eBay vs. TCGplayer Union: What You Need to Know and Where to Buy Proxies
“There is power in a collective voice.” That’s what people say when a community stands together. Over the past few weeks, the TCGplayer union has shown exactly that. After eBay announced plans to close the Syracuse Authentication Center, unionized workers faced losing their jobs, sparking calls for a boycott. I’ve been following these updates, scrolling through Twitter feeds and Reddit posts, and it’s clear that many in the trading card community are upset. Some blame “GreedBay,” while others encourage folks to order directly from local game stores or union-friendly websites like Card Kingdom. This tension also reminds us of the importance of worker rights. And in the background of it all sits the growing acceptance of Magic: The Gathering proxies, with sites like ProxyKing and PrintMTG.com giving collectors an alternative path to building decks without relying on big marketplaces.
The TCGplayer Union Story
TCGplayer started as a way for trading card enthusiasts to buy, sell, and connect over their shared passion for Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and other popular games. People flocked to TCGplayer for convenience, competitive prices, and extensive card inventories. Over time, TCGplayer grew. It acquired other platforms like ChannelFireball, which added new capabilities and brought more sellers onto the site.
Then eBay entered the picture. About two years ago, eBay purchased TCGplayer. At first, it seemed like a standard corporate move: big company acquires a thriving start-up. But in the months that followed, employees at TCGplayer started organizing under the Communications Workers of America (CWA). It was a historic move—TCGplayer was the first group within eBay to form a union.
Workers wanted better pay, improved benefits, and basic respect on the job. They described the workplace as fun and friendly at times, especially because employees could trade or discuss cards during breaks. But once union talks began, tensions grew. The union felt that corporate management resisted negotiations, and workers complained of anti-union efforts behind the scenes. After two years with no final contract, eBay announced the closure of the Syracuse Authentication Center, effectively dissolving those union jobs.
Critics argue eBay did this to avoid dealing with the union. They see it as union busting. eBay calls it a financial decision or a reorganization. Whichever perspective you adopt, the result is the same: around 200 unionized workers stand to lose their livelihoods. Now the TCGplayer union is fighting back, urging a boycott to pressure eBay into keeping the center open.
Why the Syracuse Authentication Center Matters
At the Syracuse Authentication Center, trained specialists examined cards to verify authenticity and quality. They helped ensure that buyers weren’t ending up with counterfeit or damaged merchandise. This center served as a backbone for trust on TCGplayer.
Syracuse workers often shared how they loved their niche roles. These were not just random hires; many employees were experienced collectors who knew how to spot fakes, and they were dedicated to ensuring a positive experience for fellow TCG enthusiasts. Now, with the closure, that specialized service goes away, replaced by other operations that might not meet the same standard. For collectors and casual buyers alike, this can degrade confidence in the marketplace.
From an economic standpoint, 200 job losses in Syracuse is no small thing. People who built their lives around this job, many building friendships and forming a “found family” at work, now face the uncertainty of unemployment. Those calling for the boycott argue that saving these jobs, or at least giving them a fair chance to negotiate, is the decent and lawful course of action.
Community Response and Boycott
News of the center’s closure spread quickly on social media. Posts on Twitter, Reddit, and other platforms began urging users to cancel orders, remove TCGplayer storefronts, or at least reduce spending. Hashtags like #LayoffeBay and #GreedBay popped up alongside calls to “Boycott TCGplayer.”
This isn’t the first time the gaming community has mobilized around a labor issue, but it might be one of the loudest. Many local game stores, or LGS owners, have also taken a stand. Some have removed their TCGplayer listings and posted public statements in support of the union, urging others to do the same. A few are turning to peer-to-peer networks, smaller platforms, or their own websites to serve their local communities.
Reddit threads show a mix of emotional stories and practical advice. Some people are disappointed because TCGplayer was their go-to platform for finding cheap singles. Others support the union wholeheartedly and say it’s worth the inconvenience to stand in solidarity. Many mention alternative sites like Card Kingdom—also unionized—along with smaller vendors and direct LGS online shops.
