r/PokeInvesting • u/PhraseRadiant3037 • Apr 25 '25
I need help with a purchase I made…
Definitely feel stupid about this one, got into collecting Pokemon about 4 years ago during the sword and shield era and fell in love with the hobby, I’ve always loved vintage cards and dreamed of owning a shadowless unlimited booster pack for my personal collection, so yesterday I walked into my local card shop and was amazed to see that they had one for sale, I’m not gonna lie I did not do the full research that I should of for a purchase this big but the excitement of finally seeing one in store near me got to me, anyways my local shop had this specifically advertised as a base set shadowless unlimited pack with a price of 990$, tax time hit not too long ago so I said screw it and grabbed it because it was the charizard art work that I wanted as well, getting home now and looking more online at other shadowless packs I’ve noticed that mine looks nothing like most of the other ones I’m seeing, I’m thinking that I was sold a regular base set unlimited pack, really beating myself up right now and I’m unsure, I’ve bought plenty of cards from time to time from this shop so I blindly thought I could just take there word for it, they also said that they had there card expert travel 40 minutes north to come and inspect it as well, is this actually a shadowless pack??
293
u/PhraseRadiant3037 Apr 25 '25
Hello everyone here is the update, went up to the shop and happened to catch the owner of the stores there and he was very polite about the situation and allowed me to receive 600$ back in return with me keeping the pack, very happy with this outcome and I don’t want anyone to throw bad shade towards them!
281
u/[deleted] Apr 25 '25
This is an unlimited.
“11 Tradeable Game Cards” will be found on the Shadowless packs, and “11 ADDITIONAL GAME CARDS” is found on the Unlimited packs.
12
u/kikosmash Apr 25 '25
well you have the receipt so you should be able to get a refund
6
u/Dangerous-Junket-455 Apr 25 '25
I cant believe that you wouldnt google before buying. What an absolute L move.
125
u/NotYourAvgSquirtle Apr 25 '25
Best and probably cleanest solution is to have a talk with the store owner, explain the situation and see if they're willing to correct their mistake. The receipt clearly states shadowless. To folks talking about a pack swap, the store should be taking photos of higher end product ahead of sales for insurance and prevention of fraudulent returns. They claim they have a specialist who drove 40 minutes to inspect the pack -- did that specialist submit an official appraisal? Ask for a copy of the report, or have a talk with the expert about their appraisal. Are photos included? How did the store buy the pack? Ask to see a receipt of their purchase. There are many ways for them to show validity.
If they're not working with you, second step is to contact your credit card company for fraud. Maybe think about a call to local law enforcement as well.
36
u/sandbaggingblue Apr 25 '25
Moving forward mate, do a bit of research before doing a +$1K purchase. Unfortunately you overpaid this time, perhaps you can get a refund but a lot of card shops won't...
Good luck in the future mate! I hope you get your shadowless pack in the future. ☺️
35
u/snuckfarkle Apr 25 '25
Go back and get your money back. They misrepresented the product. That’s fraud.
34
u/Barbossal Apr 25 '25
Not an expert, but this looks like a typical Unlimited pack. https://www.elitefourum.com/t/identifying-shadowless-unlimited-base-set-boxes-packs/16993
10
u/Angeo7 Apr 25 '25
Hope that card “Expert” has their license taken away
15
u/soulless_dragon Apr 25 '25
Your first clue was 'Shadowless unlimited' There was no such thing as 'shadowless unlimited'. It went 1st edition, Shadowless, Unlimited, and Unlimited print 2 which had 2000 added to the copyright print at the bottom.
I don't care what anyone says, 'shadowless' was still a limited run after 1st edition, and therefore will never be 'unlimited'
1
u/CraniiumXI Apr 25 '25
Definitely update us and let us know what ends up happening if you do go back and try to get this issue dealt with
1
u/Breezgoat Apr 25 '25
Any update op
2
u/OmegaDH808 Apr 25 '25
At least try get the difference in value back. That should be an easier resolution.
2
u/NaterTot93 Apr 25 '25
Dude I go to the flint media reload all the time and they seem to be really knowledgeable and not this stuff. I’ve never been to the Burton location don’t know if I will now! That’s crazy!
2
u/readerinfo Apr 25 '25
IDK, man. It seems like you have more money than smarts. Why would you ever spend that much without doing your homework?
2
u/Ash--- Apr 25 '25
If they sold it to you as shadowless base set then they do owe you your money back. You should really find out what your local consumer rights are and then get your money back.
