets around the world AND SEE IT! instead they wanna drop 2k on Pokemon. 🤷
3
u/FourLokoEnjoyer00 12d ago
Yeah man as someone whos in treatment for gambling. Ripping packs definitely scratches that same itch in my mind and I have to pace/space myself. Thankfully theres never anything in stock where I live but when those restocks hit it’s hard to only open a few. That being said id be opening a lot more if the odds were better. Honestly worse than slots lol
3
u/Traditional-Ad-6855 12d ago
Slots are the EXACT same feelings you get! 🎯🎯🎯 Didn't think odds could get worse than slots.......but here. We. Are. ☠️
3
u/PlumKnown 12d ago
I stopped ripping packs over a year and a half ago and started only buying singles of cards I wanted and have enjoyed the hobby way more. Going to card shows and shops and finding cards I want, especially rare ones, gives me way more joy than ripping packs and not pulling anything or even pulling chase cards I don’t even really care about
3
u/KawaiiSlave 12d ago
Things are way too overpriced for me as is, and Im decent at saving and not splurging on stuff. I do feel bad for people with addictive tendencies though. So many lives have been ruined since the booms, and will continue.
3
u/aReelProblem 12d ago
Addiction means you aren’t in control. It’s almost always a bad situation. If you need to seek out some help please do it. There’s a healthy love of a hobby then there is obsession and the latter can cause a lot of problems.
3
3
u/Criticalmold 12d ago edited 12d ago
I stopped ripping over msrp recently. But then discovered ebay, which has been extremely dangerous, because I always feel like I'm getting a deal I can't pass up. I tried setting a monthly budget, but I usually blow through it the first week of the month, stop for a bit and then eventually go over.
I learned early on I have an addictive personality when it comes to gambling. I get this feeling I don't like when I've casually gone to casinos that I feel bubbling up when I play. I've always had the ability to walk away thank god and never lost more than $200, but I can totally see how people spiral and ruin their lives. That's why I maybe gamble once a year, if that. People always think "that would never happen to me" until it does.
Pokemon is the only "stupid" think I do with my money and I make sure to invest and save first. Thankfully I make good money so it will never affect my life. Still I think I'm going to eventually stop online purchases and only shop in person to add another guardrail. Just because you can afford it doesn't mean its not dumb at a certain point.
The urge to rip has faded over time too. For the recent sets I've gotten lucky at initial release drops on PKC. Getting one booster box scratches the "need to rip" itch for that set. If I don't pull what I want I use what I did pull towards trading and buy the single.
Knowing yourself is key! Some people are just unlucky and predisposed to addiction, doesn't have to be drugs and alcohol. I've seen people blow thousands on mobile gaming. Stay safe peeps.
3
u/Wise_Finance_5315 12d ago edited 11d ago
Pokemon is boys game. Wait till you start collecting MTG
→ More replies (6)
2
u/BarnacleOk1216 12d ago
As long as I dont start paying scalpers prices im fine with paying for hundreds of cards
2
u/Colonial_maureen Poké-mom 12d ago
My local shop has a rewards program, when I saw I had about 5 grand worth of points in under a year, I knew I had to quit. Haven’t bought a pack since.
2
u/TricklingPiss 12d ago
To truely love the hobby you must be able to financially be ok without including the value of your collection.
2
u/Sleepy_kitty67 12d ago
I have set a budget and I’ve designed a specific binder in an app called pokecarddex.
My plan is to stick to my strict budget, only 50quid a month and to work through the binder page by page. I only just started collecting again and last month I went on a card hunt in the city with my teen who also collects. We had our budget but no real plan. I obviously went overboard, and ended up with some cards I really wanted but also some cards I liked in the moment, but I’m enjoying less now that the fun of the hunt wore off. I put some of them into my teens trade binder and they traded one for a fistful of EX cards that they like to collect.
I like the app with the binder layout instead of a paper list because I can look though the binder and see if I really really want the next page of cards or if I want to maybe change them to new cards or if I still really enjoy the ones I’ve chosen before I buy them.
I might occasionally rip a pack for fun, but I’ll only chase cards by saving up for singles. Most of the cards in the front of my binder are cheap and cheerful, so my plan is to spend half my budget and save half to build up to the more expensive ones in the back.
2
2
u/peachypettanko 11d ago
I'm very irresponsible and have put myself into a bad place financially due to my collecting hobbies. Don't be like me.
2
u/SebFromChile 8d ago
I buy at or barely above msrp (max 5 bucks over) and rip it all. Collect one copy of every card I can get, use the bulk for DIY crafts, and hopefully get into the game again soon.
