ARTICLE RESEARCH: Need your REDEMPTION stats/stories!

[Stl_Cardinals_Fan]

Hey Guys,

So on the way to work the other day I had a great idea for a title of an article dealing with redemptions which I had just discussed at length with a local card shop manager. So with that in mind, I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Your information makes this article possible! Please answer with the following questions as best you can.

1 - How many redemtions have you pulled?

2 - Of those, how many were properly fulfilled (i.e, you received what you were promised)?

3 - How many had to be replaced due to inability to fulfill (i.e. they couldn't make the card they promised)?

4 - How many are still pending? If any have been pending more than 1 year, note the full length of wait time.

5 - In an average year how much card product do you buy? (approximate # of cases, boxes, or packs).

6 - How easy is it to communicate with the companies (Topps, UD, Panini, etc) when it comes to redemptions?

7 - Any general comments or stories about redemptions.

Thanks in advance guys. Anyone who contributes information will get thanked in the article!

Daniel

NOTE - I dont collect Hockey, but I assume you guys have redemptions too.

[Johnsson]

1. Five in total
a) Two 'normal' redempetions
b) Two redemptions that had expired at the time I got them (from Parkhurst 2006-07)
c) One redemption from artifacts (which has one redemption per box)

2. Two out of three or two out of five, depending on if you count the expired redemptions or not.

3. One out of three (it was a Brodeur from 2012, he refused to sign cards for UD that year) or one out of five.

4. None.

5. Around 5-8 boxes, approximately $500-$700

6. I'm from Europe and have only had 'trouble' with one redemption. The player refused to sign the card so I was asked to specify what kind of cards I wanted in replacement and I got a pretty fair replacement. It was handled via email since I didn't want to handle it via the phone.

7. Personally, I dislike the very idea with autograph redemptions since it's a cause of lots of problems:

a) Cards being destroyed or not destroyed, causing uncertainy in the market, and makes it harder for set collectors and other collectors to correctly value a card. There are plenty of autosets which have cards listed that does not exist and existing cards that are not listed.

b) Expiration date. The companies says that it's because of the law, but that is a poor excuse. It devalues the product.

c) Joy and excitement. The moment you hit a card you want is one of the most thrilling experiences this hobby has to offer. Getting a redemption makes it less exciting, the time it takes for it to be delivered drains the joy out of it and it can turn into a real mess if you don't get the specific card that the redemption card promised.

d) Production lazyness or trouble. The companies are basically making their problem into our (the collectors) problem. We are the ones that are losing the time and resources. That is not something a company should aim for to do. I'd personally like to see the companies insert cards that arrived to late in later products (Upper Deck did this with Lindros cards from Parkhurst Champions) or just strike the card out of the set and either don't sign the player to a deal or give him fewer cards to sign.

e) Useful redemptions. I think redemptions that are for cards or things that are too big or heavy to fit in a pack (like the diamond or ticket cards from UD Black Diamond or Panini Contenders, or a redemption for a whole jersey) are cool and seems to work well. It's like the golden ticket to the Willy Wonka Factory. They make it even more exciting to open a product. Artifacts and that kind of redemptions feels unnecessary. Their value is not that great (a Artifacts RC of Doughty can be had for 5$, which is half the price of what his Young Guns RC is going for, even though the Artifacts card is ten times as rare). There are simply to many different RC's on the market. Have another insert for legends, defensive d-men, trophy-winners, whatever or just make fewer cards.

[flemingc04]

1 - How many redemtions have you pulled? 4 or 5

2 - Of those, how many were properly fulfilled (i.e, you received what you were promised)? All except one. The one got replaced and I got exactly what we negotiated on

3 - How many had to be replaced due to inability to fulfill (i.e. they couldn't make the card they promised)? One (see response above)

4 - How many are still pending? If any have been pending more than 1 year, note the full length of wait time. None

5 - In an average year how much card product do you buy? (approximate # of cases, boxes, or packs). 3-4 Boxes

6 - How easy is it to communicate with the companies (Topps, UD, Panini, etc) when it comes to redemptions? Personally, I haven't had much problems with communicating with UD or Panini.

