Listings with Photos Policies

Any disputes concerning listings with photos will be handled on a case by case basis. We'll look at the dispute from all sides, do our research, and do everything we can to investigate and support your concerns.

If local authorities request information about a transaction in order to investigate malfeasance, counterfeits, or fraud, we will provide that information.

Seller Policies for Listings with Photos

As with all transactions on TCGplayer.com, you'll still need to adhere to the guidelines in our Marketplace Seller Agreement. However, as listings with photos are typically unique, high-value items, here are some additional guidelines to keep in mind.

Listings with Photos allow you to add your own photos to your listings on the TCGplayer Marketplace. By doing so, customers can see exactly what they're getting, making them more confident in buying your products. This opens the door to selling even more high-value items, like rare cards, graded cards, and signed cards. Use of Listings with Photos is required for selling graded cards, signed cards, and non-English cards (with the exception of Magic the Gathering cards and Japanese Pokemon cards available in our catalog).

What are the listing requirements for Listings with Photos?

Listings with Photos must include:

photos of the exact products being offered (the only exception is randomized bulk lots)
a descriptive title
a listing description that explains specifically what type of products are being offered including, but not limited to:
- the name of the product
- the set
- the condition
- the number of products offered in the listing (especially important in bulk lots)
- the product language in full (for listing non-English cards, ex: Japanese not JPN, Italian not ITA)
- notes about damage or modifications to the product (signatures, etc)
- notes about additional products included in the listing (for example: supplies like sleeves or dice added onto the primary product listing)

Selecting the Correct Catalog Entry

Products posted as a Listing with Photos must be added using the catalog entry that most closely fits the product type that is for sale. This is required so customers have clarity on what they are receiving as part of their purchase based on the catalog entry used. Sellers may not list products under the incorrect catalog entry, whether intentionally to make their product more visible or unintentionally. The only exception to this rule is when we don’t have a product in our catalog. In such cases, you should choose the most relevant listing for the product possible or reach out to our catalog team to request a new entry by emailing catalog@tcgplayer.com.

Here are a few examples:

Booster packs can only be listed as a booster pack listing, not as a booster box listing. Even if the number of packs being sold matches the total included in a booster box, they must be listed as booster packs because they are no longer contained by a booster box.
Supplies like spindown dice should be listed under the appropriate supply catalog listing. The vast majority of these products are categorized on our site as unique product lines. There are product lines for Life Counters, Storage Albums, Card Sleeves, Playmats, Deck Boxes, Protective Pages, Collectible Storage, and more.

Listing Non-English Cards and Products

With the exception of Japanese Pokemon cards (which are under the Pokemon Japan product line) and Magic the Gathering cards that have language options available, listings with photos should be utilized to list all other non-English cards. The card language must be clearly communicated in the listing title and description using the full name of the language (examples: Japanese instead of JPN, Italian instead of ITA, etc).

Japanese Pokemon cards that are available to list in our catalog must be listed under the associated Pokemon Japan entry. Please review our Listing Japanese Pokemon Products FAQ for details about how to list these products. If you are listing Japanese Pokemon cards that do not have an associated catalog entry yet, you can add them as a listing with photos under the English catalog entry (the title and description must clearly communicate that the card language is Japanese). We are gradually adding Japanese Pokemon sets to the marketplace, and new releases will be added as they become available.

What types of items are prohibited?

Counterfeits, proxies, and items containing profane material (anything sexually explicit, racist, or excessively violent) will be removed, as well as items reported by buyers and anything we find to violate our Community Guidelines.

Highlighting specific cards or items that have a "chance" of being included in a bulk lot is also not allowed and these listings will be removed if reported by buyers.

How should I select a condition for an altered or signed card?

We updated our Card Condition Guide to accommodate listings with photos. You'll be able to list altered, stamped, and signed cards, but they should only be listed on our platform utilizing listings with photos. You should then choose the card condition based on what condition the card is in without regard to the signature or alteration.

What restrictions are there regarding the photos I upload?

Your photos should only include the item(s) you're selling. You must upload at least one photo of the item you're listing, and it must be of the actual physical item that you possess and are listing for sale. Do not include elements like store logos, website addresses, and marketing copy in your photos. We suggest always showing at least the front and back of the item. If you'd like to add a watermark or copyright, please ensure it does not obstruct the picture, as having clear pictures will help you sell your item. Also, please make sure that all the photos you're uploading are appropriate. If site users report inappropriate photos, we'll moderate them as needed.

