In a bold revolution that seems bound to alter the sports card collecting industry, Topps, a renowned card manufacturer, has just thrown a curveball that no one saw coming. They have announced an unprecedented extension of the redemption card expiration dates from a mere two years, to a whopping decade.
Redemption cards, for those not already in the know, play stand-in for the actual autographed cards that cannot be availed at the time of packing. They have long been a thorn in collectors’ side as they often lead to the devaluation of a product once their notoriously short expiration period is up. Now, Topps is extending the validity to a full decade, a change that’s applicable to all sports card releases dated from the eye-opening year of 2021-22 and onwards.
This industry-first move sets to resolve the pesky problem of collecting enthusiasts discovering their redemption cards worthless when they open older packs. It also addresses the lower return for collectors who pull an already expired redemption card from a freshly opened pack. As Topps ushers in this change, collectors can now breathe more comfortably, knowing that their 2022 Topps cards, for instance, won’t turn to dust until 2032, instead of leaving their hands empty in 2024.
While the value of products is being preserved for a notably extended period and collectors feel a new sense of assurance about redeeming their autographed cards, this fresh policy’s success remains tied to Topps’ capacity to deliver the autographs promised on these cards. There is historical precedent for delays due to varying reasons, including the need for negotiations concerning athlete compensation. However, the landscape of sports card collecting is fast evolving, and with the recent licensing agreements by Fanatics with major players’ unions expected to kick off in 2025, it may be reasonable to anticipate a potentially streamlined process.
Such an efficient system could result in a windfall of benefits for everyone with a stake in the game, possibly driving up product sales and creating a more favourable environment for all concerned. To create further confidence in this new policy, Topps is taking noticeable action in reducing its backlog of redemptions. What once stood at a towering 70,000 has been slashed down to a significantly more manageable figure below 10,000 in just the past year.
The giant strides taken by Topps seem to be breathing new life into a hobby often beleaguered by the challenges of delays and disappointments. It raises the very real possibility of a future where fetching an autograph is not a torturous waiting game. Topps’ move towards this vision not only offers new hope for collectors but also speaks to an industry prepared to change and evolve while addressing its enduring challenges.
