In a groundbreaking move within the sports card market, Burbank Sportscards has struck an exclusive deal with Fanatics Collect, a newly launched platform, to list their immense inventory of 40 million sports cards. This partnership, announced shortly after Fanatics Collect’s launch, is set to make waves at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention.
Burbank Sportscards, a renowned seller since 2003, has dominated platforms like eBay and Beckett Marketplace, showcasing their expertise in the industry. With over 6.8 million items sold on eBay and another 7.2 million cards traded on the Beckett Marketplace, Burbank Sportscards has solidified its position as a key player in the card trading community.
Chris Lamontagne, the president of Fanatics Collect, expressed his excitement about collaborating with Burbank Sportscards, emphasizing the belief in working with the best. The exclusive agreement with Burbank was a natural fit, with Lamontagne recalling a visit to the store and the immediate realization that a partnership was essential.
For Rob Veres, the owner of Burbank Sportscards, the joint venture with Fanatics Collect represents a significant opportunity for business expansion. The plan includes listing trading cards on Fanatics team shops alongside merchandise such as caps and jerseys, ensuring a comprehensive representation of players and teams.
While acknowledging the challenge of stepping away from eBay, a crucial revenue source, Veres is optimistic about the leap of faith. The forthcoming transition to a new 14,000-square-foot facility equipped with in-store kiosks for on-demand card orders demonstrates Burbank’s dedication to enhancing customer experience.
Integrating 40 million cards into the Fanatics Collect platform poses an immediate task for Burbank, which plans to leverage its advanced inventory system for a seamless transition. The cards are set to appear on the platform in the coming weeks, with an initial exclusivity period for in-store purchases before they are listed on Fanatics Collect.
In a departure from other sellers, Burbank will manage its own fulfillment operations, a decision intended to maintain control and quality standards. Veres envisions expanding his current team of 25 staff to 50 to meet the anticipated surge in demand resulting from this collaboration.
Despite the inevitable challenges, Veres is resolute in his confidence about the partnership with Fanatics Collect. He envisions curated card drops and a significant presence at future Fanatics events, underscoring the limitless potential he perceives in this new platform.
Both Fanatics Collect and Burbank Sportscards envision a long-term collaboration with ambitious objectives. Fanatics aims to attract and retain a diverse customer base, while Veres anticipates sustained sales growth by expanding the inventory to encompass both low-end and high-end cards, thus widening the market appeal globally.
Veres articulates his aspirations for reaching sports fans worldwide through this partnership with Fanatics, emphasizing the unparalleled opportunities he foresees in this venture. The shared vision between the two entities signals a transformation in the sports card market landscape, promising an exciting future for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
