John S.
What is wrong with Topps
Topps has done a great job making its products available through major retailers, and that is appreciated. The problem is what happens after the product reaches those retailers. Retailers such as GameStop have little or no policy limiting sports card purchases. As a result, breakers and resellers often buy the entire inventory the moment it hits the shelves, only to immediately resell it at dramatically inflated prices. While Topps reportedly places expectations on retailers regarding product pricing, there appears to be no oversight of the prices breakers charge after clearing out retail inventory. Many breaks are priced at levels that far exceed the retail cost of the product, with pricing structures seemingly designed to extract every possible dollar from collectors. If Topps expects retailers to follow pricing guidelines, why is there no effort to address this issue within the breaking community? More importantly, why allow retailers to sell an entire shipment to a single buyer, leaving everyday collectors and families with no opportunity to purchase products at retail prices? What makes this even more disappointing is Topps' decision to end military discounts for active-duty service members and veterans. At the same time, the company allows breakers to purchase entire inventories and profit from enormous markups. That sends the wrong message. Active-duty military personnel and veterans have sacrificed years of their lives—and, for many, their physical and mental well-being—to defend the freedoms that allow American companies like Topps to operate and prosper. Many service members and veterans are passionate sports card collectors. Eliminating their discount while doing nothing to curb bulk buying and excessive resale pricing is difficult to understand. Topps should do better. Support the collectors who have supported your brand for decades. Protect retail access for everyday collectors, adopt policies that discourage inventory hoarding, and recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served this country.