Alternative Marketplaces
If you rely on TCGplayer for singles or sealed products, the idea of switching might feel daunting. But the community has pointed out several alternatives:
- Local Game Stores (LGS): This remains the top choice for many. Buying local often supports small businesses and fosters a strong sense of community.
- Card Kingdom: Known for having a unionized workforce, Card Kingdom sells Magic: The Gathering singles and other TCG products. Some folks mention that prices can be higher, but many see this as a trade-off for supporting organized labor and better worker conditions.
- Direct Seller Sites: You can track down certain sellers on TCGplayer and look them up outside the platform. If they run their own independent shop or e-commerce site, you can buy from them directly. This lets you bypass TCGplayer fees while still supporting the same vendors.
- Peer-to-Peer Networks: Platforms like Discord or Facebook groups let you buy and sell directly to other players. It can feel informal, but many users find good deals with minimal fees.
- CardTrader and Manapool: These sites allow smaller shops and individuals to sell cards, similar to TCGplayer but without the controversies. CardTrader even offers consolidated shipping services in some cases.
Each option has pros and cons. You might pay slightly more in some instances, or you might find fewer sellers for niche cards. But many are willing to deal with small inconveniences in support of union workers’ rights.
The Role of Proxies and the Benefits of ProxyKing and PrintMTG.com
While official Magic: The Gathering cards remain the gold standard for collectors and tournaments, there is a growing acceptance of proxy cards for casual play. Proxies are unofficial reproductions of cards that you can use in casual games, cube drafts, or even high-powered Commander nights with friends. As the cost of rare and iconic cards continues to climb, proxies give players a more affordable way to enjoy the game.
Sites like ProxyKing and PrintMTG.com specialize in making high-quality proxies. They’re not legitimate, Wizards-of-the-Coast-approved cards, but they look and feel close to the real thing. Some even feature unique artwork or special finishes. Here’s why many people see them as beneficial:
- Cost Savings: A single copy of a high-demand card can sometimes be over a hundred dollars. Proxies let you build a deck without breaking the bank.
- Experimentation: If you want to test a card in a new deck, you can use a proxy before committing to the actual card. This helps you see if the strategy works without spending a lot on something you might not like.
- Accessibility: Some older cards are scarce due to reserve list policies or limited reprints. Proxies let more players experience iconic spells and creatures.
- Casual and Commander Play: Many local playgroups allow proxies as a way to keep the game fun for everyone. In these circles, using a site like ProxyKing or PrintMTG.com is a quick fix if you need a specific card for your deck.
However, it’s important to note that proxies are not tournament-legal. Official Wizards of the Coast events typically require genuine cards. Still, for friendly play, many are fine with high-quality proxies. While the TCGplayer union controversy revolves around worker rights and job security, it also highlights how the TCG community can adapt. If you’re uncomfortable shopping with certain marketplaces, proxies offer an alternative that sidesteps big corporate platforms entirely.
Conclusion: A Shared Path Forward
The TCGplayer union story is about more than a few hundred jobs. It’s about the future of work in the collectibles industry. The clash between unionized employees and corporate giants points to a larger issue of how big businesses treat workers. For many fans, standing in solidarity with the union is worth the extra steps of switching marketplaces. In turn, local game stores and smaller vendors stand to benefit from a renewed focus on community-driven commerce.
At the same time, the rise of proxy cards from sites like ProxyKing and PrintMTG.com offers another avenue for people who want to avoid large corporations. Proxies can’t solve every problem, but they make it easier for players to enjoy the game without feeling trapped by big secondary markets.
Ultimately, the TCG community thrives on passion. That passion can fuel positive changes. If more people support ethical sellers, encourage fair labor practices, and explore proxy options, the landscape of trading cards can shift. We might see more union efforts at other shops, better pay for card authenticators, and a broader acceptance of proxies in casual play.
For now, it’s a waiting game to see if eBay and TCGplayer change course. Until then, many collectors have made their stance clear: hold the line, buy elsewhere, and keep an eye on how corporate decisions affect workers and fans alike. It’s never easy to take a stand, but sometimes it’s the only way to ensure that the hobbies we love remain fair and welcoming for everyone.