I Sent an EXPIRED REDEMPTION to Topps and this is what they sent me!!

Want $25 to use on fanatics live? Use the link below (I get $25 too lol).
www.fanatics.l...
Ever buy a box of cards from a few years ago? Did you have that feeling of dread in the back of your mind, wondering if you would pull a massive hit only for it to be expired? What would happen?? Would Topps fulfill it? Deny it? Ghost you? Send something else? Well wonder NO MORE! Watch this and find out.
#sportscards #redemptions #topps

[@thehobbyphd]

UPDATE: Earlier today (April 29th, 2024) Topps Announced they are EXTENDING the window on redemptions to a DECADE!!! Huge news and great for collectors. They also reduced their redemption count, and even retroactively applied the new redemption window to 2021, 2022, and 2023 products.

[@chunter3882]

The issue is the redemptions should not expire so fast. Topps knows some people save the boxes and don't open them.

[@thehobbyphd]

I'd like to see the time frame go to 5-10 years minimum but I understand why they have expiration dates. I think another issue is that we all pay full price for wax with expired redemptions. I'd also like to see checklists get more transparent with what is/isn't a redemption.

[@jasonsimpkins9069]

Well they're meant to be opened. They don't sell just for people to hold. But if they can't get the signatures at the time then they should NOT do a redemption.

[@chunter3882]

@@jasonsimpkins9069 When someone buys something you can't tell them what to do with it. Some people want to hold it for 10 years. That's up to them.

[@locodragon28]

How bout if the can't get the player to sign before product release then keep them out of product!! Equals no redemptions

[@EdsterIII]

Good point. There are collectors who save boxes. I used to, but this was back when cards weren't insanely priced. 1980 to 1994. Also considering that Topps KNOWS how many redemption cards were made, and how many were redeemed, at least give a bigger window.

[@weetjijwel050]

I agree with you, its pretty cool they send you anything at all. It is the right thing to do, but businesses nowadays..... Well done, Topps!

[@packerbacker4969]

Topps sent me nothing on mine. I pulled a trout/griffey dual auto on Jan 5th of this year out of those mega mystery boxes you find at Walmart/Meijer. It expired 5 days earlier on 12/31/23. It was a monster pull. My biggest ever. I sent it in along with the upc code of the box, the pack it was in and the actual receipt of when I bought it pleading for them to honor it since it was only 5 days and the box I got it from was brand new. They basically told me tough luck and refused any compensation whatsoever. I’ve emailed them a handful of times and they haven’t responded once. Complete BS… Will never buy a Topps product ever again!

[@thehobbyphd]

What was the product?? That’s wild

[@BMarie774]

That’s actually..really weird. Normally they will. Are you sure you weren’t a bit rude or something or could’ve come off as rude/demanding by accident? Usually, they will honor it in some degree, even if just sending a few hobby packs. I’ve never actually heard of them not sending SOMETHING, even if just a discount code or something.

[@NikkisCards]

This is why I like Topps/Fanatics vs Panini. They didn’t have to send you anything but they did. This is awesome!! Way to go Topps

[@bradleymartin8347]

You have a better outlook than me. Last week I got my “care package”. I mailed a gallery Aaron judge rookie auto /99 two years ago after they told me they would make an exception for my expiration date. Keep in mind this was before the home run chase, so during the height this was a big card I was missing. After hounding them through email and social media for 2 years I finally got my “care package” which looked just like yours. $10 total value in two singles and two cheap hobby packs. It was a slap in the face in my opinion after they said they would make an exception. I wish they would have just told me no right from the start rather than that roller coaster ride. I’m extremely frustrated with fanatics after this trash customer service. I wish they would take value into consideration when sending “care packages” because they’re pretty “couldn’t care less packages” in my opinion.

[@thehobbyphd]

Your frustration is completely valid. The fact they told you they would honor it and then reneged is really bad. I would be mad too. My situation was totally different but if I was in your shoes this would be a very different video.

[@mr.fancypants1524]

Topps responded because your writing on the card looked like it belonged to a 10 year old kid. Well played.

