2017 TOPPS NOW Baseball Only Please Thread.

[joejoemay]

OK here it is, figured I would start it since I post the most in the last one. Please keep the conversation to Topps Now Baseball....I will start threads on other pages for other Topps Now Products.

Here is to another great year!

---We get a lot of questions here so I will start posting some of the better answers to the most common questions about Topps Now, this thread, and helpful hints for beginners. We like to stick to Baseball in this thread but we will field and discuss questions about other items as they are relevant to the product including Topps other on line issues of the Now line. Check this post often as I will update it often.
#1 What is Topps Now: The product line of Topps started on Opening Day 2016 with issue of cards #1 and #2:
1 4/3/2016 Francisco Liriano 266 1st App 1st Topps Now Card Ever, 1st Pirate Pirates $180.00 $300.00 VHTF
2 4/3/2016 Kansas City Royals 356 1st Royals Card, 1st Team Card Royals $79.99 $200.00 HTF
I mostly list cards in this format...it reads Card Number, Date Issued, Name on card (sometimes it lists the predominate player vs the Team name even when it is a team card). After that is the Print Run (discussed below) followed by notes about the card (For Example 1st App means 1st Appearance of a player on a Now product). This is followed by team, a price that normally is the lowest Raw (ungraded) price of a card on eBay followed by a BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 version of the card. If only a few or no cards are up for sale the list may have a VHTF (Very Hard to Find) or other abbreviation about the difficulty of finding a card in high grade (mostly with some of the first 100 or so cards issued).

The Topps team looks at events around MLB during the day and selects photos for cards and offers them (around noon the next day) basically chronicling the entire year (including OS or Off Season events and since 2017 ST Spring Training cards). The cards are offered for 24 hours only so Topps can count the orders and print them. They only print the number of cards ordered...this determines the cards PR or Print Run of an individual card.
Currently the highest PR card (or most popular at time of release) is:
327 8/7/2016 Ichiro Suzuki 11550 First card to print over 10K (3rd Ichiro) Marlins $5.99 $18.99
Currently the Shortest Card(s) printed or SP of all Now Cards is the Road to Opening Day (RTOD) Padres set:

OD-421 4/1/2017 Clayton Richard 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-422 4/1/2017 Wil Myers 27 Master Set SP "27" Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-423 4/1/2017 Hunter Renfroe 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st Rookie Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-424 4/1/2017 Travis Jankowski 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-425 4/1/2017 Alex Dickerson 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-426 4/1/2017 Manuel Margot 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st Rookie Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-427 4/1/2017 Yangervis Solarte 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-428 4/1/2017 Ryan Schimpf 27 Master Set SP "27" Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-429 4/1/2017 Luis Sardinas 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-430 4/1/2017 Austin Hedges 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-431 4/1/2017 Luis Perdomo 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-432 4/1/2017 Jhoulys Chacin 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-433 4/1/2017 Jered Weaver 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-434 4/1/2017 Jarred Cosart 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
OD-435 4/1/2017 Brandon Maurer 27 Master Set SP "27" 1st App Road To Opening Day Padres
ODB-001 4/10/2017 Wil Myers 27 Master Set SP "27" Road To Opening Day BONUS HIT FOR CYCLE Padres

I left off prices for these as very few change hands with the Bonus card of Wil Myers going for over $200 so prices are in that area...you have to really REALLY love the Padres to try and buy one. Many don't consider this part of the main sets (2016 or 2017) so for those guys the SP of each is:
WBC: W-34 3/13/2017 Miguel Cabera 121 Team Venezuela Venezuela
2017: 303 6/27/2017 Chris Herrmann 127 Dimondbacks
2016: 523 9/30/2016 Chris Carter 178 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!2016 Base Set Short Print !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brewers $199.99
I didn't mention that a few of the Post Season sets from 2016 printed shorter then the Carter: Baltimore @160PR and the Blue Jays @ 145. These not so popular cards are Now very popular.

#2 $9.99 is a crazy price for a card!
Sure is buy 20 they are $79.99 delivered or buy 10 or 5 at a much better price.

#3 How long does it take to get your cards? Topps states something on their website but I've been buying from the beginning and about two to three weeks is normal. If you buy an autograph it can take 12 weeks...I know many cry about it but I mean, Scooter hit 4 HRs, Topps does the card, sells them and prints them off if they all sell (all Autographs and Relics have sold out so far according to Topps though there are conspiracy theorist who would debate this). They send these to Scooter and he sits down with a Topps rep and signs them. It's going to take a while...add a relic piece to this autograph card and be prepared to wait awhile. This is not collection for instant gratification when it comes to those but if you want that buy a case of cards and see how gratified you are....I've bought one of every autograph and relic and I'm still here...but I'm not a millennial either.

