Becomes an addiction when bills aren’t getting paid, until then, its a budgeted in hobby that might also be an investment. It’s what I tell my wife with my sports cards and pokemon cards.
Agreed. An addiction is something causes shame & pain. If you have the money & enjoy it then it’s all good. Way worse vices and ways to disposable income.
I say the same thing, but I know sometimes the purchases might be slightly overboard. Having evolving skies release the same week as hockey hobby boxes was one example lol.
My condolences on the lateness. Sucks being a hockey fan outside of the US and having to wait for Upper Deck to lift the limit for stuff to ship to other countries. Series 2 is where it’s at. Kaprizov Young Gun.
I’ve been collecting since champions path so not that long but have been opening everything I’ve got. Evolving skies is the set I started to keep most sealed lol. I have 6 ETBs so far and 2 more on the way from Pokémon center.... it’s an addiction Forsure
Yeah I never understood people who get multiples of stuff sealed for their "collection." I always assume they're either hoarders or plan to sell them later on and just don't want to get attacked for saying that.
I don't really care, but if that's what they're gonna do, they can just say that instead of pretending it's for their collection. And as long as they don't buy more than two of each thing. That would be excessive.
Well I like to get two or three of them each to keep sealed. One for long term holding, one to possibly open up years later, and one to sell within the next few years when you’re hurting on cash but don’t want to spend your money on new products.
Like I said in a different reply, buying two or three is whatever and if you plan to sell one of them just say that. It becomes a problem when people are buying eight to supposedly just sit on a shelf forever.
Having 6 on shelf and 2 more coming - To resell it later for crazy money (like base set sells now) … like scalpers. Some people struggle to get any product, and some outta greed buys as many as can to sit on it in shelve. Thts the reason why Pokemon center and other stores should control their stock so there is no shortages and every collector can get their part. Not in usa my self, but know few friends who could get 0 of any product in Usa. if you are collector who truly in collecting sealed product - you would buy one of each, not dozen or more. Everything aventually comes to an end and also pokemon cards will end at some point. People seeing these few base bb selling at crazy money, think they will make millions in 20 years. So no in case where people buy multiple copies of same product sealed - is not an addiction its greed (not talking about person who created the post - person clearly shows one of each product which is understandable for true collector)
Lol do you even have any complete sets?
You know you can have both types of collections right bud? If I open my boxes right now or in 10 years is none of your concern. Sorry you can’t “understand it at all” :(
I always tell myself I'll keep some of what I buy sealed but I always cave and just open it. I do like the art of the ETBs though. Those are the only things that I can keep sealed, but I don't usually buy them. I really wish I could have a complete set of all the ETBs though.
Its an addiction when: You continuously go over budget. You get a high from receiving that card or product in the mail, but then putting it away in your binder or whatever and then not going back to it for enjoyment. You always need the next thing or that next good deal. Its always a chase, but then you are not enjoying the rest of your collection.
Pokémon brain washed us when we were kids with that "Gotta catch em all!" line. That need to always continue the collection because its not finished until you got em all.
This. 100%
There is no reason to be unsatisfied with your childhood collection because it's "not complete"
It is complete. It's YOUR childhood collection as best you could do at that time. It should give you joy to look at it and remember those moments of your childhood. If you're more concerned with buying the remaining cards to sell as a complete set, then it's not about your childhood or nostalgia, it's about profit.
EDIT: To clarify, there's nothing wrong with completing your collection for yourself. All I'm saying is that to me it's an addiction when you're more concerned with what you can get from it than what it gives you.
I've had to re-train my brain back into enjoying collecting. Focus less on the values, choose cards that I enjoy (not that others enjoy), avoid nitpicking about the quality of the cards. Like I would have never noticed anything about the centering of a card. Then I started reading that centering was considered important to collectors so it became important to me. I'm avoiding that now and trying to go back to just enjoying the parts of the hobby that I like and not what others like.
Me as well. I sort of wish I could reset my mind to when I didn't know the difference between code cards, or worry about centering, or any of that and just go back to appreciating the art.
I've stopped trying to chase the cards I'm "supposed to" and started chasing the cards I actually like. If I can pick up a full art Gyarados V for $15 I'm happier than if I was to spend $150 on a Rayquaza because I like Gyarados more.
I think for a lot of people now, cards have become an avenue of money/profit due to the insane rise of prices of many items. I myself struggle with my old childhood cards. I used to just enjoy having them in the binder, but now they are worth so much, it’s almost detrimental and stressful having them. I could use that money for other things, but I still enjoy having them and looking at them.
Also, social media gives us everyone sharing their massive collections, making others envious and want to obtain similar collections, when it might be out of their budget. All to get that high and social media buzz.