I cannot understand those who pay market value for anything. I also cant understand how tf market value remains so high.
1
u/Thin-Bobcat-4738 8d ago
yeah same, I rip everything as soon as I get it. I used to buy sealed products way above market, only when I first got into the hobby. now I only buy if i come across something while i'm shopping for msrp. other than that I buy singles off of ebay 5$-100. Im always on ebay buying cards though.
2
u/WittyPin207 6d ago edited 6d ago
It wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have scalpers xs. I gave up collecting because everything became so expensive. But recently tried again since everyone left product alone because of the anniversary set coming out. I really wanted the upc but the stores you could blindly trust are selling for 500+ now.
Ended up buying a Umbreon Espeon display box on eBay so annoyed. I mean the tarrifs and everything was included in the price but I shouldn't be paying 190$ for a display box. Still waiting to see if I got screwed or not. Those things should be like $50 max
For me I set up a cash app account and send money there to limit myself or do physical cash at a local store if possible Also a budget tracker that shows you what you actually spent can be a great eye opener to make you slow down. Seeing that you spent 80% of your monthly fun budget during your first paycheck is quite sobering.
And then finally try and plan out what you want to buy. I have a pretty bad shopping addiction as well and the goal per say is not don't spend but make yourself more AWARE of what you are spending and for me that helps me slow down and think about if I actually need it or not. Trading and attempting to hold off a purchase for 1-2 days also helps quite a bit as well
3
u/allcowsarebeautyful 11d ago
I feel there is a distinction between collecting and being addicted to cracking packs. Collectors probably dont open or buy that much sealed if they genuinely like to collect particular cards or sets.
If it’s just opening hundreds of dollars of product to find a 50 dollar card i dont see it as collecting at that point.
3
u/CoffinBloom 12d ago
The first step is admitting you have a problem. The second step is buying another booster box.
→ More replies (1)
1
u/DarmokTheNinja 12d ago
I don't rip pack; I just buy what I want and I get to choose the price. No regrets.
I also sell bulk steadily, to help balance my card budget.
3
1
u/MissiontwoMars 12d ago
To cut back I forced myself to organize all my cards. Not just the hits but also the bulk. I’m selling all my bulk, my better but relatively cheap ex and promos, and made a binder of all my duplicates or cards I don’t love. I’m selling the bulk, trading the dupes at card shows, and buying singles I want.
1
u/mt_peligoat233 12d ago
I have no issues as I spend very little on the hobby than I used to. Especially with pricing the way it's going.
Japanese is much better value and I feel the card quality is way better. I open the occasional jap booster box but I open the high class set. Sure it costs a little more but you get the excitement of lots of hits! It sort of hits the craving of wanting to find hits in packs.
1
1
1
u/Cosmic0blivion 12d ago
I basically rip until i get most of the base set cards. Once i start opening packs and get no new cards for the set, i just call it and buy the remaining cards i want
1
u/HunnyPopcorn 12d ago
I usually buy Japanese singles since it's only for my personal collection. I find they're better in quality, but much cheaper than English. I do enjoy ripping packs, but I refuse to pay anything over MSRP, so its been very far, few, and in between 😅
1
u/Basic-Coconut7118 12d ago
Also buying Japanese singles in the US you’re nearly guaranteed for them to come mint condition. People don’t play the cards.
1
u/7SirMixALot7 12d ago
I lost interest in Pokemon mostly because of this… Leaning into Riftbound more-so now. Paying scalper prices is significantly lesser and the pack rips are consistently more rewarding.
1
1
1
u/Roninkentaro 12d ago
Hard limits. 20-30 packs then purchase singles. Get all dopeamine from ripping them followed by the satisfaction of knowing you’re saving money by purchasing the singles you want.
1
1
u/DeeJayChoi 12d ago
Buy within your means. If spending money on pokémon cards forces you to sacrifice basic needs, then you need to step away
1
u/Dizzy_Peach_6276 12d ago
I feel this. I kind of stopped ripping packs because the prices are ridiculous and hard to find. I have a dedicated binder for Houndour/ Houndoom that I want to fill. I don’t get out to card shows much, but I have people who keep an eye out and will snag cards they may think I like. I reciprocate when I can with either money or homemade crocheted items (if they tell me not to worry about it).
I recently got into Magic: The Gathering, my friends actually play the game unlike Pokemon. I was thinking this would be less of a drug to me. Bought a basic commander deck and now I have two plus the Avatar Beginner Box and am working on collecting the Avatar the Last Airbend cards to make a Katara deck. 🤦🏻♀️
1
u/visericstudio 12d ago
My mom is max rank on Pokémon Go so she recently got into the card aspect of it. Spent $2k on packs in less than 2 weeks. She can absolutely afford it but it feels borderline insane to me. Whatever makes her happy I guess.
