Christina C.
3/5
EDIT: 1/18/2024
Coming back to adjust this review after the launch of Prismatic Evolutions. Everything I've penned in the original review still stands, but my last two visits were less than stellar.
To be clear, the PokemonTCG is in a wild place at the time of writing this. The Prismatic Evolutions launch was insane, and to Game Time Cardz's credit, they handled the release well; they had plenty of stock, and used a ticket system to ensure that everyone who got to the shop in the morning would be able to purchase a limited number of items. Many of us in line were expecting to pay a little above MSRP due to the demand, but to our surprise and dismay they were charging the same price as scalpers ($110 per ETB). Why would I ever get up early and wait in line to pay the same price being charged by every scalper online? I go out of my way to support LGS because I like what they offer to the local card community; I've been to plenty, like Geek'd Orlando, that do their best to stay as close to MSRP as they can so college students and kids can still enjoy the hobby.
After being so excited to get this product, my friend walked away with nothing-- not because the shop had no product, but because it was so ludicrously expensive that it was untenable.
Additionally, I previously spoke about the excellent trade rates for cards. During a recent visit, I went to sell a mint $240 card (it was pulled from a pack gifted to me by a friend, and I decided to sell it so we could get more packs to rip together). Though the shop offers 70% value, I was given $115 (47% of the card's value) because the shop-keep said he "could buy it for less online". I was extremely disappointed, but went through with the sale anyway because I trusted he knew the value of the card. Now, seeing the value stay steady on TCGPlayer, I can't help but feel like I was completely ripped off. They've always gone by the market value in the past, and clearly have no problem matching it with ETB's.
The good faith I had in this place is gone, and I likely won't be returning. I know they're a shop and need to make profit, I know the TCG space is volatile right now and they have no reason to undercut the inflated market value driven by scalpers, but these experiences have left this location feeling less community/hobby focused than I'd like. However, I encourage you to give the place a try.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Love this place! Recently got into the hobby & was looking around for a local card shop to frequent. After visiting Layton Games (which, at the time of writing this, is fairly far away), I decided to try a smaller, local place. Safe to say I prefer Game Time Cardz by a mile! They have excellent, helpful, and friendly staff who are knowledgeable about One Piece, MTG, Pokemon, Sports Carts, etc. They always answer questions, and offer a fair price for selling (50% on cards worth less than $50, 70% for cards worth more than $50) and have occasionally agreed to simply trade cards. I also love the points system, and the little claw machine in the back. Plenty of fun events for the TCG community, too! Very glad this shop is in our area.
In terms of products, they have a wide range of modern cards, rare/common singles, and PSA graded cards. I'm a Pokemon fan, so I mostly look for ETBs/single pack, and the variety they offer changes frequently depending on what they've gotten in. Always something fun to browse! 🙂
