2013 UFC Knock Out REDEMPTION Knockout Auto Base Card of Miesha Tate

[Stat Monsters]

It seems that Miesha Tate has been reliable and prolific as a signer for Topps, and they continue to release cards signed by her, both on card and stickered, yet they seem to have problems fulfilling the 2013 UFC Knock Out REDEMPTION Knockout Auto Base Card of Miesha Tate.

Has anyone heard from Topps regarding this card? I've submitted multiple redemptions for this same card and they all remain unfulfilled.

It's not as if it's a rare or numbered card (unless they're going to be manufacturing it as such), it's an autographed base card they could simply either throw a sticker on or send her a stack of cards to sign, I'd think theoretically.

Again, another reason why redemptions from Topps isn't so appealing. They're not so organized to provide proactive status updates, have a poor system to communicate and are slow to delivery on their product.

[twoten01]

there are still tons of unfilled redemptions all the way back to 2010 KO, at this point I would as for a replacement(if you collect Miesha, ask for something of her, they may have some rare cards of hers, knowing Topps, they have a 1/1 of her)and then if they after get made, rebuy them on ebay.

[Brobocop]

This is why I sell any and all redemption cards I get in any product put out by Topps. They are horrible at getting cards out to people and are really just waiting for you to ask for a replacement. Panini, while not great, seems to get more accomplished and I appreciate that they put out a weekly list of all the cards they have received and are sending out. Good luck with your card, but I'm with twoten01, you're probably just better off asking for a replacement at this point.

[Stat Monsters]

It's been another half year and still no update.

Should I assume Topps will be honorable and send an update or the cards or a replacement or something?

Or is Topps hoping people will forget and go away, so they don't have to honor these redemptions proactively and only oil the squeaky wheel?

[whelan144l]

While I understand Twoten's point, I disagree. Every time I've asked for a replacement I have been disappointed in the card (s) I've received.
I have the complete set of 2012 Finest /8 autographs, but have been waiting for the PENDING Rashad Evans. Like Miesha, he has been in multiple releases since, so really don't understand. I would think that they would have someone who "rotates the milk" and gets the oldest redemption completed 1st, but that doesn't seem to happen. I will say that they have sent my last few cards FedEx, which can't be cheap. So hopefully someone will start working to resolve the backlog.

[glen87]

did you ever get the tate, or still waiting? this card (if it is the one #/209 - which seems to be the base) has been live for quite awhile now.

[Stat Monsters]

I have a quantity three (3) redemptions of the exact same card "2013 UFC Knock Out REDEMPTION Knockout Auto Base Card of Miesha Tate"
registered on different dates and none have come in yet nor any status updates provided by Topps other than showing "Pending" on the website.

[Stat Monsters]

Another month's gone by, no proactive communication from Topps on the status.

[bgbdbstrd]

i have a couple of redemptions from last year's knockout and havent heard back. i inquired once a few months ago and they just replied they're still trying to schedule a signing... terrible..

[imbaked247]

Bummer guys, it is weird to think they have newer product with her in it on card or sticker. Seems like they could just slap stickers on the ones you are waiting for. Hope they get made for ya'll's sake.

[Stat Monsters]

I know, it seems they're all sticker based, and they've released Miesha Tate autographed cards since the redemption program for that card.

So in theory I'd think that if the redemptions are stickered, they could have long since printed a card and stick an autograph sticker on the cards and be done with their obligation.

Anything short of being individually numbered and autographed on card will be a disappointment for all of the waiting involved.

It's one thing to continue redemption programs if they've mastered fulfillment and customer service / satisfaction, but all companies seem to not know how to properly manage the program and are better off just doing pack-in inserts, no redemptions and if they're waiting for athletes to sign any cards, just use those for a future release.

They've created more work and ill will by having redemption programs.

The worst part is the card companies seem to treat 'em as the big companies do with "mail in rebates" and hope customers don't redeem them or forget about them and alleviate any obligations. The card companies should be proactive in their communication and provide status updates in a forthright manner rather than telling people to contact them, then ignoring the messages.

[Stat Monsters]

I'm still waiting for the 2013 UFC redemption and it's 2015, so well over a year afterwards...

