Burbank Sportscards, a prominent player in the sports card market, has made a groundbreaking move by partnering with Fanatics Collect in an exclusive listing deal. With an extensive inventory of 40 million sports cards, Burbank’s collaboration with the newly launched platform is poised to make waves in the industry. The announcement of this significant agreement, just 11 days after Fanatics Collect’s official debut, is expected to be a highlight at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention.
As a leading seller in the sports card industry, Burbank Sportscards has a strong track record on platforms like eBay and the Beckett Marketplace. With over 6.8 million items sold on eBay since 2003 and 7.2 million cards traded on the Beckett Marketplace since 1999, Burbank has established itself as a major player in the card trading community. The decision to partner exclusively with Fanatics Collect speaks to Burbank’s commitment to expanding its reach and exploring new opportunities in the market.
Chris Lamontagne, the president of Fanatics Collect, expressed the enthusiasm surrounding the partnership, highlighting the belief in collaborating with the best in the field. Visiting Burbank Sportscards and being impressed by the operation, Lamontagne knew that a partnership with Rob Veres, the owner of Burbank Sportscards, was the right move. The mutual decision to work together signifies a shared vision for growth and innovation in the sports card market.
For Rob Veres, the partnership with Fanatics Collect represents a significant opportunity to elevate Burbank Sportscards to new heights. By listing trading cards on Fanatics team shops alongside other merchandise like caps and jerseys, Veres aims to offer a comprehensive selection of players and teams to customers. While acknowledging the challenge of transitioning away from platforms like eBay, Veres sees this partnership as a strategic move towards embracing new possibilities in the market.
To prepare for the transition, Burbank Sportscards is moving to a new 14,000-square-foot facility that will feature in-store kiosks for on-demand card orders. With a stock of 25 million cards on hand, the kiosks will streamline the purchasing process for customers, who can watch as staff members retrieve their desired cards. The integration of all 40 million cards into the Fanatics Collect platform will be facilitated by Burbank’s advanced inventory system, with cards expected to be available for purchase on the platform in the coming month.
In a unique approach, Burbank will manage its own fulfillment instead of relying on Fanatics for shipping. Veres anticipates a growth in his team from 25 to 50 retail and e-commerce staff members within six months to meet the increased demand. Despite the challenges and adjustments that come with this transition, Veres remains optimistic about the potential for curated card drops and active participation in Fanatics events on the platform.
Both Fanatics Collect and Burbank Sportscards see this partnership as a long-term commitment with ambitious goals. Fanatics aims to attract and retain new customers through this collaboration, while Veres is focused on achieving continuous sales growth. Alongside the vast inventory of low-end cards, Burbank plans to expand its collection of high-end cards on the platform, diversifying its market presence and catering to a wider audience of sports fans worldwide.
As Burbank Sportscards embraces this new chapter with Fanatics Collect, the stage is set for an exciting evolution in the sports card market. The exclusive listing deal represents a strategic partnership that promises growth, innovation, and an enhanced experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
