Buying Cards Online
Economics forum
Posted on Jan. 22, 2014, 5:01 p.m. by Magiclover318
Do you guys think it is safe to buy cards online as opposed to in store? I always feel like I am not gonna get what I ordered when I do it online. I have never purchased stuff online haha just in store.
Gidgetimer says... #3
It is pretty safe to buy the stuff online from places like SCG or TCGplayer. Star City has more to lose by being underhanded than they would gain so they are a safe bet. TCGplayer is more virtual storefront for all the small local shops so you can comparison shop right there and it is as trust worthy as your local store since it is just a bunch of local stores in all actuality.
January 22, 2014 5:11 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #4
It's also worth noting that sometimes online transactions do go wrong. If you have questions about a specific store, check MTGS's Market Street Cafe. It has a store discussion subforum that covers most major and some minor online retailers. Also, be careful about buying from eBay. There are lots of reputable sellers, but there are plenty of dishonest ones, too. Check their ratings.
January 22, 2014 5:18 p.m.
Magiclover318 says... #5
Yeah I thought it was for Economics. but I wasn't sure haha.
Yeah I guess I am kind of paranoid, but I try to support local stores more and I would prefer to deal with them, so I think I will try tcgplayer.com.
Since I am in the Economics Forum, I am putting together a modern mono black deck, and was going to purchase 2 Griselbrand , 2 Phyrexian Obliterator 4 Infernal Tutor and 4 Geralf's Messenger .
My question is do you guys think there will be any price drop/increase for Griselbrand , Phyrexian Obliterator and Infernal Tutor ? I list those, because they are the most expensive and am curious what you think.
January 22, 2014 5:20 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #7
Modern season's coming, so there might be spikes in some of those cards' values. If you're sure about buying them, be vigilant about finding deals.
January 22, 2014 5:30 p.m.
Magiclover318 says... #8
Yeah I am sure. I may just go to my local singles trader and get them. I may wait until taxes come back haha, when does modern season officially start?
January 22, 2014 5:46 p.m.
kiranearitachi says... #9
buy from topdeckgamers.com they are the cheapest, but are new. i have bought from them 3 times with no problems
January 22, 2014 5:49 p.m.
Gidgetimer says... #10
You may want to be careful about making unqualified absolute statements. i just did a check on Griselbrand since he is a pricey card that was listed. topdeckgamers doesn't have any in stock and their price is $2 more than near mint on TCGplayer
January 22, 2014 6:15 p.m.
kiranearitachi says... #11
really well things i have bought from them have been cheaper. i guess they are only cheaper for standard then
January 22, 2014 6:18 p.m.
Rasta_Viking29 says... #12
I pretty much always buy online and it has always worked out. I use Ebay the most and it is the best. Read the product description, look at the pictures, and check their seller rating. You can always request a picture if they used one from online, if they don't supply one it's a red flag. Usually in the description it will state that the seller assumes full responsibility for the transaction so if anything goes wrong you can get your money back through paypal, always use paypal. If it does not state how it will be shipped ask, you can always offer to pay for tracking and insurance if it is not included in the shipping cost. If the seller has hundreds of positive reviews you can just bid with confidence and not worry about getting ripped off. I have had one issue where a mailman stole some cards, the seller agreed to ship me the cards again. Had he not I would've got my money back.
TCG Player and Amazon are great for U/C and junk rares. Never had an issue using either. The others I never use because they are more expensive.
January 22, 2014 6:55 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #13
There's something to be said for SCG and other larger retailers, though. Their selections are generally better, and so is the service. SCG's inventory is second to none.
January 22, 2014 7:22 p.m.
Some1TookMyName says... #14
I agree with Epochalyptik on buying from online, only once I had a transaction not be as expected. I ordered a playset of lightly played original Ravnica Temple Garden and one came in extremely heavily played if not FUBAR. but this is one of maybe 20+ different store purchases and 100+ single purchases. I think buying in store is just for rapport and support of my local lgs or Im in a hurry to put some brew together. good luck.
January 22, 2014 7:25 p.m.
Schuesseled says... #15
I happen to have 2 griselbrand to sell. contact me to discuss it, either on here or over email:
January 22, 2014 7:55 p.m.
vampirelazarus says... #16
A little off topic, but Epochalyptik, when does modern season start exactly? I can't find a definitive answer, and since you mentioned it.....
January 22, 2014 8:01 p.m.
vampirelazarus says... #17
Also, on topic, when I sell online, I always meet the customers demands. If course, I'm also a really nice person, so....
January 22, 2014 8:03 p.m.
GoldGhost012 says... #19
With SCG being as big, profitable, and somewhat dominating the MTG online card buying industry, are they the ones who basically set the prices for all cards? I've been wondering this for a while.
January 22, 2014 8:12 p.m.
vampirelazarus says... #20
So... March?
And GoldGhost012, in my opinion, yes. Mostly because they are an evil, dominating force. And I'm small and barely make profit selling cards. Although, that could be because I have no inventory....
January 22, 2014 8:16 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #21
@GoldGhost012: Not entirely. Although SCG certainly does some price-setting, it doesn't own the market in the way a lot of people like to claim it does.
Epochalyptik says... #2
Moved to Economics.
Buying online is safe if you choose the right stores. For the most part, stores are pretty honest with you. If you have doubts, shop at one of the big-name stores like StarCityGames, TrollAndToad, or ChannelFireball.
SCG sets the standard for customer service and honesty, but you may pay slightly more than you would at other stores.
TCGplayer.com is generally pretty good as well. It's like eBay or Amazon - it lets you buy from multiple stores, and it handles the transaction for you. It also gives you a path of recourse if one of the stores somehow screws you over.
January 22, 2014 5:09 p.m.