UD Sorta did something right

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slave13

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So, in September of 2008, I pulled a redemption for a Ron Sutter autographed card. Pretty pathetic redemption really. I mean, come on, if he can't sign ahead, is there really any value in keeping him in the set? Anyway, I put in the code as I knew it would never sell and is just another autograph in my collection. Time went by and in February of 2010 I asked to have a replacement. They asked me what some of the players I collect. So, I put the usual, Gretzky, Roy, Price, Crosby, Beliveau. Today, I got my replacement. It was a Jean Beliveau autograph from 2008 Ultimate. That is a pretty good replacement for Ron Sutter. Anyway, UD did a great job with this replacement anyway.
 
slave13 said:
So, in September of 2008, I pulled a redemption for a Ron Sutter autographed card. Pretty pathetic redemption really. I mean, come on, if he can't sign ahead, is there really any value in keeping him in the set? Anyway, I put in the code as I knew it would never sell and is just another autograph in my collection. Time went by and in February of 2010 I asked to have a replacement. They asked me what some of the players I collect. So, I put the usual, Gretzky, Roy, Price, Crosby, Beliveau. Today, I got my replacement. It was a Jean Beliveau autograph from 2008 Ultimate. That is a pretty good replacement for Ron Sutter. Anyway, UD did a great job with this replacement anyway.
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Sorta did something right? I'd say they went above and beyond the call here. When you try to swap out Ron Sutter for any of the big names - you should be happy you got anything close to that.

It kills me when I see people thinking they can realistically believe that they can get a high $ card for a card that would get significantly less than one of those if it were live. Be realistic when you're swapping out redemptions - if you are, believe it or not you won't be disappointed. When I've swapped out my redemptions, I've been reasonable and in turn I've never been disappointed by what I've received. If you have a redemption for a big name, then try to swap out for a similar big name - otherwise aim lower.

You might think it was a pathetic redemption in the first place - but I do know that there were plenty of people trying to collect all the Sutter brothers' autos.
 
Hama said:
Sorta did something right? I'd say they went above and beyond the call here. When you try to swap out Ron Sutter for any of the big names - you should be happy you got anything close to that.

It kills me when I see people thinking they can realistically believe that they can get a high $ card for a card that would get significantly less than one of those if it were live. Be realistic when you're swapping out redemptions - if you are, believe it or not you won't be disappointed. When I've swapped out my redemptions, I've been reasonable and in turn I've never been disappointed by what I've received. If you have a redemption for a big name, then try to swap out for a similar big name - otherwise aim lower.

You might think it was a pathetic redemption in the first place - but I do know that there were plenty of people trying to collect all the Sutter brothers' autos.
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Yeah, I have to agree here. It's a bit much to expect to get any of those names for a Sutter but people seem to think that UD owes them a monster name for their time. :rolleyes:
 
I agree that there are definitely Sutter collectors out there.

As to UD and replacements, I have had several. Not in one case did i ever receive a card that I wanted or needed. After sending a list of those I collected -retired players- I received low level rookies I never collect and have no interest in. This was the case on at least half a dozen occasions.

Contrary to what you have posted, I have always been disappointed by the replacement program.

Here is one case. I waited 2 years for a parkhurst 06-07 auto. I contacted UD and they told me I could ask for a replacement but they had an automated system coming online shortly. (I do not believe they ever started that program btw). After antoher 6 months I sent them a message telling them I collected autos of retired players, and that any one would do. Flash forward 2 months and I get a package in the mail. What did I get? 2 low end rookie cards and a football jersey card.

This is only one example of what UD has done to me personally and I will bet I am not the only one.


Hama said:
Sorta did something right? I'd say they went above and beyond the call here. When you try to swap out Ron Sutter for any of the big names - you should be happy you got anything close to that.

It kills me when I see people thinking they can realistically believe that they can get a high $ card for a card that would get significantly less than one of those if it were live. Be realistic when you're swapping out redemptions - if you are, believe it or not you won't be disappointed. When I've swapped out my redemptions, I've been reasonable and in turn I've never been disappointed by what I've received. If you have a redemption for a big name, then try to swap out for a similar big name - otherwise aim lower.

You might think it was a pathetic redemption in the first place - but I do know that there were plenty of people trying to collect all the Sutter brothers' autos.
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Sorta did something right? That sure is a backhanded compliment if I have ever heard one. I'd say your replacement blew the Sutter out of the water.

Why can't people just give UD credit when it is due? It has become the "cool" thing to bash UD, even though patronage proves we like their products.
 
I'm not saying that UD is faultless either, I'm going by my experiences and I can say I have been treated fairly whenever I cashed in my redemptions. But when you shoot for the moon when you ask for a replacement, you shouldn't be upset when you don't have unrealistic expectations met.
 
charvey9 said:
Sorta did something right? That sure is a backhanded compliment if I have ever heard one. I'd say your replacement blew the Sutter out of the water.

