The Truth About OOP, RARE, and HTF: Tarot Terms and the Illusion of Value
What sellers say vs. what collectors should believe
In the world of tarot resale, certain words are used like gold leaf: OOP (Out Of Print), RARE, and HTF (Hard to Find). You’ll see them in listings, hear them in BST (Buy Sale Trade) groups, and maybe even feel a little rush of urgency when they pop up on a deck you’ve been eyeing.
But here’s the truth: just because something is called rare doesn’t mean it is rare — or valuable.
Let’s unpack what these terms actually mean (and don’t mean), how they affect perceived value, and why transparency matters when reselling tarot decks.
What These Terms Actually Mean
OOP (Out of Print):
The publisher or creator is no longer printing or selling the deck. This is a factual label, but not all OOP decks are in demand or valuable. Some are discontinued because they didn’t sell well.RARE:
Used frequently, but often without real backing. A rare deck should mean there are very few in circulation, especially in good condition. But sometimes, people say “rare” just because it’s not currently listed on the first page of Etsy or Amazon.HTF (Hard to Find):
This usually means the deck isn’t widely available. But again, it doesn’t mean people want it — just that it’s not mass distributed. “Hard to find” could also mean it’s simply not popular enough for many people to be reselling it.
Perception vs. Reality
The biggest issue with these terms is that they create a vanity illusion — an inflated sense of value based on language, not facts.
Just because someone calls a deck RARE doesn’t mean:
It has sold at a high price recently
Collectors are looking for it
It has long-term value
It’s difficult to acquire (I’ve had decks called “HTF” while having two copies in stock!)
When these words are used loosely or dishonestly, they can mislead buyers and inflate expectations. It also creates tension in the marketplace when someone lists a deck as a “grail” item… and you quietly know it’s been sitting unsold for months.
How These Terms Can Backfire
For sellers:
Overusing these terms can erode trust. If someone buys a “rare” deck and then sees it pop up in 5 other shops, it can lead to returns, bad reviews, or loss of credibility.For buyers:
FOMO is real — and expensive. Just because something looks rare or is labeled “HTF” doesn’t mean you need to overpay for it.For collectors:
These labels can distort the true value of a deck. A better indicator is always what people are willing to pay — not what words someone adds to the listing title.
A Real-World Example
Let’s say someone lists a deck as:
“RARE! OOP! HTF! Sacred Lunar Oracle – Complete!”
But I’ve had two copies sitting on my shelf for weeks. It's not rare — it's just not widely available on large marketplaces. And it’s not HTF — because it's right here, twice over.
It may still be a beautiful or valuable deck, but the label doesn’t change its actual market demand.
Better Ways to Talk About Tarot Decks
Instead of leaning on buzzwords, sellers and collectors can focus on facts:
“Out of print since 2021”
“Indie Kickstarter edition – first run”
“Complete with guidebook, box, and certificate”
“Sold for $65 on average over the past 3 months”
This kind of transparency builds trust — and helps protect the community from price gouging and misinformation.
Language is powerful — especially in a spiritual marketplace where energy and meaning matter.
The words RARE, HTF, and OOP should be used with care and clarity. When they’re used honestly, they can help buyers make informed decisions. But when they’re used to manipulate or inflate, they only serve vanity — not value.
If you’re ever unsure about a deck’s real market worth, I’m always happy to offer a friendly, research-backed opinion.
See a deck labeled “rare” that didn’t quite live up to the hype? Let’s talk about it.
You can also check my shop to see how often “HTF” decks are quietly waiting in stock — no pressure, just transparency.
Want help pricing or identifying your collection? I’m always here to help.