FANATICS FEST has me RETHINKING my place in the Sports Card Hobby

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Hey folks. A bit of a different type of video as I do a litlte soul searching based on Fanatics Fest. Most of you probably do not care but for me, it matters. If you want to help the channel out or connect on other socials, click this link, It is greatly appreciated. linktr.ee/sportscardcollectorchronicles

[@ACollectorsDream]

Agree completely, thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Thanks for stopping by. It means a lot

[@nickgalotta8734]

I personally have found the new stuff to be heading into another junk wax era and have resorted to collecting vintage and low numbered cards from 2005-2018

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Probably a. Very smart move for sure. I wonder if we ever left junk wax or if we get slightly lower runs but many more sets .. I'm not sure, though. Thanks for the comment

[@Iaganop]

Makes me more confident in my decision to collect vintage and 2000’s Upper Deck Sweet Spot cards Only! I will not purchase or collect modern. Collect what you love and what you can afford and you can’t go wrong.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Smart move.. I LOVE those sweet spot autos. I miss thrm!!!

[@johnmp3828]

I did an upload about Fanatics a while back after I got the email that they nerfed fan cash in favor of getting me to sign up for their online casino. F dat. I get offers on my CCs for cash back and I haven’t used any in a while. I’m passing on Topps chrome baseball. I’ll probably get some paper update. And that’ll be it for the year. Hobbies are supposed to be fun and if it’s not fun I’ll go do something else. As it is, fantasy football is right around the corner and there are only 24 hours in a day and I like my sleep

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

I never knew about the flip to cash online at their casino. That is crud ans yes hobbies are supposed to be fun!! Agreed. I have been prepping for fantasy football as well. I love it. My three drafts are right around the corner. Always excited

[@ClipCity21]

Idk can’t expect them to be perfect, they’ve done so much to the hobby that’s made it interesting. Yes they going to own everything, cause they want to. No one else is stepping up to challenge them, so they willing to invest to make this hobby known at least. Then up to that individual to decide if they want to start collecting n go down rabbit hole lol 😂 just making collecting fun that’s the main thing.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Oh I would never expect them to be perfect. Especailly when attempting to grow a market and take over an industry. For sure it is up to each person indivudually, that is where my internal debate is currently coming from. Thanks for thought out comment. I appreciate it.

[@grizzloradams1413]

I’m with ya, man. I feel like Fanatics has been showing their true colors for a while now. Just look at some of the breakers/repackers they’ve been affiliated with. Card breakers & repack hucksters, have shown the hobby just how swiftly a fool can be separated from their money. It’s really kinda par for the course, that they’d have a bunch of comped entry, deceptive “influencers” puffing up their con. Completely glossing over the thoughts & concerns of the people who paid to attend. From their over printed/over priced new products to the swindling breakers & repackers, to the choreographed box openings, where a celebrity athlete pulls the best hit of the product. 🙄 Fanatics has truly helped illustrate that now more than ever-“let the buyer beware”.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Exceptionally well said. Thanks for that comment. I appreciate it. I hope to see ya around.

[@gamingboxervideogames]

I recall years ago being able to get into card shows for under $10 per person!! Now shows like this in NY over $70 per person then you have to sell a kidney to get an autograph or even buy a good graded card.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

That is true. The setups are a lot nicer from a corporate perspective but that cost is not coming from the show (at least I would not think so). It is ironic that the shows pay teh signers to come in (I am pretty sure) and then you still have to sell a kidney to get an auto. I guess it is supply and demand right? Keep raising prices until people stop coming. then lower them again. Great point.

[@scottmignone5664]

I totally respect your views. This type of event would never interest me. Not sure if this will cause me to totally boycott their products completely. Im a big vintage guy so i will alway have options to collect.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

As always, I appreciate your thoughts. For me, this video is def not telling everyone else what to do. I would never do that. It is me talking out loud about what I would do. And I am just not sure... all my friends and family tell me my moral compass tends to have me die on odd hills from time to time..

