As a Pokemon card collector, I know how difficult it can be to find authentic cards. With the rise of online marketplaces such as Aliexpress, it’s become even more challenging to determine whether or not the cards being sold are genuine. So, are Aliexpress Pokemon cards real?

After doing some research, I have found that while it is possible to find authentic Pokemon cards on Aliexpress, the vast majority of cards being sold are fake. These fake cards may look like the real deal, but they often have noticeable differences in quality and design. It’s essential to be cautious when purchasing Pokemon cards from Aliexpress or any other online marketplace to avoid being scammed.

Authenticity of Pokemon Cards on Aliexpress

Quality Comparison

I have purchased Pokemon cards from Aliexpress and compared them to authentic cards. The quality of Aliexpress Pokemon cards is noticeably lower than the quality of authentic cards. The colors on the fake cards are often off and the card stock is thinner. The holographic pattern on the fake cards is also less detailed and the card edges are not as smooth as authentic cards.

Price Factor

The price of Pokemon cards on Aliexpress is often significantly lower than the price of authentic cards. This price difference is a red flag for potential buyers. It is highly unlikely that genuine Pokemon cards would be sold at such a low price. The low price is a clear indication that the cards are fake.

Seller Reputation

When purchasing Pokemon cards on Aliexpress, it is important to consider the reputation of the seller. Some sellers have a history of selling fake cards, while others have a good reputation for selling authentic cards. It is important to read the reviews left by previous customers to get an idea of the seller’s reputation. If a seller has a history of selling fake cards, it is best to avoid buying from them.

Identifying Fake Pokemon Cards

Visual Inspection

When it comes to identifying fake Pokemon cards, the first thing to look for is visual differences. This includes the color, font, and overall design of the card. Fake cards may have a slightly different shade of color, and the font may be slightly off. Additionally, the design of the card may be slightly different from the real thing.

Material and Texture

Another way to identify fake Pokemon cards is by examining the material and texture of the card. Real Pokemon cards are made of high-quality materials that have a glossy finish. Fake cards, on the other hand, may have a dull finish or be made of lower-quality materials. Additionally, real cards have a textured back, while fake cards may have a smooth back.

Card Details

Lastly, it’s important to examine the details on the card itself. Real Pokemon cards have clear and crisp details, while fake cards may have blurry or pixelated details. Additionally, the text on the card should be legible and in the correct language. Fake cards may have misspelled words or be in the wrong language.

Risks and Precautions Buying from Aliexpress

Return and Refund Policies

When buying Pokemon cards from Aliexpress, it is important to be aware of the return and refund policies of the seller. It is recommended to only purchase from sellers who have a good return policy and offer refunds in case the product is not as described or is damaged during shipping.

It is also important to carefully read the product description and check the photos provided by the seller to ensure that the product is authentic and in good condition. If the product received is not as described, it is important to contact the seller immediately and request a return or refund.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Checking the customer reviews and ratings of the seller is another important precaution to take when buying from Aliexpress. It is recommended to only purchase from sellers who have a high rating and positive reviews from previous customers.

Reading the reviews can also give an idea of the authenticity of the product and the quality of the seller’s service. However, it is important to be cautious of fake reviews and to carefully read through them to ensure that they are genuine.

Conclusion

In my research, it is clear that Aliexpress Pokemon cards are not always real. While there may be some authentic cards on the site, it is difficult to differentiate them from the fake ones. It is essential to be cautious when purchasing Pokemon cards from Aliexpress, as the majority of the cards are counterfeit.

If you are looking to buy authentic Pokemon cards, it is best to purchase them from a reputable seller. The Pokemon Trading Card Company does not produce cards in China, so it is unlikely that any cards from Aliexpress are legitimate.

While the prices of Pokemon cards on Aliexpress may be tempting, it is not worth the risk of receiving fake cards. It is always better to spend a little extra money to ensure that you are getting authentic cards.

In conclusion, if you are a serious collector or player of Pokemon cards, it is best to stay away from Aliexpress and purchase your cards from a trusted source.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if Pokemon cards from Aliexpress are real?

To determine if Pokemon cards from Aliexpress are real or fake, you can look for specific features such as the card’s texture, font, and holographic pattern. Additionally, you can compare the card to an authentic Pokemon card to see if there are any differences.

What are some signs that a Pokemon card is fake?

Some signs that a Pokemon card is fake include blurry or low-quality printing, incorrect font or spelling, missing or incorrect holographic patterns, and incorrect card numbering or rarity symbols.

Where can I buy authentic Pokemon cards?

You can buy authentic Pokemon cards from reputable retailers such as Pokemon Center, Walmart, Target, and GameStop. You can also purchase them online from websites like Amazon and eBay, but be sure to check the seller’s ratings and reviews before making a purchase.

Are Alibaba Pokemon cards legitimate?

Alibaba is a wholesale platform, and while there may be legitimate sellers on the site, it is important to be cautious when purchasing Pokemon cards from Alibaba. Many sellers on the site offer counterfeit or fake Pokemon cards, so it is best to buy from reputable retailers.

Is it illegal to purchase counterfeit Pokemon cards?

It is illegal to purchase counterfeit Pokemon cards because it is a form of intellectual property theft. Additionally, buying counterfeit Pokemon cards supports illegal activity and can harm the legitimate Pokemon card industry.

Are Chinese Pokemon cards real or fake?

Not all Chinese Pokemon cards are fake, but there are many counterfeit Pokemon cards that are produced in China. It is important to be cautious when purchasing Pokemon cards from China and to only buy from reputable sellers to ensure that you are getting authentic cards.