Card of the Day: Tiger Woods 2001 Upper Deck Golf – 2001 National VIP Promo

Here’s What Your 2019 National VIP Badges Look Like

I wonder if they’ve ever given any thought to randomly including autographs, relics, or vintage cards in these badges?  Honestly, people would probably complain “certain” people were getting the special cards.  Less than two weeks to go until the greatest show in the world celebrates it’s 40th anniversary.

Topps, Leaf, Upper Deck, and Panini all have VIP sets.  Don’t forget to check out my tips on how to get your name on the list to attend the Topps Q&A.

Good luck to everyone going!

Panini’s 2019 National VIP Set (Something To Look At While Waiting In Their Customer Service Line)

I’m not a big fan of Panini.  Its been years since I’ve opened any of their products.  I think they’re sloppy, careless, and abuse their exclusive licenses to the max.  With all of that said, people continue to buy their stuff and complain.

Panini’s customer support (or lack there of) is so poor its almost impossible to get a hold of someone to talk to.  During the National Sports Collectors Convention its a common sight to see people lined-up at the Panini booth waiting to talk to a customer support representative.  I’ve seen people stand there all day.  Its sad.  Collectors don’t want to spend all of their time at the National waiting to talk to Panini’s customer support.  That time should be used for walking around, looking at all the cool stuff, getting autographs, picking-up singles, and opening boxes.  Its not like you’re going to be satisfied after talking to the Panini employee anyway.

While you’re waiting in that long line at the Panini booth, VIPs should redeem the coupon found in their package of goodies.  That coupon is good for a 10-card set that features Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins, Daniel Jones, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Trae Young, Luka Doncic, and R.J. Barrett.  The tenth card is still a mystery, and will be unveiled closer to the start of the 2019 National.  I’m fairly positive it’ll be of Zion Williamson.

Upper Deck’s 2019 National 5-Card VIP Set

VIPs attending the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention will find a 5-card set within their welcome package.  This set includes Prominent Cuts cards of Tiger Woods, Ben Simmons, Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, and Deandre Ayton.

Past And Present Cleveland Indians Highlight The Topps 2018 NSCC VIP Set

Cleveland Indians of the past and present will be found in the Topps VIP set this year for those attending the 2018 National Sports Collectors Convention.  Its a 5-card set.  I wouldn’t be surprised if packs only contain (4) cards.  Like in years past, Topps wants you to trade in order to get that fifth card.

Leaf’s 4-Card 2018 NSCC VIP Set

Leaf has unveiled their 4-card set VIPs will find inside their swag-bag.  The Leaf booth usually takes up the most space when it comes to corporate attendees.  Brian Gray always uses the National as a platform to show off future products.  2018 Leaf Best of Sports and 2018 Leaf Metal Pop Century qualify for their wrapper redemption program.

Upper Deck’s 2018 NSCC 5-Card VIP Set

VIPs attending the 2018 National Sports Collectors Convention will find a 5-card Prominent Cuts set in their swag-bag thanks to Upper Deck.  That’s not all, Upper Deck has tons of fun activities planned for collectors who visit their booth.  Lots of interesting autographs will be found inside their wrapper redemption packs.  I pulled a Kevin Smith autograph while attending the show in Atlantic City in 2016.  Monumental boxes are making a return too.

For a full rundown of Upper Deck’s plans, and which products qualify for their promotions, check out this press release from the National.  As of right now, my favorite Upper Deck product is Goodwin Champions.  Its like their version of Allen & Ginter.  2018 Goodwin Champions doesn’t come out until the National is over.  So I probably won’t be taking part in any of Upper Deck’s programs this year as the products that you do need to open are 100% hockey.

Panini’s 2018 NSCC 10-Card VIP Set

I don’t do much with Panini products anymore.  But here is a look at their 10-card set VIPs attending The National Sports Collectors Convention will receive.  A redemption coupon will most likely be found in VIP’s swag-bag which can be used to redeem the set at the Panini booth.

Check Out The 2017 NSCC Topps VIP Set

Topps is the first company to strike first when it comes to unveiling their plans for the 2017 National Sports Collectors Convention.  VIPs will find a 4-card pack inside their packages.  There are actually five cards to the set, but you’ll need to trade in order to obtain them all.  The set is designed to look like 1987 Topps Baseball in honor of it’s 30th anniversary.  It includes Cal Ripken Jr., Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, and Ted Williams.

One of these years it would be fun to see some randomly inserted parallels and/or autographs thrown into the VIP bags.  I also think it would be cool to see Topps use cards such as these for buyback autographs in future products like Archives Signature Series.

The 2017 NSCC takes place in Chicago, IL July 26-30.  Tickets are now on sale.

Mike Berkus Highlights Leaf’s 2016 National VIP Set

In addition to their wrapper redemption program, Leaf will provide VIPs with a 4-card set.  The set includes Tom Brady, Jack Eichel, Mariano Rivera, and National Sports Collectors Convention co-founder Mike Berkus.  Mike Berkus passed away last year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if we see more tributes to him from other companies.