[@ThoseBackPages]

Good stuff Adam. Fanatics Con is .... interesting. i live on Long Island and had no interest in attending. As for you hitting pause? Na, there are billions of cards already out there you can deal in. Your buyer base is very strong, and they'll support you IMO

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Thanks so very much. I really appreciate it.. yeah I am processing for sure. Now don't get me wrong. It seemed to have a cool "con" feel of that's your thing. It was that main part from the video that crushed me.

[@PickSixCards]

Let’s GEAUX

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

A little different type of video this time

[@socalrams74]

I'm ripping less and less now kinda sticking to buyign singles a little modern and vintage. Yeah ripping is fun and all but it's just too expensive.The days of pulling something good is rare and the odds are against you, the house always wins.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Wax accross the board has most definately become extremly expensive and really hard to get any real return on that investment unless of course you hit your lottery ticket. I have been more of a singles and lots buyer for the most part Great point. Thanks

[@socalrams74]

@@SportsCardCollectorChronicles Will you be at the Burbank show this weekend?

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

@socalrams74 na. I do not make it outside the mid-atlantic often. .if you go, good luck!

[@socalrams74]

@@SportsCardCollectorChronicles Yeah I will be there this Friday, I live about 3 miles from the Anaheim Covention Center so it's a must. You should try and make it to one, it's in a great lcoation in Anaheim (lots to do).

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

I would love to. The challenge is cross country travel is pricier than I want and more so. Due to travel, I would have to take an extra day or two off work. Now if I can make it align. Then for sure

[@svenpatrick1637]

Sticking with single cards only and not the modern stuff . Refuse to buy wax made from Fanatics!

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Love it. Thanks for dropping a comment.

[@tomcoleman6403]

I would say they were incompetent. Based on past experiences with them dating back almost a decade. Thankfully as a vintage odd ball collector, I don't spend much on current product anymore.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

You are in a great place then for sure. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate it

[@jdgjhn1]

As a middle aged vintage collector, I have no interest in going Downtown for a Flawless, Kaboom Panini sandwich, so I’ll leave this show to the youngsters and those who actually give a crap.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

That is one heck of a sandwich!!

[@Hardball247]

Panini is complete garbage!

[@nabzy28]

Mentioned it elsewhere and will say it again here: Scam based business tactics.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Agreed

[@sportscardwinterhaven]

Ben baller 2.0 pass

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Rgr that

[@toblujay]

So this show wasn't designed to help us all complete our base sets? Excellent video, I agree that Fanatics is drifting into a bad place morally with these influencer ties.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Ha-ha, could you imagine the local show folks trying to set build walking around looking for dime boxes? Now, I have no doubt there were some insane cards there though. haha. I heard form a few folks that went there was more vintage then i would have expected. Thanks for the comment.

[@Hardball247]

This was virtually a conference of all the shops/dealers just in it for the money, led by PSA (who had some of their owned shops in attendance). It's compared to an extravaganza of all the top drug kingpins getting together and showing off their luxury. It's the Legion of Doom of the hobby. SCR was reportedly there; I bet everybody wanted them thrown out as they despise them.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Thanks for dropping the comment. I really appreciate it. I have never thoguht of an analogy like that but I think it works. Yeah SCR was most definately there. Did you see their live Friday night? They were having a good time. It was like a trainwreck (in a good way) to watch but I could not look away

[@Hardball247]

​@@SportsCardCollectorChroniclesOf course SCR had a good time as they were putting down every faker they saw.

[@seanbyrne2415]

Ive been collecting and been a part of the hobby for over 35 years. Ive even worked for Fanatics as a sales representative for about 6 months. Everything about that organization is money driven regardless of the outcome. I will continue to support my hobby and my passion, but not as selling out corporately. My hobby morals will stay at local card shops and shows and a National once every 3 years.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

I completely respect that. Hopefully you left fanatics for an onward and upward career move. Thanks so much for the honest feedback. I really appreciate that.

