Nasty Rumor

I understand how an international partner like Panini will match the NHL/NHLPA 'global' marketing strategy. It really does make sense. My issue with the NHL/NHLPA is that while they grow their fan base, they seem to forget those of us that have been here and have been fans for the last few decades...

It shows a level of shortsighted-ness that is really quite disturbing. I think, if they tried, there could be a solution that addresses the needs of the manufacturers, the NHL/NHLPA, and (most importantly) us, the collectors and fans.

-FB...
 
I really can't see that Panini could possibly have the game used memorabilia to back up a full season release of products. Game Used cards are pivotal in any product that is released unless they intend on releasing crap like Collector's Choice. That stuff is not exactly enough to sustain a company. Ya, they might have some stuff left over from Pacific but seriously, most of their memorabilia was crap anyway, and they would have nothing from the last 7 years which is the most sought after stuff anyway. I think if Panini was in the market, it would be VERY small to start. There is no way they could have an exclusive deal.
 
A few words about my personal experience with Panini's customer service. I bought a box of Panini Rookies and Stars basketball on recommendation from the local hobby shop owner. One of the hits that I pulled was a manufactured patch hard signed auto 1/1 of the 76ers rookie Jrue Holiday. I was happy until I saw that the left edge of the card was crushed in and torn. I went to the paniniamerica website and followed their rather unwieldy customer service instructions in order to report the damage. They actually allow you to upload a picture or scan of the card. A ticket number is established and they give you very detailed instructions as to how you are supposed to send in the damaged card and what you need- upc code from the box, wrapper, store receipt etc. They will email you when there is any update to your request and then in my case they unilaterally made the decision to replace my Jrue Holiday 1/1 with a Jeff Teague 1/1 from the same set. This bothered me for 2 reasons. One was that it was a definite trade down as Holiday was a higher draft choice and at the time was a better hobby performer than Teague and secondly by them picking the Teague which I assume was a redemption in packs they are just perpetuating a problem and when the Teague redemption is redeemed they will have no stock to give to that collector. So on the one hand I was impressed with certain aspects of the process but not so happy with others. Dave
 
I agree that ITG should get a licence. I know no better product as Ultimate Memorabilia. Even without the logos its the best product to buy for me when I compare the price and quality. Also there is no other product where I have the feeling that the hockey history is breething on me.

Money matters for sure! In my opinion ITG cant compete in money level with UD and Panini, but Im pretty sure that they would destroy them if the get the chance to. :laugh:
 
Sacrebleu said:
A few words about my personal experience with Panini's customer service. I bought a box of Panini Rookies and Stars basketball on recommendation from the local hobby shop owner. One of the hits that I pulled was a manufactured patch hard signed auto 1/1 of the 76ers rookie Jrue Holiday. I was happy until I saw that the left edge of the card was crushed in and torn. I went to the paniniamerica website and followed their rather unwieldy customer service instructions in order to report the damage. They actually allow you to upload a picture or scan of the card. A ticket number is established and they give you very detailed instructions as to how you are supposed to send in the damaged card and what you need- upc code from the box, wrapper, store receipt etc. They will email you when there is any update to your request and then in my case they unilaterally made the decision to replace my Jrue Holiday 1/1 with a Jeff Teague 1/1 from the same set. This bothered me for 2 reasons. One was that it was a definite trade down as Holiday was a higher draft choice and at the time was a better hobby performer than Teague and secondly by them picking the Teague which I assume was a redemption in packs they are just perpetuating a problem and when the Teague redemption is redeemed they will have no stock to give to that collector. So on the one hand I was impressed with certain aspects of the process but not so happy with others. Dave
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That does seem like an impressive system they have. Best we can hope for is the Teague was not a redemption but extra stock (maybe late getting back to them) and the Holiday would be destroyed. Would really damage their rep if the holliday made it back out in the market
 
bprice said:
Maybe the source is right and we are in. I say that because I really like pizza and pasta.

How about this, Panini buys ITG and let's me run the hockey department.

Let's start that rumor, it has a happier ending for me.

Brian Price
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call me crazy but i'd rather that happen with you guys and UD. everyone touts your dedication and customer service and there's no question UD is the big dog in the game despite all their problems. the combination of both could be a win-win for everybody.



justinanika said:
...having the Donruss Pinnacle Brands under their belt I think they should be capable of putting out a decent Hockey product.
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while i'm sure there would be a decent product or two, having 2 companies worth of products in their fold when both couldn't really compete with UD when there was a free market doesn't sound very convincing.

and not that i have a problem with Panini getting a license, i'm just thinking UD not making cards at all would just be too big a hit for the hobby. not having any Young Guns, SP Authentic RCs, Ultimate Shields, and The Cup produced in addition to not having any big names that UD has locked up exclusively sounds like you're taking away a big chunk of the hobby.
 
I agree with Chris on this one, its all about money. $$$$$$$$$$$

But here's my question, why don't they make us an offer, even if it is for a ridiculous amount of money and give me the chance to say NO!

That's my gripe.

Are they pissed off that after they gave Upper Deck their monopoly, we didn't go away and fold our tent like others did. Are they trying to punish me for this, I would think they should look at that as dedication to the hobby and our loyal customers.

So all I am saying is that I feel we should be negotiated with, have an opportunity to know what they are asking for and if it is not economically sound, we will pass.

Right now, neither group are talking to us and that is a bad sign.

Brian Price
 
Fred Bear said:
So I was browsing the rest of the web and came across this from a certain 'hobby leader' website...



I really hope, for the sake of the hobby, that this is not true...

