Collectors rejoice! Topps, a bigwig in the sports card collecting landscape, provides a shot in the arm for enthusiastic collectors. The company recently extended the expiration date of the contentious ‘redemption cards’ from a measly two years to a robust ten years. Starting with sports card releases dated 2021-22, this policy shift marks a game changer in the industry.
Redemption cards have a notorious reputation in the realm of card collectors. You know how you anxiously tear open that pack of cards, the adrenaline surges up your veins as maybe, just maybe, the autograph card of your favorite player might be tucked in there, but instead, you find a redemption card saying the autograph will be coming later? Well, those are the said cards. They substitute for actual autographed cards that couldn’t make it to the pack in time due to unforeseen circumstances, only to expire and end up being deemed worthless, essentially raining on your parade. Not a pretty sight, huh?
Topps’ latest move, however, seeks to alleviate this vexing component of the card collecting experience. Picture this: a redemption card issued with a 2022 release date had an expiration of this card’s redeemable promise wouldn’t strike until the year 2032, instead of the bleak outlook of 2024. This not only sustains the value of these products in the market for a longer duration but also provides collectors with a greater assurance of redeeming their precious memorabilia.
Wariness might still lurk in the corners of your collector’s heart, whispering “What about obtaining the actual autographs?” Excellent point, dear collector! Topps’ effectiveness in implementing this groundbreaking policy lies heavily on their ability to bag those prized certifiable scribbles in a timely manner. Understandably, delays are a penny a dozen in the autograph procurement process due to myriad reasons such as athlete compensation settlements. But, look on the bright side, sports enthusiasts. Fanatics has secured exclusive licenses with major sports player unions, scheduled to commence in 2025. There’s reason to believe this step could herald a more efficient autograph securing process.
In a world that often is full of unanswered letters to Santa, redemption cards can feel like one more item on the list of “promises made and unfulfilled”. Topps, though, seems hell-bent on changing this narrative. The company has successfully trimmed down its backlog of redemptions in the past year, shrinking from a staggering 70,000 to under 10,000. Paints a pretty promising picture, right?
So, discard those tattered lingering doubts. Topps’ new redemption card policy seeks to refresh the landscape of sports card collecting, lending it a promising outlook. It’s a whole new inning in the sports card collecting world, folks. Batter up!