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"I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do it"
There were a few common themes that came up in several of the essays:
Make baseball card sets easier to build with few or no parallels
Create less expensive sets
Make less product
Get more aggressive with advertising
We need more industry sponsored card shows
Get rid of sticker autos
Do more do eliminate pack searching
After reading all of the essays (several times), one thing that was obvious to
us was that set-builders want to see some changes. The message from set-builders
was clear, building sets has gotten too complicated and should be simplified. We
hope that the industry takes note of this.
Please take the time to read all of these essays (below). There are a lot of
really good ideas sprinkled throughout the essays. We encourage you to share
them with your collecting friends to help inspire even more discussion about
this important topic. Let's create a buzz out there and keep the baseball
card hobby strong!
Since many of the essays shared such similar concepts, it was a challenge to
pick just one essay based on content alone. With this in mind, we decided to put
all qualifying essays (proper length and on topic) into the bin for a random
drawing. The winner is Chad.E.Lambert. You can read the winning essay on the
home page as well.
Stay tuned for another box give-away in the very near future....2008 Bowman
Baseball boxes are heading our way.....
HERE ARE THE ESSAYS....
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
The baseball card industry needs some help, so it won't become irrelevant or
non-existent. If I were given the ability to save the industry, here's the first
steps I would take.
One aspect of card collecting that seems to get overlooked by the industry is
the camaraderie created by attending card shows. So I would schedule a major
card show in every area of the country for each year. I would make it where it's
within a day's drive for anyone in the continental U.S. And I would encourage
the card-producing companies to create a small set to be sold exclusively at
these conventions.
In addition to conventions, I would encourage local dealers to schedule and
promote a trading day once per month. Collectors can bring cards they want to
trade, and they can bring a checklist of cards they need to complete a set. Once
this tradition gets established, collectors and dealers could publish (online or
in-store) a want / trade list in advance so people could be more prepared. This
could be held at the hobby shop, or occasionally outside at a city park when the
weather is nice. The dealers in that area could work together to put this on,
and they could have special one-day sales and giveaways for those that attend.
This would also create friendships and help the dealers generate sales. The new
friendships based on collecting may be the most important aspect of all this,
because meeting with friends to look at their collections and to trade cards
adds another level of enjoyment in card collecting that eBay can't recreate.
I would explain to the card-producing companies that they need to have an
affordable and attainable set for set-builders and new collectors (particularly
children). This set doesn't need gold-foil lettering nor any limited-numbered
cards nor any parallels. The set could have fun subsets and inserts, but only if
the odds were such that you would get some in each box. The packs should cost
around $1 each (or less if possible), with at least 10 cards. Collectors don't
require premium sets to have fun with it. This could be a true retro set, even
using the cheaper cardstock of years past.
I would encourage the card-producing companies to give away boxes and packs to
groups like the Boys Club and similar organizations, to introduce youth to the
fun of collecting.
I think these suggestions would revitalize the baseball card industry. The
investing side of the hobby is covered; what needs to be focused on is making it
fun. By having more affordable cards and encouraging meetings with other
collectors, more people would get interested in it.
Chad Lambert (Chad was our winner, selected at random from qualifying essays)
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
I'm a adult collector going on my 30. Here's my say on general trading cards
collecting.
First of all, I would like to apologize in advance, French is my first language
so sorry for all the mistakes.
I've been collecting cards since childhood, baseball cards, hockey cards and
other non-sports
sets. I've seen a couple of ups and down in sports cards collecting since the
late 80's.
I remember in those years we would trade a super
value card ex: Patrick Roy RC for 3 or 4 common
cards that we were missing to complete our set.
I wouldn't say I regret those years, It was just another way of thinking since
our cards didn't have money value. Then came the biggest event in my mind that
changed forever the hobby. The venue of price guides. Since then collecting
became more serious, money became a factor in every aspects :
buying/selling/trading, and so came two categories: Investors/collectors and
Collectors.
Now the struggle to save the hobby lies in
creating a balance that would pleases all sports cards collectors.
Here's my opinion on how to please everybody
First of all, I don't think the answers would reside in a single innovative new
kind of baseball set. You have to create products that aim specifically each
market.
For the investors : A set (if you can call it that, because no investors I know
collects set anymore), But to continue, this set should be composed of game
used, signatures and other memorabilia and serially numbered to to lowest #
possible.
You could say it's not quite an innovation, but the problem is that most of the
sets are like this today and seems to be aiming only the investors.
To save the hobby we have to bring back more fun
in collecting. Make sets that aim smaller scale
buyers. Smaller sets, less inserts, no serial #,
maybe an auto or two but nothing more. The first thing that is important for a
set collector is that when you buy a box, you must have a almost
complete set and the completion of it must be easy. (You won't attract new
collectors with
sets that you must buy 1 or 2 cases to complete). This set should be created to
ignore the investors. It has to sell cheaper, more cards in a pack (Jumbo packs,
Rack packs...)A set that you could promote by giving out team sets of the home
team at a ball game. For those
collectors the key is to keep the pleasure of collecting achievable and also
money wise.
So less inserts sets, bring them down to 2 or three max and maybe a rare card
only achievable by contest. And if this special card should be an
autograph card, please no sticker autograph.
Stickers makes the feeling that cards are less unique. When a card is hand sign,
you can think that at one time the player had this specific card in his hands
(more prestigious) even more than a game used by my point of view.
But no parallels, # numbers or color variation or anything like that. because
those sets attracts investors and helps the speculators that makes the prices of
the packs and boxes climb.
So to summarise, make sets for investors and
other for ordinary collectors. A Hybrid set
that could please both isn't the solution.
The small scale collectors isn't willing to spend big money to make a set and
the investors
doesn't want to deal with all the common cards.
And promote the cheaper cards in the local communities.
Sports card collecting should be first of all be aimed at kids, it has to be fun
and easy and achievable.
Patrick Maher
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
I think the baseball card collecting hobby has to be
imploded and reassembled piece by piece. As a long time collector, I have seen
it all, good and bad. The last dozen years or so has made collecting too complex
and too expensive. If you were to count the number of different cards made in
this time period, it is more than were made in the almost hundred years before.
My solution is multifaceted. Cards have become too expensive and too complex to
collect. There are hobby cards and retail cards, of which now come with
different inserts depending on the retailer (Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target). Packs
from the same retailer even come in different forms with different types of
inserts in each. There are variations intently made in the card (such as blue
cap, red cap). There are reprint cards that are almost exact replicas of cards
previously made. There are dozens of differing sets produced each year, each
with dozens of their own inserts and parallels. Card companies are coming and
going and merging.
