(topps Joins 21st Century Redemption Cycle, Takes It On-line)

[blowoutcards]

(TOPPS JOINS 21ST CENTURY REDEMPTION CYCLE, TAKES IT ON-LINE)

It took Topps a long time to get on board with the on-line redemption program but it's finally happened. Upper Deck got it's on-line program for redemptions together over a year ago. In this day and age most dealers, and collectors, will tell you there is no reason for a mail order redemption program. Topps made the move.

"Our number one priority is to completely eliminate redemptions from our products and although we have made progress in this direction, sometimes redemptions are unavoidable," said Marketing Director Mark Sapir. "We believe this new on-line redemption system will allow for a quicker, easier and improved redemption process for our collectors."

Starting with Series 2 Topps 2008 Baseball all redemptions may be redeemed on-line by by going to Topps Redemption. The good thing about the new site is it will send the collector an email when updates occur. Both UD and Donruss do the same.

"We believe this is a step in the right direction and we will continue to focus on improving our customer experience across all facets of our business," added Topps GM Warren Friss.

Customer service has always been the weak link for card companies. Too many variables and too many very picky customers which is the nature of collecting. However, for years the manufacturers have basically given lip service and in many cases ignored the customer when it came to the after sales experience.

All three companies recognized in the past five years this attitude had to change. No longer were customers spending $50 a box and needing a damaged card replaced. When customers started paying hundreds of dollars for a pack of cards, they realized they had to invest much more in customer service departments.

-The Brill Report