[@thehobbyphd]

It’s so true. All this education and for what? To write like a 7 year old lol

[@EdsterIII]

​​@@thehobbyphdIt worked so? Honestly however given how many of those Redemption cards don't get "found" or sent in, and add to the fact that the hobby has taken a little dip in sales, Topps may have wanted to try and help a customer. As a manager for over 25+ years I know this, Loyal customers are VITAL to your success. That said it takes a while to earn that loyalty, but only one or two mistakes from that customer leaving. Plus going the 'extra mile" for a customer will usually get spread around by word of mouth and it will give them higher regards with people. I would have bet however that at most you'd have gotten a apology letter. ✉

[@sportscardrippingteacher]

I wish you had more time to redeem your redemptions. Thanks for sharing!

[@thehobbyphd]

You and me both!

[@jpmnky]

That’s awesome they sent you something. May send in my expired 2022 Pro Debut auto redemptions.

[@stretchlimo7275]

That’s pretty cool they did that for you. Says alot about the company, it means they must really appreciate their customers. You lucked out on this one, have a good weekend 👍🏼😎🇺🇸

[@davidarmstrong8188]

I am now going to have to send one of mine in and see what happens. Thanks for the tip!

[@thehobbyphd]

Good luck!

[@buffalodean]

Ive got the same redemption. Thanks for the video. Im gonna mail mine in!

[@kurt847]

It would have been funny if they had an expired redemption in those packs

[@thehobbyphd]

A never ending loop

[@packerbacker4969]

They do!!! See my comment.. Complete BS!

[@GrizzlyX]

If redemptions are in packs, they shouldn't expire PERIOD. Include the card in the pack or don't. This should be and instant lawsuit if it's widespread.

[@BensBaseballAddiction]

Love when you make these types of videos!

[@justinmoss1163]

Had this happen to me on an old ufc pack, hit the Jose Aldo patch card... emailed them, mailed it off... bummed I didn't get the aldo card, but. Did get a couple newer packs and a $40 box that guaranteed 1 hit, ended up with a duel Dana white/Renan Barao auto, and a luke rockhold ring relic

[@thehobbyphd]

That’s incredible!

[@EdsterIII]

I was thinking that with how expensive cards have become, and how much closer Topps must monitor Redemption cards, and cards redeemed, that have to have an idea of what or how many are still available. And given the fact that many collectors, dealers of sports cards save/hold onto boxes for a year or more specifically to sell at a higher price there will be Redemption cards that will occasionally pop up, so giving the collectors more time before the "expiration date" runs out would be very helpful. However the fact that Topps actually sent you anything at all is pretty cool and amazing. Honestly I half expected to see a letter saying "Thank you for purchasing Topps sports cards, however since the Redemption card you sent in was expired, we don't have anything remaining to send out. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and hope you continue to buy Topps Sports cards in the future." Sincerely.... blah blah blah blah.

[@thehobbyphd]

This is a very reasonable response.

[@archieshaver9391]

Agreed. Thanks for sharing.

[@Fortniteclandanny]

I got a similar "care package" as they called it from Topps as well... except my card was a Jackson Holliday variation card missing an auto on it

[@thehobbyphd]

At least they didn’t send you a wander Franco auto! What product was it?

[@Fortniteclandanny]

@thehobbyphd It was from a Bowman product, can't remember the exact type at the moment. They sent me a Tyler Austin auto, an Ichiro All Star Game relic, and two packs of Opening Day sigh lol

[@thehobbyphd]

Ah opening day. Highly sought after lol.

[@HobbyHound]

I did the same a while back and they gave me different packs and some decent autos. The fact that they do anything is cool. I typed a letter and they responded, its how you ask be nice and they will be nice.

[@thehobbyphd]

Completely agree.

[@lyndaramirez4428]

I am happy that you got something back from Topps, but IMHO, think any redemption that cannot be fulfilled should receive a replacement of equal value. At least you weren't dealing with Panini. I have redemptions still pending from 2020 that I have refused replacements.

[@grantmartin7939]

Ha, I'm still waiting for a couple from 2013 from Panini!

[@thehobbyphd]

I hear you. My perspective is I went in eyes wide open that 2020 had expired redemptions. I knew I could get skunked and I appreciate the fact they sent something when they didn't have to. It would be a very different reaction from me if I pulled an Ohtani auto last year and they sent me this as a replacement.