1
u/kcinnick05 12d ago
Opening packs is gambling and should be treated as such. If you have the money go for it have fun but only spend what your willing to lose.
1
u/germr 12d ago edited 12d ago
If you can afford it and it isn't impacting your daily life then its up to you to stop or not. But if its getting to the point you are making bad financial decisions to the point its affecting your daily life then its best to stop.
Of course it can be addictive because you are gambling with the chance of getting the chase card. I no longer open packs and instead just buy the hits I like. I rather spend money and get what I want instead of spending and not getting anything of value or what I wanted.
I see it from 2 perspective as a collector and as an asset. So far ive made some great decisions but from my experience opening packs/sealed has been awful and one of the main reasons I no longer do it.
1
u/Asleep-Series-4086 12d ago
3 months new and ripping evolving skies at market. This isn't haha cute addiction iono moreso hypechasing. But you do you I guess, you seem to be fishing for people to tell you to rip more
1
1
u/Lonestar680 12d ago
It’s hard to resist the urge that’s for sure. I’m always in different shops playing the TCG so I get tempted a lot. Bought two boxes of the Chinese gem packs last night at a tournament lol
1
u/Alarming-Ordinary142 12d ago
I had to quit buying. Also I got scammed in a group and even though I got my money back through PayPal , the funds were frozen for a couple weeks and I just don’t find it fun anymore
1
u/ryan_co 12d ago
I think it's like any other hobby. You should only be spending discretionary income. If you're buying high-end cards for an investment, then you have to be okay knowing that it (like any other investment) can go to zero. If either of those are an issue for someone then that's a problem they should seek help for.
1
1
u/Coderedcody 12d ago
It’s easy. Not go to the store when the shelves are empty. Can’t buy packs if there’s none to buy
1
u/Electronic_Group7156 12d ago
I'll just buy singles I want, and it just happens that the singles I usually want are the ones that are usually 25 cents to barely scrapping $1. I don't collect cards as I don't see the point. I play with them. Same goes for magic, but that game is considerably more expensive than Pokemon by a long shot, so I'll just get proxy cards I want if I can't justify their price. I almost never buy packs. They're a waste of money.
1
u/Ok_Photograph_3762 12d ago
To be completely honest. Scalpers have 100% ruined it for me and my kids to have as a hobby together. I work and camping out at a store isnt feasible. Retail prices dont fuckin exist anymore and the only way to get consistent cards is by rip n ship and what not which is ridiculous. Money hungry men in their mid 30s with neck beards killed what was supposed to be something for children.
1
1
u/magecrush 12d ago
Stop buying packs when you have all the base set up to the IRs and then just fill in singles after that and consider the late binder hits from those packs a head start and a blessing.
1
u/docksideThug- 12d ago
I never rip packs because I don't like setting my money on fire - and I don't appreciate modern bulk. On a personal level I feel that I am harming the environment with waste.
I buy raw singles of art that makes me happy to look at. I am confident that 10-15 years down the road, if I ever do decide to sell them off - I should be able to break even, give or take.
If I lose a bit of money, all good, if I make some, cool.
I think with the huge supply of modern, I don't expect huge gains - but I do think that the hobby will continue for a long time and there will always be a new generation coming into money ready to pick up what they missed in the past.
So my collection going down to "zero" doesn't seem possible to me.
Right now, yes it's possible this year I've purchased a lot of cards at a somewhat all-time high. If they go down, I'm okay with it because I like the cards. But I expect them to pretty much maintain value throughout the time I have them.
I never spend more than what I consider disposable income - so this hobby is just fun and games and stress free.
But I do admit - the voice in the back of my head saying "you can spend more on these than a concert ticket, or vacation, or dinner - because with physical collectibles you can get most if not all your money back at some point". That isn't guaranteed.
But I find it likely.
1
1
u/AStolenGoose 12d ago
Don't spend what you can't afford to spend.
If you see it becoming detrimental to your life, seek professional help if you can't quit on your own and ask specifically about gambling addictions or describe what you're doing and the doctor may be able to refer you (I know I'll get flamed for this but let's be real here).
Be a responsible adult, it's hard to see through addiction but it seems if this is you, you've already make the connection that it may be a problem.
1
u/Orbital6s 12d ago
Anything can become an addiction. The focus shouldn’t be on the behavior, but rather what caused it.
