Hobby Musings: Onyx bringing young and veteran star power with Vintage

by GTS Distribution | Mar 9, 2020 | Baseball, GTS, Hobby Musings, Manufacturers, Mint Musings, Onyx, Sports

Hobby Musings: Onyx bringing young and veteran star power with Vintage – One of Onyx’s most anticipated products each year, Vintage Collection is scheduled to release in a few weeks. The product showcases a star-studded prospect autograph checklist. Another key selling point is that Onyx is also bringing back its case hits featuring top rookies. Company founder and owner, Lance Fischer, also has some new features in this year’s release. To find out more, I had the chance to catch up with him. The following interview was conducted via email.

KS: Lance, you have Vintage coming out in a few weeks. Who are the top autographs we should be keeping an eye out for in this year’s product?

Arizona Dodgers future star Gavin Lux

LF: Wow, there are so many this year since we expanded our checklist to almost double of last year. Top guys would be Ronald Acuna Jr., Gleyber Torres, Wander Franco, Ichiro, Nolan Ryan, Gavin Lux, Mackenzie Gore, Nate Pearson, Julio Rodriguez and so many more!! By far our best checklist to date.

KS: Who’s a more under-the-radar prospect that collectors should be looking out for?

LF: We added a few 2019 July 2nd International guys such as Robert Puason and Luis Rodriguez. I would keep a close eye on Wilderd Patino of the Diamondbacks and Alexander Canario of the Giants for breakout seasons.

KS: In addition to the top prospects, you’re also including autographs of baseball legends like Nolan Ryan. This isn’t something you normally do in Vintage, so why make the change this year?

LF: That’s correct, it’s not something we’ve done in the past, but we want to continue our high value to collectors and establish a premium brand in the industry. It’s going to be tough for anyone to break open a box of these and go wrong.

KS: With all of additional names, how has this year’s product been different in putting together

Ronald Acuna Jr.

than previous years?

LF: It’s been a huge logistical challenge, especially with our ALWAYS on-card autograph approach. It’s only because our relationship with the different agencies and respected name brand that we can pull off the almost impossible task. I think we are the only recognized brand that’s never used sticker autographs!

KS: One thing you’re known for is doing all of those on-card autographs. How are you able to avoid using stickers?

LF: It’s really the reputation and expectation we’ve set with the different agencies. Lots of pre-planning with checklists and being fluid to add top names last minute (and produce cards) when a deal arises.

KS: Will there be any redemptions with this year’s release?

LF: We hate redemptions! So far, no, but things happen that are totally out of our control. The positive side, is if the guy is on the final checklist, we will have the card fairly quickly after release and no substitutes!! We will have our typically graded vintage redemption, but are working on getting rid of that for next year.

KS: Besides the autographs, what are some of the other highlights from this year’s product?

Wander Franco

LF: As you stated above, the addition of a few active Major League Players (some of the best young stars!) and top retired Hall of Famers only add more intrigue and value to this product. It’s only gotten stronger every year!

KS: This has typically been a very economical product. Given some of the bigger names this year, what kind of SRP can collectors expect with it?

LF: Still looking at similar SRP as prior years. It looks like the starting SRP is 39.99 a box (two autographs per box). I wouldn’t be surprised to see it spike due to the constant hits collectors will start pulling early on. Demand is already unprecedented!

KS: In addition to Vintage, you also have seemingly teased some Futera cards as well. What more can you tell me about that product this year?

LF: Haha! We added a few teaser pictures on social media of the guys signing the 2020 Onyx/ Futera cards. We are continuing our amazing partnership with Futera into 2020 and beyond. The cards look absolutely amazing with another strong checklist.

See more images from recent signings on Twitter.

Hobby Musings: Onyx bringing young and veteran star power with Vintage

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GTS Distribution is the leading wholesale supplier of sports cards, entertainment trading cards, board games, collectible trading card games, role playing games, toys, action figures and novelties. Serving retailers worldwide with multiple locations to deliver, quick, reliable and affordable service.

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