When to buy One Piece Trading Card Game displays?

The One Piece Trading Card Game (OPTCG) is a game that attracts many players and collectors around the world, whether it is for playing, collecting or investing. But as with any collectible product, the time you choose to buy a display can have a big impact on your budget and collecting strategy. Here are some tips on the best times to buy a One Piece card display, in order to maximize your purchases.

Pre-Orders: The Best Time to Buy?

Pre-orders are a great option for savvy buyers. They often help lock in a competitive price before demand explodes after the official release. Here’s why it’s a strategy to consider:

• Competitive Pricing: Pre-orders are often offered at a price close to the recommended price, before the price increases that occur with demand.
• Stock Securing: You are sure to get your display, as pre-orders are usually limited and can guarantee sealed products.
• Better quality cards for grading: Buying on pre-order allows you to receive cards in their original condition, ideal for grading (PSA, Beckett) without the risk of damage due to opening.

Please note: Although pricing is competitive, there is always a risk that the value of the display will drop if demand is lower than expected after release.

1. The first 3 weeks after release: Prices are often high but unstable

Recent average price for a One Piece TCG display at release: €100 to €130 (publishers' recommended price)

For what ?

• Pre-orders are often limited.
• Distributors and stores sometimes apply a launch premium if demand exceeds supply.
• On the secondary market (eBay, Facebook groups), prices can quickly climb for products in high demand (€150-200 or more).

Tip: This is a risky time to buy above the recommended price unless you are sure you want to open the display to play immediately or secure a rare product.

2. 3 weeks to 3 months after release: Prices stabilize or drop slightly

Typical price after 1 to 2 months for a recent display: €100 to €120 (close to the recommended price, sometimes less if the extension is well stocked)

For what ?

• The novelty effect diminishes.
• Supply becomes more abundant through restocking.
• Players are starting to resell unopened displays, increasing competition in the market.

Tip: If the display is still available at a reasonable price, it's often a good time to buy.

3. 3 to 6 months after release: Slight increase for popular displays or decrease for less sought-after ones

Typical price for popular extensions: €120-150 if the product becomes rare
Typical price for less popular extensions: €90 to €110, sometimes even on sale.

For what ?

• Popular extensions are starting to run out of stock in stores, leading to higher prices on the secondary market.
• Less sought-after or "weak" extensions remain available, sometimes with promotions to clear stocks.

Tip: Buy popular displays before they become rare and expensive, especially if you want to keep them sealed for collecting or resale.

4. From 6 months to 1 year after release: Increase for rare displays, stagnation for others

Typical price for rare or very popular extensions: €150 to €250 depending on rarity and demand
Typical price for less popular extensions: €80 to €110, some are still at the recommended price.

For what ?

• Sealed products are becoming rarer and collectors are beginning to speculate.
• Players and collectors look for specific displays to complete their collections or for investment.

Tip: If you want to invest, this is often the last time to buy at a reasonable price before high inflation.

5. After 1 year and more: Addiction to scarcity and nostalgia

Typical price for popular expansions (1-3 years after release): €250-400, or even more for flagship editions
Typical price for less sought-after extensions: €90 to €130 (little change if they are not rare).

For what ?

• Cult or iconic expansions (first edition, limited editions) increase in value over time.
• Sealed products in good condition are rare, as many have been opened.
• Collectors and speculators dominate the market.

Example: The first expansion "Romance Dawn" (One Piece TCG) exploded after a year, reaching €250-350 per display (around €100 at release).
Expansions like "OP-02 Paramount War" have a slower rise, remaining around €150 after 6-12 months.

Summary: When to buy One Piece TCG displays?

Strategies to maximize your purchases:

• Pre-orders: Guarantee a price close to the recommended price (often €100-110).
• Market monitoring: Use platforms like Cardmarket, eBay, or specialized Facebook groups to track price trends.
• Buy early for popular expansions: If an expansion is tied to a key moment in the manga or anime (eg. famous arcs like Marineford), it will likely become expensive quickly.
• Speculate on limited editions: Products with exclusive versions (collector's boxes, first editions) are best for long-term investment.