7 - Any general comments or stories about redemptions. I have mainly bought my redemption cards rather than pulled them. The one that couldn't be fulfilled was for a 6-auto UD SP Authentic Sign of the Times which I pulled from a loose pack but was never made because one of the 6 players never signed. I negotiated my replacement because I showed them what the value was to me and kindly demanded that I get the same value in return (which I did). I sent them a list of players that I collect and was satisfied in the end. In total, I think I waited 2 years before I decided to have the card replaced.

Panini did a program at the Toronto Card Expo a year ago where you could "trade in" unfulfilled redemptions for something of similar value at their booth. Replacement cards were sorted by value in boxes and all hidden in penny sleeves with base cards covering the front and backs so that the customer only knew they were getting something of similar value in return. I had a redemption for a auto'd rookie who had little demand with collectors and walked away with a short-printed Crosby Jersey card in return.

[30ranfordfan]

1 - How many redemtions have you pulled? 5 or 6.

2 - Of those, how many were properly fulfilled (i.e, you received what you were promised)? All but one.

3 - How many had to be replaced due to inability to fulfill (i.e. they couldn't make the card they promised)? Just the one.

4 - How many are still pending? If any have been pending more than 1 year, note the full length of wait time. None at the moment.

5 - In an average year how much card product do you buy? (approximate # of cases, boxes, or packs). 10-30 boxes, depending on the year's product.

6 - How easy is it to communicate with the companies (Topps, UD, Panini, etc) when it comes to redemptions? Horrible. Panini has a system that let's you directly send a message to them regarding a specific redemption. Anytime I used it, I never recieved a reply. Upper Deck generally does not respond to emails at all. To be fair to both companies - that's my past experience. I have not attempted to email either of them since the 2010-11 season, so maybe they're much better now?

7 - Any general comments or stories about redemptions.

The one and only card I had to get replaced was an SPGU Letter Marks of Bill Ranford, autographed and #ed to 50. Had this card been live, I would have chased a 7 card "set" (one card for each letter in his name). I waited about 3 and half years for it, at which time Upper Deck changed the status to 'unavailable, contact for replacement' (or something like that). IMO - This is already a pathetic way of doing things. They've got my email address, someone should have contacted me.

Regadless, I contacted them. They told me they would replace it, and I should send them a list of players I collect. I told them this:
- I don't want an alternate card of Bill Ranford. I have them all.
- I don't want anything with Grant Fuhr. I have way more Fuhr stuff that I really want
- I told them I collect Oilers (as well as Ranford) and I would prefer a nice (hard signed) autograph card of Paul Coffey or Mark Messier, picturing them as an Oiler.
- If they can't do that (Coffey or Messier) please contact me, and I will try and find somthing else. My concern was that I wasn't getting a card I wanted, and they'd replace it with somthing that I had zero interest in owning.

I never hear back from them, despite the fact that I emailed them several times during the next two months, asking about the status of my replacement. My emails were outright ignored. Didn't get a single reply. Then a package shows up from UD. What's in it?

A Grant Fuhr Autograph /25
A Bill Ranford & Grant Fuhr Jersey/Auto /50

Both were very nice cards, and I think the combination was very good value for the card I didn't recieved. On that front, UD did very well. Except they basically took the email I sent them, and sent me EXACTLY what I asked them NOT TO DO.

You can tell from reading that, even several years later.... I'm still annoyed. They sent me two cards that were pretty much usless to me, in place of something I actually wanted. Hasn't stoped me from buying their products though, so I guess I'm a bit of a sucker, lol.

Thanks in advance guys. Anyone who contributes information will get thanked in the article!

Daniel

NOTE - I dont collect Hockey, but I assume you guys have redemptions too.

[RGM81]

I won't factor in the Artifacts & Ultra redemptions into the equation here since they're not dependent upon the player signing.

1 - How many redemtions have you pulled?

In total between Upper Deck and Panini, 19. Only one through ITG (an 08-09 HSHS) Most of these aren't pulled as such, but acquired through trades, etc.

