Idea to curb patch faking...

Do you think that further tiering Cup RCs will deter patch forgers?

  • This is a good idea, I think it would work!

    Votes: 24 51.1%

  • This is a bad idea, I don't think collectors will like it.

    Votes: 23 48.9%
  • Total voters
    47
  • Poll closed .
Triple B

Triple B

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Just curious as to what everyone's reaction would be to something like this happening...

This idea might only apply to rookie cards as it might be a tad difficult to apply it to other inserts. My focus is mainly for The Cup RCs.

I sent an idea to Chris Carlin about FURTHER tiering the rookie cards in products like The Cup. The example I used was with the John Tavares RC (knowing that the product is due for release soon, I understand that this idea can not apply to this year's edition).

Since Tavares' RC is limited to 99 copies, Upper Deck might want to determine how many of those RCs will have a mind-blowing patch. My idea was for 25 cards to have multi coloured patches and the rest to have blue, white or orange patches. The cards would be numbered according to the severity of the patch. They would break down as such:

#1-#5 - ridiclous, high end patches (from the chest logo or complex patches)

#6-#10 - semi-attractive patches (3-4 colours, breaks or patches with jersey pieces)

#11-#25 - 2-3 colour patches

#26-#99 - 1-2 colour (uneventful) patches

This would cut down on the need for pictures as collectors would know that the cards numbered 1-5 would be the prime cards and all of the rest would fall in line. If a patch faker decided that he/she/Kenny was going to put a fake patch in card #50, you can automatically call shenanigans on it.

Good idea? Bad idea? It would take a little more work on UDs part, but I think it would deter patch faking on RCs AT LEAST.
 
what about cards numbered to their jersey numbers? a big value boost for some collectors...always disappointing when they get the player's jersey # and card comes with a worthless to mediocre patch.
 
es_19 said:
what about cards numbered to their jersey numbers? a big value boost for some collectors...always disappointing when they get the player's jersey # and card comes with a worthless to mediocre patch.
Click to expand...

Falls in line with the tiering. If it has the player's jersey # on it, those are bells and whistles enough, no? Plus, for Upper Deck to pull that card from the numbering machine just to make sure it has a nice patch is a stretch and will require too much extra effort.
 
Triple B said:
Falls in line with the tiering. If it has the player's jersey # on it, those are bells and whistles enough, no?
Click to expand...

You'd like to think so, but we are talking about Upper Deck here. Might be a bit complicated for a QC dept that has trouble putting on autograph stickers the right side up.
I see the logic in this idea, I just dont think the collecting community would accept it with open arms.
 
I'd be ok with them doing something similar to what they do with Ice and the sig swatches. Acetate over the entire card thus covering the patch in the process. Another option is to make the existing patch absolutely impossible to get out of the card without severe damage. From what I've heard, they use tape to hold patches in place now. Not sure if this is true though. I don't see any reason why they can't use some sort of super adhesive glue that won't budge. The other option is to somehow minimize the space between the top of the patch and top layer of the card. Possibly "snug" the top up against the patch. I can see this lead to creases though.

I really don't know other than that I don't buy/collect patches anymore unless I see it pulled in person, I personally pull it, or someone here offers one up from a box break.
 
I like it.

We are now at the point where if you didn't pull it, or don't know the person who pulled it, then it's fake.

If it's from Ontario, it's fake.

and so on....
 
The logistics are going to be problematic. I think more important than your suggestion though is EDUCATION. It's not worthwhile to commit to the extra effort if the downstream beneficiaries don't KNOW what it's intended to accomplish. That would require an admission on UD's part that the integrity of their product has been compromised - and that's not necessarily an admission that they're interested in making, as it'll KILL any residual confidence in their product.

Also as a significant problem to be addressed: QC. This is one endeavor which HAS to be without flaws. All it takes is one instance of "killer patch went on #30 instead of #1-5" confirmed by UD for the whole structure to come undone and be left vulnerable to that turd fondler and his ilk.
 
Got a message back from Chris and it looks like all of the Cup images (of the nicer patches) are being displayed on their Facebook account. He mentions that this MIGHT be an idea they can look at if they decide to go another route (meaning if the photos don't work).
 
It's clear UD is aware of the problem. I would also suggest with Al Muir on board, Panini is equally aware. The first one to do something material, end effective to either make faking impossible/unprofitable when it comes to their respective brands would win over a lot of serious collectors.

As for your idea Triple B, I like it as a start, but ultimately there are probably more effective and/or efficient ways to counter the problem.

Ultimately, a complete photo archive is the closest to foolproof option, IMO.
 
Triple B said:
Got a message back from Chris and it looks like all of the Cup images (of the nicer patches) are being displayed on their Facebook account. He mentions that this MIGHT be an idea they can look at if they decide to go another route (meaning if the photos don't work).
Click to expand...

Facebook is a nice idea, but its often hard to see serial numbers in their photos, and its hard to find the card you are looking for.

I like the idea of further tiering, although I question UD's ability to pull it off.

There is also the problem with making the casual collectors aware of these features.
 
I think what UD Should do is put all 99 picture of the rookie cards on there site so that we can see what they look like..
 
Bad idea.

What if they put a decent piece in the high numbers and you pull it ? Its automaticly fake ? Its not like they dont put sticker auto upside down or put wrong jersey below players un multi jersey card.

By limitating decent patch to 10 on a 99 rc, your limitating your return as a breaker.

Keep it aleatory.

If they keep your idea i hope you pull a Subban 26-99 next year.:laugh:
 
I still think every card, if a GU piece is necessary, should have a single colored patch... then we would know for sure!

I like the idea Ryan, but the logistics are beyond UD and their manufacturing methods. They can't glue the right pice of fabric onto the right piece of cardboard at times...

Cory
 

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