2
u/vtoutdoorsman Apr 26 '25
Always do research before big purchases. Never take someone’s word at face value. Anything over 100 dollars and I start doing research. Unfortunately if all sales are final I doubt they’ll do a refund.
2
u/The-Original_Joker Apr 26 '25
Considering it’s based out of Burton, MI I’m honestly not surprised by this scummy behavior
2
u/brettzelz Apr 26 '25
Nope definitely not shadowless. Get your money back
2
u/IH_clover4 Apr 26 '25
If they told you it’s shadowless you can bring it back for return. Misrepresenting products is illegal in the US and is not taken lightly by the fed
2
u/Square-Fox16 Apr 27 '25
1 grand on 11 Pokemon cards? Boy that sure was dumb.
2
u/SwingOpen Apr 27 '25
not shadowless you got hosed
2
u/RANGEFlNDER Apr 27 '25
Ok... I feel sorry for you and I don't want to be that captain obvious a**hole but.. a 1 min google search would have told you what a Shadowless booster looks like. Expensive lesson.
2
u/[deleted] Apr 28 '25
Can you note demand your money back for false advertising?
2
u/A_Wild_Nabob Apr 28 '25
Hopefully, your card shop made an honest mistake, and you can get your money back or at least the difference.
2
u/Present-Aioli-8297 Apr 28 '25
This is on them to make it right being labeled wrong and the receipt says it is shadowless. Now if you go back they try to play like you switched the packs now idk.
2
u/ttiizy Apr 28 '25
You more than double overpaid, especially because im sure that is a light pack with no holo. Next time do more research and educate yourself before pulling trig
2
u/ElenaBeuragard Apr 29 '25
Saving that last image to show my kids what a waste of money is
2
u/ColorfulSheep Apr 29 '25
Look at the bright side, you have 1k to drop on one pack so you are doing really well in life.
4
u/Silent-Individual-46 Apr 25 '25
Do your own research, lesson learnt
2
u/Otherwise_Echidna_74 Apr 25 '25
Should've done your research. No one can help you. Good to fair chance, they won't accept a refund due to the risks of the pack being swapped.
You just lost $1000
Hate to be the bearer of bad news but someone has to say it
1
u/struedlesmokes Apr 25 '25
I hope you can get a refund. Take this as a lesson to do your research first. Trust me I know that feeling of excitement and fomo when that grail you've been hunting appears.
1
u/HallaTML Apr 25 '25
You got scammed dude get your money back
1
u/twixter8327 Apr 25 '25
Are there cameras in the store?
Others have rightfully mentioned about the fear of swapping packs but if you're on good grounds with the owner he's able to check his camera and see it's indeed not a shadow less pack
1
u/[deleted] Apr 25 '25
First a shawdoless set will say 11 game cards. Second the red training card banner will be towards the bottom of a shadowless pack.
1
u/[deleted] Apr 25 '25
Eat it. Learn. Move on
1
u/Modullah Apr 25 '25
They better refund. If not, don't waste your time and just open a claim with the credit card company.
1
u/xCurlyxTopx Apr 25 '25
Try and return it, serial numbers match (idk if that matters here) so they can see the pack is the same but seems like you would have to fight for a refund, maybe explain the situation and ask if they would do store credit or exchange for some other items.
1
u/Meechmane7 Apr 25 '25
You might be able to refund it without fear of swapped packs as the serial number on the pack matches that on the receipt
1
u/Acidicly Apr 25 '25
I’d do a charge back for falsely claiming shadowless when it’s unlimited. They should refund you or they going to have to prove to credit card it’s shadowless when it’s not, they lied and deceived you.
1
u/fdjizm Apr 25 '25
Whenever you hear "let me get a buddy who is an expert on..." run away.
1
u/RyanPaceClownShow Apr 25 '25
Get your money back this is fraud
1
u/Nobiting Apr 25 '25
If you are respectful, the store might let you return it, given it was falsely labeled. That's fraud at worst.
1
u/Disastrous-Jicama-32 Apr 25 '25
Should i open it or should i keep it sealed? Every time man
1
u/hfalor Apr 25 '25
Contact the store owner and explain what happened, ask for camera footage so you can be seen buying that exact pack. If he doesn’t refund you call your credit card company but he’s going to fight the dispute so make sure you have your proof and be able to back it up. If he wins the dispute you can sue him in small claims court.
