Supply already exceeds demand? Really? If that was true, why do prices increase? The newest product - Champs is already up $7 from the distributor. Sure, you can buy year old product or 2 year old product at a reduced rate off the secondary market - but UD made it's money. Someone bought the product.
This is exactly my point. We try and apply the same business principles to six different things and expect it to all mean the same thing. When the factory sells out of a product, we assume that demand met supply... until the distributors and card shops have boxes/cases left 2 years later. Supply > Demand. You're absolutely right, UD made their money and will likely change NOTHING about the product next year because it 'sold out'. Awesome.
Successful business' co-exist - they don't compete. Competition is for losers - afterall, in competition, someone loses. Co-exist and flurish. Make the competition your friend. That way everyone makes $$$ and don't kid yourself, it's about $$$, not who has the nicest card.
Again, this was my original point. Everyone keeps saying they want 'competition', not an exclusive. I call BS. We, as collectors, want 'choices'. Because, you're 100% right, competition (by definition) results in a winner and a loser. That outcome isn't necessary, but... in a limited marketplace, if there is no 'competition', there is also no advancement (I'm not going to make the leap to 'collusion', but really it's not that far away - think of the ads which read 'if you find a lower price elsewhere, we'll match it'). Like I said, Victory will not compete with Score, both will 'sell out', both will get collected, and both will be available for 1/2 price during the 2011-12 season. This is because 'choices' come with a price which isn't always so easy to see at the beginning of the cycle.
I would actually argue that ITG has been in 'competition' with UD for the last 5 years. You really have to 'choose' to buy ITG whereas 'everyone' has UD. This has generated some of the best products which have come out in the last few years (imho). When you stop and think about it, I find it pretty amazing to think that the secondary marked has had slabbed memorabilia cards without player images or NHL insignia sell for prices well above low-numbered, licensed, patch/autos which are supposedly 'more desirable' as officially licensed products. I'd say that's a pretty solid accomplishment for the ITG team.
I am not trying to argue - you obviously have a business background or are studying business but the real deal is throwing your money into it and making it work.
I wish there were 16 card shops in my town - then more people would drive to my town to buy sports cards. Short-term loss but long term gain. I would try to get us all under 1 roof or in one section of town. Kind of like the auto-mall theory.
Here's the real kicker. Our friend Dr. Price has thrown his real money into this. We are talking about business, about who wants what. He has an investment as well as a passion to protect. His employees count on that.
I've got no formal business training, but I am part owner in a couple business ventures, so it's in my best interest to understand what's going on around me economically, so I read a lot (and as a collector, I'm fascinated by the economics of collectibles).
I could go on and on (not trying to argue or sway your opinion, which I pretty much agree with and respect, but because I think it's a fascinating discussion of business practice), but suffice it to say that comparing the secondary market to the card manufacturers is like comparing apples to apple orchards. Secondary market supply is much different than manufacturing supply and secondary market demand is much different than manufacturing demand, but they are inherently linked. This is where I think the frustration begins to mount. When there is a disjoint between the manufacturer and the secondary market, problems will inevitably arise.
Seeing Dr. Price post here, ask for feedback, and listen is one of the primary reasons that I buy ITG (and will continue to do so). He makes it easy for collectors to want to buy ITG cards because he literally shows us all the feedback loop necessary to provide a widely collectible product. When something 'doesn't work', he mans up and says 'sorry, we'll do that better next time.' How can you not respect that? I've sent Allan emails of both praise and criticism on previous releases. I'll do the same after I open my BTP.
I hope you understand what I'm trying to say... I don't have a problem with more manufacturers. I don't have a problem with more choices. I don't have a problem with a little, healthy competition. I take issue with the fact that there is an apparent total disregard for the opinions of the consumer.
