(victor Shaffer Sets Sites On Tennis Royalty)

blowoutcards · 02-04-2008, 07:14 AM

(VICTOR SHAFFER SETS SITES ON TENNIS ROYALTY)

They balked when Upper Deck released a $100 pack, then a $600 pack and Topps released a $350 pack then Donruss hit with a $500 pack. Then came The Cup at $350 for NHL. In The Game with a pack over $100. Now what are they going to say about a $35-$50 Tennis Pack? Due to the limited numbers and the big names in the Ace Authentics set; 'Bring it on."

"We spent a lot of time to ensure quality over quantity in this product," said Victor Shaffer, president of Ace Authentics, which is releasing the 8-pack, $250 box. "We purposely let the market dry up a little before we waited for the correct window to open up before we release this very special product."

Shaffer is no newcomer to innovation. The founder of "game used" memorabilia in the trading card industry with Press Pass in the early 1990's, Shaffer took over the tennis market, bringing his own unique skills to the product. Several months ago when we shared his idea with several collectors and dealers the reaction was typical.

"Tennis, a high end tennis product?" Asked one store owner. "Are they nuts?"

"I'm not so sure the hobby is ready for the high end, if for tennis at all," said another.

Then again who would have believed Donruss Americana with Lillian Gish and Larry Hagman coat and short swatches would be the hottest product on the market in 2008 and selling for upwards of $60 a pack and more? Grand Slam II will very likely be much like Americana when it hits the market.

With eight packs in a box and four cards per pack it won't take much to ship it. The insides are loaded. Each pack will contain four hits. Either an autograph from a top ranked star or legend, a dual jersey from a current star or legend, a card signed by a top prospect and a jersey card from a current player or legend. The key is the legends series with such favorites as Martina Navratilova, Jeniffer Capriati, John Newcombe, Stan Smith and more. For some it is their first trading card while the series guarantees 20 actual rookie cards (RC) in the series.

Shaffer was excited in talking about the upcoming release.

"Each four-card pack is filled with value, fun and will provide fans and collectors with a pack opening advernture every time," he told TBR.

The product is just in release and comes eight months after the firm's release of Grand Slam One.

-The Brill report

02-04-2008, 07:14 AM	#1
blowoutcards Administrator Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 9,050 blowoutcards	(victor Shaffer Sets Sites On Tennis Royalty) (VICTOR SHAFFER SETS SITES ON TENNIS ROYALTY) They balked when Upper Deck released a $100 pack, then a $600 pack and Topps released a $350 pack then Donruss hit with a $500 pack. Then came The Cup at $350 for NHL. In The Game with a pack over $100. Now what are they going to say about a $35-$50 Tennis Pack? Due to the limited numbers and the big names in the Ace Authentics set; 'Bring it on." "We spent a lot of time to ensure quality over quantity in this product," said Victor Shaffer, president of Ace Authentics, which is releasing the 8-pack, $250 box. "We purposely let the market dry up a little before we waited for the correct window to open up before we release this very special product." Shaffer is no newcomer to innovation. The founder of "game used" memorabilia in the trading card industry with Press Pass in the early 1990's, Shaffer took over the tennis market, bringing his own unique skills to the product. Several months ago when we shared his idea with several collectors and dealers the reaction was typical. "Tennis, a high end tennis product?" Asked one store owner. "Are they nuts?" "I'm not so sure the hobby is ready for the high end, if for tennis at all," said another. Then again who would have believed Donruss Americana with Lillian Gish and Larry Hagman coat and short swatches would be the hottest product on the market in 2008 and selling for upwards of $60 a pack and more? Grand Slam II will very likely be much like Americana when it hits the market. With eight packs in a box and four cards per pack it won't take much to ship it. The insides are loaded. Each pack will contain four hits. Either an autograph from a top ranked star or legend, a dual jersey from a current star or legend, a card signed by a top prospect and a jersey card from a current player or legend. The key is the legends series with such favorites as Martina Navratilova, Jeniffer Capriati, John Newcombe, Stan Smith and more. For some it is their first trading card while the series guarantees 20 actual rookie cards (RC) in the series. Shaffer was excited in talking about the upcoming release. "Each four-card pack is filled with value, fun and will provide fans and collectors with a pack opening advernture every time," he told TBR. The product is just in release and comes eight months after the firm's release of Grand Slam One. -The Brill report