2 - Of those, how many were properly fulfilled (i.e, you received what you were promised)?

Of the 16 closed cases, all but one were fulfilled eventually.

3 - How many had to be replaced due to inability to fulfill (i.e. they couldn't make the card they promised)?

One old one. It was a Josh Gorges auto from 07-08 SP Game Used that I waited more than a year and a half for before calling in the redemption. The card was ultimately made just last year, much to my joy. I am also in the process of getting a replacement for a PK Subban Trilogy auto that I've been told will not be fulfilled.

4 - How many are still pending? If any have been pending more than 1 year, note the full length of wait time.

Including that Subban being swapped, I have three pending redemption cases. One is with Upper Deck (Gallagher SPx) and one is with Panini (Beaulieu Dominion).

5 - In an average year how much card product do you buy? (approximate # of cases, boxes, or packs).

It varies. Some years I'm more engaged than in others. I've broken more product this year than I have at any point since 2008-09, for sure.

6 - How easy is it to communicate with the companies (Topps, UD, Panini, etc) when it comes to redemptions?

I've never had any problems. I always tell people to call instead of e-mail. I try to be as understanding as possible of the situation and I'm prepared when I make the call with my list of replacements if that's the purpose of the call. UD's Customer Service and Redemption teams have always worked well with me. Panini I've only had to call maybe once or twice and they were pretty good too.

7 - Any general comments or stories about redemptions.

They are indeed the ultimate necessary evil (and one can debate whether they are necessary) of the hobby. I understand why they exist. If it's a top-end product you want to have the best players available in some capacity. Imagine having a Cup release without any Crosby or Gretzky content because they didn't get the cards back in time. Would be a disaster.
If there is one "fun" aspect to them, it is to do with auto memorabilia cards - you always cross your fingers that you get the ultimate awesome sweet mega-patch to go along with your card. And in that regard I was fairly fortunate on this particular Carey Price redemption:


But you see the folks that get a really low-numbered Crosby auto patch and it's a plain black or something, and that does let people down for sure.
In The Game also does the He Shoots He Scores/Saves redemption program, and I participated in that in 2008-09. I got a very cool Datsyuk/Ovechkin with Ovechkin auto, which I was able to trade straight across for a Roy/Price with Price auto. Love those cards.

So my feelings are certainly mixed on the subject of redemption cards. Obviously I'd prefer to see them not be necessary, but sometimes there are issues beyond the control of the card companies that will likely keep them a regular feature of products for years to come. As long as we, the collectors, demand hard-signed autographed content the challenge will always be there.

[peterz17]

1 - How many redemtions have you pulled?

I think about 7 as far as i can remember.

2 - Of those, how many were properly fulfilled (i.e, you received what you were promised)?

5 so far, and all without a hassle.

3 - How many had to be replaced due to inability to fulfill (i.e. they couldn't make the card they promised)?

1 was not and it was actually my first redemption pull (06/07 UD series 1 Kimmo Timonen signature sensations), and 1 is currently pending with Panini for a year now.

4 - How many are still pending? If any have been pending more than 1 year, note the full length of wait time.

Only 1 and from what I've heard from panini on it is that they are waiting on one player to return their auto (quad auto sticker booklet). Damn you Ryan Callahan! Pending for a year now but the product has been out since the 11/12 season (2 seasons ago).

5 - In an average year how much card product do you buy? (approximate # of cases, boxes, or packs).

I probably buy about 10-12 boxes a year. Depends if something comes out that I really like.

6 - How easy is it to communicate with the companies (Topps, UD, Panini, etc) when it comes to redemptions?

I have never had a problem where I had to call Upper Deck, when i contacted Panini about the pending card they gave me a straight up answer (through email that they were waiting for Callahan's auto), not some generic "we are waiting for the players to sign" and said the card would get made. PaniniCSM on twitter is great so if anyone has questions send him a tweet about your cases.

7 - Any general comments or stories about redemptions.

Just that I was happy with the replacements that I got from UD for the Timonen Auto that never got made, Henderson on-card auto (Timonen was a sticker) and a Mario Lemieux Jersey card.