[@2broscollectibles]

just subbed... we had issues with missing hits from topps and we went back and forth for 8 months. they kept sending us garbage

[@thehobbyphd]

Wander Franco autos?

[@2broscollectibles]

no not that bad haha , miles mastroboni and ryan mountcastle lol@@thehobbyphd

[@unclegreenskatesoda9570]

Cool channel man

[@thehobbyphd]

Thank you!

[@joeschmoe2011]

Great video. I also love Stadium Club Chrome. There is a retail version - blasters at Walmart at least. And they are a tier below Chrome in pricing. I think last year's retail blasters were $25. But they go quick.

[@thehobbyphd]

I’ll keep my eyes out but I didn’t see any last year by me. Did they release a 2023 stadium club chrome?

[@joeschmoe2011]

@@thehobbyphd I checked my boxes. I bought 22 SCC.

[@JoelSpike]

Cool that they sent you something anyway. I'm a new subscriber! I do daily single pack rips on my channel. Mostly 80's & 90's packs. Occasionally do modern packs too!

[@thehobbyphd]

I will check it out! Thanks for the sub

[@JoelSpike]

@@thehobbyphd No Problem!

[@kempersportscards8341]

You can get a base Robert auto under 100 so yeah not a huge loss, at least you got something to throw at it if u wanted to get the actual card…. Pretty cool!!!

[@chrisbennett2374]

They owe me a dual on card auto /5 of Griffey and Ichiro, been a year and a half. Nothing.

[@thehobbyphd]

Yikes man. That sucks.

[@laudanum669]

I think that redemption cards should be good for at least 5 years. They already have the autographed card, so why can't they set them aside and redeem them if requested. Or take all the cards that the redemptions have expired for and put them in a second chance drawing the following year. They could advertise the second chance drawing on the wrapper of the pack and require a empty wrapper be mailed in for one entry. That way the customer has bought a current year pack making the company money and fans collectors would have fun trying to win those expired cards. Topps should hire me, I'd help make the hobby fun again:)

[@thehobbyphd]

You should email them your resume!

[@thebenc1537]

I quit baseball cards after learning how Mcdonalds rigged their monopoly game. Its too easy to manipulate the product and track the most rare cards.

[@JeffreySmart-q3j]

They need to keep hobby going despite the overproduction

[@kabutoyakushi6618]

You have a very good attitude and likeable personality.

[@thehobbyphd]

Dude thank you!

[@Sublime_1]

Good on them for semding something, that wasmt an apology for not semding anything.

[@richardboss2892]

Back in the early 2000s, I pulled a redemption card from a WWF box. It was for a wrestler I didn't really care for, but I was still excited. I sent it in, but never got anything back. So I contacted them by phone to ask what happened, and they responded that they "didn't have the card" the redemption was for. So they told me I could then pick a different card. I ended up getting an awesome dual relic of Stone Cold and his then-wife Debra. I can't even find any info on the card I got, so I have no idea on the value.

[@thehobbyphd]

Times have changed. You actually got to talk to someone on the phone?!

[@richardboss2892]

@thehobbyphd crazy enough, yeah. One thing I remember was that the lady I talked to didn't sound like she gave much of a crap about the situation. Not in a bad way, just that she didn't care what card I picked, just that the situation was resolved quickly.

[@joeschmoe2011]

auto-pens and players not returning autographed cards in time were some of the problems in the 80's - at a time when companies like Classic were making autographs a big part of their product. That led to companies sending the tape to be signed as they felt it would be easier to get back and they wouldn't have to send a player cards. When tape started failing, companies stared really pushing jersey cards. That way a company could have something personal from the player on the card and there would be no need to send and receive autographs. At least companies did not have to rely so much on the players with jersey cards. I suspect redemptions are mainly because players not returning cards on time. This has been an issue for decades. With redemptions, there is the added problems of taxes and inventory accounting for companies. But autographed cards have been highly sought after since baseball began. They'll continue to be a big part of cards.

[@thehobbyphd]

These are some excellent points!