[@seanbyrne2415]

My pleasure. Big fan of the channel.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Thanka so much. I just try to be honest and just me no matter what.

[@Hardball247]

Support the little people and small businesses.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Great point

[@danielarp4736]

Vintage all the way

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

I definately get that perspective for sure

[@AaronMonahan-sk9to]

This is awesome man! I have a HUGE issue with influencers who only do high end deals and are itching for subscribers so they aim at younger crowd for clicks, makes it seem like if you’re not doing $10k deals you’re not doing it right. I find that so wrong. Fanatics pushing these influencers down the hobbies throat doesn’t sit well with me.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

On board with you 100 million percent.Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you around!

[@AaronMonahan-sk9to]

I am in my mid 30s so I grew up in the early 90s where it was totally acceptable to go to the card store by a pack get nothing in it and still be pumped about it…. lol today that is 100% not the case because certain influencers tell you it isn’t. @@SportsCardCollectorChronicles I r

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Facts. I am in my mid 40s and I remember for sure. I try to instill that in my daughter who collects. So far, so good!!

[@collegehoopsguy]

Adam, really good video and thanks for your perspective. I'm sure there are others who share your view. I wouldn't go to any of these events simply because I am more into the cards than I am the Con of it. One thing I do wonder is if the clientele that Fanatics is trying to target with these events are less aware of the things you talk about than people more our age?

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Thanks so much. I think you are spot on from an awareness perspective. Phenomenal points

[@jacquemorgan2010]

My son and I had a great time, but I really wish I knew who /what you were commenting on. I see Fanatics doing things for big money which I wasn't wild about but wish I knew the story behind your feelings

[@drewdamore1997]

There is no story. This is just conspiratorial nonsense. If you call people out without identifying them, you get dismissed as bitter or cynical. Telling people to do their research basically amounts to “keep looking for information until you rise to my level of confirmation bias.”

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

I am glad you had a great time at the show. Hopefully you made some good memories you can look back on for years to come. I def did not want to mention the things specifically because frankly I am not trying to get sued. It is less conspiracy and more reality but again, I have this channel for fun etc. and I am not trying to handle any lawsuit etc. and the main point was me trying to figure out how I will navigate the hobby given what I saw. Thanks for stopping by.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

In the tweaked version of the famous stance of Marshawn Lynch "I did it this way so I would not get sued."

[@KK-pm7ud]

If you want to see how much Rubin doesn't care, watch his interview on CNBC last week. He didn't even know answers to basic questions about the event.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

I am going to have to look that up. I am obviously very curious.

[@scuffedmarshmello9334]

LMFAO That is just extremely false. First off the guy runs one of the biggest companies in the world, there is a reason he hired the guy who does Comin Con to run Fanatics Fest, he doesn't have enough time in the day to know every single thing, but he definitely knew the answers to everything but the extreme premium package details. I also thing he was trying to come off as not money grab so maybe he knew the 9k was the most expensive a package can get but didn't want to conversation to be geared around that and wanted it to be revolved around general admission. Also every time the guy speaks about sports or sports cards you can tell he has a passion, saying he doesn't care is the dumbest thing ever. Him and his company wouldn't get to where they are at now with not caring. Also his vision for this festival wasn't sports card centric, as he said in the interview it is only about 25% sports cards, mostly its interactive fan experiences, signings, live shows/podcasts, etc.

[@KK-pm7ud]

@@scuffedmarshmello9334 He was going on a dozen television interviews to talk about the show. He should have known the pricing and packages. That's what Mark Cuban would have known. But Rubin just cares about the celebrities and parties. He leaves the details to everyone else and just goes about his day. I guarantee you the CEO of Chipotle knows what every item on the menu is and how it is made. On the list of Rubin's priorities, sports cards is near the bottom. He created Fanatics Fest as a way to sell the value of Fanatics to all of these sports leagues and the WWE. His plan is to create these events to help these sports brands grow grow globally in a cost effective manner by spreading the cost of doing these kinds of shows across multiple sports brands. He'll do one in LA soon then go to Mexico and Europe and China and wherever else he can to promote his show. With merchandise first and then everything else coming after that until you get to sports cards. Which he includes because he knows he has a captive audience to help keep the event near profitability as possible.

