FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Fraud Prevention
Why do we use it?
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like).
Are there guidelines I can follow to help detect a fraudulent card?
Sequential numbering can be an indicator of authenticity. Jersey Patches, NFL Logos, and laundry tags carry single digit and low double digit numbering in most cases.
The thickness of a card distinguishes between a prime material and a standard material card. Prime material cards have a 96 pt. thickness and standard material cards have a 72 pt. thickness.
Redemptions
What are the Terms and Conditions of the Redemption Program?
What is a redemption card?
A card is considered a candidate for redemption when the components have not been received in time to make final production. Panini America reluctantly uses redemptions to keep the consistency in a program when materials have not been returned in time to make a pack out. Panini America makes every effort to exhaust all possibilities before designating a redemption card.
What is an online redemption code?
Beginning with 2008 Playoff Prestige, each redemption card will include a unique redemption code that can be submitted online for faster processing of your reservation. This will allow collectors to secure their reservation quickly and easily.
Can I reserve my redemption online for pre-2008 products?
An online reservation can be submitted for pre-2008 products up to 18 months following product release. However, the original redemption exchange card for all pre-2008 products must be mailed in following the submission as proof that the intended recipient is the holder of the redemption card. After submitting your request, you will be provided with a ticket number and packing slip. The packing slip will need to be printed and included with your card(s) when you mail them.
Submit a new redemption request for pre-2008 products here.
Can I mail my redemption card?
Yes. However, the quickest way to secure your reservation is by submitting a redemption request online using the redemption information provided on the card. You may also mail your card along with your full name, complete mailing address (no PO Boxes), telephone number, and email address to the address below. Mailing this card may delay your reservation. The redemption card must be postmarked at least two weeks before the expiration date on the back of this card. Exchange cards marked after the expiration date cannot be redeemed.
- Panini America, Inc.
- Redemptions
- 5325 FAA Blvd.
- Suite 100
- Irving, TX 75061
How long does it take to receive my redemption card?
Redemption cards are made available as they are received. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Panini America, Inc. will send a comparable card in its place if the specified card is not available to ship within 4 months or 8 months depending on what timeframe is selected during the reservation process. If no time period is selected, 8 months will be assumed.
How do I find out what player my redemption card is?
The player name will be revealed upon submission of your online redemption request. You may also view our checklist by cross-referencing the information provided on the redemption card.
Factory Damaged Cards
Do you replace factory damaged cards?
Panini America is able to replace factory damaged cards on a card-for-card basis, while supplies last, and as long as a library card exists. A request for replacements can be made up to 12 months after product release(only). Panini America strongly suggests that you track your package or keep a proof of delivery for all damaged card requests. Panini America is not responsible for lost or stolen mail. Any ineligible card(s) that Panini America is unable to replace, for any reason, will be returned back to the customer. A damaged card replacement is not guaranteed. We are unable to replace packs, boxes, cases, sample cards, promotional cards, "Recollection" cards, "No Purchase Necessary" cards and cards containing trapped autographs.
Submit a new request for replacement of your factory damaged card here.
How do you replace a factory damaged sequentially numbered card?
Damaged sequentially numbered cards are replaced if an identical replacement card is available. The serial number is re-stamped on the identical replacement card and the damaged card is destroyed to ensure that there is the stated number of cards on the market.
How long does it take to receive my replacement card?
In most cases, turnaround time is 8 to 10 weeks. For sequentially numbered cards, please allow 10 to 12 weeks for the renumbering process.
How do I get my factory damaged card replaced?
Before sending your damaged card(s) to us, you will need to submit a replacement request online. After submitting your request, you will be provided with a ticket number and packing slip. The packing slip will need to be printed and included with your card(s) when you mail them.
Submit a new request for replacement of your factory damaged card here.
Quality Assurance
Why does my box not contain as many inserts as the ratio indicated?
Collation is never 100% perfect for any product. Odds of insertion are based on insertion across the entire production run and are not based on the contents of any single box or case.
What if my pack does not contain the advertised contents for the pack?