[@JonsSportsCards]

I think Topps could have done a little bit better with this. I had a four year old Damian Lillard auto redemption with Panini. I went with the class action lawsuit against them that ended up going nowhere. I took a chance after years of trying to contact Panini and just called them. They took one look at what I had gone through and sent me a Charles Barkley auto and a Tyler Herro RC auto. That made things right. I’m not a fan of panini and have slammed them hard on my channel as well. Topps should have done a little bit better even though the Robert redemption was expired. He’s a big name still and the compensation could have been stronger

[@thehobbyphd]

Wow sounds like you really went through the ringer with the Lillard thing. Glad to hear it eventually worked out. I'm curious to hear more about your experience. Are you an attorney by trade? From my perspective, I knew the redemptions in this product were expired. By purchasing the product I'm consenting to take the risk. However, here are 3 things I'd like to see them change: 1. longer redemption windows. 2. checklists that flag redemptions. 3. Redemption expiration dates printed on the box in large text like a warning on a box of cigarettes.

[@JonsSportsCards]

@@thehobbyphd no I’m not an attorney just a small business owner. I was one of the thousand plus collectors that were part of the class action lawsuit that was brought against Panini. Your point with the redemptions are all valid. All of the companies need to make things clearer for consumers.

[@joefreeman7346]

You got a bazooka back in archives.

[@teamtexas2226]

I pulled a Ohtani rookie auto which is a lot more than $70… so getting $50 in cheap packs would suck.

[@BEARSMIX]

Sounds like great customer service to me

[@willybeezy2775]

I haven't collected Topps cards in years. I have some card boxes in the attic. I should bring them down and look through them. I know there are some Bo Jackson and Pete Rose in there.

[@thehobbyphd]

That’s what got me hooked

[@markwilliams6394]

I sent them my redemption from a Star Wars product. The card was going for about $125 at the time. I tried to redeem it online, and it said it was an invalid code. I pulled it from a box I opened. I called them and they said to send it to them. I did, and I haven't heard a thing from them, and its been a year and a half. I dont trust them anymore. They've replaced 5 out of 15 I've redeemed, and the Star Wars one I didn't get anything, not even an email saying they can't honor or anything. I now sell them back to my LCS. They can deal with the headache.

[@thehobbyphd]

That’s terrible! You’ve had 15 redemptions? That’s a lot. Selling them is sometimes the better play anyway.

[@vadenk4433]

Man when I was a kid a pack of Topps was $0.50 cents. Upper deck was the "expensive" lack of cards and it was like $1.10. This was 1989/1990/1991

[@thehobbyphd]

Wild how times change!

[@TheRealMrAndrew]

I got a ‘96 Black Gold set redemption card. Thing used to be worth a ton, now it’s like fifteen cents.

[@thehobbyphd]

I have a 93 black gold redemption I’m tempted to try and send in lol

[@MikesOddballs]

Redemptions shouldn't even be a thing let alone legal, card companies should not be able to sell a product they don't have and can't guarantee especially if it's a auto on a sticker. It's a easy fix make less sets and if they don't have the autos in time then leave them out of the set. The only exception should be if the card or item doesn't fit in the pack like booklets or even have redemptions for game used autographed jersey that they have.

[@camiam91387]

They should be as lenient as they expect you to be when theyre waiting for players to sign...ive seen people wait really long times for redemptions

[@thehobbyphd]

I would love to see the window grow by a few more years.

[@jasonparker6670]

I was a freshman in hs in 1996. I pulled a nba draft pick #13. Found it 20 years later. Yes that's Kobe's redemption cards. Makes me sick thinking about it.

[@thehobbyphd]

That sucks man. It happens. I wonder how many 1/1s have been thrown in the trash.

[@METALMAN4Wii]

Omg they actually care about their customers.

[@0g.Ghost.7373]

Having redemptions expire should be illegal. Don't release the cards if you don't have them. They have the full Rights to the players, it is a failure on Topps.

[@robertcopeland2946]

Not sure exactly but maybe someone else can chime in - Most of the card companies have booths at the conventions. If you take your expired redemptions there they put you in a draw for some nice stuff sometimes. Not 100% on how it works though.

[@sonnysamu2645]

Why don't redemptions have a disclaimer saying that in the event the redemption date has expired topps will send you a card of comparable value. That way at least the collector knows they will get something instead of getting burned. I myself have redemption cards that are expired. I pulled them from packs after the expiration dates.