[@Cape_Cod_Collector]

I appreciate your video, and have similar issues and concerns for our hobby and the Fanatics takeover. As you pointed out, there have been crooks and cheats in this hobby forever….alas wherever money is involved, greed drives some to do things they shouldn’t. I am also concerned with the gambling aspect that they are pushing…Topps Now, breaking culture, and their gambling business. Dan the Card man just did a nice segment on it. This is a difficult world to navigate for those of us trying to hold onto our moral character. Doing the right things isn’t easy, and it doesn’t make you rich or successful. But you may sleep better at night.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

I could not agree more. There have been more occasions then I care to remember where I walked away form more money to keep my sanity and attempt to keep my kids flying straight. They may go rogue but it will not be for lack of trying. I am going to have to check out Dan's video for sure. I agree navigating this hobby and the word as a whole right now can be a challenge and a good nights sleep every night is worth ALOT of money in my book. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a great cpmment.

[@PickSixCards]

What up

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Whats up?

[@Jamba-_-]

it’s supposed to be a event or experience for everyone but it was in nyc?!? one of the most expensive cities in the nation.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Great point. I actually grew up in NYC and for me and my family to have the standard of living we wanted, I could not go back there.

[@stevenlopez9149]

Where are they suppose to have it then ? In the middle of nowhere in a gym in Idaho ?😂

[@dacryptkeeper6836]

Fanatics in - I'm out!

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

That is a fair take for sure. Thanks for dropping the comment and stopping by.

[@Falker_Sports_Cards]

I'll add one more thing that hits my moral compass in a negative way. The constant push fanatics makes to drive home gambling with the younger generation in sports cards so they will then be able to double dip into their customer base over on their sportsbook once hooked. I mean they consistently advertise to gamble in group breaks and, hey, 'for signing up here's a free $25 bet for it as well'...I'm not a fan of the direction they are taking the hobby. Nothing in terms of their marketing is about collecting anymore, it's about gambling.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Agreed. And heck, then when they turn 21 they can bet in the branded sporrs book as well.

[@Falker_Sports_Cards]

@@SportsCardCollectorChronicles yes that’s exactly what I mean, they are grooming a generation of future gamblers.

[@riddleTCG]

See this a lot in marketing now. No more moral compass or ethics involved, just get eyeballs on your brand regardless of the character of people you bring on to promote it.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Unfortunately, you are spot on. Great point. I should have seen it coming from a mile away.

[@riddleTCG]

@@SportsCardCollectorChronicles Yeah but you obviously have an interest and passion for what you collect, sadly if we tried to boycott every company that did unethical things we wouldn't be able to get many goods or services in America.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Omg, that is a home run comment. So true . The name of green does seem to really impact it, and you are right. We would not be buying much

[@SreyAun-sd1eb]

Don't go. Not a big deal.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

thanks for the comment. I appreciate it.

[@brettfry5901]

Who we talking bout here?

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

I would say if you want to know you would have to check and do some research sorry. Not willing to put myself out there like that . Sorry

[@dannykhoun]

It’s not that deep. Don’t go next time. Still have plenty of other shows to attend.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Good point. There is definately no shortage of shows for sure. Thanks

[@gamingboxervideogames]

Seems like the average collector and the kids are being pushed out of the hobby. Sad where the hobby is going.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Sports cards have always been some level of gambling, but now it is right in your face. I agree with you for sure

[@Hardball247]

We average collectors are fighting back!

