Blue Jay's Cauldron Games — Local services in Kingwood

It is with deep sadness that I have to post this review.

I've been a loyal customer for damn near the whole time they've been open, rarely missing a chance to stop in. I've brought friends in to check out a new, growing store, that I really believed in.

Purchased many singles, spent hours digging through bulk boxes looking for treasures, even pulling out good cards they can put in their case.

It was great having a shop so much closer to me than the ones in Humble, but unfortunately, I'm not allowed to shop there anymore.

Now, I'm well aware of how hard it is for a new business to get off the ground, especially a card shop.

So, when I saw their higher prices on boosters, and even accessories, I asked about them. Apparently, they didn't have distributors set up, so their TCG guy was going around town trading in the stuff that wasn't working for them and getting in product they thought would do better.

At first I thought it was weird, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I know owners will get stuff off the market so they can have a popular product they think will do well.

But the store has been opened for a few months now, and recently did a proper "Grand Opening". But, they're still doing this.

I spoke to a few of the friends I'd taken there to get their opinion. I took their concerns to the owner, privately. No one had any ill intention. Everyone wants to see a new shop do well, it only helps the local players by having more places to play at.

He seemed receptive, and I thought we had a good chat. Everything was fine when I was there on Thursday, even picked up some Standard singles. I guess something changed between then and today.

As for my banning from the store, I was told it was because I was "constantly complaining about the prices".

And it's true. I'm an invested and knowledgeable player; I've been playing Magic pretty consistently since 2015. I know what I should and will absolutely not pay for products. Especially if the mark up is exorbitant.

Their mark up was one of the main concerns I had. I asked the GM what they'd put the Gundam Card Game products at if they were able to get them in from a distributor. There was a bit of confusion because he said they mark them up by 40%. But their "TCG Guy" said they'd put them at whatever they thought was "fair market value" and gave us all an econ lesson on what that meant. I told him that'd be a bad idea considering they were a new store, with barely any community to support it. If they're able to get it from a distributor they should put it at MSRP or at a small mark up. Not the $40-50 the starters were going for on TCG Market. He then brought up unrelated products they "had" to get from other shops. Again, I said, I am talking about product from a distributor. The way they acted it was as if they never intended to get one.

After being told I was welcome to just not play there, and to take my business elsewhere, I said I'd just see how things played out.

Come to 2-3 weeks ago, they managed to find a GD01 Gundam TCG booster box, I didn't ask about it because they priced the boosters at $10/ea. When they didn't sell, and after I spoke to them about the pricing, they lowered it to Market and sold 1 booster.

After having a new product for two weeks they opened it and took the good cards to a card con.

TCG Guy told me they got the box for me! They spent however much money on it so I could have some product. I told him I never asked for them to do that, and over and over again have said if you can't get something from a distributor to just not get it.

The owner, Jay, seems like a lovely guy; he has a lot of fun and interesting ideas on where to take the store! I wish him well, seriously!

However, I've been informed that two other stores have banned their employees because they were going to their shops, making trades with players and offering BJC store credit in exchange for their cards.

This is an extremely unethical and shady practice and it should not be rewarded.

Still, I wish them all the best.

Please stop by and make your own...

This shop is hands down the best place for any card collector or TCG fan! The selection is incredible — from rare finds to everyday staples — and everything is organized so well that browsing is a pleasure. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer questions or help track down a specific card. Prices are fair, and you can tell they really care about the community of collectors. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just browsing, this store makes the experience fun and welcoming....

I been in almost all Houston's card stores for MTG/Pokémon and other particular items and this place has so much potential you can't believe it! My first experience was filld with excitement for how BIG it is and the most nicest and dedicated workers! Offering with many games and events every weekend. Best part, I get fair prices and sometimes great deals you can't get any where else.Beyond greatful we have a store like Blue Jay's in Houston!Almost feeling like a 2nd...