Pokémon YouTuber Sells His Cards To GameStop And It's A Mess
Chaos at GameStop: Pokémon Card Fiasco?
GameStop has recently started a program to buy and sell graded Pokémon cards, but the rollout has been chaotic due to insufficient employee training. YouTuber Lee "Leonhart" Steinfeld tested the process by selling cards at a Dallas store, finding the appraisal system inconsistent and largely untrained. Despite GameStop's new initiative, the actual payout he received for his cards was significantly less than their estimated online value.
How did Lee "Leonhart" Steinfeld test the new trade-in program at GameStop?
Lee "Leonhart" Steinfeld tested the new trade-in program at GameStop by visiting a store in a mall near Dallas, Texas, which was one of the few test sites for the initiative1. He brought in a bunch of cards, including a Miriam trainer and a full art Squirtle from the base Scarlet and Violet set, to see how they would be appraised and what he could get for them. Steinfeld recorded the process and estimated the value of the cards beforehand based on recent eBay listings. The actual amounts GameStop paid him for the cards were varied, but overall, he received $157 for cards worth an estimated $328, which was close to 50% of their estimated value.
What prompted GameStop to start buying and selling graded collectibles like Pokémon cards?
GameStop's decision to start buying and selling graded collectibles, particularly Pokémon cards, is largely influenced by the changing dynamics in the media and entertainment retail industry. As physical media, especially video games, are becoming less prevalent, GameStop is looking for new avenues to sustain its business. The collectibles market, which includes trading cards, has seen a significant growth in popularity, partly fueled by high-profile sales and increased market value of these items. This shift represents a strategic pivot for GameStop to capitalize on a thriving market segment and diversify its revenue streams beyond traditional video games.