Industrial Inspection & Consulting has disrupted the collecting world with its latest offering – a card X-ray service for $75. What initially began as a showcase of their CT scanning technology has now become a controversial service within the collecting community.
The service allows collectors to have their sealed packs of trading cards CT scanned, providing them with a viewing program to analyze the contents. The company has hinted at extending this service to include sealed boxes in the near future, adding another layer of intrigue for collectors.
While the introduction of this technology has sparked interest and intrigue, it has also raised ethical concerns within the collecting community. Many collectors are divided over the implications of using X-ray technology to analyze sealed packs and boxes. Some believe it could revolutionize the way collectibles are authenticated, while others worry about its potential misuse and impact on the secondary market.
Industrial Inspection’s general manager, Keith Irwin, has defended the service, stating the company’s goal is to make this technology accessible to all collectors, not just high-end enthusiasts. Despite the controversy, the company has seen a massive surge in interest, with requests pouring in from both individuals and auction houses.
The ethical considerations surrounding the service are complex. While some argue that it could be a valuable tool for authenticating collectibles, others fear it could lead to exclusion and unfair advantages within the hobby. Irwin acknowledges these concerns but maintains that offering this service is essential to ensure ethical practices within the industry.
The impact of card X-ray technology on the secondary market, particularly for high-end products, remains uncertain. While the service may not be cost-effective for all types of collectibles, such as low- and mid-tier products, it could have a significant influence on vintage sports cards, early Pokémon releases, and high-end modern sets.
As the collecting community grapples with the implications of this new technology, the future of card scanning remains unclear. Industrial Inspection plans to continue offering the service, potentially expanding to include scanning sealed boxes and encapsulated packs. However, the company is aware of the ethical dilemmas posed by this technology and is committed to navigating them responsibly.
In a world where technology continues to shape the way we collect and authenticate rare items, the introduction of card X-ray services has prompted a wave of discussion and debate. Industrial Inspection’s foray into this space serves as a catalyst for reevaluating the intersection of technology, ethics, and collecting practices in the modern age.
