It’s no secret that suspicions have lurked in the shadows of the collector’s world, whispers of foul play and favoritism behind the distribution of high-value cards that would make any hardened detective raise an eyebrow. Enter Fanatics/Topps, the leading brand in the collector’s game, who recently chose to face the rumors head-on, armed with the credibility of KPMG, one of the world’s most reputable auditing firms.
At the recent Industry Conference in Atlanta, Fanatics Collectibles’ CEO, Mike Mahan, announced that after a detailed inspection process spanning several months, the verdict was in. KPMG’s magnifying glass found that Fanatics/Topps procedures effectively prevented any manipulating hand intending to place high-value cards with particular customers.
In the topsy-turvy realm of the collector society, theories of Fanatics/Topps favoring either large volume purchasers or recognized breakers have made perennial rounds. The suspicions received more fuel from social media’s viral videos showcasing breakers landing several valuable cards. While the cynics held this as irrefutable proof of jiggery-pokery in the packing process, Fanatics Collectibles’ CFO, Greg Abovsky, offered a more down-to-earth explanation. He stated that the frequent windfalls by leading breakers are pure statistics, considering the substantial volume they deal with rather than any pack manipulation.
KPMG’s auditing process took its reviewers to the heart of the action – the Texas printing facility where the magic (or, as skeptics suggested, sleight of hand) happens. Decked in their auditing gear, they analyzed the collation process and waded through the production logs for each job. Thus, they ensured that the card distributions were indeed as random as Topps claimed, debunking myths and putting to rest any remaining speculation about manipulation.
Furthermore, Abovsky also tackled another common bone of contention among collectors. He made it clear that Fanatics has never – and will not – plant valuable cards in boxes for promotional gimmicks. With this being another feather in its cap, transparency doesn’t seem to be just a buzzword for Fanatics.
Going the extra mile, Fanatics not only shed light on the enigmas of its processes but also hinted at turning this randomness audit into an annual affair. By doing so, it reaffirms its steadfast commitment to integrity and transparency. From dispelling doubts to debunking rumors, Fanatics is playing the long game, setting the bar high in the collectors’ world. So, when the next round of whispers start, Fanatics’ unambiguous action will likely speak louder than any skeptic’s doubt.
To sum it up, Fanatics has proven that its cards are, indeed, shuffled fairly. From accusations of favoritism to box-seeding, they’ve faced it all and continue to stand strong, maintaining the randomness that adds that bit of spice to each collector’s anticipation. With an open-door policy to their processes, Fanatics looks set to retain the trust of the collecting community, one card at a time.
