New Upper Deck Policy

JSOKOL1626 · 03-22-2007, 12:29 PM

I learned recently that beginning in April, Upper Deck will begin their new "Brick and Mortar" policy. Essentially this new policy will require that all Upper Deck products must pass through a card shop in order to reach retail customers. Dealers who sell solely at shows and (or) through the internet will no longer be able to purchase UD products from distributors.

I have some pretty strong feelings about this policy. Over the years I have found the best prices for wax buys have been on the net or at local card shows. Internet and show dealers usually have less overhead than shop owners and can offer products at a lower cost. Competition creates a more favorable buyer's market.

Secondly, there are many communities in the US and Canada that don't have retail card shops but are within a reasonable distance of a card show. I believe the new policy will severely limit the amount of wax that will be available at those shows.

Thirdly, Upper Deck is becoming a monopoly. The company currently has the entire NHL card market, a considerable market share of basketball and baseball and is one of only three companies authorized to produce NFL cards. The new policy manipulates prices by channeling all products through a middle man. Further, it is estimated that 10-20% of existing wax dealers will be forced out of business because they don't own shops. How can Upper Deck have such a major impact on the market? Simple, they own most of it and therefore can control it.

Finally, a few comments about Upper Deck. Am I the only person who feels that they are unresponsive to their customers' concerns? Their redemption program is awful, many of us have waited a year or longer for a card to be redeemed. When replacement cards are offered they are usually disappointing. Sticker autographs are very unpopular. Higher end UD products result in little value compared to the cost. Upper Deck has turned the hobby into high stakes gambling. You spend $100 or more for a box and then face overwhelming odds that you will get $100 in card value from that box. How will this new poklicy change any of this? It won't, in fact it will make it all worse.

Sorry for the long read, but I've feel I've been silent for too long. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

MGrizzell · 03-22-2007, 01:30 PM

I'm equally disappointed w/ the Redemption process, and it seems as if they're moving the hobby from a collectors market, to a profitable monopoly. By controlling output to non-retail outlets, they're limiting money spending COLLECTORS from getting the same products, to support profit-raking businesses. Would the money not be made by catering to the people who build the hobby in the first place?

Scottyups72 · 03-22-2007, 01:35 PM

THat is major blow to collectors in rural areas where there are no card shops nearby... If enough people stay away from their products with this new policy, they will have to make a change. So does this mean that Wal Mart, Target, etc.. are considered card shops?? Or will they be banned as well? Very interesting policy they have adopted.

**longhornjunkie** · 03-22-2007, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottyups72

THat is major blow to collectors in rural areas where there are no card shops nearby... If enough people stay away from their products with this new policy, they will have to make a change. So does this mean that Wal Mart, Target, etc.. are considered card shops?? Or will they be banned as well? Very interesting policy they have adopted.

With all the Target and Wal-Mart exclusive stuff they have done, I suspect they will continue to sell products there.

**Butch** · 03-22-2007, 03:07 PM

I hate thier npn program. Ive sent in numerous requests in. Never got anything back in 3 years....

Russollini · 03-22-2007, 05:29 PM

JOe,

How are you?!?!?! It has been forever! Anyway, I would have to agree, but part of the problem is the fact that many companies online blow stuff out and the shops are closing.Many of the online deals are fouind because they buy the product back from dealers at a discount, and then resell. So there should still be more available. I go to a local shop that struggles to compete due to overhead.

As for redemptions, I have an inside man shhhh.

All in all the hobby is in trouble becuase of insane prices and crap product. Topps delivered last year, but after how long, adn at what price point. UD stunk and I missed Donruss, although the market on GU should pick up soon since they are not flooding the market anymore.

Develis Advocate

Anthony

alonzomourning · 03-22-2007, 08:45 PM

Seems like Upper Deck is cutting off a great deal of their buyers. I can't remember the last time I bought an Upper Deck box from the local card shop, they're just too expensive compared to Internet shops, eBay, or even the occasional dealer at a show. If shops can't compete, then they should shut down.

On the other hand, I sort of understand the move. Upper Deck wants to ensure that card shops do well so they can better secure their future. Whether this move will do that or not is debatable. I've seen more and more people, myself included, be extremely disappointed with Upper Deck products. It's becoming less and less likely that you'll get close to your money back when buying a box. And with box prices sure to rise after this move, I can't see it becoming any better.

In the end, if it results in lower sales for Upper Deck, the policy will change. Simple as that. It should be interesting to see if it does help the local shop owner though.

TKCards · 03-22-2007, 10:13 PM

"Upper Deck wants to ensure that card shops do well"

Believe me, UD doesn't care one bit if a card shop survives or not. In many cases these dealers have to buy all UD products or at least a certain number of products in order for the shop owner to get what they really want. UD is only out for themselves. From a baseball standpoint, it would be nice to get rid of UD and bring Donruss back.

Nail · 03-22-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSOKOL1626

I learned recently that beginning in April, Upper Deck will begin their new "Brick and Mortar" policy. Essentially this new policy will require that all Upper Deck products must pass through a card shop in order to reach retail customers. Dealers who sell solely at shows and (or) through the internet will no longer be able to purchase UD products from distributors.

I have some pretty strong feelings about this policy. Over the years I have found the best prices for wax buys have been on the net or at local card shows. Internet and show dealers usually have less overhead than shop owners and can offer products at a lower cost. Competition creates a more favorable buyer's market.

Secondly, there are many communities in the US and Canada that don't have retail card shops but are within a reasonable distance of a card show. I believe the new policy will severely limit the amount of wax that will be available at those shows.

Thirdly, Upper Deck is becoming a monopoly. The company currently has the entire NHL card market, a considerable market share of basketball and baseball and is one of only three companies authorized to produce NFL cards. The new policy manipulates prices by channeling all products through a middle man. Further, it is estimated that 10-20% of existing wax dealers will be forced out of business because they don't own shops. How can Upper Deck have such a major impact on the market? Simple, they own most of it and therefore can control it.

Finally, a few comments about Upper Deck. Am I the only person who feels that they are unresponsive to their customers' concerns? Their redemption program is awful, many of us have waited a year or longer for a card to be redeemed. When replacement cards are offered they are usually disappointing. Sticker autographs are very unpopular. Higher end UD products result in little value compared to the cost. Upper Deck has turned the hobby into high stakes gambling. You spend $100 or more for a box and then face overwhelming odds that you will get $100 in card value from that box. How will this new poklicy change any of this? It won't, in fact it will make it all worse.

Sorry for the long read, but I've feel I've been silent for too long. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Great info, but there's always 2 sides to every story----in all fairness, let's get the link to the info so we can all see "the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"

I'm always willing to hear info when it is about one of our card sources, but I'd like a little more info before I pass judgement.

We all have to expect UD to make money, hell, if they didn't, why would they stay in business? ~ "Nail"

bhelser · 03-22-2007, 11:29 PM

Where is this info coming from?