First, my solution involves reducing the complexity. It involves only allowing 2
or 3 sets to be produced each year of approximately 800 cards, sans the inserts,
parallels (silver, gold, black, copper, refractors, black refractors), game
used/autos, serial numbered, reprints, box toppers, box bottoms, and anything
else not considered part of the base set, thus removing the “rare” cards even to
the extent of short prints. When I collect a set, I want the set, not the set
minus the short prints. Get rid of the smaller sets (100-200 cards) they only
keep reprinting the same groups of players. The sets need to have simple yet
innovative designs, similar to those in the earlier years, without reusing them
(aren’t there enough graphic designers out of work?). They should only have
today’s players currently on teams in them, rather than retired players, with
the possible exception when major baseball milestones are broken, other current
year news (ok, I can handle one Mickey Mantle commemorative card when he passed
on, but not the close to 1000 that have been made in the last 10 years) or
possibly current year Hall of Fame inductees; I don’t need Signers of the
Constitution cards mixed in with my baseball sets. And get rid of the concept of
rookie cards. Who really cares about Joe Charbeneau’s rookie card. If and when
the player becomes a superstar, then the prices will rise accordingly.
Otherwise, its pure speculation (boy, have I got a hot stock tip for you).
This would lower the prices of packs so that the average fan can actually afford
them. Three dollars for 5 cards is bad enough, but now there are packs that are
going for over a hundred bucks. Twenty bucks for a base set of 800 cards seems
reasonable to me; $50 for a 100 card set does not; after all, it’s only
cardboard. But more needs to be done about pricing. The price guides need to be
revamped too. First their formatting needs to change. Listing all the inserts in
the sets gets crazy (of course my plan removes the inserts). Categorize cards
and perhaps print them in a chart format. Get rid of dumb things like minor
star. Each team has its own fan favorites, but many of these players are quickly
forgotten and become commons. Sure some of these players were a little better
than others, but does anyone really think a common card from 1980 should be
doubled for a slightly better player? Set pricing gets crazy too. Ever notice
that you need 100 common cards for a set, but the value of those cards exceeds
the value of the set? In that case, it would make more sense to purchase the
entire set and throw away the stars to get those commons. Valuations are
inconsistent. Yeah, the cards from the 1980’s were produced in higher
quantities, but 50 cents for a 1989 Topps Schmidt, yet 50 cents for a common
from 2007 Upper Deck? I make that trade off every day of the week (provided
you’re giving me the Ripken). And yet a card produced to today of Ripken (those
would be banned too in my new world) is worth several dollars or more. Finally,
the price guides seem to be a touch out of reality. The prices they list for
cards and sets are way over the price you could actually get them for or get for
them.
So lets reduce down to a couple of base sets per year and get rid of both the
complexity and cost of collecting.
aacard
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
After giving much thought and consideration to the whole process, I believe that
some "guerilla marketing" techniques needs to be used and more involvement by
the baseball players themselves. The players need to realize that they are
admired and appreciated by their fans and they need to show their appreciation I
return. I believe that banner ads on the Internet could be used whenever anyone
searches anything to do with baseball, enticing new collectors and old alike. I
would tailor advertising and marketing efforts towards adult but not exclude
kids, I would make the kids believe that they are participating in a hobby that
is ageless but has been or does cater to adults.
Ballparks need to contribute more efforts to the industry too. Billboards
signage, beverage cups designs and other marketing efforts could be made.
Driving contests for kids with prizes such as passes to more games, recognition
while at the game. There should be more coverage given by local media.
Excitement must be brought back to the hobby like we've have tried to bring it
back to the sport. There has been a lack of initiative by the baseball card
companies to keep the hobby in the forefront of people's minds when they may be
considering a new hobby. Cards should be produced based on anticipated sales and
not overproduced. This would also increase the value of the cards in circulation
and get people excited about the monetary value as well as the sentimental
value. Marketing efforts should also be given to the Parents and Children to
share common interests. Bonding time-shared between father and son, mother and
daughter, grandparents and the like. If the baseball enthusiasts are excited
they will share and create more excited for the novices.
There should be more opportunities for collectors, new and old to share their
finds and collections and to educate spectators about the fun and ease of
baseball card collecting.
Michael Neighbors
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
Collectibles are cyclical in their popularity. Baseball cards are no exception.
Companies must decide if they want to produce products for hobby enthusiasts or
fickle mass consumer markets. If I ran the card company, this would be my
choice.
Collecting baseball cards should be a HOBBY. People should collect cards because
they want to. Because they love them. because they NEED to collect. That is the
stand I would take and market my products accordingly. If you build a strong
base with your collectors, you will not only see company/ brand loyalty; you
will see dedication to the hobby during lean years. These will be the people who
will stand by you if you treat them well. So. how do you treat them well? (Well,
this is MY card company..)
Treating collectors well can be done in several ways. First, DO NOT condescend
to your collectors by making "kid" cards and "adult" products. End the hype and
gimmicks!! Baseball cards were designed to celebrate BASEBALL (you remember. the
National Pastime?) Baseball is loved because it is timeless and ageless and
appealing to all variety of people and cultures. Baseball cards are a tribute to
something great and should not become the entity that hurts the sport by
cheapening it. Design a product. Produce the product. Sell the product. If it is
done with a little class, a simple design, and tasteful photographs. your cards
will be appealing to men, women, children, the elderly, EVERYBODY! Because, like
any good art form, people can interpret the product however they want.
My card company would produce and promote ONE basic line of baseball cards. I
would include 2 series in my product line. Series 1 (a 200 card set) would
release around the beginning or middle of December. The cards would be available
until March 1. Then, all vendors would be required to pull all series 1 cards
and ship them back to the factory (Yes, my company will cover postage.).
(Vendors will also get credit for unopened product so they can obtain series 2
as they come out.) My series 2 (a 400 card set) line would debut in May and
feature the most current photos of players and their current team. Series 2
would be on shelves until the middle of August. Again, unsold and unopened
product can be returned for credit. Any and all product returned to the company
belongs to the company and may be sold to the secondary market at any time for
any price. (After all, I am running a business here!)
My "series 3" would be my secret series. These will be the cards that are
compiled to make inserts for next year's packs. This series would feature
All-Star photos and captions as well as World Series Highlights and photos. I
would also try to issue previously unreleased rookies in their uniforms if they
appeared "hot" toward the end of the season. GU and autos would not be a part of
my pack-included inserts.
Now for my packs. I would use wax wrappers again because my company will be
environmentally friendly. (Mylar doesn't rot!) My packs would have 14 cards per
pack. There would be a dozen regular cards and two inserts per pack. I am
looking at a pack price of $1.50 to $2.00 per pack. Again, NO GU or autos in the
packs. My GU and auto cards would be by redemption. (WAIT! Not redemption like
it currently is known!) This is how MY company would handle redemption.
Collectors have a genetic disorder (or that's what my friends tell me.).
Collectors love to SAVE THINGS! It's what we do. My company would print
cardboard "baseball token" proof of purchases on each box (hobby or retail) of
cards. Collectors who obtained these "tokens" could redeem them for special
"customer appreciation" collectible baseball cards. Examples of these
collectible baseball cards could be seen on my company's web site. I would run a
similar type of promotion for the wax wrappers as well. All tokens and wrappers
could be mailed back to my company and we would mail out the GU, auto, or chrome
card. The amount of tokens or wrappers would determine what type of card the
submitting person would receive. These GU, auto, and chrome cards would not be
considered part of any set from any year. They would be what they are. BONUSES!!
