How McDonald's Plans To Stop Pokémon Card Resellers

James

3 min read

Post on Aug 12, 2025

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McDonald's Fights Back: New Strategies to Curb Pokémon Card Reselling

McDonald's Happy Meals have become a hot commodity lately, thanks to the inclusion of sought-after Pokémon trading cards. But this popularity has also attracted a surge in reselling, leaving many disappointed children and frustrated parents empty-handed. The fast-food giant is finally taking action, implementing several new strategies to combat the issue and ensure every child has a fair chance to snag their favorite Pokémon card.

The Problem: Scalpers and Resellers Dominate

The current situation is a perfect storm of high demand and limited supply. The highly collectible Pokémon cards included in McDonald's Happy Meals have become a target for scalpers and online resellers who buy up large quantities to profit from inflated prices on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. This leaves genuine collectors, particularly children, unable to get their hands on the cards they crave. The issue isn't just about the cards themselves; it undermines the fun and excitement associated with the Happy Meal experience.

McDonald's Counteroffensive: A Multi-Pronged Approach

McDonald's isn't sitting idly by. They're implementing a series of strategies designed to curb reselling and ensure fairer distribution:

• Increased Card Supply: While McDonald's hasn't released specific numbers, reports suggest they're significantly increasing the number of Pokémon cards distributed. This aims to outpace the demand and make the cards more readily available.

• Stricter Purchase Limits: Many locations are reportedly implementing stricter purchase limits per customer, preventing bulk buying by resellers. This move directly tackles the root of the problem: preventing individuals from hoarding cards.

• Improved Distribution Strategies: Internal changes to how cards are distributed to restaurants are rumored to be underway. This could include better inventory management and more equitable allocation across different locations.

• Enhanced Security Measures: While details are scarce, McDonald's is likely exploring enhanced security measures to deter theft and unauthorized bulk purchasing from restaurants. This could involve improved tracking of card shipments and potentially even increased surveillance in some locations.

• Collaboration with Retailers: Speculation suggests McDonald's might be working with retailers to prevent the sale of excessive quantities of Happy Meals, indirectly limiting the supply for resellers.

Beyond the Cards: Protecting the Happy Meal Experience

This isn't just about Pokémon cards; it's about preserving the joy and excitement of the Happy Meal experience for children. The current situation risks tarnishing the brand's image and alienating loyal customers. By taking proactive steps to address the issue, McDonald's demonstrates a commitment to its younger customers and their families.

Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Solution?

While these immediate measures should help, the challenge of combating opportunistic resellers is ongoing. The long-term success of McDonald's strategy will depend on its effectiveness in reducing the supply available to scalpers and maintaining a consistent supply for legitimate customers. The situation requires ongoing monitoring and adaptation to remain effective. Only time will tell if these strategies will truly solve the problem and restore the fun of collecting Pokémon cards through McDonald's Happy Meals.

What are your thoughts on McDonald's approach? Share your opinions in the comments below!