-Fred Bear...
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I really hope for the sake of this town, that they get a better Italian restaurant than Pizza Hut
 
oasis said:
BTW did anyone see that Panini is bringing back an old pacific product "crown Royale" to its basketball line!

Havent they heard the old adage "those who dont know history are condemned to repeat it"
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As someone who loved Crown Royale (save for the year that they didn't do the full out crown design), I'm curious as to why you are damning it :)
 
bprice said:
I agree with Chris on this one, its all about money. $$$$$$$$$$$

But here's my question, why don't they make us an offer, even if it is for a ridiculous amount of money and give me the chance to say NO!

That's my gripe.

Are they pissed off that after they gave Upper Deck their monopoly, we didn't go away and fold our tent like others did. Are they trying to punish me for this, I would think they should look at that as dedication to the hobby and our loyal customers.

So all I am saying is that I feel we should be negotiated with, have an opportunity to know what they are asking for and if it is not economically sound, we will pass.

Right now, neither group are talking to us and that is a bad sign.

Brian Price
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Do you have a phone number of who we should call or better yet an email! I mean how would the NHL/NHLPA switchboard handle a million calls from fans of ITG?
 
oasis said:
Do you have a phone number of who we should call or better yet an email! I mean how would the NHL/NHLPA switchboard handle a million calls from fans of ITG?
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I would gladly take the time to email anybody in charge of licensing with my support for ITG.
 
oasis said:
Do you have a phone number of who we should call or better yet an email! I mean how would the NHL/NHLPA switchboard handle a million calls from fans of ITG?
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I have been looking all over the NHL and NHLPA sites for something... MLB actually has it readily accessible. Best I can come up with - use the 'Contact Us' Page on NHL and route to 'NHL Consumer Product Marketing' and on the NHLPA site, just use the 'Contact Us' form. It might not be the best, but it's a start. We can at least show them that as collectors and fans, we are paying attention very closely to this decision!
 
According to the NHL Guide and Record Book:

- NHLPA phone number is (416) 313-2300

- NHL is (212) 789-2000 for their New York office
 
I'm a little confused.

I thought at one point the majority of us had agreed that the exclusive is bad news, and that any end to the exclusive deal (with or without ITG) would be a positive change from the current situation. It would allow competition for the NHL hockey card marketplace.

If the 2010-2011 deal is a dual license for Upper Deck and Panini, that would fit the bill, wouldn't it?
 
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Adam Larry of the NHLPA and Dave McCarthy of the NHL are supposed to be appearing at an industry conference in Las Vagas in mid-April.

Perhaps at that time they will make know what it seems everyone already knows.

Just heard the same thing from a recently fired UD employee who was looking for a job. How could he know and the NHLPA and NHL don't let us know?

Seems like 2004-05 all over again. More sleepless nights ahead.

When the monopoly is over and we are shutout again, don't forget about us.

Brian Price
 
hatzosman6 said:
I'm a little confused.

I thought at one point the majority of us had agreed that the exclusive is bad news, and that any end to the exclusive deal (with or without ITG) would be a positive change from the current situation. It would allow competition for the NHL hockey card marketplace.

If the 2010-2011 deal is a dual license for Upper Deck and Panini, that would fit the bill, wouldn't it?
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I agree with this, it seemed everyone favoured an end to the exclusive no matter if ITG was in it or not.

Now it appears ITG might not be included in a deal many people are set to lynch Pannini?

Of course it would be easier if ITG got in but if they dont dont sweat it as long as they continue to make cards they will have a fan base.

Just dont go judging the book by the cover yet, remember even though there are multiple sources apparently deep inside the hobby reporting this, this is still just a rumour.

Is there no fairness for a fair trial here? Innocent until proven guilty? Or do we just skip all that now.
 
justinanika said:
I agree with this, it seemed everyone favoured an end to the exclusive no matter if ITG was in it or not.

Now it appears ITG might not be included in a deal many people are set to lynch Pannini?

Of course it would be easier if ITG got in but if they dont dont sweat it as long as they continue to make cards they will have a fan base.

Just dont go judging the book by the cover yet, remember even though there are multiple sources apparently deep inside the hobby reporting this, this is still just a rumour.

Is there no fairness for a fair trial here? Innocent until proven guilty? Or do we just skip all that now.
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I'm not looking to lynch anyone and I don't know if Panini's inclusion is really what's causing the angst. As you point out, if the rumors are true, the monopoly will be gone and competition will return to the marketplace. Undeniably, both GREAT things for the hobby.

The issue for me is that it appears, on the surface anyways (since it doesn't appear that anybody has all of the information obviously), that ITG may never have even been considered to become a licensee. By not at least considering and/or talking to Dr. Price, I don't get the sense that the NHL/NHLPA really cares who is buying their licensed products (as long as they are getting paid). Assuming the rumors to be true, it appears that they took the first comers with bags of money and then closed the door.

Again, we're (hopefully) getting well ahead of ourselves with all the speculation.

I guess, for me, if this is how the NHL/NHLPA chooses to 'rewards' their fans (by not even talking to one of only 2 current hockey card manufacturers), I will choose to keep UD on my banned list, I will maintain my level of purchasing with ITG, and I will likely give 1-2 Panini releases a shot.

It will definitely be interesting over the next couple of months as all of this unfolds...
 
if anyone gets an exclusive that's not UD, they better be able to poach some exclusive contracts away. It'll be hard to buy a product if the only hits are the new rookie crop. This would also mean we should expect two Cup releases this year?

If it's just the end of the monopoly... let's just try things out before we come to any conclusions
 

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