Caught Me a Pack Searcher!!!

[TheOrangeGuy65]

Went in to Target today and noticed some new Football and Racing cards. I picked up a pack of each and I was reading the odds on the back to see what kind of cool stuff they put in the product when this guy walks over to me and says "So, do you know how to search these?"
I looked at him a minute, then looked at my cards and the thought went through my head that maybe he had already searched them all and my chances of getting anything cool were about zilch. So I said "No, I'm just a little kid at heart. I love not knowing what I've got."
So he picked up a pack of the Absolute Mem. Football and damn near bent the pack in half. I said "Hey, what's that all about?" and he goes on to explain that he is "flexing" the packs to see if there's something in them. I pointed out that it's easy to see that some packs were fatter than others, so bending the cards like that was unnecessary.
He got all defensive at that point, and then started to put the mangled pack back. I told him that he should probably buy the pack. He ignored me and went over to the Star Wars cards and what not. So I grabbed an employee that was stocking nearby and told him that this guy was damaging product and that they should watch him.
So maybe that was a bit childish of me, but I hate when people have no consideration for others, especially with brand new product in this hobby. I understand that there will always be pack searchers, but this guy was just inconsiderate.
So I walked off to grab the essentials I went there for, and on my way back out, I saw the pack searcher talking with the store manager while the employee sifted through a few different gravity feed boxes, pulling out dozens of packs that were folded in half.
I just went about paying for my 2 packs of cards, and wouldn't you know it, I got a Cam Newton RC SP out of one. :)

Sorry for the read, but I figured I'd share today's little story. Pack searchers, I understand that you have your own way of contributing/taking away from this hobby, but I don't understand why it would be necessary to damage the packs. See, I love finding relics and autos as much as anyone else, but I'll do it based on the odds on the back of the pack. Also, most of the "hits" I get are rookie cards and short prints, and they're worth more than relics most of the time, so suck it, Sir.

Thanks for the Read,
Patrick

[mikefri]

lol thats great not a pack buyer myself and that is the main reason as i figure most boxes are already stripped anyways.

[spuds1961]

That is the reason I buy mostly sealed boxes,as I've seen the damage done on the packs at retail stores.

[rjcla30]

I have not bought a retail single pack in the last 10 years. 10 years ago I encountered my first pack search...It bummed me out so much i didn't buy cards for 2 years. It's a horrible thing in the hobby however they will not be stopped, so better to buy blaster boxes if you are going to buy retail, but I would recommend sticking to hobby packs and boxes from your trusted LCS or online from a good dealer.

[RGM81]

Such a sad sight to see eh? The depths to which some people will sink to pull a common GU card.

[WolfeFan07]

Really the only way to prevent it would be to put them behind the counter, similar to certain meds now, and that would be just plain annoying. Tell the person they are welcome to pick which packs they get, but can do only that, pick. No feeling, no bending, no holding up to your head to get a good read on it. Pick and buy right there at the counter. No returns. The exception would be the sealed boxes and booster packs that come in the cardboard blisters. This is the reason I will only buy sealed boxes. I know my odds are true if I buy this way. I feel for those who buy retail, and the little kids like my brother who every now and then gets a pack or 2 at the store. Poor guy doesn't know he has no chance of getting a GU, or sometimes and auto :(

[Greengoblin782]

I don't pack search myself. I buy all my boxes from my local card store. I do however buy hot packs off of Ebay. I know some might say I support them by buying their packs but its just so addicting.

[springerdeals]

good for u. thats a win for the hobby there.

[313datsyuk313]

Great job!!! these scumbags have no place in the hobby, especially for the kids buying those packs hoping they pull something nice

[barnsz]

I don't pack search myself. I buy all my boxes from my local card store. I do however buy hot packs off of Ebay. I know some might say I support them by buying their packs but its just so addicting.

so did you get what they say you get it those hot packs.we have watch those seller{s}and then check their feedback not once has anyone say they pulled a killer hit