Ebay Due Diligence
Report for CardCave Japan
Why we think so
CardCave Japan operates a well-stocked eBay store based in Chiba, Japan, specializing in Japanese Pokémon cards—including the Mega Hawlucha ex SAR 239/193 currently listed for $21.80. The seller offers 90+ similar card listings with prices that match current market rates (typically about $14–$35 for this card). While no outside sources directly accuse CardCave Japan of selling counterfeit cards or manipulating reviews, general caution is still advised with Japanese TCG sellers due to broader risks (like resealed packs or weighed boxes). Notably, this seller’s listing is popular (98 watchers, 169 sold, 16 in carts), ships from Japan at no cost, but does not accept returns except through eBay Money Back Guarantee. Recent third-party checks, image review, and available feedback show no clear red flags, but buyers should still inspect listing photos and check buyer protections to minimize risk. 🛡️
Risk Insights
Market Price Check 🛡️
Buyer Protection
General TCG Seller Caution
Contradictory Signals
The lack of specific complaints is promising but the category-level risk remains higher than average; buyers should remain diligent.
Signal A: No direct public scam complaints or fake review accusations for CardCave Japan.
Signal B: Broader category warnings exist for eBay Pokémon Japanese sellers (resealed boxes, weighed packs).
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
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General warnings exist online about buying Japanese cards on eBay (risks include resealed product, weighed packs, and occasional fakes). CardCave Japan is not specifically accused but caution is advised.
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Seller does not accept returns except through eBay’s Money Back Guarantee, which limits direct recourse for simple change-of-mind returns.
🔎 Detailed Checks & Analysis
Seller identity is consistent and traceable
Seller identity is consistent and traceable
"The seller's name, store URL, and card specialization are consistent across all references."
Reason: CardCave Japan’s eBay store is well established with consistent branding, a dedicated storefront, and 92+ product listings.
Product description, images, and pricing are legitimate and match market standards
Product description, images, and pricing are legitimate and match market standards
"Pricing aligns with top online TCG vendors; images are product-specific and not obvious stock art."
Reason: Photos and details for Mega Hawlucha ex SAR 239/193 align with community documentation and price checks from reputable sources.
Sales and feedback history indicate authentic trading activity
Sales and feedback history indicate authentic trading activity
"While explicit seller feedback is not detailed, the overall activity pattern is consistent with a legitimate business."
Reason: Over 169 sales, 98 watchers, and multiple carts for this one listing, with additional store inventory and ongoing activity.
No credible reports of fake cards, manipulated reviews, or past scams
No credible reports of fake cards, manipulated reviews, or past scams
"General platform warnings exist for this category but do not mention this seller directly."
Reason: No current threads, reviews, or scam warnings specifically targeting CardCave Japan.
Return & recourse policies protect buyers if problems occur
Return & recourse policies protect buyers if problems occur
"No general returns policy (buyer remorse), but fraud/misrepresentation still covered under eBay’s guarantees."
Reason: eBay Money Back Guarantee applies for not-as-described claims, providing a safety net, but returns aren’t otherwise accepted.
Broader external signals: Market reputation & seller risk context provided
Broader external signals: Market reputation & seller risk context provided
"Caution is prudent in this hobby category, but no concrete negative evidence found for this seller."
Reason: Sources note a rise in Pokémon TCG scams from Japanese eBay sellers but CardCave Japan receives neither negative nor positive singling out.
Your Next Steps
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1Read the eBay listing page closely and compare the photos to known examples—look for details that match authentic Japanese Pokémon cards.
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2Use eBay buyer protection (Money Back Guarantee) and pay using a traceable method (PayPal, major card).
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3Avoid buying large sealed lots or high-value graded cards unless you can verify the seller’s track record with those specific products.
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4If authenticity is critical, check the received card’s print quality, set codes, and texture against trusted online community references.
Evidence & Citations
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CardCave Japan (eBay): Counterfeit & Scam Risk Overview
No direct evidence links this seller to fake cards or fake reviews, but general warnings apply for all Japanese eBay Pokémon sellers.
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Mega Hawlucha ex SAR 239/193 - Price Comparisons (TCG Republic, TCGPlayer, Sports Card Investor)
Listing price matches market range cited across several trusted card-selling platforms.
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CardCave Japan’s eBay Listing & Sales Activity
The eBay product listing documents sales numbers, available quantity, watcher count, and listing details.
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CardCave Japan eBay Store Profile
Storefront shows many related Pokémon singles for sale, supporting inventory legitimacy and product focus.
🕵🏻 Keep investigating
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