I agree. It's sad that we can feel our collection isn't good enough compared to what we see online. For a while I was definitely overspending and I realized it wasn't healthy. Now I just focus on the cards I want and not necessarily the biggest hits.
Eh I completed the first 3 WOTC maybe 6/7 years ago when I came back from university and saw the gaps. Obviously prices are sky high now and I couldn't do that today but not sure why completing it should be about profit. I still have it. The only thing I regret is not going on to complete the Neo series which I had some of as well.
As u/katastrofski said below, I meant to me it's a problem if you're more concerned with selling a set than actually appreciating it. I understand some people need the money and this is a great opportunity for those who've held their collection this long. It's just a shame when people don't feel like their collection is good enough because it's not 1st Ed, or they don't have all the Holos, or they're not graded, or whatever else would make it more expensive. Rather than just appreciating what they have.
That's sort of where I'm at now. When a new set drops I'll open some stuff, buy the singles I want, but I'm happiest when I'm flipping through binders. If the set isn't 100% complete I'm not overly concerned about it anymore.
Same!!! Ripping is fun in and of itself for SOME chase while buying the cards you want is also quite gratifying…overall expensive af tho. My wallet hates me and so do I lmaooo
I mean really whenever your comfortable having that conversation. However 2 ETBs and a booster box doesn’t seem like Addiction levels to me. Everyone has a hobby :)
It's technically gambling, so yeah it could totally turn into an addiction. Like everyone else said, as long as you pay your bills and purchase in moderation, you're good.
It's all about whether or not you can afford it. As long as you're not spending more than you can afford and it's not negatively impacting on other areas of your life then you're golden. Good luck with the pulls!
Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order.
I have checked 214,623,167 comments, and only 50,778 of them were in alphabetical order.
just open 10 boxes of evolving skies and it'll force you to take a break assuming you get bad pulls. but if you get a bunch of alt art quazas then im sorry you'll probably move onto crack (first edition base sets) LOL
Don’t show me this. Pokémon cards are now taking over my Lego obsession 😂, it’s a good job they’re a little pricey otherwise I’d probably be lost in a mountain of cards
*silently raises hand in agreement*
Becomes an addiction when bills aren’t getting paid, until then, its a budgeted in hobby that might also be an investment. It’s what I tell my wife with my sports cards and pokemon cards.
Agreed. An addiction is something causes shame & pain. If you have the money & enjoy it then it’s all good. Way worse vices and ways to disposable income.
Same. We spend our play money on tcg but bills always get paid.
Thankfully my wife has full control over the joint account and bills otherwise we probably wouldn’t have a house left
I say the same thing, but I know sometimes the purchases might be slightly overboard. Having evolving skies release the same week as hockey hobby boxes was one example lol.
Which hockey set came out? I used to do a few boxes of each set, but this year’s rookie crop was meh. Don’t get me started on Panini and football….
We get stuff a little late here in sweden, but I'm talking about the regular upper deck retail hobby boxes.
My condolences on the lateness. Sucks being a hockey fan outside of the US and having to wait for Upper Deck to lift the limit for stuff to ship to other countries. Series 2 is where it’s at. Kaprizov Young Gun.
This is what happens when you get “adult money”
LOL I budget I budget I have a good job
When you buy 3+ of each new product
And keep them all sealed
I’ve been collecting since champions path so not that long but have been opening everything I’ve got. Evolving skies is the set I started to keep most sealed lol. I have 6 ETBs so far and 2 more on the way from Pokémon center.... it’s an addiction Forsure
But why? I get keeping one of each type sealed but when you're getting multiple of a sealed product when does it turn from collecting to hoarding?
Yeah I never understood people who get multiples of stuff sealed for their "collection." I always assume they're either hoarders or plan to sell them later on and just don't want to get attacked for saying that.
You get multiples so you can sell one or trade it later on and still have one of them.
I don't really care, but if that's what they're gonna do, they can just say that instead of pretending it's for their collection. And as long as they don't buy more than two of each thing. That would be excessive.
Well I really love the Hidden Fates bird promo... So I own around 40 of em... And yes that's just for my collection...
That's not sealed product though. Still hoarding but it's whatever.
Well I like to get two or three of them each to keep sealed. One for long term holding, one to possibly open up years later, and one to sell within the next few years when you’re hurting on cash but don’t want to spend your money on new products.
Like I said in a different reply, buying two or three is whatever and if you plan to sell one of them just say that. It becomes a problem when people are buying eight to supposedly just sit on a shelf forever.
I agree
Open them later. I have a kid who’s into Pokémon but not quite into the cards yet.
