JSOKOL1626
Verified Trader
I learned recently that beginning in April, Upper Deck will begin their new "Brick and Mortar" policy. Essentially this new policy will require that all Upper Deck products must pass through a card shop in order to reach retail customers. Dealers who sell solely at shows and (or) through the internet will no longer be able to purchase UD products from distributors.
I have some pretty strong feelings about this policy. Over the years I have found the best prices for wax buys have been on the net or at local card shows. Internet and show dealers usually have less overhead than shop owners and can offer products at a lower cost. Competition creates a more favorable buyer's market.
Secondly, there are many communities in the US and Canada that don't have retail card shops but are within a reasonable distance of a card show. I believe the new policy will severely limit the amount of wax that will be available at those shows.
Thirdly, Upper Deck is becoming a monopoly. The company currently has the entire NHL card market, a considerable market share of basketball and baseball and is one of only three companies authorized to produce NFL cards. The new policy manipulates prices by channeling all products through a middle man. Further, it is estimated that 10-20% of existing wax dealers will be forced out of business because they don't own shops. How can Upper Deck have such a major impact on the market? Simple, they own most of it and therefore can control it.
Finally, a few comments about Upper Deck. Am I the only person who feels that they are unresponsive to their customers' concerns? Their redemption program is awful, many of us have waited a year or longer for a card to be redeemed. When replacement cards are offered they are usually disappointing. Sticker autographs are very unpopular. Higher end UD products result in little value compared to the cost. Upper Deck has turned the hobby into high stakes gambling. You spend $100 or more for a box and then face overwhelming odds that you will get $100 in card value from that box. How will this new poklicy change any of this? It won't, in fact it will make it all worse.
Sorry for the long read, but I've feel I've been silent for too long. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I have some pretty strong feelings about this policy. Over the years I have found the best prices for wax buys have been on the net or at local card shows. Internet and show dealers usually have less overhead than shop owners and can offer products at a lower cost. Competition creates a more favorable buyer's market.
Secondly, there are many communities in the US and Canada that don't have retail card shops but are within a reasonable distance of a card show. I believe the new policy will severely limit the amount of wax that will be available at those shows.
Thirdly, Upper Deck is becoming a monopoly. The company currently has the entire NHL card market, a considerable market share of basketball and baseball and is one of only three companies authorized to produce NFL cards. The new policy manipulates prices by channeling all products through a middle man. Further, it is estimated that 10-20% of existing wax dealers will be forced out of business because they don't own shops. How can Upper Deck have such a major impact on the market? Simple, they own most of it and therefore can control it.
Finally, a few comments about Upper Deck. Am I the only person who feels that they are unresponsive to their customers' concerns? Their redemption program is awful, many of us have waited a year or longer for a card to be redeemed. When replacement cards are offered they are usually disappointing. Sticker autographs are very unpopular. Higher end UD products result in little value compared to the cost. Upper Deck has turned the hobby into high stakes gambling. You spend $100 or more for a box and then face overwhelming odds that you will get $100 in card value from that box. How will this new poklicy change any of this? It won't, in fact it will make it all worse.
Sorry for the long read, but I've feel I've been silent for too long. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