Note: If you're selling multiple copies of the same item individually, each of those items needs to have a separate listing. However, if you're selling a playset for a set price, you may show a single photo of all the products for sale. If you're listing multiples of a non-English item that's not currently in the TCGplayer catalog (e.g. Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, etc.), you may create one listing for multiple copies of the card. However, you must indicate in the title that the listing is for one copy.

Am I allowed to include myself or other people in my photos?

No. Photos should only include the products you're offering. Do not take selfies that include the product or photos of other people.

What types of photos are considered inappropriate?

Any original artwork provided by the manufacturer is acceptable, and we will not remove or censor it in any way. Altered items that contain any of the following may be removed or censored:

Suggestive/adult artwork
Violence
Abuse
Racism
Etc.

In addition, we want to make sure that photos include only the items for sale and aren’t misleading to the customer in any way. The following is not allowed and may be removed:

Photos that are misleading or misrepresent the item(s) available for sale
Images that include marketing messages instead of or in addition to the item(s) available for sale
Photos with added borders or any additional text, artwork or verbiage in addition to the item(s) available for sale
Stock photos (including images of flags to indicate card language for non-English cards; language must be specified in the title and description)

If any of our users feel a listing violates this policy, we urge them to let us know so we can review the post and take any further action needed, which can include the deactivation of the seller's inventory.

What changes will be made when it comes to refunds and returns?

We strongly suggest that you add insurance to all orders $250 and up for your own protection. As with traditional items, we'll require signature confirmation and tracking on orders of this size. We also updated our Refund and Return Policy to cover all conditions of cards, including MP, HP, and Damaged. Other than that, all of our current shipping guidelines and refund and return policies remain the same.

If a buyer has a dispute over the item they received, does TCGplayer always side with them?

No. We strive to ensure that disputes are resolved fairly for both our buyers and sellers. If we're contacted regarding an order dispute, we always review all information before making a decision on resolution.

What does TCGplayer do if a buyer is repeatedly violating site policies?

Our dedicated Customer Service Team regularly reviews buyers on our platform in order to protect our sellers. If a seller reports a buyer, we always investigate the claim. If we find that a buyer is violating policies, we will take action to lock their account or–in some situations–we will terminate them from our platform. If you feel a buyer may be violating a site policy, please contact our Customer Service team so they can investigate this for you.

Buyer Policies for Listings with Photos

Sellers have the option to list products on our marketplace with photos, custom titles, and custom descriptions, which are referred to as Listings with Photos. If a Listing with Photos order you received matches the photos, title, and description shown by the seller on the TCGplayer Marketplace, the seller does not have to accept returns on those products.

To be eligible for a refund or replacement of Listings with Photos orders due to an issue with the received products, you must:

Contact the seller as soon as possible after the order has arrived to request a refund or replacement
Reach out no later than 30 calendar days after the estimated delivery date

If you are given approval for the return, return the merchandise in the same condition it was sent, and they will refund your purchase price less the shipping charges. If the return is being made due to a mistake on the seller’s part, the seller is responsible for sending the buyer a pre-paid, trackable parcel to return the merchandise.

You can view more details about our return policy for Listings with Photos in our Refund and Return Policy.

To what degree will TCGplayer cover authenticity as part of the TCGplayer Safeguard?

If you believe an item(s) is counterfeit (whether it's an alter, a miscut, or an item with a signature), please contact our Customer Service team. We'll facilitate the return in accordance with our TCGplayer Safeguard.

Do refunds work differently for high-value items sold as part of Listings with Photos?

Our Refund and Return Policy covers you if the products received as part of a Listing with Photos order do not match the condition, title, description, and photos of the listing you purchased from. In cases of a condition issue or the wrong product being received, please contact the seller as soon as possible after the order has arrived to request a refund or replacement. You must reach out no later than 30 calendar days after the estimated delivery date.

If you believe an item may be counterfeit, please contact our Customer Service team right away. We'll work with you to return the item to TCGplayer HQ for verification.

What do I do if I see a listing with inappropriate photos?

You can easily report that listing either using the Report button next to the photo or by reaching out to our Customer Service team. We'll quickly jump in to moderate at our discretion.

Change Log

9/23/24 - Updated Listings with Photos and Bulk Lots requirements and refund/return policy terms.