#4 What if my cards come damaged? (Copied from one of many replies to this but it seems the best way so far to handle it)
Quote:
Originally Posted by joejoemay
Many folks have had issue with customer service but the ones who have had success have done a few things.
1. They scan in copies of the shipping documents and order numbers
2. They scan or attach pictures of the damaged cards
3. They explain in detail what they need. For example "I need this card replaced."

"Yes, this works for me. I do this for base card orders with dents and bubbles. Scan your packing slip, take a picture of your card with the flaw, and just say "I would like this card replaced. I've attached a scan of my packing slip and card." Make sure you clearly identify the card with the card number and the player name. I attach files and make sure they have my order number in the filenames.

I usually reply off of my order confirmation or shipping confirmation and send to storehelp@topps.com and support@topps.com. "

#5 Question: when you become an "all star" do you automatically get a link for a COTM (Card of the Month), or do you have to redeem points? I redeemed points last month for the card, but I'm not sure if I had to or not.
-" Yes - you do have to redeem points for a COTM. They were not wasted. " -Tribefan26

#6 Question: Where do I find the Topps Now Card of the Month?
https://www.topps.com/cardofthemonth.html FYI: You must be logged on to your Topps Now account to get this link to work.

#7 Link to code entry for Topps Now pack drawn codes: https://www.topps.com/ultimatecardgiveaway-toppsnow
FYI, You can not get a 1/1 or autograph with these regardless of what the seller on eBay says!

#8What is the best way to return/replace a damaged card?

Originally Posted by justbasecards

Take a photo of or scan both sides of the card and the packing slip. Email all to storehelp@topps.com and support@topps.com. Make sure you clearly state what the issues are and reference your pictures and packing slip.

You should then get an automated email from customersupport@topps.com with a reference number. Then cross your fingers that someone will respond with an answer that you will find acceptable.

[T206]

Just want the first reply to this

[IowaCubs1]

I'm in.

[mlbexpert]

Also in!

[T206]

Im not really into Topps now, but I might want to start gettings all the Mets cards they put out. How many do you think that will be per year? Also how much are Topps Now cards?

[armstrong]

I'm in too!

[rcgdodge]

I wish I would have bought cards 1 and 2 last year! GRRR

[armstrong]

*** Brought over from 2016 Topps Now Thread ***


*** We know Fred and the Topps Now team read our forum so here are my thoughts ***



I've thought about this a lot, and I agree with having a new design and new numbering for 2017. I have other thoughts about the program that I will add tomorrow, but for the new design, and for today, I would like to address the design.



Looking back at the 2016 design, it was a good first start. But I would really, really like it to be changed. In fact, I would like it to be changed into and exactly like the 2017 Topps Series 1 Design layout (more or less).

The 2017 topps design is simply awesome! You guys have made one of the best design / layouts I have ever seen in a card. Congratulations, seriously!




What makes 2017 great?

* The design and layout is for 2017 Topps Series 1 simple;

* The Topps 2017 layout / design doesn’t have that fade background crap that takes away the overall emotion from the card. The background needs to STAND OUT enough to COMPLETE the card. Don't fade it out so much. 2017 Topps Series 1 does a great job keeping enough of the background relevant to the overall presence of the card.

* B/c the 2017 layout is simple, and this is BIG, it allows more of the picture to come out. 90% of the positive emotion you are trying to capture, comes from the pic itself. 2017 Topps Series 1 does an excellent job of this.

* The 2017 topps logo is grayed out. This is good. For 2016, Topps Now program was new and you wanted people to know what it is. But the 2016 Topps Now logo is WAY TOO BIG. So is the other lettering. You're taking valuable space away from the pic. 2017 Topps Now needs to have a grayed out logo; much smaller lettering; and keep the valuable space with picture; don't take away that space with unnecessary clutter or white lines.

Always remember, you are selling EMOTION; not a topps now logo. The picture is where the emotion is, so please fade out the logo like you are doing with 2017 Topps Series 1. Fade it enough to where we know it is there, but not enough to impede the pic and emotion coming from it.