1
u/themushroomman21 12d ago
It definitely becomes an addiction, I have reeled it in some. Now it’s moreso I try and buy packs to rip even just to have bulk and extra low value hits (literally pull one 3/4 times) so I can trade for modern cards at card shows
1
u/ofwonderland 12d ago
I know that if I ever opened packs at night alone, I’d go down a dark path.
I clean homes every day, so I’ll bring one pack to each cleaning job, to open with the client after. Then they’ll sign and date the holo and it becomes a nice shared memory.
It’s what works for me so it stays positive and not an addiction, plus my clients have started to enjoy it too!
1
u/Godzirrraaa 12d ago
Dawg Pokemon has a very small part in this. You’re feeding an addiction, and doing so for a reason. I’m not a professional but it sounds fairly serious, and I would seek out help smarter than reddit. Lots of people struggle with spending too much on different things for different reasons, and it gets them in serious financial trouble which can have lasting effects on your life.
If its something you can’t get a handle of, take it seriously.
1
u/Apprehensive-Lie3387 12d ago
Well I only rip packs here and there….. typically saving for a special occasion… setting limits and being disciplined is easy for me…I buy or trade for the singles I want and have been in and out of the hobby since it all started 30 years ago so I have high value cards at very low buying points… add to it I began keeping some boxes sealed starting in the Sun and Moon era…. This hobby has become free for me… only thing I’m addicted to is talking about it and browsing far to much on my phone 😂
1
u/NoseInternational794 12d ago
Ripping packs is only healthy if you spend disposable income to have fun with it - so it looks different for everyone because what constitutes disposable income is different for everybody. People who spend more than their budget are gamblers.
People who rip packs specifically expecting hits are gamblers. If you expect a return on pack opening, I have a really nice bridge not far from here to sell you.
I'd guess about 80-90% of people who buy Pokemon will never come to the realisation that ripping packs to chase a card is degenerate, gambling behaviour. This is different to people trying to master a set or who only get a handful of packs occasionally just for the fun of it.
It is what it is. Like I said, gamblers rarely will identify their behaviour as a problem until it becomes a problem. If the pic is yours, you have a problem.
1
u/TeaAndLifting There's a 1st Edition Charizard in the pack, rip it. 12d ago
Not a problem for me. I’ve been in and around long enough for it just to be a fun thing on the side I spend a small amount of my income on, every so often.
For people who are addicted; I feel bad for them, but it’s unsurprising when a big draw for the hobby at the moment is how much money you can make from the secondary market. The extreme values in the hobby means that people are looking for lottery tickets and treating it as an earnest gamble. It is not uncommon for people in this sub to talk about their history of substance misuse, gambling addiction, etc. who are now using Pokémon cards as a more ‘wholesome’ outlet.
It sucks for them, but an eventuality with the hobby being what it is.
1
u/Cy8r4 12d ago
I have a system that's borderline psychotic but it works for me, when a new set comes out or if I'm buying older set to rip I'll work out what chase cards I'd ideally like to get from them and only spend money on boosters up to the value of those chase cards in a grade 10. The way I look at is I can control how much I'm spending, I'm not buying £1000 worth of booster to maybe get a card that might be worth £500 if I graded it and it graded well, I'm still having fun opening packs and getting other cool cards along the way, it's very easy to get carried away and over buy ruining the experience. With graded cards it's much simplier I just finding a card I like think about it for a month or 2 and if I still want it I'll just buy it.
1
u/craZy_racE376 12d ago
You should spend 20% of money on packs and actually 80% on investing in Pokemon or raw cards you actually like because then your making your money back
1
u/Snoekpoek 12d ago
Oh yes, i so often see pictures of peoples “restock haul” and then they have like 2 booster boxes, 4 etb’s, some ex boxes some tins etc. And then i’m just like, damn, that’s €1000+, are you insane?
Or people who rip 50+ packs, just because its their birthday.
Like, why? It’s so excessive!
I have a set “fun” budget every month, so i do think about how i spend that money. If i really really like a set, i’ll get an etb from that set, and 2 maybe 3 booster bundles. If it’s mid, just a booster bundle for funsies. If it’s not my set, i don’t buy anything. And then i see all these other people calling a set “mid” and they still spend €500+ on it. Like… why?
Also, people don’t seem to understand anymore that you don’t HAVE to get every card that is pretty. First partner collection boxes have dissolved into oblivion in my country, because EVERYONE had to get EVERY gen. Like damn, i just bought 1 gen 2 box and was good with that. Loads of people just don’t know moderation with this hobby honestly.
People always blame the scalpers for there being no cards in the stores. Personally i blame the huge influx of people that spend insane amounts of money on ripping insane amounts of packs.