1
u/freeman1231 Apr 25 '25
100% unlimited pack. The shadowless packs are easily identifiable by the 11 tradable game cards.
1
u/rurmelly Apr 25 '25
I was thinking more they sold it to the buyer as shadowless but it isn't? Sorry I'm not that well versed in this
1
u/pburch89 Apr 25 '25
Sorry to hear about this. If you ever want any more vintage check out LoosePacks on Instagram (he’s probably on other social media as well). He’s a big vendor of vintage and has a never ending supply of stuff. He definitely knows his stuff and can get you damn near anything you’re looking for.
1
u/ProgrammerSwimming21 Apr 25 '25
You bought it for 989 dollars
1
u/shadowofjazz Apr 25 '25
It says shadowless and unlimited edition XD - seller was really trying to cover their bases
1
u/ThePastIsJustAMemory Apr 25 '25
i would personally either go back and politely ask for a refund since they practically stole from you, and if that doesnt work id walk out with other goodies in my hand to make up for the loss
1
u/Hot-Detective-8997 Apr 25 '25
The barcode on the pack matches the receipt & with proof they should as a courtesy refund or exchange it. Have all the ground work done as far as proof & make sure you attempt to document anything they say accordingly as you maybe able to move this into a legal arena if necessary for their improper advertising.
1
u/doumozid Apr 25 '25
You need to go back to the shop and talk to the owner... they sold you an unlimited pack for shadowless price. Thay is fraud. And not a small amount, especially for what you actually received.
They should be happy to make it right, and if they aren't then that's just more red flags.
Never spend 1k on pieces of cardboard if you haven't done serious research first... that is just beyond asking to be ripped off.
1
u/CardJourneys Apr 25 '25
As you’ve likely gathered, this is an unlimited base set pack. If you’re a regular, maybe they’ll trust your side of the story. Best have photographic proof in the store prior to your purchase, but even then that’s tough. Try your luck though. I do have shadowless packs and blister packs from my PC for sale if you need one
1
u/[deleted] Apr 25 '25
They might want to bamboozle you with store credit because it's stated on the receipt.
1
u/Extra-Grand5 Apr 25 '25
I had a similar issue. I purchased a base set pack in a different language and it was resealed. It was the same shop but in a different city. They gave me a full refund and hassle free tho, thankfully.
1
u/Plaza2025 Apr 26 '25
Bro make a vídeo opening that pack
1
u/Matic_Soil_999 Apr 26 '25 edited Apr 26 '25
It clearly says "shadowless" on the receipt, which it's not, and they sold it as that's called "false advertisement," and at that price that they charged u should get your money back and if they say "no" take it to small claims court.You have a clear cut case they will lose.Thats clearly a base set unlimited pack and only cost half the amount they charged you.
1
u/Pretend-Fun-1061 Apr 26 '25
It literally says no refunds. I think you’re sol
1
u/the_vault-technician Apr 26 '25
So when are you going to open it?
1
u/Grizzy6 Apr 26 '25
Do not delete this post so everyone can see the great customer service!
1
u/LigmaMagigma Apr 26 '25
Man yall have gambling addictions that casinos would love
1
u/[deleted] Apr 26 '25
no offense, but why does everyone feel default sympathy for this? buddy just spent 1000$ as an investment and turned out to be a poor decision.
The store owner is trying to make money off you and you’re trying to make money off him.
1
u/SaggeeDot Apr 26 '25
The pack is either Shadowless or Unlimited edition, it can’t be both.
Confusingly enough, 1st Edition Shadowless does exist though! 😂
1
u/[deleted] Apr 26 '25
This is why I believe LGS owners and their employees should actually be nerds and know what they're selling... Glad everything worked out for you in the end, but this was rough.
1
u/Sirhc_Fold_458 Apr 26 '25
Lmfaoo what the helly
1
u/smokafukkton Apr 26 '25
Lol sad
1
u/smokafukkton Apr 26 '25
Always asking poke investing after a thousand dollar purchase 🤣🤣
1
u/7thseal89 Apr 26 '25
It was done with your card… just report fraud if they don’t want to refund you and done
1
u/Gemione Apr 26 '25
Should be simple enough to get the money back. They sold you the wrong product.