* So less stuff, more pic = more emotional follow through = more cash for you. And please no more fading the background. It’s the full moment, not just the player we want.

SO....MORE EMOTION (better pic) = MORE SALES = MORE $$$ for Topps



2017 Topps Series 1 layout:

1.


This is a GREAT card b/c it shows all the things I would want in the new 2017 Topps Now design. It's simple. It shows a GREAT pic. The picture isn't made to feel smaller by the white vertical line topps now cards have (right side). The logo is properly faded out and doesn't impede the pic. The background ADDS to the pic. And it's highly emotional. I can feel the action.



2.


This is the proper lettering format size. The topps logo is grayed out and the rookie logo stands out. Good job!

In addition, the White block lettering of the player's name stand out with the TEAM COLOR in the background. You highlight the players name while fading out (more) the team name, b/c you want to emphasis the player's name. It looks great. Very effective! Wow!




3.


Another example of just a beautiful card with everything we discussed above. Again, it's simple; emotionally satisfying; shows more pic and less wording; less logo (so more pic); colors are VIBRANT, and the background isn't faded out into oblivion, but insteads adds GREATLY to the pic. This is a perfect example of a card I want to buy 20x of. A real winner!



4.


^ A great, clean, simple, emotional pic.


I don't know if you can do this or not, and obviously topps now has more wording to describe the event on the front of the card, as well as it having the date of the event (all important), but could you just use the 2017 Topps design and layout for 2017 Topps Now cards? Why spend more time and money when you already have one of the best designs I have ever seen. It clearly "checks all the boxes" on what makes a card great. I can tell you one thing for you to remember - the grass will not be greener on the other side if you pic another layout and design. This is it.

[armstrong]

For parallels, please change it to the 2016 (or 2017) design, but please change it so it's noticeable but doesn't take over the card.

1.


This Gold Card is better than.....



......this one.



The 2016 topps now gold card parallel has WAY too much gold; Way too much fading; WAY too much black shading; AND WAY to much WHITE fade were the auto signature goes (it can't take up THAT much space). The entire card itself is WAY to CROWDED.

[armstrong]

Both the 2016 Topps Series and 2017 Topps Series TEAM LOGO designs (at the bottom right corner) are much better than the current 2016 topps now. You need to change that too. Again, using the 2016 or 2017 Topps Series designs in the 2017 Topps Now design would be great. They flow better and POP better. They add to the card. It makes it look more modern too. Quite honestly, the 2016 Topps Now design looks like it was designed on a bar napkin during happy hour (which it probably was). And while it sufficed for the first design, Fred and Topps Now needs to change it drastically.

1. 2017 Topps Series 1 (great)



2. 2016 Topps Series 1 (great)






3. 2016 Topps Now (ugly, and well, plain, compared to the two above card team logos)

[armstrong]

Another simple yet powerful card. I wish this was a topps now card for 2017...



Another great card...a little too much on the background fade though...

[armstrong]

For 2017, if you could add in more pics like this (below), I think it really adds to the feeling (again emotion) of the moment / games. You don't have to include this in the regular numbering set; it could be it's own subset throughout the season. But it would sell and I know I would buy a lot.

Again, emotion can be:

1. GREAT PLAYER MOMENTS
(shown above)

2. GREAT Celebrity Moments that help make THE GAME Memorable.
(front)


(back)



3. GREAT Baseball Story moments.

1.



2.



3.



4.
Perfect card establishing the emotion of the moment in the crowd (World Series or Playoffs only please)....



5.
You would have to get her permission, but this is a cool card. Cubbies would buy this. She'd make a great advertisement in Chicago too. Imagine the billboard / poster the day after....with the phrase "click her for more Topps Now Chicago cards of this game".




It's ok to make these a sub set throughout the season. You're already doing that with other Topps products. Why not here? You want to immortalize not just the game but the ENTIRE MOMENT of that game.

[joejoemay]

Originally Posted by T206

Im not really into Topps now, but I might want to start gettings all the Mets cards they put out. How many do you think that will be per year? Also how much are Topps Now cards?

