Store fights Pokemon scalpers with a mandatory quiz

by

A Japanese store is trying a new method to prevent people from buying Pokémon cards just to resell them. They’re now asking customers questions before allowing a purchase, and reports suggest many of those trying to resell the cards haven’t been able to pass the test.

Okay, so I just heard about this and it’s amazing! If you’re planning to flip Pokemon cards at Bic Camera in Ikebukuro, you’re going to have to prove you’re a real fan first. Someone named Ryo Saeba shared a picture of a notice saying they’re making everyone take a Pokemon quiz before they can even buy the cards. It’s a great way to stop scalpers, honestly!

It’s straightforward: customers can buy the cards by correctly answering 15 questions about Pokémon.

Whether you’re a dedicated Pokémon enthusiast or simply looking to make some money trading cards, understanding the Pokémon themselves is essential.

Japanese store rolls out method to weed out scalpers

The test consists of 15 questions selected at random from a much larger set. Some questions are quite simple, such as identifying the Pokémon pictured on the packaging.

To combat scalpers, the Bic Camera in Ikebukuro, Japan, is now requiring customers to pass a Pokémon quiz before they can buy trading cards. The quiz consists of 15 basic Pokémon questions, and reports indicate that resellers have been unable to pass it. #Japan #Pokemon

— ⛩ Ryo Saeba | Japon XYZ ⛩ (@Ryo_Saeba_3) April 27, 2026

Dedicated fans shouldn’t have any trouble with this, but those trying to resell tickets are likely struggling. Reports suggest that ticket resellers haven’t been able to succeed.

Okay, so listen up, fellow gamers! Seriously, don’t even think about trying to cheat by using your phone during the quiz. They specifically said no photos are allowed, and if they catch you, the whole sale will be shut down. Let’s keep it fair and keep the game going for everyone, alright?

There’s one more thing to consider: the questions are written in Japanese. If you don’t speak the language, you’ll probably need to find a different resource.

The store is currently limiting customers to one box each, but people are still finding ways to get around this rule. Ryo says some are either going to the store with multiple people or paying others to make purchases for them.

Many commenters have expressed support for this approach and hope their local stores will adopt it too.

Stores have attempted to prevent reselling for profit before. Last year, for example, Pokemon sold some items from its “Pikachu Diner” as made-to-order, which helped fans buy them at reasonable prices instead of paying inflated costs from resellers.

Read More

2026-04-28 09:49