The Pokémon TCG community is buzzing with excitement over the upcoming Japanese set, The Glory of Team Rocket. However, the pre-order prices for this highly anticipated release have sparked heated debates among collectors and fans alike. With prices listed at £179.95 on Double Sleeved and £179.99 on Japan2UK, many are questioning why these booster boxes are so expensive. Let’s break down the factors behind the pricing and what it means for collectors.
Understanding the Pricing Controversy
A recent Reddit thread highlighted the frustration among fans, with comments like:
- "Look at this disgrace. I hope no one is buying these at this price."
- "£180 for a full art Weezing? Absolute insanity."
- "No chance I’m buying any Japanese BB’s over £90. This gives me peak COVID vibes."
While these reactions are understandable, they often overlook the underlying factors driving these prices.
The Real Reason Behind High Prices
The current pre-order prices are not a result of UK stores inflating costs but rather reflect the market export rates from Japan. Here’s a breakdown:
- Japanese Exporter Pricing: Prices from the top 10+ Japanese exporters range between £135-£145 per booster box.
- Shipping Fees: Importing these products incurs additional shipping costs.
- VAT and Import Duties: A 20% VAT is applied when the products arrive in the UK, further increasing the cost.
When you factor in these elements, the pre-order prices listed by UK retailers are consistent with the market reality. If anyone is "scalping", it’s more likely the Japanese exporters, not the UK stores.
It's also worth noting that the price of importing Japanese Pokémon TCG products has seen a significant increase over the last 2–3 sets. Rising demand and export markups have contributed to this trend, further impacting pre-order prices for collectors outside of Japan.
Will Prices Drop After Release?
The good news for collectors is that prices are likely to decrease after the set’s release on April 18th, 2025. Historically, Japanese exporters reduce their markups once the initial demand subsides, and reprints often flood the market. This means that booster boxes could eventually be available for £80-£90, aligning with more reasonable expectations.
Why Pre-Order Anyway?
While pre-ordering often ensures availability for high-demand sets, this advantage carries less weight with Japanese Pokémon TCG products. Unlike English sets, which can sell out quickly and leave collectors scrambling, Japanese sets are typically printed to meet demand. This reduces the risk of missing out entirely, even if you wait until after the release date.
However, pre-ordering still offers some benefits:
- Early Access: Be among the first to explore this iconic set and potentially pull rare cards before the market is saturated.
- Convenience: Avoid the hassle of tracking down a box later, especially if demand temporarily spikes around the release date.
Final Thoughts
While the pre-order prices for The Glory of Team Rocket may seem steep, they are a reflection of the current market dynamics rather than greed from UK retailers. For those willing to wait, patience could pay off with lower prices post-release.
The gradual increase in the price of imported Japanese Pokémon products over recent sets highlights broader trends in the market. This makes it even more important to wait for potential price adjustments post-release or rely on trusted sellers like DugzCards for fair pricing.
At DugzCards, we aim to source The Glory of Team Rocket at a more reasonable price, so you’ll find it available in our store when the prices decrease somewhat. Check it out here and secure your box at the best possible price when available. Along with sealed sets, we offer expert Pokémon card cleaning services to maximize your collection’s value.