Mets cards from 2016:
31 Curtis Granderson 1st SP 294 Mets
37 Neil Walker 1st SP 289 Team SP Mets
41 Yoenis Cespedes 1st SP 325 Mets
46 Bartolo Colon 1st SP 298 Mets
57 Bartolo Colon 2nd 8826 Mets
69 Noah Syndergaard 1st 3670 Mets
88 David Wright 1st 1014 1st and Only Topps Now Card Mets
103 Curtis Granderson 2nd 626 Mets
156 Noah Syndergaard 2nd 810 Mets
206 Wilmer Flores 1st SP 740 Mets
234 Yoenis Cespedes 2nd 481 Mets
258 Jacob DeGrom 1st 775 Mets
265 Jeurys Familia 1st 460 Mets
309 Jay Bruce 2nd 505 Mets
315 Bartolo Colon 3rd 741 Mets
316 Jay Bruce 3rd 489 Mets
354 Wilmer Flores 2nd 771 Mets
360 Bartolo Colon 4th 1120 Mets
365 Noah Syndergaard 3rd SP w/ Tom Seaver 771 Mets
396 Bartolo Colon 5th 492 Mets
405 Yoenis Cespedes 3rd 841 Mets
414 Jeurys Familia 2nd 503 Mets
450 TJ Rivera 1st Call Up 1st 613 Mets
467 Curtis Granderson 3rd 565 Mets
488 Asdrubal Cabrera 1st 491 Mets
490 Jose Reyes 1st & Asdrubal Cabrera 2nd 815 Mets
515 Jeurys Familia 3rd 461 Mets
527 New York Mets NL Wild Card 771 Mets
544 Noah Syndergaard 5th 497 Mets
545 Curtis Granderson 5th 417 Mets
NYM Addison Reed 1st (Card Number: NYM-14) 392 1st and Only Topps Now Card Mets
NYM Asdrubal Cabrera 2nd SP (Card Number: NYM-6) 392 Mets
NYM Bartolo Colon 6th (Card Number: NYM-11) 392 Mets
NYM Curtis Granderson 4th (Card Number: NYM-4) 392 Mets
NYM Jacob deGrom 2nd SP (Card Number: NYM-10) 392 Mets
NYM James Loney 1st (Card Number: NYM-8) 392 1st and Only Topps Now Card Mets
NYM Jay Bruce 4th (Card Number: NYM-3) 392 Mets
NYM Jeurys Familia 4th SP (Card Number: NYM-15) 392 Mets
NYM Jose Reyes 2nd SP (Card Number: NYM-5) 392 Mets
NYM Neil Walker 2nd (Card Number: NYM-9) 392 Mets
NYM Noah Syndergaard 4th (Card Number: NYM-1) 392 Mets
NYM Robert Gsellman 1st Call-Up (Card Number: NYM-12) 392 Mets
NYM Seth Lugo 1st Call-Up (Card Number: NYM-13) 392 Mets
NYM TJ Rivera 2nd Call-Up#@SP (Card Number: NYM-7) 392 Mets
NYM Yoenis Cespedes 4th (Card Number: NYM-2) 392 Mets

[joejoemay]

Originally Posted by T206

Im not really into Topps now, but I might want to start gettings all the Mets cards they put out. How many do you think that will be per year? Also how much are Topps Now cards?

It depends, there were only a few of some teams and tons of Cubs...so I think it depends on how your team does and the number of note worth things that happen.

Cards are $70 for 20 cards...it's the best way to buy them IMO

[LCM1223]

You had me at Jessica Alba

[armstrong]