I think these ideas embody the concept of my card company. Simple, quality,
low-buck, appealing cards for collectors from a company that takes pride in its
product and believes in building relationships with customers. (High dollar
thrill seekers should head to 'Vegas because there is no room for you in my
world!) If we scale back, cut overhead, and remember why we are all here, our
hobby will survive. (Well. it would if I were running it!)
Jennifer Daniels
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
First, I'm going to simplify things. That means fewer parallels and fewer
inserts. Then, I'm bringing in a little technology. Finally, stores have to
include commons in their inventory. When I'm done, baseball card collecting will
be better than ever.
2007 Topps had at least 46 Carlos Guillen cards. Are you kidding me? Let's clean
this mess up. Here's the breakdown:
Topps 5 Copper, Gold, Platinum, RedBack .
Allen and Ginter 8 most of these are minis
Chrome 7 including 6 different kinds of refractors
Co-Signers 13 Does "Hyper Silver Bronze" even make sense?
Update 12 Copper, Gold, Platinum, RedBack .
Heritage 1 See - they can do it
Here's the new rule. 1 parallel set per set of cards. For Topps, I'm keeping
Gold and Chrome Refractors. That would get us down to about 10 cards from Topps.
The rest have to go.
Now let's talk inserts. I've had enough presidents and signers of the
Declaration of Independence. If they don't play baseball, I don't want their
card. I don't need 47 inserts of the same player either. Make the insert sets
something meaningful and use mostly star players.
Finally, short prints have to go. Short prints make set building nearly
impossible. They are a tribute to times when card makers had poor quality
control. Well guess what. Old cards are often off center and full of errors. I
don't want that garbage either.
Now for the high tech improvement. It is time to add a barcode to the back of
each card. That would make inventory much easier for stores and collectors.
Stores and collectors could tie in to Beckett's or another pricing service and
price accordingly. Stores would know exactly what they have and what they are
selling. Bar code scanners aren't that expensive, so individuals could buy them
for use at home.
That takes care of the supply, but stores have a job to do too. Too many stores
have become a collection of high priced autos and very little else. That
specialty market may be profitable, but stores have to serve the common man as
well. Using barcodes, stores should be able to easily stock and sell more
commons at reasonable prices. That would make finishing off sets much easier for
buyers. Collectors who finish sets tend to move on to another set, so the cycle
of customers should carry forward.
Saving the baseball card industry is as simple as 1-2-3. Make fewer cards. Add
barcodes to make collecting and selling easier. Sell all kinds of cards to all
kinds of people.
Greg Fisher
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it...
I'm going to start by aggressively marketing the product to kids...low prices on
products specifically designed to be marketed to youth sports organizations with
cards featuring player profiles that include their stats or experience in their
youth organizations that they participated in. We need to get the youth involved
in the hobby as they will be the next innovators and collectors.
I would introduce a chase card for the kids that would allow them to have a card
produced with their image and that of their favorite athlete, the athletes
autograph and the kids bio.
Next I would attempt to subsidize card shows in markets that do not have a major
sports team of their own such as Iowa, the Dakotas, Nebraska etc.. Additionally
I would attempt to enlist the support of the athletes themselves (through their
unions) that come from rural areas to get out to these shows and assist in
promoting the hobby by signing at the event and even giving product away. Let
the kids in for free! Give clinics at the shows on how to trade, how to place a
value on your cards and where to go to trade (internet, shows, hobby stores).
Organize trade nights where people can bring their cards and meet with others to
talk about the hobby.
I would solicit as much feedback as possible from the public on what kind of
products they want to see. The high end products are great if you can afford
them, unfortunately not everyone can and that is discouraging to a lot of
collectors as they feel there is no way they'll ever be able to pull that "major
mojo" card. So they stop buying or save until they can afford to purchase one
box. What do people want??? I personally would purchase more mid priced product
if there was a game used and auto'd patch card in every box. I would rather get
that then 3 "blah" jersey's or a couple of no name autos. I would also like to
see more rookies of players that will actually make it or are more popular, just
make 3 or four different levels of them.
Make it desirable for people to build sets! Offer more incentives for them (more
wrapper redemptions) and make it easier to do...enough with the 700 card sets
already!
Get the leaders in the industry out in the public pushing the hobby, talking
about their collections and sharing stories. Get them on TV, late night talk
shows, early morning talk shows whenever and whoever will take them! The hobby
cannot survive on word of mouth advertising, it needs to do more. I'd love to
hear how they come up with designs and see how cards are produced. There are TV
shows that show people how things are made...well, how do they cut up that
jersey or stick or whatever and get it on that card? These shows are watched by
families...hint, hint.
To conclude, we need to get the kids involved, we need to get the word out there
about the hobby so advertise, advertise, advertise! There's enough sports
coverage on TV these days to have spots on and get people thinking about the
product.
Mike Paquette
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
My ideas surround getting back to the days when baseball card collecting
flourished and kids couldn't wait to get their first glimpse of that years
cards. Back when you traded cards with your buddies to fill out your set. There
weren't the short printed cards that made set building virtually impossible.
Many collectors used to put away a set of cards for their newborn son or
collected a base set with their school age child. Now you have to spend a small
fortune, because of the inserts, to get a base set of cards. I loved the Topps
Total because it was a large set, affordable, got cards of all the players on
your team and got superstar or rookie cards in every pack.
My first and primary suggestion is to offer less products and a maximum of one
parallel per set. I am referring to baseball when I suggest set sizes, but the
other sports could use the same general format.
In the 70's and 80's the release of the new cards was met with great
anticipation. Now with a different set of cards coming out every month there is
nothing to look forward to. I would like to see the card companies offer 3
different sets of cards per sport -
1) base set which would be a large set like regular Topps 660 - 800 cards. Offer
them all in one series so collectors are buying packs in an effort to complete
their set. Offer an update set at the end of the regular season. Only one
parallel set like the golds, none of this crap of having the same exact card
front, just serial numbered differently to 1,5, 10, 25, 100 and 250... overkill.
You can have a few insert sets like: autographs, game used, etc. but not very
many so the pack price stays around $1. Maybe the printing plates, as they would
be an exciting pull out of an inexpensive pack.
2) a middle of the road set that is affordable to most collectors and maybe
appeals to the older collectors, something like the Greats of the Game or the
Heritage set. This set would be around 200 cards, feature the players of the
past and again only one parallel set. Maybe include an autograph and game used
of each base card. Possibly a couple insert sets that highlight past historic
milestones.
3) this would be a high end set for the collector that has money to burn and
enjoys the "big" pull. This would include the 1/1s, multi-player autos and game
used.