[13stepper]

See my responses below.

Hey Guys,

So on the way to work the other day I had a great idea for a title of an article dealing with redemptions which I had just discussed at length with a local card shop manager. So with that in mind, I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Your information makes this article possible! Please answer with the following questions as best you can.

1 - How many redemtions have you pulled?
Close to 200, I've redeemed 113 of them and sold the rest without redeeming.

2 - Of those, how many were properly fulfilled (i.e, you received what you were promised)?
Hard to say, majority of them. I was a Brodeur victim from 11/12. I would have to say 95% fulfilled.

3 - How many had to be replaced due to inability to fulfill (i.e. they couldn't make the card they promised)?
5 had to be replaced

4 - How many are still pending? If any have been pending more than 1 year, note the full length of wait time.
7 in total, currently waiting on once from April 2013. 13 months.

5 - In an average year how much card product do you buy? (approximate # of cases, boxes, or packs).
LOL, oh boy I lost track. Let's just say a lot. Let's say 10 cases and 60 boxes per year.


6 - How easy is it to communicate with the companies (Topps, UD, Panini, etc) when it comes to redemptions?
Upper Deck is fantastic, Panini leaves something to be desired. Topps I've never had a problem with.

7 - Any general comments or stories about redemptions.

Thanks in advance guys. Anyone who contributes information will get thanked in the article!

Daniel

NOTE - I dont collect Hockey, but I assume you guys have redemptions too.

[Stl_Cardinals_Fan]

Very nice responses everyone. Keep em coming! Kinda surprised to see the redemptions stories here aren't too bad. Baseball seems to get the worse end of it I guess..

[FuriousD82]

1 - How many redemtions have you pulled?
60-75
breakdown: 20 UD, 5 Topps, 45-55 Panini

2 - Of those, how many were properly fulfilled (i.e, you received what you were promised)?
80%

3 - How many had to be replaced due to inability to fulfill (i.e. they couldn't make the card they promised)?
Never have I been told the card wasn't being made completely; most of the time I got tired of waiting and requested a replacement. On two occasions 2010 Certified Football Auto Rookies, I was told the cards would be produced, but without autographs. A replcament autograph card was sent and the card that was originally redeemed (but it was stamped No Auto).

4 - How many are still pending? If any have been pending more than 1 year, note the full length of wait time.
Probably about 3-4, but I recently requested replacements for those cards lasting a while.

5 - In an average year how much card product do you buy? (approximate # of cases, boxes, or packs).
in total 3-5 cases worth.

6 - How easy is it to communicate with the companies (Topps, UD, Panini, etc) when it comes to redemptions?
Topps - impossible
Panini - very easy to contact; but average to slow response times
UD- fairly easy; fast response times

7 - Any general comments or stories about redemptions.
If we didn't have them, we would never have an accurate schedule of release dates.

[habsmtl09]

1 - How many redemtions have you pulled? I'd say about 20-25 but I've also purchased/traded for redemption

2 - Of those, how many were properly fulfilled (i.e, you received what you were promised)?
I had replacement only once, it was for a Kipper/Nittymaki ice script dual auto, got replacement cards for it but UD didn't consider my wants as I got nothing PC in return. I now have 5 Subban cards that won't be fullilled so I'm at 6.

3 - How many had to be replaced due to inability to fulfill (i.e. they couldn't make the card they promised)?
1 so far but 5 more soon

4 - How many are still pending? If any have been pending more than 1 year, note the full length of wait time.
7

5 - In an average year how much card product do you buy? (approximate # of cases, boxes, or packs).
Maybe 4-5 box a year max

6 - How easy is it to communicate with the companies (Topps, UD, Panini, etc) when it comes to redemptions?
Panini - Difficult had to call them out on twitter to get something, was always getting an answering machine when calling, haven't death with them since.
UD - Difficult as they won't answer email, facebook or twitter message. It's probably easy when you call them

7 - Any general comments or stories about redemptions.
Don't love them but don't hate them when I get the card I expect. The only card that they replace was from a box I'll probably be more dispointed when I'll ask to replace the pending Subban's