RI Sampling Process Beta FAQ

Starting in April 2025, TCGplayer is running a beta for testing Reimbursement Invoice sampling for RI processing. This process change only impacts Direct sellers who have been notified by email of their participation.

This beta test moves us towards sampling inspection methods, which are industry standard in manufacturing, fulfillment, and warehousing when looking at receiving mass volumes of product. We will sample these packages to assess their accuracy rates. This means we are taking a sample of every RI to evaluate its overall accuracy. Once this process begins, your error rate will be calculated based on the total number of errors found in relation to the number of cards inspected.

While you might notice fewer errors being reported, we expect your overall error rates to remain consistent. No disruptions are expected but if any issues arise we are committed to collaborating with you to resolve them promptly. Outbound processes will remain unchanged as we continue authenticating cards as they are prepared for shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is TCGplayer doing this?

We are testing this new process to investigate potential opportunities to speed up the processing time for RIs, create greater availability to a wider range of products to buyers more quickly, and share results of RIs and adjustments with sellers in a shorter time period.

What's different?

A sample of RI contents will be checked by our inspectors. This selection will be random. If an RI sample has significant errors, then the RI will be fully inspected.

Will I know if my RIs fail sampling inspection?

At this time, our system does not have the ability to display the number of sample failures, so you will only see your total error rate in the Monthly Direct Sales Summary and Discrepancy Report email. The sample failure rate is less important than your overall error rate. This email goes out at the start of every month and is sent to the address listed in the “My Details” page of the Seller Portal.

Does this impact my metrics?

Error rates will be calculated based on the number of cards checked by our inspectors, rather than the total number of cards in the RI. The error rate calculation for an RI under this updated system will be: (discrepancies / cards inspected) * 100. Please know that one of our requirements for this change is that seller metrics are not significantly affected.

How will this impact my workflow?

You do not need to change your workflow.

Will this impact buyers?

There should be no impact on buyers as a result of this change. Our internal quality assurance processes are still in place and will continue to provide fast, accurate shipping to Direct customers.

Does this impact my standing?

A seller’s need to maintain an error rate in line with our policy of 98% accuracy in RIs is unchanged. As long as your RIs meet this requirement, your standing will not be impacted.

Should I do anything different with my RI?

No, you will see no changes in the organization, generation schedule, or destination of your RIs as a result of this change.