Interesting Conversation with Topps

TonyC

I pulled a Topps Tip-Off Michael Beasley Gold Autograph numbered 07/20 out of a pack, but the card has numerous surface scratches on it; very unfortunate, because one of these just sold for $72 on eBay. Anyway, I called Topps to complain and make sure that if I sent the card in, they'd send me the same card back (I'd rather have a scratched Beasley auto than a mint auto of some no-name). The rep's response was I would "get the same card back, just not the same sequential number" because Topps will not repair or remake the card. This makes sense, but then I asked her where the replacement comes from; she told me that they'd replace it with one of the same card that wasn't inserted in packs. This was strange so I continued this line of questioning that eventually led to me asking "Do you mean to tell me that you don't put all the serial-numbered cards in packs? So like in this case, not all 20 Beasley autos were put in the packs?" So her response, after a pause, was "Well it's a different number for different cards... like a percentage."

So what is the sum of this? Am I supposed to believe that Topps doesn't put all of the cards in packs and keeps some for themselves? If this is true, this is just another reason to think serial-numbered cards are huge gimmicks.

julen23

it all comes out in the wash....

billwaltonsbeard

maybe they keep the upside down ones

Griffins

<< <i> If this is true, this is just another reason to think serial-numbered cards are huge gimmicks. >>


Serial numbered and GU cards are a huge gimmick.

austinchau

That's why I don't trust these numbered card, especially those ultra-rare numbered to 5 or 10. It's all just whatever they say, they can create a set calls it "gold" edition with a much smaller #. With no real regulation and transparency, and couple that with the ridiculous prices these things are going on ebay. I would not be surprised that there are some sort of exploit going on internal to these card companys. Essentially this is free money for them, by withholding a few the rare numbered cards to themselves. A nice stash of cash for rainy days.

WinPitcher

Serial numbered and GU cards are a huge gimmick.


Yup.

Steve

mkg809

Is it signed by Hank Aaron?

nam812

You guys are all seeing the glass as half empty, when a half full guy like myself now thinks that my 1/20 is now a 1/15 with Topps holding some back.

WinPitcher

I don't see a problem with them holding some back, how else could they replace any damaged ones?

Just because they number something as 1 of 20 does not mean they have to use all 20. As long as the stated odds reflect that.


Steve

mtcards

They are holding some back for their auctions. By releasing a few into packs, they can see which cards they can get the most money out of.

billwaltonsbeard

This was probably Leeland and Leif's idea.