Burbank Sportscards, a prominent figure in the sports card trading world, has made a groundbreaking decision to join forces with Fanatics Collect – a move that has sent waves of excitement through the industry. With a whopping 40 million sports cards set to be listed on the newly launched platform, this exclusive deal is a game-changer for both Burbank and Fanatics Collect.
Having dominated eBay sales since 2003, with over 6.8 million items sold, Burbank Sportscards is no stranger to success in the market. Additionally, they have managed another 7.2 million card transactions on the Beckett Marketplace since 1999, solidifying their position as a major player in the card trading community. This partnership with Fanatics Collect is expected to elevate their business to new heights.
Fanatics Collect’s President, Chris Lamontagne, expressed his excitement about working with Burbank Sportscards, especially praising the owner, Rob Veres. Lamontagne highlighted Veres’ expertise and status within the industry as key factors in choosing to collaborate with Burbank. The decision to partner was not a casual one but a strategic move to combine strengths and create a potent force in the sports card market.
For Rob Veres, the owner of Burbank Sportscards, this collaboration signifies more than just a business opportunity; it represents a chance to expand his reach and influence in the industry. The plan is to feature trading cards on Fanatics team shops alongside popular merchandise like caps and jerseys, providing fans with a one-stop shop for all their favorite player memorabilia.
The transition to this new venture has not been without its challenges. Veres candidly shared his concerns about moving away from the familiar territory of eBay, a platform that has been a significant revenue source for Burbank. However, he also expressed confidence in taking this leap of faith, recognizing the immense potential that partnering with Fanatics Collect presents.
To support the listing of 40 million cards on Fanatics Collect, Burbank is gearing up by moving to a spacious 14,000-square-foot facility. This new space will feature in-store kiosks that allow customers to order cards on-demand, offering a unique and interactive shopping experience. The process of integrating all the cards into the platform is expected to commence soon, leveraging Burbank’s advanced inventory management system.
While other sellers on Fanatics have their cards fulfilled by the platform, Burbank will handle its own fulfillment operations. Veres anticipates a surge in demand necessitating an expansion of his current team of 25 retail and e-commerce staff to accommodate the increased workload. Despite these challenges, Veres remains optimistic about the move, seeing it as an opportunity to break through the limitations he has faced on other platforms.
The long-term vision for this partnership involves attracting new customers to Fanatics Collect and driving continuous sales growth for Burbank Sportscards. By diversifying their inventory to include both low-end and high-end cards, Burbank aims to appeal to a broader market and establish a global presence in the sports card trading community. Veres envisions attracting sports fans worldwide who may not have been aware of Burbank’s existence before, believing Fanatics to be the ideal partner to make this vision a reality.
As Burbank Sportscards and Fanatics Collect embark on this new chapter together, the future looks promising for both parties. With a shared goal of expanding market reach and delivering exceptional products and services to customers, this exclusive deal is set to make waves in the sports card trading industry.
