Kem prices will be increased (again) (2 Viewers)

[eatmorepies]

For reference, Kem Arrow poker-size cards are currently $56.00. Kardwell International's expecting a price increase of 25% on May 1, making the price $70.00.

Here's the full announcement (I got this via email):

Kem Playing Cards Announcement​

Dear Valued Kem Customers:

Due to economic circumstances beyond our control, we are expecting significant price increases on all Kem Playing Cards as of May 1, 2025.

We have significant stock in many items and will keep our prices steady as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

• We are expecting a 25% price increase.
• Once stock of our current inventory runs out, the price increase will be implemented.
• The card back designs will remain the same at this time.
• The cards will continue to be made out of the same great Kem 100% plastic acetate

We look forward to continue working with you for all of your Kem Playing Card needs.

 

[JMC9389]

Lol

 

[eatmorepies]

It looks like individual decks are currently being sold for $35.00 (so, they'll be $42.00)

I remember just a few years ago when the 2-packs were $30.00...

 

[RocAFella1]

 

[JCM_]

WTF

 

[LeLe]

At this rate, 1 Kem Setup is going to cost more than a rack of live $1 next year

 

[TheBigTater]

KEM is a company that knows it's customer base. They realize the cult fan base will pay any price just to use their warped cards.

I wonder how much the price has gone up for the casino & cardroom customers? Casinos already look for ways to cut cost, especially when it comes to the poker room (we could put X amounts of slots in the space ), so how long until you see them go totally away from KEM cards.

 

[LeLe]

I wonder how much the price has gone up for the casino & cardroom customers? Casinos already look for ways to cut cost, especially when it comes to the poker room (we could put X amounts of slots in the space ), so how long until you see them go totally away from KEM cards.

I remember someone who work for the casino said it cost the casino about $20,000 per 1000 decks (price might have change since then)

 

[LowerBama1714]

Valued Kem customers…god damn right. Harder to kind than a friggin leprechaun.

 

[SwissChip]

The OP is one day too late…!

 

[pokerplayingpisces]

I love Kems, but cannot justify them at that price. Just too many options out there. I’ll keep the setups I have, but I’m out on new ones. Finally, I would never recommend them to anyone.

 

[TheBigTater]

I remember someone who work for the casino said it cost the casino about $20,000 per 1000 decks (price might have change since then)

This seems a lot to me, $20/deck, I can't believe casinos spend that much in bulk even if that's only for plastic poker room decks.

 

[hernie]

Might have to buy a pack before the price increase, I've only tried copag and faded spades.

 

[PlaidDragon]

Meanwhile..... Copag cards still sell on amazon for 19.95 per two-pack.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Might have to buy a pack before the price increase, I've only tried copag and faded spades.

Don't do it! Go find Fournier or Guild or Bicycle Prestige, or something else for half that price!

 

[LeLe]

This seems a lot to me, $20/deck, I can't believe casinos spend that much in bulk even if that's only for plastic poker room decks.

it is part of the regulations that they can only use certain card brand for the casino

So they do not have a lot of choice to pick from/

 

[TheBigTater]

it is part of the regulations that they can only use certain card brand for the casino

So they do not have a lot of choice to pick from/

Interesting.... I wonder what companies lobbied to get those regulations put in place?

 

[upNdown]

or something else for half that price

the insanity of it is that "half that price" is still way too much.

 

[buzzmonkey]

Going to do some Kem mining to speculate market transition actions.

 

[DrStrange]

Where are Kem cards made? There is an obvious reason why products will cost 25% more effective today . . . .

DrStrange

 

[upNdown]

Where are Kem cards made? There is an obvious reason why products will cost 25% more effective today . . . .

DrStrange

I thought the US Playing card company would manufacture its cards in the US, but maybe not. Or maybe they import their card stock?

 

[Tommy]

I have my eyes on these for $30.

 

[TheBigTater]

Where are Kem cards made? There is an obvious reason why products will cost 25% more effective today . . . .

DrStrange

Yeah the magic date for tariffs effects to hit is May 1st so it tracks. Don't believe there was any tariff cause to justify the more recent price increase by KEM to the $50/setup level though.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

I have my eyes on these for $30.

View attachment 1488739

But these are on sale!

 

[surfik]

price/quality = 2012 WSOP Fourniers

 

[Kam]

But these are on sale!
View attachment 1488742

 

[RocAFella1]

But these are on sale!
View attachment 1488742

Would match nicely with:

 

[dpeks13]

That's like $17.50 a hand before they become unusable.

 

[upNdown]

But these are on sale!
View attachment 1488742

I can’t stand those black background nightmares. But aren’t like half of you guys reading this on a screen with a black background?

 

[Kam]

I can’t stand those black background nightmares. But aren’t like half of you guys reading this on a screen with a black background?

I once got these as a gift since I ‘like’ cards… in addition to the black background, they were twice as thick as a Faded Spade. I politely accepted.

They will never see the light of day until someone picks them up at a Goodwill.