Triple B
Verified Trader,
I know this is baseball, but this is towards sports cards in general. Upper Deck has bypassed the distributors and card shops with the introduction of ePack. Everyone who cares has an opinion about it but it doesn't really matter, ePack is here to stay.
Now comes word that Topps is bypassing the distributors and card shops (unless you're an "MVP Direct Store") with 2016 Topps Finest. The product will be "made to order" and you can pre-order the cards April 27th to May 9th. Here is the release from Topps:
Subject: '16 Topps Finest Baseball Distribution
’16 Topps Finest Baseball will be available through two different distribution channels; through Topps MVP direct stores and via Topps.com. All MVP stores will receive their existing orders on the release date of May 18th. Distributors, hobby stores (non-direct and direct), breakers and consumers will be able to purchase ’16 Topps Finest Baseball by the case at a price of $799.89/case plus shipping during a pre-order window from April 27th thru May 9th. Orders will be on a 1st come 1st serve basis while supplies last. These orders will be delivered on the release date.
Starting on May 18th, if there is inventory still available, orders by the box at $99.99 plus shipping as well as by the case at $799.89 each plus shipping will be available to purchase and will be shipped in the order they are received.
Kevin O’Neil
Hobby Sales Manager
The Topps Company-Sports & Entertainment
So basically (if I'm reading this correctly), you can preorder from April 27th to May 9th for $100US a box or $800US a case. This is $15 higher per box than most are used to paying, keeping in mind that distributors and B&M are not in the equation.
I don't know what card companies are thinking by taking this road, but it doesn't bode well for the middle man and the savings are MOST DEFINITELY being passed on to the consumers.
I'm just waiting for the announcement that card companies will be selling singles on their websites to compete with dealers and with eBay.
Unreal.
Now comes word that Topps is bypassing the distributors and card shops (unless you're an "MVP Direct Store") with 2016 Topps Finest. The product will be "made to order" and you can pre-order the cards April 27th to May 9th. Here is the release from Topps:
Subject: '16 Topps Finest Baseball Distribution
’16 Topps Finest Baseball will be available through two different distribution channels; through Topps MVP direct stores and via Topps.com. All MVP stores will receive their existing orders on the release date of May 18th. Distributors, hobby stores (non-direct and direct), breakers and consumers will be able to purchase ’16 Topps Finest Baseball by the case at a price of $799.89/case plus shipping during a pre-order window from April 27th thru May 9th. Orders will be on a 1st come 1st serve basis while supplies last. These orders will be delivered on the release date.
Starting on May 18th, if there is inventory still available, orders by the box at $99.99 plus shipping as well as by the case at $799.89 each plus shipping will be available to purchase and will be shipped in the order they are received.
Kevin O’Neil
Hobby Sales Manager
The Topps Company-Sports & Entertainment
So basically (if I'm reading this correctly), you can preorder from April 27th to May 9th for $100US a box or $800US a case. This is $15 higher per box than most are used to paying, keeping in mind that distributors and B&M are not in the equation.
I don't know what card companies are thinking by taking this road, but it doesn't bode well for the middle man and the savings are MOST DEFINITELY being passed on to the consumers.
I'm just waiting for the announcement that card companies will be selling singles on their websites to compete with dealers and with eBay.
Unreal.
