Pokémon Cards UK: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often about buying Pokémon cards from Card Vaulty. Cannot find what you need? Contact us.
Products and authenticity
Are your sealed Pokémon products genuine?
We buy our sealed products from UK distributors. If you ever have a concern about a product you have received from us, please contact us straight away.
How do you grade the condition of single cards?
Every single card is listed with one of the following condition grades:
- Near Mint (NM): looks almost unplayed. There may be very minor imperfections, such as slight edge wear or a tiny mark, visible only on close inspection.
- Lightly Played (LP): minor wear such as light edge or corner whitening, small scuffs or light scratches. No major creases, bends or structural damage.
- Moderately Played (MP): clearly visible wear, such as noticeable whitening on edges and corners, scratches, scuffing or minor creasing.
- Heavily Played (HP): significant wear, such as heavy whitening, creases, bends or heavy scratching, but no major structural damage.
- Damaged (DMG): major damage, such as tears, deep creases, water damage, writing or other structural damage.
If you would like more detail about a specific card before you buy, please get in touch.
What is the difference between Japanese and English Pokémon cards?
Japanese and English Pokémon cards are both official products, but there are some differences:
- Release dates: new sets usually release in Japan first, and their contents may later appear in English sets, sometimes combined differently.
- Set and pack contents: Japanese booster packs and boxes often contain a different number of cards or packs from English ones. Check each product description for details.
- Look and feel: card text is in Japanese, and the card stock, finish and set symbols can differ.
- Tournament play: Japanese cards generally cannot be used in official Play! Pokémon events in the UK. Check the current official rules if you plan to play competitively.
Each listing clearly states the card language, so you always know which version you are buying.
What are graded Pokémon cards?
A graded card has been sent to a third-party grading company, which checks that it is authentic, assesses its condition and seals it in a tamper-evident case (often called a “slab”) with a grade, usually on a scale of 1 to 10. The grading company and grade are shown in each listing.
The grade is the grading company’s assessment. You can usually check a slab’s certification number on the grading company’s own website.
Do you take pre-orders?
Yes, when pre-orders are available they are listed on our shop with the expected release date. Release dates are set by the manufacturer and can change, and in some cases supplier allocations may be lower than expected. If we cannot fulfil your pre-order, we will let you know and give you a full refund for the items we cannot supply. You can cancel a pre-order at any time before it is dispatched for a full refund. If you are thinking of ordering a pre-order item together with in-stock items, please contact us and we can explain how your order will be dispatched.
Delivery
How much is UK delivery?
UK delivery is free on orders of £50 or more. Standard UK delivery is £3.95 on orders under £50. We currently ship to UK addresses only. The delivery cost is always shown at checkout before you pay. See Delivery & Returns for full details.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders placed before 1pm on a working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK bank holidays) are posted the same day by Royal Mail; orders placed after 1pm or on non-working days are posted the next working day. Delivery times after dispatch are Royal Mail’s estimates and are not guaranteed. Pre-order items are dispatched once they are released and in stock.
How are single cards packed?
All single cards are sent in a protective sleeve.
Do you ship outside the UK?
We currently ship to UK addresses only.
Returns and problems
Can I return my order?
Yes. As our customer buying online, you normally have the right to cancel your order within 14 days of receiving it, without giving a reason, under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. Items must be returned in the condition you received them. Please do not open sealed products or remove cards from their packaging beyond what is needed to inspect them, as we may reduce your refund to reflect any loss in value – an opened booster pack, for example, may lose most or all of its value. Full details are on our Delivery & Returns page.
What if my item arrives damaged, faulty or not as described?
Please contact us as soon as possible with your order number and photos of the problem. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described – including the condition grade of a single card. If they are not, you are entitled to a remedy, such as a refund, repair or replacement, depending on when you tell us.
Accounts and payment
Do I need an account to order?
No. You can check out as a guest, or create an account if you prefer. With an account you can log in to My Account to view your orders and save your details for next time.
Which payment methods do you accept?
The payment methods available are shown at checkout. Payments are processed securely by our payment provider (Stripe and/or PayPal). All prices are in pounds sterling (GBP).