Topps' Solution to the AFLAC Autograph Problem in 2011 BDP

[Jaypers]

So the "travesty" of the 2004 AFLAC Gold Refractor Redemptions were a result of what then?

No idea what the issue was here - long before I got back into collecting.

In packs of 2004 BDP, Topps included redemptions for complete 12-card AFLAC sets, both base and parallel.

In the case of redemptions for Gold Ref sets, they inserted more into packs than the stated print run of 50.

To rectify this (thanks to the urging of a former BMB poster/attorney), Topps gave those who redeemed these cards a choice:

1) An unautographed Gold Ref set of 12 players, #d to 50.
2) A 4-card autographed Refractor set (Upton, Maybin, Henry and McCutchen), #d to 125.

Most chose Option # 2. Despite the serial numbering, Topps put out a press release that only 34 of the Gold sets and only 90 of the autograph refractor sets were in circulation.

 

[Huffamaniac]

catastrophe no, but it is costing them to shipping the cards to PSA, get them slabbed, and send them back. It is not gonig to be cheap to correct this error even if PSA cuts them a deal.

It was a stupid error Topps made, but I do not see a better way to correct this. I am actually surprised they are doing this.

Why do people think this is a catastrophe for topps? They could care less. They won't lose one cent on bowman
draft, they already sold of all of it. The real loser here are the ones who bought the cards and will pull these cards
after the deadline.

Topps has proven one thing over the years, the can F up a product BIG TIME, and still have idiots lined up next
year to buy it. They could of put pieces of sandpaper into pack, said woops, and still have everyone buying it
next year.

Why would you change anything when you can do that year after year? If anything this stunt was done so topps
could get people to buy more draft, even though once again that doesn't affect topps one bit. Do you honestly think they care about authentication? LOL

Kevin

 

[shepsspot]

So I guess I should pull mine from eBay and send it in?

Or does anyone see the benefit for not sending it in?

 

[mredsox89]

Hmm, I guess this is better than just having them raw without any sort of verification. Fortunately I pulled a Larry Greene which is selling better than most. Guess I might as well send it to PSA.

I wish/hope they allow for just authentication

 

[Jaypers]

So I guess I should pull mine from eBay and send it in?

Or does anyone see the benefit for not sending it in?

One would think a PSA 10 would fetch a nice premium over a raw one. Even a '9' might get one as well.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

...Topps has never, ever been known for quality control. That is not a result of their exclusive license, but a result of terrible management and systems.

Many or most people here probably don't remember or never experienced common problems such as these:

Carlton, Mathews miscuts, Deer gum stain, Gretzky wax stain.

One could often count on having one card a pack with some sort of issue, usually the gum stain, its always been the nature of the hobby. I used to know lots of people who collected miscut or error cards.

I guess people feel entitled to more qc here, but they're not paying that much for these BCDP packs.

As long as the checks clear, MLBP isn't going to get embarrassed by Topps.

I don't understand why people are bringing the MLB and/or MLBP licenses into this - AFLAC isn't covered by either license is it?

 

[Wes]

What a catastrophe for Topps.

An absolute embarrassment to the company and the MLB license.

How does this affect the MLB license or the MLB brand?

While it's another in a long line of Topps screw-ups from rushing or being lazy, it's hardly a catastrophe in any sense of the word.

Hopefully there was some sarcasm in the post.

Exactly.This,along with the errors in BDP, are a direct result of this product being rushed to the market.It was probrobly rushed due to the stronger than anticipated response to Leaf.

That's leaping to a lot of conclusions, especially given the fact that the product came out on the release date that had been planned for months.

 

[hofmichael]

To all the people saying this is a bad solution to the problem,what would you do to rectify the problem?I am really curious if anyone has a better solution.

 

[George_Calfas]

To all the people saying this is a bad solution to the problem,what would you do to rectify the problem?I am really curious if anyone has a better solution.

Agreed, plus what do last years PSA 9s and 10s sell for, how many people are now getting free grading on Topps' dime?

 

[rsmath]

I am not trying to say that Bud Selig needs to run damage control over the situation because Topps has tarnished the MLB brand, I am saying that its an embarrassment for the MLB to have a company continually make mistakes and have issues in their products.

The cornerstone product of the Bowman line, and arguably some of the best inserts to pull from the product, Topps has seemingly removed all resale value and creditability for the pack-pulled versions of the AFLAC cards.

serial numbering - topps fault. The myriad of errors in BDP, both Topps and MLB as MLB is a co-conspirator to the errors before printing/distribution.

I hope the feeling over collectors over Topps' makegood shows up in the market prices of the PSA-slabbed cards. I can't wait to pick up a copy for the PC of my guy in a PSA slab at a good value.

 

[ThoseBackPages]

To all the people saying this is a bad solution to the problem,what would you do to rectify the problem?I am really curious if anyone has a better solution.

they'd rather have a BGS slab LOL

 

[shepsspot]

So I guess I should pull mine from eBay and send it in?

Or does anyone see the benefit for not sending it in?

One would think a PSA 10 would fetch a nice premium over a raw one. Even a '9' might get one as well.

Mailed mine in this morning so let's hope it gets a 10!

 

[BowmanChromeAddict]

I sold out of the Aflac autos that I hit, but the condition of those cards was not stellar. If I was a holder of Aflac autos, I'd prefer this be a BGS authentication slab instead of a PSA Grading and Authentication. Or at least give people the choice of authentic and graded or just authentic.

 

[DSman]

Has anyone gotten one of theirs back yet? How did it go? How long is it taking?

 

[koal]

i was just thinking about this today. i sent mine a few days after the announcement. still nothing.

 

[aaron41984]

To all the people saying this is a bad solution to the problem,what would you do to rectify the problem?I am really curious if anyone has a better solution.

they'd rather have a BGS slab LOL

BGS wouldn't touch these because what Topps is asking for is authentication of the Auto but what Collectors are supposed to believe is that the Slab represents authentication of the card being pack pulled vs. an IP auto on one of the cards handed out at the game. PSA either does not understand this or are desperate for money.

 

[RandomH]

only license = make crap products with flaws = we will still buy

 

[shepsspot]

Just wondering if anyone has got there's back or if there is any new info that I didn't see.

 

[koal]

nope. they suck. you think they would expedite it a little since it was a major screw up.

 

[SnagleToothWhiteBoy]

Pulled a Francisco Lindor a week ago. There is a lot of speculation around this issue concerning potential counterfeits. However, some of the autographs are extremely easy to replicate, while others are tough. I'm interested to see what the "specific language" states on the slab card.

If you have pulled one of these cards, please make sure to ship it with signature confirmation/certified mail.

One has to figure that since there is a deadline of July 1st 2012, the cards slabbed through this program might carry a higher value. However, in the same respect, the product itself (per hobby box) might drop in price because of the expired offer.

We'll have to wait and see, but I think things will work out. This is one of those situations, where you have to be at the right place at the right time.

There are only 7 different players in circulation, compared to the 25+ players in 2010's Aflac set.