It's so odd since Topps still continues to issue new Miesha Tate autographs and using stickers too, so why can't they just slap some stickers on the 2013 redemption cards?

I really hope Topps makes good on the redemptions and goes the extra mile by having them as "on card" (not stickers) and a limited edition numbered run.

It's pretty lame for a company to continue putting our product without fulfilling the obligations of the past and satisfying customers who've been patiently waiting in line.

[Yaga]

I gave up on Topps UFC products a long time ago. I've still got a ton of redemptions outstanding.

[Stat Monsters]

Originally Posted by Yaga

I gave up on Topps UFC products a long time ago. I've still got a ton of redemptions outstanding.

YAGA - Did you call up Topps to get replacements? Or frustrated to the point where you've written it off and if you get anything now or in the future it'll be a surprise and a bonus, as you are at this point expecting no honorable proactive gestures from Topps?

For that reason, as far as their lack of communication and difficult ways to communicate (only by calling), I think Topps has gotten a bad reputation bordering on really really really bad business practices that pushes the envelope on false advertising or illegal tactics (seeming as if they have no intent to deliver on promises, yet have their disclaimers lawyered up I'm sure that at the end of the day there's no guarantees or promises for anything in a case, box, pack or with a redemption).

[Stat Monsters]

It's been more than a full year since I redeemed the cards for the Miesha Tate autograph cards from their 2013 release, and still no status update.

I've been pretty passive in not wanting to get involved with their chaotic by reputation customer service, but may now call in and see if there's any substitutions or what the status update it.

My fear is a long wait, frustrating service, and poor replacement options with little compassion or reasonable fairness.

[garrethannah]

Originally Posted by Stat Monsters

It's been more than a full year since I redeemed the cards for the Miesha Tate autograph cards from their 2013 release, and still no status update.

I've been pretty passive in not wanting to get involved with their chaotic by reputation customer service, but may now call in and see if there's any substitutions or what the status update it.

My fear is a long wait, frustrating service, and poor replacement options with little compassion or reasonable fairness.

Call early.

[Stat Monsters]

Originally Posted by garrethannah

Call early.

Thanks for the tip.

Topps Customer Service is open from 6am pst / 9am est to 1pm pst / 4pm est.

I called 800-489-9149 at around 9am pst, so a few hours after their day began on a Wednesday.

FYI, after the phone rings, you get into an IVR explaining the menu, then you'll Press #2 for redemption customer service.

I was initially fearful based on reputation that the wait would be long and frustrating.

After I dialed, I was given a notification where in the calling cue (waiting line on hold) I was, and oddly enough it said I was 1st in line for the next available representative.

Overall, it took a total of 3 minutes on hold to get to a live operator.

They ask for your Last Name and First Name, and can then look up your account based on that information, you need not provide redemption codes or anything else.

I was told, specifically about this card, that they (Topps) was waiting for the athlete (Miesha Tate) to return the cards signed. So, apparently either they're "on card"

This sort of makes sense since if it were just a matter of applying a sticker to a card, they could have been done with it many many months if not a year or so ago. If you notice, this card is from 2013. Since 2013, Topps has released many UFC cards of Miesha Tate with her autograph, and many using autograph stickers in 2014 and I'm sure 2015 this year as well. It's sort of frustrating seeing Topps lack of prioritization and organization. Ideally, they should just put stickers on the 2013 cards, move on, fulfill the redemptions and be done with their obligation.

So, I asked the customer service agent what my options are/were.

1) Exchange the cards for replacement cards, which you can do on the phone right away.

a) Replacements will be based on Topps perceived value of the card, on a one for one basis. So, if you have 10 cards worth $5 each, you'll get 10 cards back worth in their opinion $5 each, not 10 cards for 1 card worth $50; nor 10 cards for 50 cards worth $1 each, in exchange. It's very subjective. A scary proposition to leave to random chance.

b) Replacements will be within the same sport (i.e., UFC / MMA for UFC / MMA, and you'll not get a Football, Hockey, Baseball or Basketball card for your MMA card). So, at least if you're a fan of a sport, but not all sports you won't get totally hosed with a replacement in a sport you don't follow or enjoy.

c) Replacements will be random. You can't put in any want lists or requests. You can't even ask for an autograph of the same athlete you're redeeming a card for from another series. So, in this case, there was no opportunity to have this Miesha Tate for another Miesha Tate. I speculate you can't complain about (or return for another exchange or replacement) what you get as a replacement, so it's the dice you roll and risk you take.