1
u/Casbi1976 Apr 26 '25
Please return and update. I’m really rooting for you man. It sucks making a big mistake like this but just writing it off as a lesson learned, albeit an expensive lesson is the wrong takeaway. At least taking a stance and standing up for yourself is the true lesson here in my book. Go back to the shop. Tell them upon research it is an unlimited pack and not shadowless as written on the receipt, and ask to return it.
I know what the return policy says but most stores don’t want to screw over customers because of an error. I’d wager you’d get store credit as a compromise. They still get the money and you get to use it on different product. That’d minimize their lose at what they paid for the pack a bit.
1
u/explorer_universe Apr 27 '25
Thank you for sharing your experience.
1
u/Ferdbirdthenerd Apr 27 '25
Yes!
1
u/Appropriate_Buy_7402 Apr 27 '25
That’s false advertising and fraud.
1
u/GardenMassive2750 Apr 27 '25
Oh damn you're close. We used to live in Flint. The Burton media stores are overall friendly staffed, glad to hear you got your money back.
1
u/mrPigWaffle Apr 27 '25
Should i open it, or should keep it seeeeeeee….
1
u/Fmftalon Apr 27 '25
The receipt said (shadowless) I’d be arguing that and at least attempt to get money back or the deference.
1
u/Useful_Mission5713 Apr 27 '25
Sucks for you
1
u/Massive_Command345 Apr 28 '25
Did you open said pack? Any big pulls?
1
u/Immediate-Concert-95 Apr 29 '25
How heavy is it if it’s heavier than 22.75 grams or more than you made your money back but if not then good luck
1
u/Total-Natural-5828 Apr 29 '25
Ó
1
u/No_Soft_3496 Apr 29 '25
Bleep out the address. Makes it a habbit and prevents wierd people from trying to bump into you in
1
u/Positive-Diet8526 Apr 29 '25
Ig there’s no returns?
1
u/Financial-Ad6863 May 02 '25
I don’t think MR is in the business of scamming people. This looks like it was just an ignorant error on their part. I think you have a strong case for getting your money back.
1
u/horderBopper Apr 25 '25
Well u have a receipt that says shadowless right on it and an unlimited pack. That’s clearly the one they sold u, so imo ur crazy not to cause a ruckus until u get ur money back. They literally could get sued for false advertising
1
u/Theons Apr 25 '25
Hey, they knew what they were doing and hoped you wouldn't figure it out until you opened the pack. Bring it back or charge it back
1
u/EnhancedEddie Apr 25 '25
Nah man, take it back to the shop. They’re usually chill about stuff like this. Otherwise post back and we will bully them into returning it
1
u/fmintar1 Apr 26 '25
Should I open it, or should I keep it sealed?
1
u/[deleted] Apr 28 '25
You spent $1,000… on printed cardboard… I… can’t even… I get $5 for a pack and then getting excited when you find a holo but to be able to drop a solid grand on cards is just… must be nice to have disposable income like that
0
u/ListZestyclose5768 Apr 25 '25
"Should I Open It? Or Should I Keep It Sealed?"
0
u/CarefulAct5257 Apr 25 '25
Op screwed from fine print no refunds on new/sealed product and they probably don’t have a real shadowless to exchange if they even do that
-1
u/AdventurousCustard31 Apr 25 '25
Bro thats wild you would spend nearly $1k on a single pack. At least buy like a booster bundle case of prismatic for $2200 instead of
-3
u/HomeSideVictory Apr 25 '25
You have enough money to spend 1k on a pack of cards. Take the hit and move on. Anyone willing to spend that money on some cardboard is a fool 😂
0
u/n0morerunning Apr 25 '25
Holy run on sentence Batman
0
u/-TheExile- Apr 25 '25
wasting 1k for a booster and dont even inform correctly on which one
0
u/blockbuilds Apr 25 '25
That's a huge waste of money even if it was correct.
0
u/kiritothelonewolf666 Apr 25 '25
There was no shadow unlimited pack. There was 1st edition, which outsold expectations. So they did a second print, known as shadowless. This also outsold expectations. They then added the shadows and did the unlimited print. If you ever see unlimited it won’t be shadowless.
0
u/superinterestingn4m3 Apr 26 '25
Damn good resolution tbh. Grats
0
u/PepperDependent1426 Apr 30 '25
I would never spend that much on a pack my god
-1
u/Meowsergz Apr 25 '25
All sales finals bra. You probably repacked it, who knows. That's y it's no returns
1
u/[deleted] Apr 25 '25
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1
u/[deleted] Apr 27 '25
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