Have you opened any packs of Aftermath recently? Did you follow the meticulously orchestrated influencer campaign against Aftermath? Have you purchased any singles through their strategically placed affiliate links, or bought from their stores when they suggested, "Don't buy Aftermath, buy these three cards instead?"
Firstly, I want to clarify that we were well aware of the ongoing campaign against this product, organized by what I'll refer to as the 'MTG elite' without naming names. They perceived this product as a target, similarly to how we viewed this product as an unconventional risky release. It's critical to understand that we have no stake in this competition, given that we hold very little stock of this set compared to others.
Influencers across platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and others, often promote a "buy singles" narrative. This method is designed to strategically influence the MTG community, thereby filling their own pockets. By focusing on a product that is already susceptible to such tactics, they can open the product themselves while maintaining high prices for singles.
In summary, while this may sound like conspiracy theory fodder, we wanted to present a counter-argument from a store that does not subscribe to their manipulative tactics. Buying singles is entirely acceptable, but we believe it's also essential to purchase a box or a few packs periodically. This approach ensures that cards enter the market organically and are not controlled by those seeking to manipulate secondary market pricing. Remember, influencers may not necessarily have your best interests at heart.