Mark Summerfield
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
I'm going to start saving the card industry by first re-instating Donruss/Leaf
license as a MLB card producer. I feel that a lot of dedicated collectors walked
away when Donruss was unceremoniously dropped as a product a few years ago. I
also feel that they have a lot to offer for the collector, and I feel that there
should be 3 major brands to choose from just like there was when I was a kid
back in the early 1980's when I fell in love with collecting.
I'm going to limit each of the three card manufacturers to 4 products each per
year (for a total of 12 products) and each product must be released during the
major league baseball season. I will strongly push to do away with Update/traded
sets but will leave it up to the card companies if they want to use that avenue
for one of there sets. One set each from the card manufacturers has to be a
lower end, reasonably price set that can be marketed to younger collectors and
setbuilders. The companies can produce whatever they like with their other three
options. I want Demand to Supercede Supply. I want Supply to be ample but Demand
to far excede it. I am going to open new avenues for collectors to get cards.
With card shops struggling to make it and not all collectors comfortable with
purchasing through Cyberspace I want cards back in the mom and pop stores
throughout the country. I want to put cards back in pharmacies, gas stations,
and even schools, yes, I believe their is a place for cards in the school
system. I want cards to be readily available but not overly saturated. Hardcore
collectors will always find their cards but I want the casual collector or the
curious collector to stumble back into the hobby or just find the hobby for the
first time. I want the guy who just goes into the convenience store for a Soda
and candy bar just not be able to resist a couple packs of cards that are
stategically placed near the register. I also want to make the card experience
exciting and worthwhile enough so that when the collector, fan, excited
father/son start coming back to the card hobby they will stay awhile this time.
I will have the card companies come up with new promotions to help keep interest
high in the hobby. Instead of chase sets and game used in packs companies will
offer limited edition vouchers in packs that can be traded in for real Major
League tickets. Get one voucher per box and trade it in for any game in any
Major League park in the country. Now that is far more exciting than a Shannon
Stewart game used warm up, batting practice jersey.
With only 12 products a year produced during the season and more promotional
items coupled with more accesibility to the average collector as well as the
lifelong collector I believe that the baseball card industry will begin to
flourish again!
jamierat
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it:
As someone who has recently returned to collecting baseball cards after a 15
year hiatus, I would like to share some thoughts regarding the state of the
hobby, and how I think it might be improved. For the most part, I think that the
baseball card industry is fairly healthy. That may seem like an odd statement in
light of the recent struggles of the card manufacturers and of hobby shops
around the country. But for the most part, the manufacturers put out strong,
vibrant products that appeal to a wide range of collectors. And, by contracting
itself a few years ago, the industry has returned to a manageable size for
collectors to navigate. Sure there is room for improvement, and I will make some
suggestions that I think would improve the products being produced. But what
would be most beneficial for the baseball card industry, is a good marketing
campaign.
For the most part, Topps and Upper Deck produce high quality, desirable
products. But there are some changes that could be made which would benefit the
industry. First, I would suggest further reducing the number of sets produced by
the manufacturers. A total of 34 sets will be issued this year between the two
manufacturers. That averages to almost 3 new sets being issued every month.
Sometimes, less is more. Concentrate on a few choice products that covers the
spectrum of pricing scales. Make those products really strong. (Opening day) I
would also suggest scaling back the endless array of parallels and inserts per
set. Multiple parallels just make it harder for a collector to assemble a
complete collection of their favorite player. And, is anyone really going to
collect the thousands of cards planned by Upper Deck for the Yankee Stadium
History? My final suggestion for product improvement is to find a way to
eliminate pack searching. There's nothing more disturbing than to see a pile of
foil packs mutilated by someone trying to find an autograph card inside. Don't
get me wrong, I think memorabilia and autographed cards are a great innovation
for the hobby. They appeal to all ages and types of collectors. And for the
industry to stay vibrant and grow, it has to appeal to more consumers than ever
before. But the system for distributing them must be fair to allow everyone an
equal chance of finding them. Maybe this means putting a thicker filler card in
every pack; or creating a specially designed sheath to conceal the ridges
created by autograph stickers. Because, I think for the industry to really
thrive, the manufacturers need to get more cards out in front of the general
public. And, no one is going to buy a pack of ruined cards they know won't have
anything special inside.
That leads me to my belief that the a little creative, and aggressive, marketing
could go a long way to help the baseball card industry. Twenty years ago when I
was collecting, baseball cards were everywhere. Now, you have to hope you still
have a hobby shop nearby or find the tiny display of cards in the dark corner of
your local Wal-Mart. The card manufacturers need to expand the presence of their
products to the general public. Get more outlets to sell cards: grocery stores,
convenient stores, drug stores. Put up flashy posters and displays. Put ads
before movies. Card manufacturers should expand the idea of National Baseball
Card Day. Treat the day as a marketing loss leader and give cards away anywhere
you can. Move the day later in the baseball season and hand them out at every
major and minor league stadium. Send packs of cards to schools, scouting groups,
Little League teams, and anywhere else that will take them. Make the cards
promos of actual, upcoming products rather than just randomly designed cards. Do
whatever it takes to bring baseball cards out of the hidden dusty corners and
into the spotlight again.
One of the arguments I've heard people use to bemoan the death of the hobby is
that kids (and adults for that matter) don't collect today because they are too
involved with video games and other technology based diversions. And while I
agree that people today have more choice in where to spend their time and money,
I don't see that as a deterrent, but as an opportunity. By way of example, two
of the most popular things going are sports video games (Madden anyone?) and
fantasy sports. Card manufacturers could team up with these groups and use these
popular products as a vehicle to promote baseball cards. A code on the back of a
card could unlock special player abilities or venues within a video game.
Fantasy leagues could have incentives tied to owning the cards of the players
drafted. Card manufacturers should start treating obstacles such as these as
opportunities for creative cross branding.
I grew up collecting cards in the mid-1980's. I collected for the thrill of
finding my favorite players and for the fun of chasing those last few cards to
complete a set. I quit collecting 15 years ago when it was no longer fun, when
collecting baseball cards no longer felt like a hobby. In those 15 years, the
baseball card industry has made great strides to better itself and move in
positive directions. The product now is probably better than it has ever been. I
think all it needs is an aggressive push back into the mainstream to soar again.
Scott Cyr
Elmira, NY
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it.
Remember riding your bicycle to the local general store and buying a pack of
Topps baseball cards? My first memories are from 1970. I was eight years, living
in South Jersey. The drab, gray border cards seemed bigger than life to an eight
year old Phillie fan frantically searching for Tony Taylor, Chris Short, Terry
Harmon or Jim Bunning.
How times have changed. Today, I accompany my son (who's 18 and graduating next
week from high school) to WalMart or Target, and rummage through a variety of
brands, packs and boxes of cards. Topps, Donruss, Fleer, Bowman . who can keep
track? What once cost me a dime, now costs $3-4.
