Pokémon Company introduces made-to-order solution for popular Pikachu Diner products
Pokémon fans are enjoying a rare moment of victory after the Pokémon Center in Japan implemented a clever strategy to undercut scalpers who have long plagued the community. The move comes in response to widespread frustration over scalpers buying up coveted merchandise only to resell it at inflated prices.
Scalping has become a persistent problem for Pokémon fans over the years, particularly for limited-edition merchandise and trading cards. Scalpers quickly buy out stock, leaving genuine fans forced to pay exorbitant prices or miss out altogether. But this time, The Pokémon Company decided to take decisive action.
Pokémon Center’s Pikachu Diner Line Sparks Outcry
On July 5, Pokémon Center locations in Japan released the new Pikachu Diner collection, which features charming designs of Pikachu on items such as plates, cups, napkins, pillows, aprons, and plush mascots. The collection sold out almost immediately, and scalpers wasted no time listing the products online at steep mark-ups.
To prevent this kind of behavior, Pokémon Center initially implemented a lottery system requiring fans to win a chance to purchase items in-store. However, even this measure failed to fully prevent reselling and fan disappointment. Outcry across social media soon followed as fans voiced their frustration with being shut out once again.
Made-to-Order Plushes Leave Scalpers Empty-Handed
The Pokémon Company swiftly announced a solution that delighted fans and undercut scalpers’ profits. For the sold-out plushes and mascots from the Pikachu Diner line, Pokémon Center began accepting made-to-order requests, allowing fans who missed out to place direct orders for newly produced units. This ensures that legitimate buyers can still get the items at regular prices rather than paying inflated resale costs.
Other items from the collection, such as tableware and accessories, are slated to be restocked at a later date.
This proactive response has left scalpers in a bind. With fans now able to secure the plushes directly from the Pokémon Center, the secondary market for these products is likely to collapse, leaving resellers stuck with unwanted stock. It’s a welcome reversal of the usual dynamic, where scalpers profit at fans’ expense.
Fans Praise Pokémon Company’s Approach
By offering made-to-order options and promising restocks, The Pokémon Company not only preserves its own profits but also builds goodwill with its fan base. While it may not be feasible to make every product made-to-order, the strategy demonstrates a willingness to listen and respond to consumer concerns. Many fans hope this model could be expanded to other popular merchandise in the future.
For now, Pokémon fans are relishing a rare win in their ongoing battle against scalpers, proving that patience — and some corporate ingenuity — can pay off.
