▪ SNKRDUNK’s decision to now handle unsealed booster boxes feels like a smart response to market trends. But as a collector, the question is: “How will authentication actually work for these?” Could you walk us through the process?

Absolutely. Today, I’ll explain everything we can disclose about our authentication approach.

▪ Firstly, which Pokémon TCG products qualify for this “no shrink” trading option?

The policy applies to booster boxes from the Scarlet & Violet series (2023 onward)—specifically those with the double-zip perforated seams (what collectors often call the “peelable” seal). This includes sets like “Heat Wave Arena” and the upcoming “The Glory of Team Rocket“, slated for release on 18 April.

▪ It’s great to hear you’ll authenticate the new “The Glory of Team Rocket” set too! What prompted SNKRDUNK to start verifying unsealed boxes now?

We’ve seen a major shift in retail trends—many electronics stores now routinely remove shrink wrap before selling TCG products. We’ve been getting increasing requests from users saying, “We need authentication for boxes without shrink wrap” or “Can you verify boxes with damaged packaging?”

Our authentication team has been carefully evaluating this for quite some time. Another significant factor was The Pokémon Company’s 2023 patent application regarding shrink wrap technology, which became quite a talking point in the TCG community. This industry development further confirmed the need to adapt our verification processes.

▪ That patent sounds interesting! What exactly does it cover?

Simply put, it’s a packaging patent requiring retailers to remove shrink wrap at checkout. The technical description involves “a shrink film with colored sections that prevent barcode scanning until removed.” If implemented, this would mean legitimate products would officially enter circulation without shrink wrap.

▪ When can we expect to see this in stores?

While the patent has been granted, rollout hasn’t begun yet. However, the fact that The Pokémon Company secured this patent suggests implementation could happen sooner rather than later.

▪ First, what are the inherent risks of buying unopened booster boxes through peer-to-peer marketplaces?

Whether sealed or not, secondary market platforms without professional authentication services struggle to prevent box tampering—particularly “seal-switching”, where contents are removed and replaced.

The risk is especially acute on P2P apps where transactions rely solely on photos and descriptions, making it extremely difficult for average collectors to spot fakes.

▪ So professional authentication is absolutely essential then.

Exactly. At SNKRDUNK, our verification goes beyond physical inspection by experienced authenticators—we’ve integrated technological authentication systems as well. For boxes with even slight irregularities, we conduct multi-authenticator reviews.

Interestingly, as our rigorous authentication standards have become better known in the market, we’ve seen a decrease in the percentage of counterfeit items submitted.

▪ Could you walk us through how you developed the authentication process for unsealed boxes?

Even without shrink wrap, the fundamental requirement remains that the box itself must be factory-sealed. This means:

• Double-zip: The perforated seams must be completely intact.
• Side seal verification: No signs of tampering along any edges.

Only after confirming the box’s pristine condition do we proceed with content inspection before delivery.

▪ It does seem difficult for regular people to confirm whether a “no shrink wrap” box is truly unopened.

You’re right—we never thought this would be easy. But we already had experience authenticating taped-sealed boxes, and that knowledge proved transferable. The most critical part is verifying whether the box shows any signs of being opened. We’ve been working hard to improve our accuracy while making sure this service benefits our users.

▪ What would you say are the main benefits for users?

With this new service, we need to open boxes that arrive as “unopened” to verify their contents. However, we understand many collectors want to keep their boxes display-worthy, so we’ve developed methods to minimize any aesthetic impact during inspection.

▪ What specific unboxing methods did you research for authentication purposes?

We conducted extensive trials using actual booster boxes to test every conceivable opening method. This included:

• Standard opening via the front double-zip perforation
• Carefully peel only the adhesive at the base of the double-zip seal
• Accessing through the side panel notches

For each method, we meticulously documented:

• How the box structure changes
• Distinctive tampering markers left behind
• Telltale signs that would indicate unauthorized resealing

This research helped us build a comprehensive profile of legitimate versus suspicious unboxing evidence.

▪ So the authentication process first distinguishes whether the box was opened via the double-zip perforation?

Correct. Our main concern with the double-zip method was that it would leave the box lid visibly open, which wouldn’t meet collectors’ expectations for display-quality packaging. After evaluating multiple approaches, we ultimately standardized on a side-panel opening for authentication.

▪ How do you verify a box remains unsealed after this careful opening?

While we can’t disclose specific anti-counterfeiting details (to prevent fraud adaptation), we can confirm our process analyses:

• Structural integrity of box construction
• Precise printing quality metrics
• Pack distribution patterns

These parameters, combined with our growing database of verified samples, allow accurate authentication even without shrink wrap.