Tackling clear-cut fairness head-on, Fanatics, in collaboration with Topps, is rising to the occasion by drawing the curtains for an inside look into its card distribution process. In what comes as a landmark initiative, the collectible giants are leaving nothing on the table by bringing in the meticulous eyes of KPMG, one of the leading auditors globally, to the churning engine of their operation.
The goal behind this unorthodox transparency move is to douse the embers of concern and disquiet that have been flickering among collectors and dealers. The crux of the matter revolves around whether the distribution of high-value cards is genuinely random or skewed to favor certain customers. The decision to bring KPMG aboard was announced at the Industry Conference in Atlanta by CEO Mike Mahan of Fanatics Collectibles.
KPMG, known for their scrupulousness, conducted a meticulous review sparring no corners at the Texas printing facility where the trading cards take their final form. The auditors delved deep into the collation process and combed through production logs for each job. The aim was to ascertain that the dissemination of cards was truly random, a claim steadfastly maintained by Topps.
Now, the verdict is out. After months of rigorous examination, KPMG gives the green signal to Fanatics/Topps, validating that their processes effectively deter any possible intentional placement of high-value cards to specific customers.
Rife within collector circles were whispers of Fanatics/Topps bestowing a preferential wave towards high-volume customers or favored breakers. The speculation flames were fanned by social media footage of breakers unveiling multiple valuable cards, raising doubts about the randomness of pack contents. However, CFO Greg Abovsky of Fanatics Collectibles has stepped up to the podium to dispel these floating rumors. He attributes the frequent finding of high-value cards by prominent breakers to statistics, not sleight. The reason lying in the enormous volume of packs these major breakers manage, raising their chances of scoring big hits.
Moreover, Abovsky lifts another cloud of misconception, stating that Fanatics never artificially enhances the appeal of packages by purposely placing valuable cards for promotional gains. Standing testament to the company’s drive for fairness and transparency is their aspiration to conduct the randomness audit annually. This continuity in external auditing is intended to periodically confirm the integrity of their distribution mechanisms to the collector community, establishing a long-term bond of trust.
Fanatics/Topps’ initiative of an independent randomness audit is a robust stride towards fortifying trust among the collector community. Embracing transparency and robust scrutiny, the company is aiming to shatter myths and create a collector experience that is grounded in fairness and authenticity.