Originally Posted by joejoemay

Mets cards from 2016:
31 Curtis Granderson 1st SP 294 Mets
37 Neil Walker 1st SP 289 Team SP Mets
41 Yoenis Cespedes 1st SP 325 Mets
46 Bartolo Colon 1st SP 298 Mets
57 Bartolo Colon 2nd 8826 Mets
69 Noah Syndergaard 1st 3670 Mets
88 David Wright 1st 1014 1st and Only Topps Now Card Mets
103 Curtis Granderson 2nd 626 Mets
156 Noah Syndergaard 2nd 810 Mets
206 Wilmer Flores 1st SP 740 Mets
234 Yoenis Cespedes 2nd 481 Mets
258 Jacob DeGrom 1st 775 Mets
265 Jeurys Familia 1st 460 Mets
309 Jay Bruce 2nd 505 Mets
315 Bartolo Colon 3rd 741 Mets
316 Jay Bruce 3rd 489 Mets
354 Wilmer Flores 2nd 771 Mets
360 Bartolo Colon 4th 1120 Mets
365 Noah Syndergaard 3rd SP w/ Tom Seaver 771 Mets
396 Bartolo Colon 5th 492 Mets
405 Yoenis Cespedes 3rd 841 Mets
414 Jeurys Familia 2nd 503 Mets
450 TJ Rivera 1st Call Up 1st 613 Mets
467 Curtis Granderson 3rd 565 Mets
488 Asdrubal Cabrera 1st 491 Mets
490 Jose Reyes 1st & Asdrubal Cabrera 2nd 815 Mets
515 Jeurys Familia 3rd 461 Mets
527 New York Mets NL Wild Card 771 Mets
544 Noah Syndergaard 5th 497 Mets
545 Curtis Granderson 5th 417 Mets
NYM Addison Reed 1st (Card Number: NYM-14) 392 1st and Only Topps Now Card Mets
NYM Asdrubal Cabrera 2nd SP (Card Number: NYM-6) 392 Mets
NYM Bartolo Colon 6th (Card Number: NYM-11) 392 Mets
NYM Curtis Granderson 4th (Card Number: NYM-4) 392 Mets
NYM Jacob deGrom 2nd SP (Card Number: NYM-10) 392 Mets
NYM James Loney 1st (Card Number: NYM-8) 392 1st and Only Topps Now Card Mets
NYM Jay Bruce 4th (Card Number: NYM-3) 392 Mets
NYM Jeurys Familia 4th SP (Card Number: NYM-15) 392 Mets
NYM Jose Reyes 2nd SP (Card Number: NYM-5) 392 Mets
NYM Neil Walker 2nd (Card Number: NYM-9) 392 Mets
NYM Noah Syndergaard 4th (Card Number: NYM-1) 392 Mets
NYM Robert Gsellman 1st Call-Up (Card Number: NYM-12) 392 Mets
NYM Seth Lugo 1st Call-Up (Card Number: NYM-13) 392 Mets
NYM TJ Rivera 2nd Call-Up#@SP (Card Number: NYM-7) 392 Mets
NYM Yoenis Cespedes 4th (Card Number: NYM-2) 392 Mets

To add to Joe's response, here is the stats per team:

"2016 Topps Now Baseball Card Team Stats

Cards featuring players from different teams are counted once for each team appearing on the card.
Cards specifically designated as award cards, all star cards, or other non-team-specific cards are counted as "miscellaneous".
Top 10 Teams - Cards Produced

Cubs - 132 Cards
Indians - 76 Cards
Dodgers - 68 Cards
Red Sox - 60 Cards
Nationals - 50 Cards
Giants - 47 Cards
Mets - 47 Cards
Orioles - 38 Cards
Blue Jays - 34 Cards
Rangers - 34 Cards"

referenced from - Final Stats for 2016 Topps Now Baseball Series

[T206]

Originally Posted by joejoemay

It depends, there were only a few of some teams and tons of Cubs...so I think it depends on how your team does and the number of note worth things that happen.

Cards are $70 for 20 cards...it's the best way to buy them IMO

At those prices, it seems that buying from ebay is the way to go. Is this correct?

[ThoseBackPages]

Didnt buy any last year, but may pick up some PSAs

[joejoemay]

