Topps is the leading manufacturer and marketer of sports cards and entertainment collectibles. They have been producing baseball cards since the early 1950s and hold the exclusive license to produce MLB series 1 and 2 cards each year. Topps offers a few different options for consumers looking to purchase cards directly from the company.
Their primary method is through the Topps online store. On their website www.topps.com, they have a full online catalog of all their current and past baseball card releases. This includes both individual packs, boxes, and complete sets from the last few years. When browsing the online store, you will see options to add items to your cart and checkout. Topps accepts all major credit cards and payment is processed through a secure server. Once paid, your order will be shipped directly to the address you provide. Most domestic orders arrive within 5-7 business days after being processed.
For larger bulk orders, Topps also offers a dealer direct program. Qualified hobby shop dealers and larger volume collectors can apply for a dealer direct account, which provides access to wholesale pricing on cases of cards rather than individual packs or boxes. Minimum order quantities apply and shipments arrive in sealed full boxes rather than loose packs. This is a good option for brick and mortar card shops or collectors looking to purchase cards in larger bulk to break and resell.
Another direct purchase method is through Topps auction site at auction.topps.com. Here you will find rare vintage cards, autographed memorabilia cards, and oddball parallel or short printed parallels auctioned daily. Bidding works just like other auction sites with a countdown timer. Topps uses a third party escrow service to hold payment until items are received. Shipping is also handled after auction ends. Unlike the online store, auctions have no guarantees and you need to bid competitively to win what you want.
For the most exclusive and high-end cards, Topps also runs various memorabilia and 1/1 card authentication and redemption programs. These ultra-rare parallel printed cards featuring game used materials or autographed memorabilia inserts can only be obtained through direct purchase from Topps. Redemption cards require sending the original card back to Topps to receive the memorabilia or autograph portion of the dual autographed memorabilia card, so there is a waiting period before receiving the completed item. Redemption cards also come with a expiration period listed that the redemption must be submitted by.
Aside from purchasing through their online stores, auctions, or special programs, Topps will also have various exclusive releases and autographed memorabilia cards available for direct purchase at their National Sports Collectors Convention booth each summer. At the large annual card show, collectors can browse and purchase one of a kind items only offered at the convention directly from Topps staff. Topps Gold Label redemptions and other limited releases are often first made available here before selling out.
In summary, Topps offers several reliable and secure methods to purchase both new release and vintage baseball cards directly from the company through their online store, dealer direct program, official auction site, special redemptions, and convention booth. Whether buying factory sealed packs, team sets, autographed relic cards, or vintage singles – collectors have options to purchase quality Topps produced cards without needing a third party hobby shop. Topps’ direct purchasing provides authentication and guarantees and the ability to obtain exclusive and hard to find items.
