So... about Black Bolt & White Flare
Black Bolt & White Flare has released!
However, we sold out of our allocation in the first 30 minutes of being open. We're still a new shop and that means our allocations are still pretty low. We're doing everything we can to improve the situation but for the foreseeable future this is just how things will be. That means we're going to adjust accordingly and make some changes until we can get more product in our inventory.
What changes will be happening?
First of all, we will no longer be doing preorders. This will not be Pokémon products only, but store wide. We are not sure of our allocations until pretty close to release, so rather than have you place preorders we are unable to fulfill we will just not accept any preorders. As our allocations improve we will reevaluate the situation but we don't anticipate doing preorders again for a long time.
Another change will be to when product releases in our online shop. We want to build a strong local community so Pokémon products will be posted online 2 weeks after release if supplies last. We know it isn't ideal, but we want to ensure collectors are able to get their hands on product instead of it being purchased for scalping on TCGplayer. Other products may also be treated in a similar way going forward. The recent Gundam Card Game is an example. Due to high demand and low supply we are keeping it a store exclusive for 2 weeks. Just like preorders we are always adjusting our business model so this may change in the future.
We know this isn't great...
We hate having to do things like this as much as you hate having to deal with it. We would prefer to just put it online and in store, have a ton of product for everybody and sell everything at MSRP forever. Unfortunately the current state of the collectible market doesn't allow for it. We're doing what we can to make it harder for scalpers to get product. Some stores sell at market price on release to make it unprofitable for scalpers to purchase. We don't think that the best way because it hurts the legitimate collectors and players, so we sell new releases at MSRP. This is the way we've come up with that seems to keep the product going to the right purchasers.
We are open to your ideas as well. If you think there is a way we can put product online immediately and do preorders without feeding the scalping market, please let us know. We're open to new ideas and want these games to be fun and easily available for anyone who wants it, without having to pay 150% of the retail price to do so.
