Interview with Upper Deck

[andreasmjohnson]

because it all depends on what collectors want to pay. With less rare cards there is a stable market value of them that can be depended upon. But with 1/1's you cannot compare them to anything else and it is all up to what people want to pay for that exact card because there is only one in existance.

it would still be nice to know about there price beckett has been in the game a long time a i feel they should be able come up with a price based on strength of set and popularity of player
(i.e.,i know an exquisite 1/1 goes for more than a topps even it from the same player)

FOR EXAMPLE I HAVE A LOT OF JAY-Z 1/1 SINCE SOME OF HIS AUTOS ARE $400+ SHOULD I ASSUME THE 1/1 ARE WORTH MORE?

[bballcardheaven]

it would still be nice to know about there price beckett has been in the game a long time a i feel they should be able come up with a price based on strength of set and popularity of player
(i.e.,i know an exquisite 1/1 goes for more than a topps even it from the same player)

FOR EXAMPLE I HAVE A LOT OF JAY-Z 1/1 SINCE SOME OF HIS AUTOS ARE $400+ SHOULD I ASSUME THE 1/1 ARE WORTH MORE?

You still can't tell. Lets say I was a crazy fan of Jay-Z. It would be all up to me to determine what the sell value of that card is and they cant predict how many fans will actually take interest in that card.

[andreasmjohnson]

You still can't tell. Lets say I was a crazy fan of Jay-Z. It would be all up to me to determine what the sell value of that card is and they cant predict how many fans will actually take interest in that card.

i understand your point but if thats the case how do they come up with prices of the other cards. for instance most of the prices for the exquisite cards dont justify buying packs. since most of the cards do have pricing then you get a lebron or jordan and the most someone is willing to spend is $300-$500 dollars does it make that card worth only $300-500 when the packs are $600+. beckett is based on card value not sell value or everyone would be getting beckett prices for there cards. i just feel if beckett priced the cards "better",for lack of another word people would be getting better value for there cards

[bballcardheaven]

They determine the sales for other cards because there are so many cards in existance and sales of them that they can average each sale and it doesn't depend on the desicions of one or a few people.

[Pheebs888]

Thanks for the questions guys, I look forward to talking to them about the whole Panini situation as its a bit of a reversal from the situation in hockey...

[LakersMC]

Will they let Panini have their exclusive players sign for them?


Cause, next few years might be horrible for the basketball hobby if there is no chance of pulling a Kobe, LeBron, or a Jordan auto.

Yeah, what's gonna happen with the big 3? Are they only gonna sign memorabilia from now on?

[tarheelsnipe]

On Upper Deck's website, here are the reasons they say redemptions are used:

If athletes do not return their cards to us for a product release, we have to use redemption cards so we can meet the insert ratios on the packaging. Also, we want to avoid having gaps in the set. Other reasons include:

• Logistics (i.e. game used memorabilia does not fit well into a wax pack)
• Security (i.e. pack searchers and product damaged in shipping)

Sometimes use of rookie redemptions are necessary. These are cards that a rookie has not yet signed, but these redemptions create excitement for the upcoming draft and add more value to the product.

For set collectors, this policy creates a problem. I completely understand the security and logistics arguments. However, if athletes don't return the cards on time, an easier answer would be to remove that card from the checklist and adjust the odds on the packaging. Just want you to have your references so the UD rep. doesn't simply quote the FAQ section of the website. We, the collectors, know what it says. We want to know if there are plans to change the redemption card policies that have created this backlash.

I'm still upset about my John Wooden Chronology replacement. I will not be able to complete the Timeless Memories set because Upper Deck refuses to change the checklist or tell me if any at all were signed after numerous emails and posts on their Facebook page.

[shaqattak]

There's a SCF magazine? I would ask them do they harbor any bad feelings to the NBA for doing what they're doing and if asked do they plan on coming back to the NBA when the NBA says they'd like them back.