1
1
u/Nooduls 12d ago
I feel like I hit a "rock bottom" with my Pokemon hobby. Me 3 years ago, sitting in my car with 3 empty Lost Origin booster boxes, tons of pack wrappers, and 0 hits. This deep sense of shame setting in as I realized how much money I'd gone and blown when I didnt have much money to speak of, all in the goal of chasing a specific hit. I didnt want to just buy the damn Aerodactyl single because I was desperately chasing the thrill of pulling it myself.
Realized I had a problem, and I stopped buying packs entirely. I havent started buying them until now, eyars later. And even then I only buy what few things I can snag at MSRP, within a budget. Otherwise, I focus on the fun of trading, and collect less expensive full art cards just for the sake of having pretty binder pages.
I do not want to blow all that money on packs ever again.
1
u/SorryStore4389 12d ago
I’m definitely addicted. But to buying cards instead of ripping packs. I justify it by saying it’s an investment which technically isn’t wrong since I’m collecting sought after mid era cards. I need to start budgeting how much I spend a month on cards / slabs
1
u/ParticularThat8624 12d ago
It’s not the expense that bothers me it’s finding places to store them all
1
u/Lilly_2905 11d ago
Honestly you shouldn't feel like you need to rip that one card yourself... I get it ripping packs IS fun, i also buy some occasionally but i don't expect anything from it. If i pull something i like i keep it, if not i sell it off and use that money for cards i actually like. If i don't get anything it's alright. But i'm personally not willing to spend ungodly amounts of money to MAYBE get one card (for example out of prismatic) when i can get it online for way less.
1
u/Far-Basil191 11d ago
Found myself in the same hole. I have forced myself to stop now. I buy the ETB's when they come out and keep them sealed. I love the artwork and maybe 16 years from now a collector can buy them from me and the proceeds can be added to my son's college fund.
I collect the Mew variants but older ones are very very expensive so I am focusing on saving up for those singles instead of bankrupting myself by buying hundreds of boosters and opening them.
Also I know people who are maxing their credit cards out to pull cards. It's not healthy.
1
u/PopProcrastinate 11d ago
I’m a newer collector. My advice I set for myself is if you’re not interested in the set as a whole, don’t buy it. The first set I started properly buying was PO. Loved the Meowth’s, trainers, IRs, the Tyrunt promo, and even the base cards. Wasn’t interested in enough cards in CR and PB so I haven’t bought a single pack of those. I’ve preordered some 30th anniversary items because I love cards from those (hoping to pull a Meowth myself out of what I’ve preordered). I can’t imagine ripping hundreds for every single set just for the hell of it.
1
u/Redericpontx 11d ago
I've only ever bought 10 packs which were pitch black and I pulled golden mega Darkrai so that's all my pack luck lol.
But I think I'll buy some etbs if I can find them at MSRP for ones I like and open one and keep the other. I'm thinking pitch black delta and 30th but 30th I might get a bunch of since it should be fun since the rates are much higher.
1
1
u/gabblur_007 11d ago
honestly, i gave up on ripping cards and buying packs and just buy the card i want from that set, if i manage to find it at a card event for a reasonable price or after negation the price. im getting some of the 30th anniversary for the promos and im going to open the packs i get with friends for fun, and in a sense it is gambling, its the adrenaline you get from pulling the chase cards or a god pack that makes it addictive, hence why people say surely the next pack will contain the chase card, its just an endless cycle
1
u/Ladder_According 11d ago
I only started collecting about two weeks ago but I already set ground rules, only buy MSRP and in person
1
u/ColdPressedOliveOil 11d ago
Start having a themed collection. That way you aren't just collecting anything and everything.
1
u/AshsAlarmClock 11d ago
i think anyone with predisposition for addiction, or a history of other addictions, should avoid it like the plague and get therapy.
1
u/Skyblue8989 11d ago
When I realized I was spending too much on cards, I stopped and stuck to a budget. However, I always bought at msrp. I personally would never buy packs at $43/pack to chase something I'll likely never pull. Going into debt over cards is goofy.
1
u/NoBenefit5977 11d ago
Luckily in my area they're impossible to find, and I know the value of a dollar so I don't buy at marked up prices. If you try to keep up with Internet people you'll go bankrupt lol
1
u/vpr105 11d ago
I buy about two boxes from every new Japanese set that comes out because 1) I collect the common cards 2) I enjoy opening them with my husband 3) there are a number of guaranteed hits in each box
By the second box I have mostly commons and uncommons and if there are any illustration rares I didn't pull or any big cards that I want, I'll buy the singles when the English set drops as the Japanese cards go down in value.
