NEED QUICK OPINIONS... PRIZES FOR CONSTRUCTIVE THOUGHTS...

[ArtVandelay]

I voted for option A, even though I think a database certified patch auto would have more value.
I think you should stay consistent with the sell sheet since that may have affected anyone who has committed money already. They did so based on expectations of what the product looks like and its contents.

There is a lot of complaining about sell sheet bait and switch (not that this is the case here...and I applaud the effort to come up with an under-promise over-deliver type attitude that is an attempt to fix an unexpected problem).

I think you should use the patch version cards for another product and spend a little more time on what those may look like, parallells, multicolored, serial numbering, better style match to other cards in the set/packs etc. than possibly rush into producing them to create a "more attractive", faster replacement option for the damaged ones as advertised.

 

[Ty Hope]

Personally, I think sticking with the metal theme is the way to go. GU does nothing for me anymore. Exquisite style cards would be cool, but would be inserts as opposed to part of a set.

 

[Erich]

Are the boxes printed with the info about Ichiro already? If so I would put the metal redemptions in there.

What about the Super? Is that damaged?

 

[mrangrydonut]

Stick with the Ichiro metal card autograph. Then, if you want to do something special for the customers because of the delay, send them a care-package of some kind when the card is redeemed. I think maintaining continuity of the metal cards is important, especially since it seems like this is a brand you intend to market in the future. Build the brand, do something extra to compensate the customer for the delay, and it is a win-win for everyone.

 

[imnotded]

Being new to the trading card scene (havent collected cards since I was a kid in the mid 90's) I really like the look of the patches in cards. Jerseys and bats usually look pretty lame, but patches almost always seem to pop and catch the eye. So I voted for option B. Although I think doing something with the damaged auto's would be very cool.

 

[rymflaherty]

Posting because I voted for B (seemed like the "cooler" card, so it got my vote)........after voting I went back and read everyone else's responses and they've swayed me toward A.

You can assume everyone will like B - but changing one of the most desired cards in the set like that is bound to piss some people off. It doesn't seem worth the trouble and it seems best to deliver what was promised.

As I said, the B option did seem like the cooler card, so if it was possible I'd certainly make that card in the future.....after reading the responses, I feel using that card in Metal would be a case of being impatient and potentially creating problems that don't/wouldn't exist.

 

[The Third Eye]

I voted for the Patch card. Brian, the patch card can still be a "metal" card right? That would satisfy all the set collectors wouldn't it? Also, be sure to insert a small little info card explaining the situation in the boxes or on the redemptions and I believe that collectors will understand. Thanks for bringing this issue to the forum.

 

[Dice-K Collector]

Why not do half and half? Half metal, half premium GU card/autos?!?

 

[George_Calfas]

Metal, I would be willing to wait.

People might want to build a set and they might want to include Ichiro. The patch card will be different and distract from the set.

 

[Resident Bay Fan]

I voted for #2. An Ichiro Patch WITH an auto on it is some serious stuff and would garner huge interest on the secondary market. I wouldn't be able to afford one, but if I could, #2 would be my choice.

 

[autocut]

I pick metal because, although the oversize patch would be nice, that wouldn't leave much room for Ichiro's picture or photo. Card shouldn't be too busy. Plus it would be an outcast from the original set.

 

[trolea1234]

I choose the exquisite on card auto with premium over size patch. Much better card with the premium patch. An shorter wait
On the the redemption ?

 

[Topnotchsy]

Brian,

The patch cards would likely offer more value, and there's a huge demand for that kind of card, but the way I see it is that you are in the process of building a product line here. You've invested a lot into the Leaf Metal idea, and it appears from the looks of the cards (and the reactions from collectors) that there's a good chance for success here. An Ichiro a Patch/Auto card it will be highly in demand, but will do little to enhance the "Leaf Metal" brand. A year or two down the line it will be harder for people to make the association, and set builders may not even feel they need it to complete a set. Therefore, I would go with A, the Metal Ichiro. It is true that the redemption card will take a little longer, but 3 months is not nearly as long as Topps and UD often take, and I think as long as you are conservative in your estimates of how long it will take to make the cards (so that you can send them out by, if not before the time you state) it could actually bring positive attention as it would reinforce the image that Leaf is a company that is straight with people. I would save the Exquisite card for an Exquisite-style release where it will be a boon to that set in the way a Metal Ichiro will be to this set.

 

[bustin_knuckles]

I would do both. I would do option A as planned and I would offer option B as an unannounced insert utilizing the damaged cards as cuts for option B (if possible). That way the people who purchased the product get what they originally were getting plus an added little bonus for some lucky folks.

Or give the damaged cards to the best replies of this post.

 

[Slette]

I vote the jumbo patch/auto route - you've already nailed a big accomplishment by getting him to sign for Leaf, why not up the ante and put out that jumbo patch to accompany an autograph? No new Ichiro autos for the past few years + no jumbo patches of Ichiro will yield a ton of buzz in the community, which would be great for a company who is already the benefactor of a lot of positive momentum from recent releases.

 

[Topnotchsy]

I would do both. I would do option A as planned and I would offer option B as an unannounced insert utilizing the damaged cards as cuts for option B (if possible). That way the people who purchased the product get what they originally were getting plus an added little bonus for some lucky folks.

Or give the damaged cards to the best replies of this post.

My guess is that if the cards were damaged and unusable, Ichiro may sign another batch at no extra cost. That would mean that they need to be destroyed... (just a guess though.)

 

[Mr.Whipple]

I selected A. It seems it was part of the metal set? So you draw set collectors into the secondary market for singles. Along with the overseas and other people wanting an Ichiro auto. That gives wax rippers another reason to rip metal, just another eBay bidder for them.

Why would you destroy the damaged autos? Unless they're really really damaged and can't be cut up for another Leaf cut auto set. But I guess the write off for them is worth more than making it into another card.

 

[ggnike13]

I vote B. It's on-card and you get a patch.

 

[Uofo2212]

I voted for plan A, as it fits in the set, and set collectors will appreciate that. Maybe toss in an extra for the redemtion wait, but I think set confirmity has a place in the hobby still. Most folks know Leaf has signed Ichiro and it is going into the off-season so maybe the expected redemption wait will be shorter. The patch idea is nice, and I am sure it would be a sweet card...but it will look odd if it is part of the set (perfect for an insert). Stuff happens and I doubt LEaf is on anyones crap list for redemptions (ie....Panini, Topps and UD). Just my 2 cents.

 

[bouwob]

It may be worthwhile doing a, but if you would also do b as a short print of 1,2 or 5 cards it would make an excellent chase card.