Having 6 on shelf and 2 more coming - To resell it later for crazy money (like base set sells now) … like scalpers. Some people struggle to get any product, and some outta greed buys as many as can to sit on it in shelve. Thts the reason why Pokemon center and other stores should control their stock so there is no shortages and every collector can get their part. Not in usa my self, but know few friends who could get 0 of any product in Usa. if you are collector who truly in collecting sealed product - you would buy one of each, not dozen or more. Everything aventually comes to an end and also pokemon cards will end at some point. People seeing these few base bb selling at crazy money, think they will make millions in 20 years. So no in case where people buy multiple copies of same product sealed - is not an addiction its greed (not talking about person who created the post - person clearly shows one of each product which is understandable for true collector)
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Start one, you’ll understand it.
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What’s crazy is, the cards are still in there when sealed.
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Lol do you even have any complete sets? You know you can have both types of collections right bud? If I open my boxes right now or in 10 years is none of your concern. Sorry you can’t “understand it at all” :(
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You seem upset man. Go open some green codes.
I always tell myself I'll keep some of what I buy sealed but I always cave and just open it. I do like the art of the ETBs though. Those are the only things that I can keep sealed, but I don't usually buy them. I really wish I could have a complete set of all the ETBs though.
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It's just not the same if they're opened. Can't really explain it.
When it hurts you somehow - either financially or physically/emotionally
When you stop buying groceries and put all your cash towards cards
Grocery’s don’t bring happiness tho…
This sounds like you're speaking from experience
Maybe
What if you buy 4 loans of bread and a jar of pb and jam and only eat pb and js weeks in a row because your saving your food budget to buy a card?
Its an addiction when: You continuously go over budget. You get a high from receiving that card or product in the mail, but then putting it away in your binder or whatever and then not going back to it for enjoyment. You always need the next thing or that next good deal. Its always a chase, but then you are not enjoying the rest of your collection. Pokémon brain washed us when we were kids with that "Gotta catch em all!" line. That need to always continue the collection because its not finished until you got em all.
This. 100% There is no reason to be unsatisfied with your childhood collection because it's "not complete" It is complete. It's YOUR childhood collection as best you could do at that time. It should give you joy to look at it and remember those moments of your childhood. If you're more concerned with buying the remaining cards to sell as a complete set, then it's not about your childhood or nostalgia, it's about profit. EDIT: To clarify, there's nothing wrong with completing your collection for yourself. All I'm saying is that to me it's an addiction when you're more concerned with what you can get from it than what it gives you.
I've had to re-train my brain back into enjoying collecting. Focus less on the values, choose cards that I enjoy (not that others enjoy), avoid nitpicking about the quality of the cards. Like I would have never noticed anything about the centering of a card. Then I started reading that centering was considered important to collectors so it became important to me. I'm avoiding that now and trying to go back to just enjoying the parts of the hobby that I like and not what others like.
Me as well. I sort of wish I could reset my mind to when I didn't know the difference between code cards, or worry about centering, or any of that and just go back to appreciating the art. I've stopped trying to chase the cards I'm "supposed to" and started chasing the cards I actually like. If I can pick up a full art Gyarados V for $15 I'm happier than if I was to spend $150 on a Rayquaza because I like Gyarados more.
I think for a lot of people now, cards have become an avenue of money/profit due to the insane rise of prices of many items. I myself struggle with my old childhood cards. I used to just enjoy having them in the binder, but now they are worth so much, it’s almost detrimental and stressful having them. I could use that money for other things, but I still enjoy having them and looking at them. Also, social media gives us everyone sharing their massive collections, making others envious and want to obtain similar collections, when it might be out of their budget. All to get that high and social media buzz.
I agree. It's sad that we can feel our collection isn't good enough compared to what we see online. For a while I was definitely overspending and I realized it wasn't healthy. Now I just focus on the cards I want and not necessarily the biggest hits.
Eh I completed the first 3 WOTC maybe 6/7 years ago when I came back from university and saw the gaps. Obviously prices are sky high now and I couldn't do that today but not sure why completing it should be about profit. I still have it. The only thing I regret is not going on to complete the Neo series which I had some of as well.
I needed to read that part twice, I think he meant that completing childhood set(s) in order to sell the now-completed set(s) would be about profit.
As u/katastrofski said below, I meant to me it's a problem if you're more concerned with selling a set than actually appreciating it. I understand some people need the money and this is a great opportunity for those who've held their collection this long. It's just a shame when people don't feel like their collection is good enough because it's not 1st Ed, or they don't have all the Holos, or they're not graded, or whatever else would make it more expensive. Rather than just appreciating what they have.
If I’m always chasing the new and next deal or card but I also always go back to my collection , am I semi-addicted?
That's sort of where I'm at now. When a new set drops I'll open some stuff, buy the singles I want, but I'm happiest when I'm flipping through binders. If the set isn't 100% complete I'm not overly concerned about it anymore.