Today's baseball card industry has out priced their product for young buyers and
oversaturated the market for adult collectors. Economic pressures of inflation
and near recession across the U.S. have also had an impact on sports card
collecting.
However, attendance at major league baseball games is at a record high. Millions
of fans across the country are active in fantasy and rotisserie baseball
leagues. How can this enthusiasm for America's past-time be re-captured by the
baseball card industry?
Streamlining product offering would appear to be a good start. Both new and
experienced hobbyists have a difficult time deciding what to collect because of
the variety of cards available. One standard set, one rookie set, one heritage
set and one premium set would provide sufficient options and make collecting
decisions easier.
Additional market research regarding price-sensitivity is also imperative for
the industry to advance. Children and their parents have more entertainment
choices for disposable income. Keeping prices affordable will be important to
expand the base of collectors in America.
While card companies can consider traditional marketing efforts such as
narrowing their product offerings and adjusting prices, the greatest opportunity
for the industry to grow is to invest in youth baseball throughout the United
States and integrate collecting with technology. Basketball, football, soccer
and other activities have surpassed baseball in student involvement. Youth who
do not play baseball are most likely not going to be interested in collecting
baseball cards.
Today's younger generation is also much more comfortable with technology than
their parents. The industry must find creative solutions to integrating
technology with card collecting.
My son collects cards the old fashioned way ... by the pack ... working to
complete a set. I have mostly given up collecting current cards and have focused
on completing sets from the mid-50's. In both cases, however, we're still
collecting cards. The enjoyment that comes with opening a pack of cards,
completing a set, getting a card autographed at a game and spending quality time
together has been invaluable in strengthening our relationship.
We would encourage other fathers and sons (and mothers and daughters!) to join
us.
jime
I’m going to save the baseball card industry and here’s how I’m going to do
it
In a world full of new challenges by means of shortening economy, dollar crisis,
war and recession; can we save the collectible and Baseball card business? In
order to do so, we need to be very creative. We will be exposing how we think it
can be done.
The Internet has shortened the collector stores offer. Not everyone is updated
in the technology side of the business. I am proposing that major card companies
help in developing internal web sites for small stores that goes not have the
ability or resources to do so. Since dealers sell bigger items (card boxes,
memorabilia, etc), Card Companies will be helping to sell their own products.
Most small stores have lots of good material that can be sold this way. However,
if the store owner wants to sell smaller items (individual cards, sets, figures,
etc.), they must invest into improving their webpage capabilities and not being
paid by card companies.
In general terms for the industry, I will vote for three major licenses (Topps,
UD and maybe Donruss) on Baseball cards. Market will support it, as long as the
offer is limited to six products per brand. An agreement must be made to make
one product per brand as a product directed to kids (ie.UD 1st pitch, etc.). Low
cost product, $1 range. Then, 1-2 regular products and three to four other
products on high end status, and may include variations, inserts and parallels.
Even high end product should be available for hobby and retail markets (smaller
boxes, individual packs). {Note: SCD get out an article 2 weeks ago confirming
this, I wrote the article first!}
In terms of Game used, they should be offered but on a limited quantity, to make
it more valuable. Autos should be included always, not in a redemption form.
Sticker or card auto most be determined on the type of product material (ie. UD
Sweet Spot must be card auto, Regular Topps might be in sticker). High cost
product may have its differences in this terms.
Promotions for kids should be run on Hobby stores on a monthly basis to attract
kids. Also for everyone (kids and adults), these same promotions should run
during spring training, Openning Day, All Stars weekend and during playoffs and
World Series. All major hobby stores on all states and territories, as well as
Canada and any other country MUST be included. The availability of a telecast by
web-seminar should be promoted by major companies on these dates. They must use
for showcase new products, as well as promoting all they want of newer/old
products.
A major card trading circuit must be promoted by manufacturing companies. They
must create a shared website and all actual major trading groups must be taken
into consideration and participate as contributor. Card trading days must be
promoted monthly by hobby stores. All attendees must leave their needs. This
would promote set building, team collecting and individual players collecting.
They should share with other collectors and hobby stores owner must use this as
selling/trading days that may help increase their sales.
Every state, territory and/or country must have a yearly convention, sponsored
by each manufacturing company. Promotional items will be distributed, baseball
players must be invited for signing (most free signing), and trading must be a
great part of the activity.
Pedro Cortes
I’m going to save the baseball card industry and here’s how I’m going to do
it.
I’m a huge fan of sports cards, but baseball cards in particular. Where I live,
there is only one or two card shops within a thirty mile radius. This is because
less and less people are following the wonderful hobby of sports cards. For
example, I have many friends at school who used to follow this hobby, but have
dropped it over time because they just don’t think it is worth it anymore. I
think that card companies should change this. One huge way to bring back cards
is by advertising, not only on television, but on Myspace, Facebook, etc. Here,
millions of people, specifically between the ages of 15 and 25 use their
Myspaces or Facebooks everyday. Advertisement posters here would be a great way
to get some people back on track to collecting cards again. Don’t promote cards
to adults because adults have way to many expenses to pay as it is, they don’t
want to spend their money on a pack of cards, so instead promote card products
to children because collection’s always begin at a young age. Making more
product or less won’t make a difference to the consumers. What needs to be made
are more interesting cards such as parallels, game used, autographs, and more
because it is almost impossible to pull one of those out of a pack. In my
opinion I would promote my product to younger adults/children because they are
more gulable and vulnerable to buy the product. What I am going to do and have
been doing is trying to get my friends to fall back in love with cards again.
Now, I talk about it a lot more at school and tell my friends about the cool
cards I pull out of packs. They seem to be more and more interested. As for me,
I’m going to continue to do what I am doing, which is buying baseball cards and
hopefully help to keep the hobby alive.
ebspartan09
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it...
There are many ideas and theories out there of how to make the card collecting
hobby popular. Some people say there are too many brands, some say there are too
many game used and autographed cards. Both are arguably true. However, cutting
down on these things will just make the hobby less demanding. The hobby has
declined, but it can rise again. Promoting, just like most things, is the key.
Of course sporting events is a great way to promote sports cards. What about
non-sporting events or programs? Hundreds of thousands of people are signing up
for Dish Network, Direct TV, Comcast, and Cox digital cable. Millions of people
are buying new cell phones everyday. Grant it, many people are not interested in
sports cards. That doesn't mean Upper Deck or Topps, among other brands, can't
market through these companies. It's worth a shot, right?
For instance, a family signs up for Dish Network. A husband, wife, and two young
children sign up for the 100-channel package deal for a year. They receive a
hobby box of Topps Chrome or Upper Deck Masterpieces by signing up for the
package. Both products are attractive and might spark a new collector. Companies
are becoming partners in business everyday.
Card companies getting involved with companies such as Verizon or Sprint would
be a smart move as well. Even if the customer buying the product is not
interested in sports cards, that doesn't mean they won't sell them on eBay. Ebay
is a big part of the sports card hobby.
