Burbank Sportscards, a prominent player in the sports card market, has struck an exclusive deal with Fanatics Collect to list its massive inventory of 40 million cards on the newly established platform. This strategic partnership comes just 11 days after the official launch of Fanatics Collect and is anticipated to be a standout transaction at the upcoming 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention.
Having been a dominant force on eBay since 2003, with a record of over 6.8 million items sold, Burbank Sportscards has also made its mark on the Beckett Marketplace, selling an additional 7.2 million cards since 1999. The shop’s reputation and extensive experience have solidified its position as a key player in the card trading community.
In a recent interview with cllct, Chris Lamontagne, president of Fanatics Collect, expressed his admiration for Burbank Sportscards and its owner, Rob Veres. Lamontagne highlighted the shop’s exceptional reputation, citing it as a primary reason for forging this exclusive partnership. Visiting Burbank Sportscards personally reinforced Lamontagne’s belief that a collaboration with Rob Veres was essential for their business growth.
Owner Rob Veres views the collaboration with Fanatics Collect as a prime opportunity to expand Burbank Sportscards’ reach and diversify its offerings. The plan includes listing trading cards on Fanatics team shops alongside popular merchandise such as caps and jerseys, ensuring a comprehensive representation of players and teams.
While acknowledging the daunting prospect of exclusivity away from eBay, Veres recognizes the need to take risks in business development. The move to a new 14,000-square-foot facility equipped with in-store kiosks for on-demand card orders signifies Burbank’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and embracing new opportunities.
The transition of all 40 million cards to the Fanatics Collect platform poses a significant challenge, met by Burbank’s advanced in-house inventory system. The integration process is expected to commence soon, with cards gradually appearing on the platform over the coming month. Initially, cards purchased in-store at Burbank will enjoy a brief exclusivity period before being listed on Fanatics Collect.
In a departure from the standard practice of having cards shipped by Fanatics, Burbank will handle its fulfillment operations independently. Veres anticipates potential growth in staffing from the current team of 25 to around 50 within six months to meet the escalating demand for cards.
Despite the hurdles ahead, Veres maintains confidence in the strategic move and envisions opportunities for curated card drops and active participation in Fanatics events. He sees this partnership as a chance to break through the limitations experienced on other marketplaces and capitalize on unrestricted growth potential.
Both Fanatics Collect and Burbank Sportscards are optimistic about the long-term prospects of their collaboration. Fanatics aims to attract and retain new customers, while Veres is focused on driving continuous sales growth. In addition to expanding their inventory of low-end cards, Burbank plans to enhance its high-end card offerings on the platform, catering to a broader market segment and attracting global sports enthusiasts.
With a shared vision for growth and innovation, Burbank Sportscards and Fanatics Collect are poised to redefine the sports card market landscape, drawing in a diverse range of customers and setting new industry standards.