[@thehobbyphd]

They should put expiration dates on the boxes and packs. Minimally!

[@mikeross4937]

If you don't ask the answer is always no.

[@markthompson7503]

Nice Walker Buehler and Soler!

[@markgaudreau8053]

i pulled a gold MVP #1 redemption a month ago from 18-19. I sent it in and now my fingers are crossed lol

[@thehobbyphd]

Let me know how it goes!

[@fastesteddiealive]

It’s 2024. The redemptions should be in the computer and not printed till it’s sent in. Then they get it go on their computer n send it out n take it off the list. It’s not 1976. We have computers w memories that could last forever and their printers these days could print anything at any time

[@johncameron4194]

Nice. 👍

[@Dario_Mazzella1975]

I have a ton of 98-99 topps basketball redemption I never turned in. I regret it now

[@RichardWinkler-s6p]

That Fulmer and Rusney are like $1 cards at best……

[@brentedwards2606]

Word

[@brianthomas5228]

I like what topps does I had a xfractor ohtani with a major print line they sent me a negative Refractor gunner henderson rookie which is a better card.

[@thehobbyphd]

That's awesome! I've seen them do cool stuff like that for people. In another video I sent in a crimped All Aces card and they sent me a blue parallel version of it.

[@yodapapavintageamericana]

Fair i believe but if you were going to national i would have saved it and took it in person there

[@thehobbyphd]

Never been to the national I should check it out!

[@buraddorun3043]

My opinion: it expired so they didn't have to send you anything. I'm with you. It's cool they still sent you something.

[@thehobbyphd]

Great minds think alike

[@numberoneappgames]

that was really kind of them to do that. lols

[@mnplumberman]

Nice you got something. Hopefully they do extend the times on redemptions if they are going to keep them in. On the flip side with Topps, I've been waiting 9 months for a replacement of a redemption I waited 7 months for before asking for the replacement. The kicker is the 2 guys on the dual auto I was waiting for have live autos all over their new products. Customer Service always responds, which is nice compared to Panini, but still ridiculous.

[@thehobbyphd]

Replacements are a whole different animal. I’ve heard horror stories on replacements. But I’ve also seen/heard some good things. Hoping it works out for you.

[@jimbo1028]

I did the same thing 20 months ago, still waiting..

[@thehobbyphd]

Oh that is too long. Hope they send you something. If they send the actual card let me know.

[@QuantumRizzX]

Does companies do this with wander Franco cards, lol? I’ve got like 30 rookie cards of his that are gonna be worthless

[@joerussell9574]

I have an old master photo redemption from 1993 topps with Larry Walker...wonder if I should bother sending it in?

[@thehobbyphd]

I would love to see what happens. I hope the address is still the same lol

[@joerussell9574]

@@thehobbyphdHey good point! I will dig it out and double check the address. I remember being disappointed pulling the masterphoto redemption(you could buy those packs at Wal-Mart at the time) instead of the black gold lol.

[@mailmanmike9952]

Maybe they send points only

[@thehobbyphd]

It would be so funny for Topps to send me Panini points. Would actually laugh at that.

[@timothy7172]

Why do they have to expire anyways? I mean if the cards just sitting in a damn vault.

[@robertcopeland2946]

After they expire they are used as replacement cards or put into special products. Most of the cards are gone.

[@timothy7172]

@@robertcopeland2946 I understand the practice and the process, my point is It would make the hobby that much more fun. Thinking of pulling a box 15 years after it's production date and pulling the card. And Topps still honoring it. That just sounds really damn awesome.

[@thehobbyphd]

That’s the dream. That’s what they did with the new Debut patches. At least give me a 5-10 year expiration date. What is it now, like 2?

[@raisedbycassettes]

So if you’re supposed to get a card and then you don’t redeem it in that certain amount of time, what happens to the card that you were supposed to get?

[@thehobbyphd]

Unknown. I know sometimes they can't ever get the athlete to sign. Depends on the situation I imagine.

[@Tjseabolt]

Could have atleast sent you something of the same value but glad you got that. Better than nothing

[@chrismathisen5435]

I sent an expired redemption that was 10 plus expired and they sent it still :) this was years ago

[@thehobbyphd]

Wait say more - what was the card? That’s incredible!