It might be a risk, but if successful it could be a huge boost to the hobby, as
well as the wallets of all sports card brands. It's a win-win situation for both
parties, and could possibly "save" the hobby.
jdthakid36
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
As the role of the "virtual world" increases especially in the united states
were it is said nearly 20% (about 60 million) of all Americans have an Avatar or
belong to a virtual simulation community (this number is said to increase to 80%
by 2010), the card industry cannot afford to overlook this phenomena. My
suggestion then is to have a virtual community where consumers can buy packs of
cards online. The cards would be virtual at first, that is they will be random,
numbered and credited to the account of the particular collector. After a
specified amount of time the cards would be shipped to the consumer. The
greatest part of this community would be that cards could be collected and
traded virtually (trading was one of my favorite aspects of card collecting as a
kid and I think is still one of the favorite among collectors today). That means
you know what condition the card you receive will be in, near mint factory
condition. Also this would allow the companies to offer more services such as
grading, mounting, top load, mounting or advance protection encasement services.
The up sell and cross sell opportunity would be immense. One of the great
benefits this to the companies is that companies would never overrun cards and
that would decrease expenses and increase profits since they can seemingly
"print on demand."
bb7_2000
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
I am going to save the baseball card collecting industry by incorporating
technology into the hobby. The use of technology would be twofold. First it
would provide an educational experience for collectors. Secondly, it would
provide an added entertainment venue to the hobby.
Here is what I would do. I would focus on less expensive inventory. (Topps,
Upper Deck and Fleer). Next I would take the money saved from not buying the
pricey stuff, and use it for technology attractions and giveaways. For example,
I would buy a "Wi" Game and have it available for use for a amount of time
depending upon what is purchased in my shop. I would also conduct contests on
baseball card website creations, collector spreadsheets, and other ways to
utilize the computer in collecting. I would conduct monthly drawings for
inexpensive technology aids, and have a grand prize drawing during the holiday
season for an I-Pod. Customers must have made a purchase to be eligible for
drawings.
The intent here would be to inexpensively keep the hobby alive while promoting
something all kids are or want to be involved with today.I would stay away from
the SP,GU or Auto concept and return to a simple set-building mentality. It has
to be affordable for collectors.
Bob Novy
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it...
I agree that there is a need for establishing a new generation of fan. While MLB
has done a nice job of promoting parity within the league, which helps to
promote the players and teams across the country, there is little that they do
to assist the card collecting industry.
I think that the way to target the next generation is to have cards that appeal
to the younger generation. Go back to 99 cent packs, and not with just 5 cards.
Instad of having auto's and game used in the packs, put in collectable stuff
that would appeal to them. Let them win posters, banners, caps, jerseys and
other stuff that would appeal to youngsters. Maybe have high end prizes like
meet and greets with players, or ball-boy for a day. Stuff that really drives
the interest of younger collectors.
I would also do more targeted advertising for the younger generation. Start
running commercials on TV. Kids needs to see the hobby in the same manor that
they see video games and other products that compete for their attention and
their money.
Lastly, I would also start to push the games that many of us played as a child.
Many children get into Pokemon, Magic the Gathering and other card games. When I
was younger, we used to flip cards, scale cards against a wall, put cards in our
spokes and other fun things. It was great to collect the players I liked, and
still have something fun to do with the cards that I did not have an inetrest in
collecting. I do not see that this is something that is promoted. Everything
about the hobby now is hunting for the white whale.
I guess in summary, the key is to sell the cards at a price they can afford,
make it appealing to them, and give them something fun to do with the cards.
Tom Moss
I Am Going to Save the Baseball Card Industry and This is How I'd Do it
As a collector who got back into the hobby in 2001, I am surprised to see how
much the industry has dwindled in recent years. Saving or at least
reinvigorating the baseball card industy would require a multi-faceted solution.
First, let's examine what I believe to be some of the factors hurting the
industry. Card shops are closing down at an alarming rate. My three favorite
local shops all closed within the past year. Card shows, whether it be a mall
show or other venue are becoming fewer and farther between. The marketing of the
hobby to the casual fan; and the growing expense of the hobby all hurt the
industry.
Card shops are hurt by the internet. No "store front" operating costs to cover
online that a shop owner pays. Operating costs to the store owner means he sells
product at a higher price. I went to a shop that was selling a box of what I was
collecting at $85. I knew the shops Ebay ID and found online they had the box
"BUY IT NOW" at $40, which was about the norm for that box on EBAY. Why get
ripped at the store when I can get it so much cheaper online. For the card
shop's success, creativity is a necessity for survival:
1. I understand some mark-up to cover operating costs, just stop being
ridiculous.
2. Creativity:
* Went to a shop that had a once a month "Pack Wars". Every dollar you spent
during the month you got a raffle ticket toward drawings at the Pack War. They
had 12-15 drawing give-aways. That got you in the door to spend more during the
month to increase chances of winning a raffle (Freebies work). Then on day of
Pack Wars, shop provided pizza and soda free to all. They then drew for the
12-15 give-aways. Here's where they cleaned up...They then gave everyone in
attendance a raffle ticket to the actual Pack Wars. They then proceeded to offer
different products at a discounted price, and played 3 games with each product
such as, card #'s or certain inserts, etc would all receive another raffle
ticket for the Pack War grand prize drawings. They did 10-12 products. Well they
took credit cards, cash, debits and people lined up to buy packs. We already had
one free raffle ticket to the grand prizes, plus getting these packs at a
discounted price, plus we keep all the cards we bought so the sweet pulls were
there, and a room full of your fellow collecting entusiasts, why leave...it
equalled one heck of a take for the house. And the prizes at the end were
numerous, another 12-18 depending on crowd size.
* Set up Birthday parties at the card shop.
* Set up internet/Beckett price guide access and charge for computer time.
* Host parties in shop (Super Bowl, playoffs, Nascar, Ketucky Derby, March
Madness).
* Come up with non-sports card purchase ways of generating revenue: sports video
games (2 Golden Tee's at my local tavern) and you can never get on them, or a
pop-a-shot. Once in a while have a tourney with the games, offer some sort of
fantasy league contest where the participants have to stop by each week to drop
off line ups. Generate foot traffic, reasons to come in, stop by, hang out.
Contact local little league leagues and get coupons and "low-cost" freebies out
to the kids. The days of the card shop owners putting a sign in the window and
unlocking the door are gone. You must be an aggressive and creative
businessperson.
Secondly, it costs too much for a table at card shows. Vendors are more
reluctant to strike "deals" with customers because they have to cover table
costs. Find cheaper venues and make sure the sponsor is not gouging on table
prices. Plus guests to sign autographs is a great idea, but it has to be someone
of value. No one wants to pay $10 for an autographed picture of the 47th guy who
wore #98 for the Raiders.
Lastly, as stated by the card collecting public a lot over recent years...and
even more elequently by my wife, "You spent how much on baseball cards"? OUCH!