[@gamingboxervideogames]

@@Hardball247 Seems like all the grading companies are causing the small guys to be pushed out of the hobby. All the big guys are buying up all the product, getting the good cards graded and are turning around and selling them for Big $$. Then you have folks like "BackYardBreaks" which are giving the hobby a bad name. The average small collector doesn't have much of a chance any longer.

[@annony1annony191]

The Moto is clear OVERPAY YOUR CORPORATE OVERLORD or your out of the card game.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

They do have everyone with a shop that wants allocation etc by the perverbial ballz.. I suspect it is just going to get worse but time will tell. Thanks for dropping in for sure!

[@fiftytwice]

I think going forward just do not rip any wax or packs. Doing that you are not supporting them. You are just buying and reselling it just happens to be cards. Tons of company’s do stuff I do not support with my moral compass but if I can buy say a used shirt from a company I despise. Later I can flip it for a good profit seems good. I didn’t buy it from them none of my cash went to them. Yes still do the cards but do not go to events like fanatics fest sponsored and ran by them.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

I think that might be the answer. That is where my head is leaning me.. still their product, but it's "post purchase" . You might have nailed it. Thanks.

[@fiftytwice]

@@SportsCardCollectorChronicles love the content and how you price. Hope you keep at it and not give us the business.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Thanks a bunch. I appreciate it. I will stick around for sure. I'm just working out the how.

[@Mrceltic2455]

This event was a subway ride for me. But I have never liked Fanatics as a company to begin with. I don't like that no matter what team or sports you are a fan of, they have all sports on lock down so no matter what you have to order it from their site. It's a monopoly and no one cares. I do agree with you on the moral aspects of the show with the influencer issue. Not to mention that you sell Nascar on the site but have no representation of it at your so called sports fest.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Great points. I wonder if Fanatics did not want to bring NASCAR or if NASCAR did not want to spend all that time and money to do something in NYC

[@ryanadonis]

I am tired of the excuses for fanatics fest. It's a shit show and hobby is dead once they take over the license

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

You might very well be right. Thanks for stopping by

[@scuffedmarshmello9334]

If you are going to call out a massive company for bringing people to the event who have scammed millions from people you should definitely say the names. And lawsuits that are lost, may want to say those too instead of being extremely vague about it. I know one person you are talking about is iShowSpeed and his NFT thing which I know tons of influencers have done at some point. There were definitely things happening with some of the influencers that the show did not need. I think though hopefully they will learn from it. There were however some good things, some athlete's even buying cards, I saw Grant Williams buy and rip a box of NT and hit a Luka NT RPA /10. If it becomes more main stream for athletes to buy cards, with the money they have imagine what that can do for the market! This whole moral superiority thing you are projecting nobody cares about. High roading about a random influencer being at a show, and the fact that said influencer has scammed people in the past has no effect on me, you or anyone else attending the show. You can pretend it does by claiming you have to explain things to your kids, no you don't, unless of course your daughter watches iShowSpeed streams or whoever it is you seem to be referring to. 🤣 Also stop the cap, you will not change a single thing, you will still do sports cards, not going to one show ran isn't going to change that.

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Thanks for the thought-out comment. I appreciate that. I did not name names as I did not want to take any chances. The intention of the video was me basically talking out loud about what I am going to do. I know there were good things about the Con that people liked. Heck I even mentioned some of the influencer choices they made were very good. I never implied a moral superiority to you or anyone else. I even said we all have lines we cross and lines we won’t. Like I said, it was me trying to figure out my way forward in this. I also never stated I would get out of sports cards. I was thinking out loud about how I want to operate in the hobby. Any choice I finally make, as you eluded to and I even said in the video, has no impact on anyone or anything else that happens in this hobby nor would it ever intend to. I am just a guy. Nothing more, nothing less than that trying to raise his kids the best way he can. But thanks for again for stopping by.

[@jacobgoudreault6680]

The Hobby is way overdue for a Fanatics/Topps boycott!!!!!

[@SportsCardCollectorChronicles]

Will it happen? Who knows.