2) Wait until the athlete signs the card and once Topps gets the card, they'll fulfill it. Mind you, it's been nearly 2 years since this 2013 release and Topps has not been proactive in any communication with a status update nor attempting to provide customer satisfaction (I'd recommend they send a status update and even mail out some free packs of cards or design a special promotional card to those waiting as a good faith gesture)

a) I asked the off the cuff question of "What if the athlete passes away before they're able to sign?" for which the answer was Topps would then automatically send a replacement card. Personally, I sort of doubt Topps is that organized and proactive, so once an athlete passes away, I'd recommend calling Topps customer service to officially get an exchanged replacement.

b) He said there was some sort of Topps Blog which is online that announces when athletes sign the cards they're obligated to autograph, sort of an update for the redemption cards I guess. I haven't found it online yet 'tho.


Overall the customer service agent was polite, somewhat well informed, 'tho not thoroughly helpful, mainly because he was/is handcuffed to Topps bad policies and procedures in resolving true customer satisfaction other than outlining the 2 options.

So, my biggest fear for these cards is that Miesha Tate's autograph card isn't really worth a lot, maybe Topps values it at $5 or up to $20 each, and there's so many mediocre MMA fighters in that realm, where I feel at least Miesha Tate has a dynamic and charismatic personality who also has beauty with her brawn, has more collector's appeal 'tho not yet reflected in the value of her autograph cards for the most part, that if I went for the replacement, I'd probably get some "no-name has been that never was" fighter autograph...

...so, with that, the wait continues



I'll check with 'em every few months and at once point within the next 10 years, I may opt for the replacement, and hopefully by then Topps may change their policies and procedures to have a more fair and organized system regarding redemptions and replacements.

[jstasyk1121]

they will prob put like a $40 value on it...but book value is unrealistic to begin with...and i had 6 UFC cards replaced....none were all that special....valued by topps at $130...and they DID send me different sport(baseball)...i asked for that though....and i only got 2 cards back that were valued higher on there own then getting 6 cards back...so over phone maybe its that way...but emailing i think you can ask more specific wants then just a 100% random replacement...

[twoten01]

Yup I always ask for specific cards. Hell I buy redemptions, just to find out if they have any higher end cards of my pc

[Stat Monsters]

Originally Posted by jstasyk1121

t...so over phone maybe its that way...but emailing i think you can ask more specific wants then just a 100% random replacement...

Thanks for the information!

Do you have an email address and/or actual contact / person's name to communicate via email with Topps instead of calling the C/S 800#?

[glen87]

Originally Posted by glen87

did you ever get the tate, or still waiting? this card (if it is the one #/209 - which seems to be the base) has been live for quite awhile now.

is it the one #/209?

they are on card, but have been out for a LONG time, my initial post was made last october

[Stat Monsters]

It's now August 2015 and still no proactive communication by Topps with any updates on this redemption.

[twoten01]

Originally Posted by glen87

is it the one #/209?

they are on card, but have been out for a LONG time, my initial post was made last october

Miesha Tate 2013 Topps UFC Knockout Auto 209 | eBay
yup this card came out over a year ago. Something is screwed up with your redemption. Call Topps again, and tell them the cards are on ebay, and ask to speak with a supervisor.

[Stat Monsters]

Just to give you folks out there a view of how frustrating it is with Topps, it's been nearly 2 years since the 2013 release, here in 2015 and there's be no proactive commutation from Topps whatsoever.

No updates at all.

I did call 'em once and was hoping the original cards would be fulfilled by now, but I'm probably going to seek replacements since something is better than nothing at this point.

[Brobocop]

I've dealt with Topps once on a redemption card, it was enough to make me learn my lesson. I'm sorry you have to go through all of this just to get what is rightfully yours. Sometimes it feels like Topps and Panini just ignore people hoping they will go away.