I'm paying how much for a pack/box because there's a 1/1 Babe Ruth card that
some kid got his picture in Beckett Monthly for pulling? Not to mention the
inflated book values on guys who haven't played yet. I love getting my hands on
$40 RC's of guys who stink 3 years later, and whose card I can't give away then.
Where's the value in that. Attention card companies, just make the cards like
you did in the 70's and 80's; and if that guy I never heard of turns into Jeter
10 years later, let me reap the benefits of a card that increases in value. As a
consumer, I will keep on buying and more at that. But paying Jeter prices
upfront on unproven talent that devalues into a career minor leaguer is ruining
the industry.
hrwbell
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and this is how I'm going to do
it
I believe that there are too many expensive
baseball products that card companies are releasing. The kids see people buying
$300 boxes of upper deck that have one or two packs in it, with ten cards that
are all numbered. they're just worried about how valuable their cards are and
what good "pulls" they can get. Whatever happened to buying cards to get their
favorite players and to get all of the players in their team.
If Topps and Upper Deck started to focus more on their less expensive products,
and less on their more expensive products, then the baseball card industry would
receive a much higher revenue. Sure, they should still make high cost packs and
boxes, but just make less of them. Also, Upper Deck should improve the quality
of their first edition, and regular baeball cards. If they put more numbered
inserts into their boxes and packs, it would be much more exciting for my
friends and I to open the packs. they could use Topps as an example, who have
numbered gold and copper inserts, which are really nice cards.
My friends and I really enjoy collecting baseball cards, and we would hate to
see the baseball card industry fade into obscurity.
-Will
Columbus, Ohio
I'm going to save the baseball card industy and this is how I'm going to do
it
Well, every since i was about eight ive loved collecting basball cards. the
reason the card industry is dying is probably because the will to collect is
dying. and i think theres one big reason why the card industry is dying. it
would have to be that prices are so high for a pack of cards a pack of topps is
like 5.00 dollars. i think the price on the cards should be deduducted 1 or 2
dollars. i think maybe if you do that people would buy more of them. because the
best collectors are the young ones, and they probably dont want to spend there
whole allowance on a pack of cards. i know i didnt, all i could offord was a
pack of leaf or donruss. dont get me wrong i would occasionaly buy topps or
fleer when i had more money because i loved collecting baseball cards. well
thats my oppnion on collecting and how i would save it thanks.
chanler0072000
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
What I'd do first, is to do more publicity around the hobby. I think the hobby
is declining because people don't talk about it. Budweiser sells beer because
their product is good and mostly because they do a lot of publicity. It is the
same thing with baseball cards. The product is good, but there is no publicity.
If kids would see an Upper Deck add featuring Derek Jeter who tells them that
collecting is cool, the chances they start collecting would be bigger.
Also, baseball cards collecting is now an adult world because everyone when they
bust an autograph, a jersey card, a rookie card, the next day it's on eBay. I
remember when my dad had a signed card of Bobby Orr (I'm mostly a hockey card
collector but I like baseball too), he could have sell it but he didn't. He
thought it would be more thrilling to have it in my possession for years to
come. The solution is to give kids more access to baseball cards and allow them
to keep those valuale cards. When they'd show their collection, they'd start by
those cards. And if their parents would take interest in their collection,
they'd be pride of that and more encouraged to continue to collect. It can be
something to do in family, an occasion to spend time with your kids.
In conclusion, the best way to save the baseball card industry is not to act
alone but as a society. Collecting cards is a really nice past-time, an
interesting way to have fun in family and it a lot better than company shares.
j_p_mercier33
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
The problem i see with younger kids now days in wanting to collecting ANYKIND of
sportcards-Is the price of them-The cost has skyrocketed-I also think the word
would get out there more-If there was a way kids could get more info from there
schools-Or even have like a insentive program-I donate cards and other sporting
gifts every year-They use them to give to Pee Wee baseball teams or for like a
reward bag-that they allow kids to have for doing good on a test or
attendance-Kids now days are getting into the online and video games more
today-Because years ago-There wasnt any-I think the pack prices are to high
now-And its turning more into a grown up and rich hobby-Even myself would like
to have some of the better packs-But being dissable has its limitations-So i
think all the companys should have more lower end products-That gives you a
chance on pulling a insert card from those lower end products-That you would
normall only find in a higher end product-This is somthing i havent seen much
of-But if word gets out there-It surely wont hurt the hobby any-And today-About
all most collectors think about-Is getting a higher end card-So have them
inserted in other lower end products as inserts-And now days-Autographed or game
used cards-Kids now days would have to be dirrected into collecting-More word
has to get out there-Because theres so much more out there for kids to do now
days-Than it was years ago-Just think about it-Theres all the different home
video game systems like X-Box 360-or the Wii-or playstations-and on line
computer games like warcraft and many more-Put it this way-Kids are more active
now days-So what i think could be of a help-Would be to TRY this-Inserting
higher end products-into lower end products-And the pack feeling and weighing
has gone way out of controll-Everyone and everyplace is doing it-People are even
weighing boxes now days-I could go on and on about ways to save the hobby-but
finding the right one-is not going to be a easy task.
kawhona4
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
I think the reason of why shops are closing is that there are less consumers out
"there". And it is because the MLB, which is the main topic of the cards, is
struggling financially. And why is that? It is because of the use of steroids
and HGH, with a strict rule and more fair competition, I think the MLB business
should grow better and better, so would the merchandise-selling industry, most
notably baseball cards.
I can prevent the whole disaster from happening as an everyday citizen by
supporting the clubs. I can do this by buying everyday products from their
respective sponsors. For example, the Blue Jays' sponsors are mainly Rogers and
Home Hardware, I can buy tools from Home Hardware instead of other shops or use
internet of Rogers. I can also prevent the whole disaster from happening as an
everyday citizen by writing a letter to the commissioner, Mr. Selig, to pass a
rule that would give a player lifetime ban and maximum fine so less players
would attempt to break the rule.
The actions above are the ones that I think would help the baseball card
industry because in my opinion, the reason behind all this is that the MLB is
not attracting enough positive attention from the people out "there".
johnnytang
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
The marketing approach to for the card industry needs to change. It needs to
start first with creating fewer products. There are to many products that do not
give enough results. Also there needs to be more autos and game used inserted
into packs. Kids are disappointed when they open a pack and get nothing good.
Another change that I think would help is doing more contests. I have found that
codes on the pack of cards and the prospect of redeeming cards for prizes help
attract kids. I think if kids had a chance to win a trip to meet a player or a
redemption card for an auto baseball or bat would help bring people back the
hobby. It is tough to keep people attracted to cards because of TV and video
games. There need to be new things that are created to refresh the market. I
think forums and internet trading helps a little, but the best solution I see to
fix the market. It is the job of the car companies to recreate the market and
the products they put out in order to help and bring a new generation into the
hobby. Colleting cards are a great hobby, but the market has become boring and
repetitive. New fun and creative products need to be created to save the market.
golfmanccl
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it..