[@2UGamingProductions]

If you call topps someone answer's the phone which is nice.

[@michaeldenzer6024]

Topps website wont Allow me to enter.....so just mail to them? Nice cards!

[@thehobbyphd]

Yes I mailed it in.

[@mrechannel2023]

I've heard bringing them to the National convention gets you better trade-in; you got $20 worth of meh instead of a $100 rookie auto. They could have done better, at least you got something, but redemptions should be banned.

[@Zachary.Tyler.Murray]

I think that expired redemptions are unethical. Did you not think it's weird they kept those two cards but not your Luis? Where does it go? Why didn't those two cards go where your Luis went? Sure, they covered their butts with the legal part but that's only because IT IS unethical. Unethical business practises that cause debate over a companies morality is obviously a massive problem. That's the thing with redemptions, they cause a lot of problems.

[@thehobbyphd]

I don't think it's unethical to have redemptions that expire. I'd like to see the expiration dates go further out but I also don't expect them to keep an autograph of a star player forever. From a business standpoint that's money locked up in inventory that they can't use. I do however think that if the window were any smaller, like only in the year of release, it would be unethical.

[@Zachary.Tyler.Murray]

The difference between one year and two years seems like a rather slime margin for being unethical. So we can assume they sold your Luis Robert card for money? How? Where? And that actually creates a large incentive for Topps to have the biggest rookies always on redemption cards because they will get to keep a none-zero amount of them. Honestly the more I think about it, the sketchier Topps looks. Redemptions should be honored for a decade or be abolished. @@thehobbyphd

[@historyhunter5215]

What box? I jave a ton of packs and boxes i havent opened bc im afraid they are past date...

[@thehobbyphd]

This was 2020 topps chrome.

[@danc7904]

Not sure why I got this video in my feed, I don't watch these, nor have I bought baseball cards for 50 years.... but... when did they stop giving you a piece of stale bubblegum?

[@thehobbyphd]

Dan! Welcome back. It’s fate my friend. You can still find the bubblegum in the old packs if you like breaking teeth.

[@thomasniek1697]

Have you ever send in a 3 x 5 indoor to tops or donruss for a redemption like on The blasters they say no purchase necessary blah blah blah here is the address and send index card I have sent probably 30 I have not gotten a thing in 5 yrs

[@arthurtinsley6449]

Well it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick LOL

[@thehobbyphd]

Amen to that

[@smitjimmers144]

I like the current scam is release products like 10-12 months later, so redemptions are only valid for like a year…anyone who pays these exorbitant prices for this trash deserves what they get

[@thehobbyphd]

What is wild to me is the fact that wax prices aren't impacted when redemptions expire. We have to stop paying full price on the secondary market! And yet I will still buy 2020 topps chrome lol.

[@michaeldenzer6024]

Ty

[@fliplife67]

I do wonder where does cards of expired goes U would think there are a lot of floating Ron Jrs autos RC from Topps chrome 2018.

[@thehobbyphd]

I think they use some in archives. Stamp them and release them in those encased products.

[@fliplife67]

@@thehobbyphd could U imagine pulling a gold or red that’s crazy

[@fivethreeone]

did you let your 4 year old write the letter? omg

[@thehobbyphd]

😂😂😂😂

[@muricancars797]

I have a customer that collects Soler. Are you interested in trading something for it? I’d love to give it to him for a token of appreciation plus it’s got a decent story :)

[@thehobbyphd]

Man I would love to but I sold it already. Next time.

[@muricancars797]

Hey no worries at all! I just appreciate the reply brother

[@MrCarlosggf]

Wow, you speak like Ben Shapiro.

[@thehobbyphd]

I’m afraid to ask, is this a compliment? Lol

[@MrCarlosggf]

​@@thehobbyphdwell, I love Ben, so yes :D

[@WhosWatchingWhat]

Haha that card is only worth about 65x what they sent you lol

[@thehobbyphd]

whoa dude 57x at best lol

[@WhosWatchingWhat]

@@thehobbyphd 😂😂😂

[@azwildcats7842]

🥱 🥱 🥱