WebVetted Beta
Recommendation
Proceed
Overall Summary
Safe
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. 🛡️

Confidence Score
92%

Risk Insights

🛡️

Market Price Check 🛡️

Listing price ($21.80) matches general Japanese and global TCG market averages for this card.
Reduces risk of price-based scam manipulation.

Buyer Protection

eBay Money Back Guarantee active on this listing.
No-returns except when item is not as described—standard for niche collectibles.
⚠️

General TCG Seller Caution

Hobby forums warn about Japanese card sellers in general, especially for sealed or ultra-high-value cards.
No direct accusations found against CardCave Japan.

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

Identity 95/100
Reputation 92/100
Technical 90/100
Content 90/100
Legal 93/100
Business Validity 92/100

Red Flags & Warnings

  • 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.
  • 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

Score: 95/100
Passed

"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

Score: 93/100
Passed

"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

Score: 91/100
Passed

"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

Score: 92/100
Passed

"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

Score: 90/100
Passed

"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

Score: 90/100
Passed

"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

  • 1
    Read the eBay listing page closely and compare the photos to known examples—look for details that match authentic Japanese Pokémon cards.
  • 2
    Use eBay buyer protection (Money Back Guarantee) and pay using a traceable method (PayPal, major card).
  • 3
    Avoid buying large sealed lots or high-value graded cards unless you can verify the seller’s track record with those specific products.
  • 4
    If authenticity is critical, check the received card’s print quality, set codes, and texture against trusted online community references.

Evidence & Citations