Topps is arguably the most iconic and well known brand when it comes to collecting trading cards, especially for baseball cards. Since the early 1950s, Topps has produced the official MLB baseball card series each year. More recently they have also started offering a wide range of options for fans and collectors to design their own custom baseball cards through the Topps Custom Shop program.
Topps Custom baseball cards allow individuals, teams, leagues and organizations to get cards made featuring their own custom photos, designs and stats. Topps uses the same high quality card stock and production values as their flagship MLB series to bring these one-of-a-kind creations to life. Whether you want cards made to commemorate a special season, player awards, all-star teams, personal memories or milestones – Topps Custom can help you design cards that are uniquely yours.
The process starts by visiting the Topps Custom website where you can select from a wide variety of card template designs spanning numerous MLB seasons and sets dating back decades. Templates are available replicating the iconic designs from Topps sets such as 1953,1955, 1959,1979 and more recent years as well. You have the option to fully customize every element of the card from photos, team logo/colors, stats, career highlights and even the back of the card text. Topps design specialists are available to help guide you through the process as well.
After selecting a template design and finalizing all the custom content and graphics, you can then upload multiple photos directly to the site which Topps will incorporate into your mockups. These preview mockups allow you to see exactly what your finished cards will look like before ordering. You have the ability to make adjustments or try alternative designs and layouts until you are fully satisfied. Once approved, the order details and pricing are provided and production is initiated.
For photo quality, Topps uses high resolution scans and digital files submitted by the customer to ensure the sharpest, clearest replication of any action shots, headshots or team graphics chosen for the cards. The same full color printing processTopps employs for their retail sets is used so custom cards match the production specifications of the original templates selected. Quality control is also maintained to avoid defects during printing and cutting.
In terms of sizes, Topps offers two standard baseball card dimensions for customs – the traditional 2.5 x 3.5 inch size or larger 3.5 x 5 inch format. Paper stock, glossiness and protectors like penny sleeves and card savers can also be added as enhancements. Moisture resistant / UV coating is popular to preserve photos and graphics. Magnetic or screw down holders are great for displaying a full set as well.
Customization options also let you fully personalize the card back content. Along with standard stats boxes to populate heights, weights, batting and pitching lines – custom back text provides 1-2 paragraphs to outline key player accomplishments, career bio, special memories or historical facts. This allows cards to double as true keepsakes chronicling personal or team achievement beyond just the visual face of the card.
Due to high set up costs of the state-of-the-art printing presses, the minimum order quantity for Topps Custom baseball cards is typically 25 cards. Bulk volume discounts are offered as the amounts increase from there. For example, price breaks occur every 25 cards up to 100 cards and then increments of 50 cards beyond that. Individual card costs average between $3-$4 depending on special enhancements or larger 3.5×5 dimensions chosen. But bulk order savings of 30-40% off retail are attainable.
Topps works with a variety of payment methods including credit cards and PayPal to facilitate custom card orders. A rush production service is also available to expedite 2-3 business day turnaround if needed. Once completed, cards ship flat packed inTopps brandedboxes with Tracking info provided. International orders require extra time/costs but can still be fulfilled. Overall customer satisfaction levels for Topps Custom are very high based on reviews for quality of finished products received matching initial designs.
Some popular themes Topps Custom has designed include league/conference championship sets highlighting playoff MVPs, full season statistical retrospective cards, coaches tribute collections, jersey/memorabilia parallel inserts, anniversary commemoratives and career stats retrospective retros. Youth organizations, independent leagues, rec teams and niche hobby clubs have all taken advantage of the affordable custom options available through Topps as well.
In summary,Topps Custom provides a turnkey solution for anyone looking to create their own authenticated, professionally printed baseball cards. Whether its preserving a special season, player stats, tournaments, alumni reunions or personal collections – Topps gives folks the tools and high quality finishing required to truly memorialize those moments in the popular, iconic language of baseball cards forever. Their vast assortment of MLB licensed templates and design customization abilities make the opportunity accessible for any budget or creative vision.