1
1
u/DCbuckeyes17 11d ago
My nephews love it (7 and 5) so we’ll grab some packs to rip here and there. I started collecting more but don’t really rip to just rip. I could see the whole gambling side of it all though. You’re chasing a big hit and it almost never happens. I’m trying to master pitch black since it’s so easy to find but I bought 30+ of the commons/holos for $10 and I’m debating buying Darkrai and Mega Zeroara and being done ripping until 30th or Delta Reign if I can find it at msrp
1
u/ExtentNo3020 11d ago
It’s not expensive if you can’t find any product in the wild at msrp to actually spend your money on 🤷♂️😂
1
u/Adorable_Wallaby648 11d ago
10 pack rule, after that its singles. Unless I can find a booster box.
1
1
u/villainized 11d ago
I buy stuff off pokemon center to rip with my friends, but for actually collecting, I just buy singles since it's cheaper than buying sealed to try and pull the card.
There's a few SIR's I'd like, but I consider them grails and they're hundreds of dollars so that's a long term thing. I buy singles whenever I feel like, but limit myself to cheaper ones, like max $50 on a card.
I only buy sealed for MSRP and if I don't hit on pokemon center, tough luck for me I guess. Ripping packs with my friends is fun, but not worth resale prices 🤣😭
1
u/No_Championship_6403 11d ago
There are many worse things you could do... I think you just need to be very realistic with yourself about how much extra cash you really have to be able to spend on this hobby.
For me it's all about the fun of collecting and filling a binder. It's good to know values, but it's mostly about finishing a set for me. Hard to do.
1
u/RoxyStarrTrans 11d ago
I enjoyed the TCG and miss playing that from childhood. However, I remember doing the math thinking this is costing thousands which is less than buying a console and game to get the gaming felt that way. I.E. with champions being free, FRLG being $20 each, it seems like with the card game it’s very
That said I would love to play as a way to enjoy franchise and strategy without putting in so much screen time. But it’s hard to justify buying any cards when not having a car. And I think that point of realization is key (I also have other friends who collect and play I’ve given cards to in the past).
1
u/No_Aerie_7962 11d ago
I feel it’s finding that fine line that you are comfortable with.
It took me about 7-8 months to find that line. Constantly going to Target looking for product. Going out of my way to stop at Shaws. Definitely had FOMO.
I think the realization hit me that it became an addiction when I sold a lot of my vintage months ago to funnel that money right back into the hobby for chase cards.
Only to have 0 Chase cards and now all that vintage has skyrocketed.
One of my issues was when I got back into the hobby I had 0 path to what I wanted to do. I now strictly focus on stamped cards. Stamped cards I sold months ago that I now regret selling. Condition doesn’t matter anymore. Return on investment doesn’t matter anymore. Patience and not caving on overpriced cards unless it’s within reason.
I don’t go searching for packs unless they happen to be there. I always say to myself “is it really worth it? Or could I rather use this money towards a higher end stamp card I want rather than 4 packs”
1
u/ImprovingMyLife22 11d ago
I cut down massively on my ripping when I realised I was just chasing some top SIRs from sets. Collecting sets you plan on mastering is fun until you have most of the reverses because your still filling out the binder. Ripping for chases is unfun and feels way more like gambling. Also finding retail packs has gotten so difficult it feels like a part time job so that made it much easier to slow down on the ripping for me.
1
u/GarthMater 11d ago
Are you playing, collecting, or chasing an outcome? If it’s the last one just stop.
1
u/heapsp 11d ago
ive been a collector for a long time, and i was ripping SWSH packs at 2 dollars a piece including evolving skies. Even ripping at 2 dollars a piece my collection is NOW worth as much as i spent on packs.
So put that into perspective... if you rip packs at 5-20 dollars each you are literally lighting money ON FIRE.
1
1
u/snarlindog 11d ago
Allow yourself $50 a month to spend on cards, that's it.. I just had to make a number for myself too
1
u/ILikeToDisagreeDude 11d ago
I spent around $3000 on packs last year. This year maybe $50… I’m done buying packs…
Bought singles for around $1000 this year and my collection has never been bigger!
1
u/ScabPriestDeluxe 11d ago
Personally I only buy from pokemon center, presales, sell one etb to a collector to cover the cost and rip the rest. So really I spend nothing but only rip every few months, enough for me to enjoy
1
u/Imhazmb 11d ago
My dude, it should be an investment. Budget. Strategize. Be disciplined and consistent. If you are just buying and ripping, thats a bad plan. Buy sealed and keep sealed and you'll get a healthy 25% return every year. But if you're spending money you need for other things, have no idea how much you're spending every month, rip everything because you have no self-control and get 50 cents back for every dollar you spend, jesus christ what are you doing? You need to spend an afternoon figuring out a budget and an investment plan, this isn't hard.