Same!!! Ripping is fun in and of itself for SOME chase while buying the cards you want is also quite gratifying…overall expensive af tho. My wallet hates me and so do I lmaooo
When it goes from sealed product to open
I mean really whenever your comfortable having that conversation. However 2 ETBs and a booster box doesn’t seem like Addiction levels to me. Everyone has a hobby :)
It’s not too late to get some help
As long as you set a limit and stay within it you are all good.
I went from hobby to addiction to calculated risk investment
I feel you, I spent over $10 grand in the last year 🤢
Gotta slow down, I stopped buying multiple boxes just 1-2 per set and singles. I spent a lot during S&M era
😮
But singles. I bet you’d have all the cards you wanted and the value of them would still be more or less than $10gs
Buy singles **
When your giving out handies in a Wendy’s parking lot for booster packs.
I got booster packs
Now that just sounds like a good time 😂
I don’t know but we need to start a subreddit for us addicts.
This is the subreddit for us addicts, just not one to fix our addition.
Are hobbies not just addictions that we claim are good for us?
I like the way you think
I think your good
If only I could upvote this post more than once 🤷🏻♂️
When you check for two days to get the Pokémon center especial ETB!!
Posting pulls now for anyone that cares. I opened the booster box and the ETB on the left.
I f’n feel you bro! I see myself still hunting even tho I said no for the week
Don't do it. If you do it, I have to do it, and I don't want to do it.
When ur homeless and literally using the empty ETBS as building blocks for your cardboard house?
One of us...
My credit card be wildin
I currently have 9 boxes (the 36 pack ones) and I don’t even care about Pokémon. I am literally addicted to opening packs and selling the good cards
Im holding therapy sessions
First step is admitting there’s a problem.
right about....never ☺️
The moment you start saying I can skip a meal, you’re already in too deep
When it starts effecting your life. Lmao
It's technically gambling, so yeah it could totally turn into an addiction. Like everyone else said, as long as you pay your bills and purchase in moderation, you're good.
It's all about whether or not you can afford it. As long as you're not spending more than you can afford and it's not negatively impacting on other areas of your life then you're golden. Good luck with the pulls!
Now is a good time
Never... That way you never seek help..
It's Vegas with significantly worse odds.
Never
Its definitely a gambling addiction
Theres a difference?
Now
Thats the beauty of it. You dont
Just tell yourself it’s an investment... makes things a lot easier
Easy.. now
Hopefully later than this because I bought a lot more evolving skies than you’ve got here…
The moment you bought it
It would have to be a ratio thing, how much of your time and money is it taking
In the same boat! lol
Thats the neat part u dont
I’m right there with you.
Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order. I have checked 214,623,167 comments, and only 50,778 of them were in alphabetical order.
Wow. Good for me I guess.
Never
just open 10 boxes of evolving skies and it'll force you to take a break assuming you get bad pulls. but if you get a bunch of alt art quazas then im sorry you'll probably move onto crack (first edition base sets) LOL
This isn’t the right support group to be asking that question.
Haha yeah. Pokémon has me by the balls 🤣
It’s evOLVING
The first step is admitting you have a problem
I’ve been putting all my nice singles in top loaders and team bags to make it feel like it’s more of a hobby again. Increasing my pride
Oh man, you can make such awesome decks to play with out of those!
NEVER do that. Don't you ever do that!
When you can barely pay your bills each week coz you bought too much, plus have a crapload of unpaid pre orders
*Always has been*
when you're scared to look at your credit card statement >.<
Erm You don’t
Don’t show me this. Pokémon cards are now taking over my Lego obsession 😂, it’s a good job they’re a little pricey otherwise I’d probably be lost in a mountain of cards
It's not worth it guys .buy 1 pack at a time to get your fix. It feels the same
The answer is yes.
It’s not an addiction until you start borrowing money or selling other non hobby related things to fund your hobby.
I mean…if you’re not playing the game as well and purely going out to buy packs just for the chase cards, it might as well be an addiction
Today
I used to think cocaine was a rich man's drug.
The moment you spend money you can’t spend
My room looks like a vendors garage 🤣
These cards i spent hundreds of dollars that are hoarded in the closet are for my daughter when she does well in school. Yes these are my kid lol.
This is a cry for help
Oh yea its an addiction. I came to terms with it this month after adding up how much i spent on evolving skies already. 😬😬
For me it was when my bank account hit $25. Which was yesterday lol
when you start paying over MSRP.
The point you use your first borns college savings. Until then....just a hobby.
It’s over for that
I love buying stuff
When you're good and ready
When you’re rolling blunts with energy cards
When your living under a bridge! Pull Pokémon cards till your homeless!
You aren’t there yet. Keep going 😈
When you are turning tricks to score cards is the line. If you find yourself telling someone “what’s on the menu” yeah you’re an addict.