Why can't people just give UD credit when it is due? It has become the "cool" thing to bash UD, even though patronage proves we like their products.
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Hold on. I think the OP was being rather objective with his post.

Understand that redemptions have been a contentious issue with UD. They can't handle them, their CEO publicly announced that redemptions would transitionally become a thing of the past (and even provided target dates), and yet they continue to litter their products with redemptions.

In this case, it took 19 months for his redemption to be processed. He's giving UD great credit for giving him the Beliveau while providing constuctive criticism about their redemption processes.

I don't think anyone considers it "cool" to bash UD. As for patronage, I think what's proven is that people like the NHL, collecting cards, and will do so even if there is no other alternative.
 
I wasn't complaining about the replacement card at all. I am a huge habs fan and I am ecstatic about the card. I just hate the redemption process and the fact that it took 19 months for me to get something from them. During this whole process, their customer support didn't send me any emails notifying me of what I was to be getting. On March 5th, it said that my card was fulfilled. A month later and several emails to UD with no response, and this comes in the mail. I love the card, just hate the process. I don't believe that redemption autos have a place in the hobby. If players can't get their "sticker" to UD in time for pack out, then they should not be included. Maybe there should be something in the contract agreement with the NHLPA to force its members to participate promptly in these programs as it is in their interest as well.
 
slave13 said:
I wasn't complaining about the replacement card at all. I am a huge habs fan and I am ecstatic about the card. I just hate the redemption process and the fact that it took 19 months for me to get something from them. During this whole process, their customer support didn't send me any emails notifying me of what I was to be getting. On March 5th, it said that my card was fulfilled. A month later and several emails to UD with no response, and this comes in the mail. I love the card, just hate the process. I don't believe that redemption autos have a place in the hobby. If players can't get their "sticker" to UD in time for pack out, then they should not be included. Maybe there should be something in the contract agreement with the NHLPA to force its members to participate promptly in these programs as it is in their interest as well.
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You can try to force the players to fulfill their commitments - but at the end of the day, if a player doesn't want to do it, they won't do it. And forcing them to do is fine in one instance - but then once their commitment is done, chances are you won't be seeing autographs again or at least for quite awhile from that player. Why do something you're being forced to do when a lot of the players really don't need the money or spend the time to do it?

I will say this, unless you stay on top of the redemption situation yourself, don't expect to hear anything from UD whatsoever. With redemptions, I've found that being proactive and calling to either check on status of certain players or just requesting a swap out - you have to do it yourself to keep it under your control as much as possible. I usually made the first move in swapping out my redemptions as soon as they could so I could get requests in before they sent replacements out unilaterally
 
I have always been happy with the replacements I get.....I even pick up redemptions I know won't be filled to see what I get. I also never ask for the big guys like Crosby and Ovechkin. I always ask for Iginla, Linden and Kesler and I always get what I ask for and several times very low numbered autos. Seems to me if you are realistic in what you ask for they usually come through for you.
 
After 3 months you can request a replacement on any redemption card. UD will not automatically swap anything out, as some collectors would rather wait than receive another card. They've been pretty good lately on swap outs, but it's going to take them quite some time to overcome their reputation. I'm hoping the limited focus on Hockey and NCAA will bring dramatic improvement on the customer service side. I think UD needs the collectors now more than ever. Shoe's on the other foot for a time!

Oh, and I think Hama was spot on with his assessment of chasing players for auto's. I remember opening my first 2 boxes of Panini Basketball a couple months back. Both boxes has redemption cards in them. Here's the "new player" on the block, deep pockets, shelled out big bucks for an exclusive, and is signing NBA players to long-term signing contracts. And some NBA players are not turning in STICKERS on time for production. Not too bright if you're a player that hopes to make an impression on the new exclusive card maker. Just goes to show you, though, it's always been about the players just not getting their stuff back in time.
 
Wait... you got a BELIVEAU Ultimate Auto? From 07-08? Are these more autos that wern't on the cheklist that are being sent out?
 
I think UD has some making up to do with the horrible experiences a lot of people have had. They did put the customer behind the almighty dollar for a long time, and now that their product line is slimming down I hope they finally realize they'd better take care of the assets they have....the true fan and collector. I'm glad you got that card. I'm glad UD provided it to you. However great the gap may be between the Sutter Redemption you originally had and the Beliveau you requested, the bottom line is that UD was UNABLE to provide the product they originally released. It is their responsibility to create a positive customer experience and right their wrong....they certainly did it in this case. Congrats.
 
UD has tanked huge on redemption's and then come back and people have made out like a bandit on their redemption's. It really seems as though there is no rhyme nor reason as to how they actually figure out a fair replacement. When everyone is shooting for the moon asking for Crosby, Gretzky, Orr and such you know that 9/10 times your going to end up with a scrub for your troubles. You have been one of the lucky ones who have made out like a bandit.
 

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