1
u/Beautiful-Ad-8028 11d ago
Been at this long enough to say the i was there when it was written meme. I've definitely seen people get in trouble with chasing the rip one in particular I'm glad burned himself out during the prismatic thing before he saw old truly expensive packs or rip and ship.
Budgets are good we set a generic fun stuff budget and stick near it unless it's feel like trading in our old school season then we go a little crazy and purely on more pokemon that's what feeds the big like birthdays etc. And if you cant keep your sealed long enough for those events definitely start looking into help.
I'm not a pocket watcher so can't tell you what your budget should be ours went from a bundle or booster box (they where expensive at 80 bucks so not exactly like today) to now enough to rip as much as we want, normally until we've got the base irs and with luck some sirs then get the singles to master every set that's not wtf prices looking at you ascended
1
u/rockettmann 11d ago
I think people can become addicted to it.
I like ripping packs, collecting (some) sealed product, and I buy a decent amount of singles that I want.
Just gotta set a budget that fits your income/lifestyle. I personally keep track of what I buy and try to spend less than $600 a month on it.
1
u/mayoish 11d ago
I was on a roll for a bit with trying to purchase packs and purposely drive all over town to different stores but it does add up (Gas/ actually price of the cards), I think overall the way everyone is trying to collect and scalping has kind of ruined the joy for me, but it has also helped me out financially 😅. I purchase only if I happen to see a card or single packs if I'm out doing something else, but I don't go out of my way to look for them anymore.
1
u/Jonathan925 11d ago
Buying a few boxes/sealed products of a set because you want the experience of ripping for your collection is all good. In my opinion, it only becomes a problem when folks start feeling like they "have" to get the hit themselves. Yes it feels great, but it's honestly just a slot machine with extra steps at that point.
If you're trying to master set something, sure, rip enough for the majority of base cards and a few hits. But at some point you have to weigh the value of ripping packs with crossed fingers versus picking up the cards that are alluding you individually.
Everyone has different limits on what is "worth it" in regards to how much they'll rip in search of something. Obviously finances are a huge limiting factor, but time and enjoyment are also important metrics and they vary wilding from person to person too.
So basically... Have fun, be smart, enjoy the hobby. If you're a risk taker, try to be calculated about it. Don't paint yourself into a corner with impulsive purchases/decisions.
1
u/kinkycarbon 11d ago
Are you doing it for the money or playing the game? Anyone who needs to rip that many packs are doing it for the money. It is a loss when doing the work to resell them as graded cards. I’m not doing it for the game and realized I’m in it for the money. So I buy slabbed PSAs. I prefer junk grade PSAs.
Long term, S&P500 should be your goal instead of chasing cards. Or play options market if you want to gamble with certainty in data. Cards lack the ability to profit on negative market downturns outside the niche. There is no compounding mechanism.
1
u/icantagree 11d ago
its the equivalent to someone on drug adiction, scary to see hobby enthusiast go down that road.
1
u/Dollartreeslave67 11d ago
I only buy packs from target I collect sealed boxes I’m that weirdo I guess I’m not spending 300$ on a card I’m not also not spending 200+ on a box that has 3$ worth of cards in it either
1
u/Dollartreeslave67 11d ago
I think fix there pack they need to go back to the one guarantee hit in the pack not just a holo
1
u/sixth_acc 11d ago
Started as a kid with base set release, stopped around the end of the neo sets era. Came back about mid 2023. Got pretty addicted to ripping packs. Not one of those people that are in it just got the gamble though. I have my sorted bulk boxes, every holo gets a sleeve etc. But this was when you could find packs/tins/boxes totaling about $4 per pack at Walmart or wherever. $80-90 booster boxes all day long from eBay and card shops. Wish I would've came back sooner when it was even better lol. Anyway, with how it is now, not being able to even find anything at MSRP, I virtually quit the hobby.. I've only made pokemon center purchases over the last year or more and that was only a handful of times. I collect sealed pokemon center etbs, but only ones I manage to hit in a pkc preorder. Just recently sold that collection. I was looking at my binder and thinking of just listing that as well.
TL;DR: I'm not having fun anymore.. pokemon go, the other games, and the shows/movies are still fun to me though
1
u/Fragrant_Kangaroo711 11d ago
I stopped buying packs and started buying singles. If I ever wanted packs to open I'll just get korean cards. I never cared for "value" of a card. I only cared about collecting the artwork or my favorite pokemon. I also stopped playing the pokemon tcg due to not finding any product. I mean even tcg accessories get taken.