There has to be a better middle ground. These companies go from packs at the
cost of under five dollars a pack to hundreds of dollars to pack. Which every
one knows the more you pay the better the pay-out is in getting something nice.
But on average what is the average amount most collectors spend. And the retail
versus the hobby packs the same thing.. Also the redemption idea is good if you
can get the companies.
So this is what I would do.
I would make the packs be priced at a fair value. So more people can afford a
little bit of everything. By upgrading the lesser value packs and then down
grading the high dollar packs. As for gu or autos it is understandable the
hofer’s or deceased items should be redemption type of cards. But as far as
active players all their autos must be on card period. They are giving paychecks
to ball players which is their choice to do then they have to sign the cards.
And all packs need to be produced them same way to avoid those mysterious pack
feelers ruining the fun of opening packs for other people. Redemption cards need
to have a better turn-around time since it has been narrowed down to the hofer’s
and the deceased the companies should already have then on hand. When you redeem
it the card should be in-hand in to the collector within 2 weeks. These
companies need to remember the set makers as well. Set builders are hard to
find. Because there is too many short prints or a dozen variations of one card
they just can’t complete the sets anymore. And the producing if it is a 1 of 1
the so be, but 3 versions of the 1 of 1 defeats the term they use. But in the
same version if you get a case you don’t want 9 gu from the same player either.
Companies state inserts are random. Doesn’t seem that away. If I had to sum up
how I would save the hooby in one more. Please make it FUN!
d. depler
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
I do believe that the baseball card industry is falling apart. I would like to
save it being a very big collector myself. I would want to use many different
resources. First, I would make a contest that if you bought a total of 10 packs
then you may go to a participating store and you would receive 50% off of any
purchase. Then, I would make a website to show how fun collecting baseball cards
are. I would explain the joy of collecting your favorite player's card. I would
also touch how great is it to watch your collection grow.
Now days, most kids spend their time watching TV, playing on the computer, Using
Im's, Chatting on the computer, Etc. Now it would even be better if our youth
start collecting cards right now. It would be nice to have not a government
holiday, but just a little thing with you friend's kids and their friends. We
should have a day where the kids put down their electronics and go over to a
store and buy some cards to make a collection. This would benefit the baseball
card industry because people would be encouraged to buy some cards and that
would cause the industry to prosper for a while.
As for adults, we would have to not just stop after we get one pack and say
"cool, I got a collection..." We need to start using our time and when we have
time; we should take advantage of it. There isn't much more that me can do, but
all we need is for more people to feel good about collecting and have more
people was to collect. We really need to have the card shop population start to
populate again. It will be good for us and good for the generations after us! If
this can be good for us it can be good for everyone. I say lets do every thing
we can to make this small population grow back.
AJ Wurtz
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
The card industry has become worse and worse over the years. Shops are closing
because of lack of sales. What is the cause of these bad sales, I ask you? It is
not a lack of interest; it is because the industry has changed for the worse.
Back in the day, you could get five cards for only a nickel, now you see card
prices go up to two dollars for five cards. In fact the other day my buddy got a
pack of five cards for ten dollars and did not get any kind of autograph or
memorabilia. Did you know that cards from 1990 are sold for one dollar when they
are actually labeled to be worth only thirty-five cents? That's ridiculous! Also
people now treat their cards like a business, buying and selling. Card shops and
sellers should try to demonstrate the fun in collecting cards, like have
contests, challenges, competitions, or any kind of activities to attract people
to their stores. BC Sports has started making this approach by having their
kid's card club. Stores should have weekly competitions like card flipping which
is an old favorite. Having weekly competitions attracts card collectors to a
person's shop every week instead of every month, like how most card shop
promotion days are. Card shows at malls also attract big crowds in attendance.
So I feel that shops should have card shows on days of certain events in sports.
That is how card retail stores can prevent themselves from closing, and have a
long lasting business.
SeaMar1028
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
I would save the card industry, if i was a shop owner, the first thing i would
do is market it more to kids by giving away cards to kids on a weekly basis or
by having drawings every weekend ! then i would lower the profits i had make on
the box's to a minumum of 15 % ! you've got to lower the prices for packs so
kids can afford them ! as a shop owner i can use the internet for selling cards
too then you can move more cards ! most shop owners will not take anything you
have in trade and if a kid pulls a redsox gameused card and lives in texas and
is a astros or rangers fan he has to try to find someone that is a redsox fan in
his neighborhood, when i could trade for it and sell it on the internet and the
kid could get a bagwell or biggio gameused card he really wanted instead of it
gathering dust or card gets ruined ! also one thing i would do for the kids is
keep or trade cards with them even the commons if i had to trade packs or other
commons for them !
Second if i made the cards i would not put short print cards in the base sets !
if you want to add black backs and other types of cards do not make it where i
have to buy 17 boxes just to get the base set of cards ! i don't mind trading
for a few cards but with short prints everyone don't or cannot afford to buy
another box just to get two or three cards !plus everyone else trying to
complete the sets are looking for the same cards !it makes it very difficult to
trade when all a person has on there wantlists are sp's and numbered cards that
are in the base set !
the third thing i would do is reduce the prices to the card shop owners so we
can get a good box of cards at a reasonable cost ! paying $100.00 or more for
any box is way to much especially if your chances to get a $100.00 card is 1 in
3,000 or more ! if they want to keep the prices higher then they should reduce
the number of common player autos and gameused cards to reflect the box pricing
!they have to make it more cost effective to the buyers ! i would never put a
redemption card in any box, unless the redemption date never expires, because
you may buy the box and finally get a redemption card thats not worth the
cardboard its printed on ! that way shop owners would keep more cards in stock
that kids can afford, when the prices are reduced after the newer products come
out, like the older box's !right now you only get the new released cards for the
year ! they would make up for the price reductions by selling more cards in more
years than the current year !
david jackson
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
Saving the baseball card industry would mean that the major companies would have
to bite the bullet a little. If each major company just produced one or two sets
per year, and peppered the boxes of cards with plenty of autographs, relics and
game-used, I think that the consumers would actually enjoy and patronize the
hobby more. The crush to buy the latest box of expensive cards must surely have
crashed, since the average person is focusing on filling their gas tanks and
refrigerators due to this economy. Keep it simple - offer less choices, but put
out a quality product that people can trade and buy!
langfan1
I'm going to save the baseball card industry and here's how I'm going to do
it
If I was in charge of making trading cards I would make cards with autographs on
both sides of the cards.I would also offer 6 or 7 cards in a pack for $1.00 or
less.I would also bring back the bubble gum in a pack but put it in a plastic
sleeve to keep it from getting on the cards.I would also do away with having to
get stickers with the autographs on them.I would also throw in promotional such
as redemptions for Team cards that would let the winner pick which team they
would want.
Fairon Spears
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