Fanatics, in collaboration with Topps, is stepping into the spotlight with bold transparency. Engaging KPMG, a global force in auditing, Fanatics hopes to dispel persistent whisperings in the collector’s world about the fairness and randomness of distributing their high-value cards. During the recent Industry Conference in Atlanta, Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan pulled back the curtain, revealing that an exhaustive review from KPMG has given the green light to Fanatics/Topps’ procedures that effectively insulate against the intentional placements of high-value cards for specific clients.
Chatter about the potential favoritism towards high volume customers or even well-known breakers, has been a simmering pot within the collector’s arena. Amplified through social media channels, videos of breakers unveiling several valuable cards have further stoked the flames about the randomness of pack contents. Fanatics Collectibles CFO, Greg Abovsky, however, attempted to cool this bubbling pot of speculation. He underscored that the more high-value pulls by big-name breakers wasn’t due to any meddling with the packing process, but more a simple statistical likelihood given the massive volume they grapple with.
KPMG’s audit was no cursory inspection. Instead, it delved deep into the heart of the Texas printing facility where the magic of producing cards happens. No stone was left unturned during examination of the collation process and the production logs for each project. The aim? To validate that the distribution of cards is indeed as unpredictable and random as Fanatics and Topps purport. Fanatics claimed this hands-on and transparent venture to be a first in the industry, intent on debunking the myths and affirming the reliability of their distribution process to the collector community.
As if lifting the veil on the audit wasn’t enough, Abovsky also addressed another elephant in the room. He refuted another widespread conjecture, assuring that Fanatics has never once used valuable cards to seed boxes for marketing purposes. The declaration brought further clarity to a murky suspicion among collectors.
Yet, Fanatics isn’t resting on its laurels with just this one-off audit. They plan to make this randomness audit a recurring feature, ensuring it becomes an annual ritual. This move underlines their unwavering commitment to uphold fairness and evident transparency in their operations. It’s their belief that clarity breeds trust and they hope this ongoing practice will bind them more closely with their collector community, maintaining the camaraderie and mutual trust.