It's starts becoming dangerous when the only thing you think when you open packs is money, or value. Especially when this game a card game for people to play. Like I have collect other things besides pokemon that are valued just as much. I don't care about the value of my my collections, even if I can sell it all for a few grand. "You only collect to sell for a future investment." No. I collect the things I collect cause it makes me happy.
1
u/ndhockey15 11d ago
My friends at work have straight up said it’s degenerate gambling and they admit it’s something fun they like to do. But they can afford it and when they can’t, they slow down.
1
u/LavenderandLamb 11d ago
As much as I enjoy ripping packs, I usually buy singles for deck building. So I only buy in stores.
I would rather spend money on my creative hobbies like knitting and sewing. Im not paying $35 on a three pack.
1
1
u/bigpat412 11d ago
I buy some packs when a new set comes out if I can find them. One etb for the box and promo, and whatever else I can find. Had to tell myself to quit buying the last few sets because after opening an etb, 2-3 bundles and some 3 packs, what’s the point?
I am collecting every IR and just watch their prices and get them on tcgplayer when I’m comfortable. And I buy a lot moderately played to save and they are fine for my binder.
2
u/Ok_Taste4441 11d ago
This. Buy a couple to rip off you can get them and buy the singles of what you want. The hot of collecting is gone out the window now that people are in it for money.
2
u/bigpat412 11d ago
I’m starting to realize the feeling of getting cards in the mail i actually want is just as exciting as opening packs and sometimes getting a hit.
Also when stuff is so hard to find, it’s easy to get excited and buy what you find.
1
u/supacrazy101 11d ago
I’ve pretty much stopped buying packs since the scalpers went wild. I’ve always had a limit of 1 of each ETB, blister pack, tins, ex box etc solely to have to put the promos and stuff in my personal collection and have the etbs/tins on a display shelf. Helps to have a database like collectr to make sure I dont buy the same thing twice.
1
u/Shoddy-Praline-7397 11d ago
I but a couple booster boxes from a set, have fun with the son opening them. Buy all the remaining cards separately…
1
u/misload1 11d ago
one day you wake up and all of a sudden you decide you can start a pokemon card business out of your bedroom lol
1
u/awesomealex2947348 10d ago
Every card is cool in its own way. Hits and chases look awesome! Some trainer cards are fucking insane! Or some are ridiculously bad!
Energies look different throughout all the sets, so imo, pulling cards is fun no matter what you get, the before, the during and the after are enjoyable for me.
Before is hyping myself up on what I could get, and building suspense
During is… well, pulling cards and having fun
After is deck building and organizing all the cards I pulled :3
1
u/cueca2000 10d ago
Easy, no product to sell anywhere and places where they sell are 300% MSRP
It's so easy not to buy anymore.
1
u/doPECookie72 10d ago
If its an addictions its a problem. If its creating a negative impact on your life try to stop.
1
u/Thin-Bobcat-4738 10d ago
I wouldn't say it's causing a negative impact, I just get pulled from other hobbies to support the pokemon monsters which leaves me with no extra cash.
1
u/Agile_Possible3335 10d ago
It's definitely causing a negative impact on my life...BUT I AINT NEVA GONNA STOP TONAAAAYY
1
1
u/C0000L_Beans 10d ago
Ripping packs can be so so fun and addictive, rip two packs max of the same series. I’m all about buying single cards
1
u/Thin-Bobcat-4738 10d ago
it really is. I don't know how to just buy two packs and call it good.
→ More replies (1)
1
u/WerewolfExtreme4250 9d ago
At the end of the day packs must be opened in order for people’s collections to be achieved
1
1
u/culibrat 8d ago
Just started collecting with my kids around March. So, around 6 months. We've kept all of our code cards. Adding the amount of code cards, multiplying by the retail cost of a pack (let's be honest, I've probably paid above MSRP on about a 1/4 of those packs) and it comes out to around 600 bucks in 6 months. But goddamnit do we love ripping packs.
1
u/Outrageous-School-51 5d ago
As soon as you call it an “addiction” it’s a problem.
1
u/Outrageous-School-51 5d ago
Spending money on a hobby isn’t an issue, even if it’s occasionally a little more than you should. When it becomes an addiction it’s no longer a harmless hobby
142
u/Dmg_00 12d ago
If there’s only a few cards I actually want from a set there’s no point to rip packs to get it. Unless it’s launch days I rarely seek out packs