Why is E-Pack more expensive?

[sparty07]

I've noticed a trend that is glaring more so today on e-pack. Their box/pack prices almost always seem more expensive than you can find in LCS. I did a quick check of 3 online sources (1 of whom is one of my LCS), and the SPGU prices were $89.95, 90.95, and 99.95 (all USD) vs $124.95 on e-pack. You would think that UD would analyze the pricing and try to be somewhat market rate with their competitors, especially since you will still have to pay to ship the final cards to yourself.

[30ranfordfan]

I'm surprised it's that big of a gap.... but my understanding was that UD just used their SRP, while many shops sell a lot of those products for less than the SRP.

[pwskelly]

I've noticed a trend that is glaring more so today on e-pack. Their box/pack prices almost always seem more expensive than you can find in LCS. I did a quick check of 3 online sources (1 of whom is one of my LCS), and the SPGU prices were $89.95, 90.95, and 99.95 (all USD) vs $124.95 on e-pack. You would think that UD would analyze the pricing and try to be somewhat market rate with their competitors, especially since you will still have to pay to ship the final cards to yourself.

I think part of the appeal for ePack buyers are the achievements and special ePack exclusives that are available only on ePack. More than anything, I think ePack users are willing to pay a premium for convenience. It's very easy to trade or sell cards on ePack/COMC. UD has everything scanned for users and cards can be traded in seconds. You can also choose to list them on COMC. Just set your price and let COMC do everything for you.

I picked up a Habs Tonight's Lineup 1/1 this evening and it took me about 5 minutes to work out a deal. The card is in my collection and I can sell it or trade it if I choose to do so. I know that the card is in great condition, and will not be stolen or lost. It would probably take days, if not weeks to conduct a similar trade off ePack and there is significantly higher risk of the card getting damaged, lost or stolen as part of a trade. Again, ePack users are willing to pay a premium for convenience.

Personally, I love buying boxes on ePack. Having my collection online saves me loads of closet space as well lol. Finally, the nearest LCS that actually carries hockey is 16 hours away. ePack gives me enough options to keep me happy at the click of a mouse.

[sparty07]

I understand the convenience factor and "security" of your cards, I just wouldn't expect on SPGU such a big gap between retail shops and their own site. I do buy E-pack on occasion, but with the extra cost of sending cards back to me, it adds extra cost and that causes me to refrain from buying more.

I did get a Hirose Black Synergy achievement auto yesterday on ebay for like $13 and they are unnumbered, but print runs looks to be 15 or less.

[pwskelly]

@sparty07, no doubt costs add up fairly quickly when buying on ePack. If I lived in a larger centre with a variety of LCS that actually carry hockey I might be more inclined to purchase in person as well.

I can eventually see a day however, when Upper Deck cuts the middleman out completely and sells exclusively on its ePack platform. For them, they could determine how much product they print and then stop printing cards when they are no longer selling at a rate that is acceptable for them. If you look at Compendium and Fusion, UD discovered a gold mine. They found that they could sell large amounts of digital products that would eventually be converted to a few simple, physical cards.

UD has such a huge presence in the card market that they could eventually make this move. It might result in fewer sales from people who wish to purchase in person, however there are lots of users on ePack who spend a ton. Their non-sports stuff like the Marvel, has exploded. I don't collect the stuff but I have watched lots of high-end hockey traded for some of it. ePack has in my opinion, brought more people into the card collecting world than any other hobby initiative.

Not advocating for this in any way, or hoping to see LCS disappear, just stating what I'm seeing. Back in my home town, I have watched one LCS close down completely, and another abandon sports in favour of the non-Sports markets (Magic, Pokeman, or whatever it is that's selling nowadays). I just think it's a trend that's happening to a lot of retail right now, as evidenced but the dominance of companies like Amazon, and the closure of so many physical brand name stores.

[RGM81]

I think part of the appeal for ePack buyers are the achievements and special ePack exclusives that are available only on ePack. More than anything, I think ePack users are willing to pay a premium for convenience. It's very easy to trade or sell cards on ePack/COMC. UD has everything scanned for users and cards can be traded in seconds. You can also choose to list them on COMC. Just set your price and let COMC do everything for you.

I picked up a Habs Tonight's Lineup 1/1 this evening and it took me about 5 minutes to work out a deal. The card is in my collection and I can sell it or trade it if I choose to do so. I know that the card is in great condition, and will not be stolen or lost. It would probably take days, if not weeks to conduct a similar trade off ePack and there is significantly higher risk of the card getting damaged, lost or stolen as part of a trade. Again, ePack users are willing to pay a premium for convenience.

Personally, I love buying boxes on ePack. Having my collection online saves me loads of closet space as well lol. Finally, the nearest LCS that actually carries hockey is 16 hours away. ePack gives me enough options to keep me happy at the click of a mouse.

Just out of curiousity, which player? Congrats!

[pwskelly]

Just out of curiousity, which player? Congrats!

Petry! Saw the Price on eBay but it is listed for over $1200 US!

[RGM81]

Petry! Saw the Price on eBay but it is listed for over $1200 US!

Very nice to get hold of at least one of them - saw the Carey and yeah, that's a little much for a little strip of paper. LOL

[Krug x47]

I don’t buy much on Epack but When I saw SPGU got added I considered a box or two until I saw the price was almost 30 bucks more.

[Rraincock]

It is funny... I am 95% against epack but 95% for COMC.... go figure.

I wish the trading system on epack was better. It would be nice to have a way to contact the person via email (double blind if needed) if they don’t check their epack accounts.

There are a few PC cards of Red Deer Rebels on epack that I can’t get because the accounts aren’t responding.... at least on COMC you can make an offer.

Incidentally, COMC is where all of the live cards are, eve if you haven’t yet transferred the card. I have had this verified by their customer service department.


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