Question 1

What is The Slab Lab?

Accepted Answer

The Slab Lab is an independent UK card shop. We sell professionally graded Pokémon slabs, packaged into themed packs at different price points. Every pack ships with a real, authenticated slab from our UK inventory.

Question 2

Are the cards real?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every slab in our inventory is a genuine, professionally graded Pokémon card sourced from UK suppliers. There are no proxies and no virtual cards — every order ships from physical stock we hold ourselves.

Question 3

What types of graded slabs do you offer?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our slabs are Ace Grading, but we also offer graded slabs from all reputable grading companies. Every card is professionally authenticated and graded, ensuring quality and authenticity.

Question 4

How do I get an invite code?

Accepted Answer

The Slab Lab is currently in early access, which means you need an invite code to create an account. If you don't have one, you can request early access using the form on our landing page. We'll notify you when we open up to more users.

Question 5

How does my collection work?

Accepted Answer

When you open a pack, the slab is added to your account. You can keep it there as long as you like and request shipping when you're ready — combine multiple slabs into one order, or ship them one at a time. If a slab isn't for you, you can trade it back to us for account credit at the listed guide price.

Question 6

What are the different packs?

Accepted Answer

We offer a range of packs at different price points, each containing slabs in a different value range. Lower-priced packs are an accessible way to start a collection; higher-priced packs hold more valuable slabs. You can browse all available packs and see the slabs they contain on our packs page.

Question 7

How often are new cards added?

Accepted Answer

We constantly update our inventory with new graded slabs from our UK suppliers. Our collection is always evolving, so there's always something new to discover when you open a pack.

Question 8

Are all packs backed by real inventory?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Every pack is backed by real inventory. We maintain a physical stock of graded slabs, and when you purchase a pack and choose to ship, you're guaranteed to receive a real card from our inventory. There's no virtual or simulated inventory, everything is real.

Question 9

How is each slab assigned to a pack?

Accepted Answer

Each pack is fulfilled from our real UK inventory using a verifiable random selection process. We're transparent about the value range for every pack on its product page, so you always know what's possible before you buy.

Question 10

Can I see what cards are available?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can browse the available cards for each tier on our tiers page. While we don't show the exact card you'll receive (that's the mystery!), you can see the full range of cards that could be in each tier's inventory.

Question 11

Can I pull the same card twice?

Accepted Answer

If you choose the buyback option, the card may eventually be available again in future packs. If the card is in your vault, or you choose to ship, or even if you just haven't made your choice yet, the card will not be available to anyone.

Question 12

How do you decide card values?

Accepted Answer

Card values are determined using current market data and guide prices from trusted sources. We regularly update our pricing to reflect the current market value of each card, ensuring fair and accurate valuations for both pack pricing and buyback rates.

Question 13

Why are some pulls below the pack price?

Accepted Answer

Like any pack opening experience, you may receive cards valued below the pack price. This is part of the excitement, while some pulls may be below the pack price, others can be significantly above it. We aim to keep the average pack value as close to the pack price as possible. This is always displayed in real time alongside the pack odds and available cards.

Question 14

How does buyback work?

Accepted Answer

When you choose to buyback a slab, you receive 85% of its guide price as store credit. The credit is added to your account balance instantly and can be used towards future packs or shipping fees.

Question 15

How does Store Credit work?

Accepted Answer

Store Credit is balance that you can spend on packs and shipping inside The Slab Lab. You get it from selling slabs back (85% of guide price), referral bonuses, and any other promotions we run.

Question 16

Can I pay for packs using both my balance and a card?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if your balance doesn't cover the full pack price, you can pay the shortfall by card at checkout. We'll use your balance first and top up the rest from your card, so you don't have to spend your full balance up front to grab a pack.

Question 17

Can I withdraw my balance to my bank account?

Accepted Answer

No — your balance is store credit and can only be spent on the platform. It can be used towards packs and shipping fees, but it can't be withdrawn or converted to cash. The only ways to get value out of slabs you've pulled are to ship them to you or sell them back for 85% store credit.

Question 18

Can I change my buyback choice after selecting it?

Accepted Answer

No — once you've confirmed the buyback, the decision is final and the store credit is added to your balance. Make sure you're happy with your choice before confirming.

Question 19

Where do you ship from?

Accepted Answer

All our cards are sourced and shipped directly from the UK. We offer fast, secure UK delivery to ensure your graded slabs arrive safely at your door.

Question 20

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

At the moment, we only ship within the UK. We're focused on providing the best service to UK customers first, but we're always evaluating expansion to other regions in the future.

Question 21

Can I sell slabs I vaulted?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can buyback any slab in your vault at any time, as long as we have a recent guide price for it. You'll receive 85% of the current guide price as store credit, added to your balance instantly.

Question 22

Can I see photos of my slabs?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When you view your vault, you can see photos of all your slabs. Each slab has front and back images so you can see exactly what you've pulled before deciding whether to ship or buyback. All of the images we use show the real card and slab, we don't use placeholder images.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

How It Works

Inventory & Odds

Pricing & Values

Balance & Buybacks

Shipping

Account & Features