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In recent years, the trading card industry has surged in popularity, driven by nostalgia, the thrill of unboxing, and the potential for lucrative returns. Collectors and investors alike have increasingly turned their attention to sealed boxes, packs, and individual cards, viewing them as both cherished collectibles and sound investments. However, the introduction of an advanced technology by a new player in the market—Industrial Inspection—is shaking up the trading card industry. While their card CT scanning service has the potential to revolutionize how collectors evaluate their purchases, it could also have a significant impact on the prices of sealed boxes, casting a shadow over certain aspects of the hobby.

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The Rise of Card CT Scanning Services

Industrial Inspection is the first and currently the only company offering card CT scanning services, utilizing a non-invasive imaging technique that allows collectors to peer inside sealed boxes and packs without opening them. By using computed tomography (CT), the technology provides high-resolution 3D images of the contents, enabling collectors to identify specific cards, assess their condition, and even spot potential damage or factory errors. This level of transparency is invaluable, especially in an era where the authenticity and condition of rare cards can make or break their value.

For collectors and investors, CT scanning offers an unparalleled level of certainty. It mitigates the risks associated with buying sealed products, where the contents are usually a mystery until opened. With CT scanning, buyers can ensure they are getting what they pay for, potentially even identifying whether a box contains high-value cards before committing to a purchase.

This level of security is particularly crucial in light of incidents like the infamous ‘G.I. Joe incident’ where a highly-publicized purchase of what was believed to be a sealed case of first edition Pokémon Base Set boxes turned out to contain G.I. Joe trading cards instead. The buyer, YouTuber Logan Paul, had spent $3.5 million on the case, only to discover during a live unboxing that it was a fraud. This shocking event highlighted the significant risks associated with high-value, sealed collectibles and underscored the need for advanced verification methods like CT scanning to ensure authenticity and protect buyers from similar scams.

The Impact on Sealed Box Prices

While CT scanning provides significant benefits, it could also disrupt the market for sealed boxes. Traditionally, the value of a sealed box hinges on the mystery of its contents. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for the chance to unearth a rare or valuable card, banking on the element of surprise. However, with the introduction of CT scanning, that mystery is effectively eliminated.

As the potential for using CT scanning becomes more widely known, there’s a growing concern about its impact on the market. Sellers might start using this technology to decide which boxes to sell and which to keep, based on the specific cards inside. This could lead to a situation where only less valuable boxes are put up for sale, while high-value boxes are held back. As a result, buyers would face a market where the ‘chase’ factor is diminished, knowing that the most desirable cards have likely already been sifted out. This could drive down the prices of sealed boxes, as the excitement and uncertainty that once justified their high value would be significantly reduced.

The High Cost of Scanning

It’s important to emphasize that scanning a pack comes at a steep price, costing $75 per scan. This significant expense makes pack scanning impractical for most collectors, limiting its use to only the most valuable packs. Scanning an entire box is even more complex and requires a custom quote from Industrial Inspection, meaning this service is realistically only accessible for the most expensive and high-stakes boxes. For the average collector, the cost of such technology is prohibitive, ensuring that CT scanning remains a tool primarily for those dealing with the rarest and most valuable sealed products.

Not Everything is Hit Equally

Despite the potential negative impact on sealed box prices, not all segments of the market are equally affected. Sealed packs and pack-fresh cards continue to hold their appeal and value. For many collectors, the allure of a pack-fresh card—a card pulled straight from the pack and free from handling, wear, or damage—is irresistible. The pristine condition and the excitement of opening a pack oneself keep these items in high demand.

Moreover, sealed packs themselves remain collectible. Many collectors appreciate them as standalone items, valuing their intact, untouched nature. The aesthetic and nostalgic appeal of sealed packs, particularly those from older or rare sets, means they still command significant interest and prices.

A Changing Landscape for Collectors

The introduction of card CT scanning services by Industrial Inspection is undoubtedly changing the landscape of the trading card industry. While it offers unprecedented security and transparency, it also disrupts traditional pricing models, particularly for sealed boxes. Collectors and investors need to adapt to this new reality, recognizing that while the days of high-priced, mystery-laden sealed boxes may be waning, other aspects of the hobby remain resilient.

Pack-fresh cards and sealed packs continue to thrive, appealing to collectors’ desire for untouched, pristine items and the joy of discovery. As the market evolves, so too must the strategies of those who buy, sell, and collect these cherished items. In this new era of card collecting, the key to success lies in understanding the nuances of the market and recognizing that while technology can take away the mystery, it can’t diminish the passion and nostalgia that drive the hobby.

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