Originally Posted by joejoemay

Mets cards from 2016:
31 Curtis Granderson 1st SP 294 Mets
37 Neil Walker 1st SP 289 Team SP Mets
41 Yoenis Cespedes 1st SP 325 Mets
46 Bartolo Colon 1st SP 298 Mets
57 Bartolo Colon 2nd 8826 Mets
69 Noah Syndergaard 1st 3670 Mets
88 David Wright 1st 1014 1st and Only Topps Now Card Mets
103 Curtis Granderson 2nd 626 Mets
156 Noah Syndergaard 2nd 810 Mets
206 Wilmer Flores 1st SP 740 Mets
234 Yoenis Cespedes 2nd 481 Mets
258 Jacob DeGrom 1st 775 Mets
265 Jeurys Familia 1st 460 Mets
309 Jay Bruce 2nd 505 Mets
315 Bartolo Colon 3rd 741 Mets
316 Jay Bruce 3rd 489 Mets
354 Wilmer Flores 2nd 771 Mets
360 Bartolo Colon 4th 1120 Mets
365 Noah Syndergaard 3rd SP w/ Tom Seaver 771 Mets
396 Bartolo Colon 5th 492 Mets
405 Yoenis Cespedes 3rd 841 Mets
414 Jeurys Familia 2nd 503 Mets
450 TJ Rivera 1st Call Up 1st 613 Mets
467 Curtis Granderson 3rd 565 Mets
488 Asdrubal Cabrera 1st 491 Mets
490 Jose Reyes 1st & Asdrubal Cabrera 2nd 815 Mets
515 Jeurys Familia 3rd 461 Mets
527 New York Mets NL Wild Card 771 Mets
544 Noah Syndergaard 5th 497 Mets
545 Curtis Granderson 5th 417 Mets
NYM Addison Reed 1st (Card Number: NYM-14) 392 1st and Only Topps Now Card Mets
NYM Asdrubal Cabrera 2nd SP (Card Number: NYM-6) 392 Mets
NYM Bartolo Colon 6th (Card Number: NYM-11) 392 Mets
NYM Curtis Granderson 4th (Card Number: NYM-4) 392 Mets
NYM Jacob deGrom 2nd SP (Card Number: NYM-10) 392 Mets
NYM James Loney 1st (Card Number: NYM-8) 392 1st and Only Topps Now Card Mets
NYM Jay Bruce 4th (Card Number: NYM-3) 392 Mets
NYM Jeurys Familia 4th SP (Card Number: NYM-15) 392 Mets
NYM Jose Reyes 2nd SP (Card Number: NYM-5) 392 Mets
NYM Neil Walker 2nd (Card Number: NYM-9) 392 Mets
NYM Noah Syndergaard 4th (Card Number: NYM-1) 392 Mets
NYM Robert Gsellman 1st Call-Up (Card Number: NYM-12) 392 Mets
NYM Seth Lugo 1st Call-Up (Card Number: NYM-13) 392 Mets
NYM TJ Rivera 2nd Call-Up#@SP (Card Number: NYM-7) 392 Mets
NYM Yoenis Cespedes 4th (Card Number: NYM-2) 392 Mets

Many don't count the last Post Season Set in the number but I do...so if the Mets make the post season again I think it will be about the same number. So 30 or so is a good guess...now if you just want one card of each the best way to buy is from a pre-seller you can get them for $6.50 or so delivered, before print runs are announced. Unless it acts like the #57 card above and goes through the roof...you can even wait till after the print run is announced and get the card for weeks before the flippers run out.

[armstrong]

Originally Posted by joejoemay

It depends, there were only a few of some teams and tons of Cubs...so I think it depends on how your team does and the number of note worth things that happen.

Cards are $70 for 20 cards...it's the best way to buy them IMO

There are a lot of pre-sellers that will sell you the cards between $6-7 on the day they come out as well. I know JoeJoe, Rockledgesports, Twinsjakes, bowlingfreaknj, editorgaw and many others pre-sale on ebay.

[joejoemay]

Originally Posted by T206

At those prices, it seems that buying from ebay is the way to go. Is this correct?

Yes...unless you want a bunch.

And then there is the random autograph factor...if you didn't buy the Crawford or Ichiro from Topps you had no shot at it.

[joejoemay]

Originally Posted by armstrong

There are a lot of pre-sellers that will sell you the cards between $6-7 on the day they come out as well. I know JoeJoe, Rockledgesports, Twinsjakes, bowlingfreaknj, editorgaw and many others pre-sale on ebay.

Actually out of the pre-selling. Too much work for too little profit. I have a day job don't need to spend my nights stuffing envelopes.

[T206]

How does the autograph factor work?

Also what makes one card more valuable than another in terms of regular season games?

Lastly, what is the card stock like?

[joejoemay]

Originally Posted by rcgdodge

I wish I would have bought cards 1 and 2 last year! GRRR

I missed out on them as well...had to play catch up. Not sure that the #1 card is going to fair well after they said they are renumbering. Sure it still is the first of it's kind and hard to come buy but I think the price drops down over time. JMHO

[joejoemay]

Originally Posted by T206

How does the autograph factor work?

Also what makes one card more valuable than another in terms of regular season games?

Lastly, what is the card stock like?

Well they gave out 20 random cards last year that were signed (Good luck trying to find one or get one if you didn't receive it from Topps)...it was more of a promotion I think. Anyway, if you didn't buy the #100 Crawford, you didn't get it...but only 10 people got them and it was random. I got one (as a huge buyer at the time I thought that was why)...when the Ichiro came out #154 had 10 autographed versions...I didn't get one. Topps told me that if I got one it was highly unlikely I would get another one, so I figured that all 20 went to different buyers (by design). Will they do it again?? I don't think so...but they may and if you don't buy through Topps only the dealers and flippers with get those.