Please submit a new Quality Assurance request online. You will need to mail in the following after submitting your request.
- Packing slip provided after you submit your request online
- Copy of purchase receipt
- Empty wrapper for pack
- Brief letter of explanation
Submit a new quality assurance request here.
What if my box does not contain the advertised contents for the box?
Please submit a new Quality Assurance request online. You will need to mail in the following after submitting your request.
- Packing slip provided after you submit your request online
- Copy of purchase receipt
- Box top with quality assurance number stamped
- Brief letter of explanation
Submit a new quality assurance request here.
What if my case does not contain the advertised contents for the case?
Please submit a new Quality Assurance request online. You will need to mail in the following after submitting your request.
- Packing slip provided after you submit your request online
- Copy of purchase receipt
- Cut out of the case UPC code and case shipping label
- Brief letter of explanation
Submit a new quality assurance request here.
New Collector Information
What are the different types of cards and card sets in a program?
Common Cards: Also referred to as "Base Cards." These cards make up the base set of players or individuals used in a program.
Base Set: The base set is the collection of Common Cards used in a specific program.
Rookie Card: This is a player's first major trading card from a major manufacturer.
Factory Set: A set the manufacturer will produce that is a collection of all the common cards from a specific program.
Parallel Cards: These are slight variations of the common cards and can be found randomly inserted into the packs. The variations can range from foil color, to card stock or even to numbering.
Insert Cards: Also referred to as "Chase Cards." These are the manufacturer's specialty cards and are randomly inserted into the packs or boxes at a lesser rate than the common cards. They have specific designs in addition to definitive Parallels.
Insert Set: This is a collection of all the Insert Cards from one specific insert.
Memorabilia: Also referred to as "Game-used Cards". These cards are "Insert Cards" from a program and have pieces of game-used or actual worn material from an athlete or entertainer.
Autograph Cards: These are Insert Cards from a program with an actual signature from an athlete or entertainer.
Hobby Cards: These cards are only offered in the "Hobby" version of a program. Hobby products are available only at hobby stores that specialize in collectibles. Hobby products sometimes have specific cards and special packaging to distinguish them from their "Retail" version.
Retail Cards: These cards are only offered in the "Retail" version of a program. Retail products are available only at major retail outlets such as Target or Wal-Mart. Retail products sometimes contain specific cards and special packaging to distinguish them from their "Hobby" version.
Ratio or Drop Rates: Also referred to as the drop rate. This refers to how often an "Insert Card" may fall in a program. (Example - 1:24 would mean that one "insert card" would come in every 24 packs)
What are the conditions of a card that affect its value?
There are many conditions that could adversely impact the value of your card. Below are some of the most common references to the condition of a card.
Mint Condition: The card has no visible flaws or damage.
Near Mint/Mint Condition: The card may have one minor and very difficult to notice imperfection.
Excellent: The card has two to three minor flaws ranging from a small fingernail nick to a notched corner.
Very Good: The card has some slight wear, such as a worn corner, but has not been abused.
Good, Fair: These cards range from creased or worn to somewhat scratched. They often show signs of extended handling.
Poor: These cards range from fuzzy and off-centered to soiled. They are commonly abused or mishandled.
How are they packaged?
Trading cards have a packaging hierarchy that may contain different advertised contents depending on how you purchase the product. Packaging levels are listed below.
Packs or Wax Packs: Packs are the first level of packaging for a group of cards.
Boxes: Boxes contain multiple packs or wax packs.
Case: Cases contain multiple boxes.
Panini Direct Account Application
General Questions
What is the monetary value of my card or set?
We do not place any value on our cards for the secondary market. There are publications available such as Beckett Media ( www.beckett.com) or Tuff Stuff ( www.tuffstuff.com) which can help you determine the card values.
Can individual collectors purchase your products directly?
Not at this time.
How do I become an Authorized Dealer?
We require all authorized dealers to have a retail storefront location prior to issuing an account number. For more information about the necessary documentation or to access our direct dealership application, click here.