Hi everyone,
Last week I asked members to put forward any questions they had for a Q&A session I was having with Terry from ESP this week. Terry had a read of this thread and answered some of these questions for us.
I spoke with Terry for about 40 minutes on the phone today on a variety of subjects which I hope will go some way to answering some of the questions you have.
1) ESP will be launching a website around March 2013 which will serve as the website for card releases/communication whilst also being used in conjunction with a NRL Power Play card game which will be released next year. This card game will be aimed at collectors between the ages of 6-11.
2) The initial feedback regarding the release of Limited has been good (about 80% sell through rate) and some of the comments they have received is around numbering (which was debated and they decided not to number the cards - they will do so in future) and the value for the boxes that dont contain a hit by adding greater value (additional sets) in to next years release of limited which will be at the same price per pack but a much more limited production run.
(Updated) ESP policy is to not dump product on the market at the end of each season, instead ESP will either destroy unsold product or will engage in a sampling program with Australia Rugby League Development (ARLD) encouraging young people to start collecting Trading Cards.
Limited this year was a release to introduce ESP to the market in a short time frame they had to get the cards out in the marketplace. It was an introductory set.
3) There has been a deal put in place to have packs/cards sold through vending machines in NZ. There also plans for some distribution through Progressive Supermarket Chains as well.
4) The jersey signature cards will now be signed on the cards rather than the jersey pieces to ensure the quality of the signatures is consistant. There are plans in place to have club game used jersey cards however representative jersey cards are too difficult to come by.
There are plans to have game used ball cards also with a combination ball/jersey/signature cards.
5) The Redemption cards for things like Toyota Cars is a marketing plan to increase interest in getting people into retailers that stock the cards and creating a buzz around the products. Its no different to other producers that offer the chance to win holidays/prizes etc to get you in buying products. These prizes will be done in conjunction with NRL sponsors.
6) There are other types of cards being investigated, one idea is for a USB style card where you could plug it into your computer and watch NRL content of the player featured on the card.
7) Rookie signatures/Top Prospects will be part of releases going forward.
8) A range of bobbleheads will be released along with other memorabilia one example being legend signed footballs.
9) Most importantly Terry has joined Ozcards as a member and will come on here from time to time. Please dont bombard Terry with messages just yet but its great to have buy in from ESP into our community.
I have to say from my chat with Terry have a lot of good things planned and no doubt will be releasing lots of great cards in future!
Finally I wanted to say a huge thanks to Terry for taking the time to chat with me and for being so open an honest with us! ESP are very keen to hear what we as collectors want and will work towards creating these cards we love to collect!
Cheers
Matt
Last week I asked members to put forward any questions they had for a Q&A session I was having with Terry from ESP this week. Terry had a read of this thread and answered some of these questions for us.
I spoke with Terry for about 40 minutes on the phone today on a variety of subjects which I hope will go some way to answering some of the questions you have.
1) ESP will be launching a website around March 2013 which will serve as the website for card releases/communication whilst also being used in conjunction with a NRL Power Play card game which will be released next year. This card game will be aimed at collectors between the ages of 6-11.
2) The initial feedback regarding the release of Limited has been good (about 80% sell through rate) and some of the comments they have received is around numbering (which was debated and they decided not to number the cards - they will do so in future) and the value for the boxes that dont contain a hit by adding greater value (additional sets) in to next years release of limited which will be at the same price per pack but a much more limited production run.
(Updated) ESP policy is to not dump product on the market at the end of each season, instead ESP will either destroy unsold product or will engage in a sampling program with Australia Rugby League Development (ARLD) encouraging young people to start collecting Trading Cards.
Limited this year was a release to introduce ESP to the market in a short time frame they had to get the cards out in the marketplace. It was an introductory set.
3) There has been a deal put in place to have packs/cards sold through vending machines in NZ. There also plans for some distribution through Progressive Supermarket Chains as well.
4) The jersey signature cards will now be signed on the cards rather than the jersey pieces to ensure the quality of the signatures is consistant. There are plans in place to have club game used jersey cards however representative jersey cards are too difficult to come by.
There are plans to have game used ball cards also with a combination ball/jersey/signature cards.
5) The Redemption cards for things like Toyota Cars is a marketing plan to increase interest in getting people into retailers that stock the cards and creating a buzz around the products. Its no different to other producers that offer the chance to win holidays/prizes etc to get you in buying products. These prizes will be done in conjunction with NRL sponsors.
6) There are other types of cards being investigated, one idea is for a USB style card where you could plug it into your computer and watch NRL content of the player featured on the card.
7) Rookie signatures/Top Prospects will be part of releases going forward.
8) A range of bobbleheads will be released along with other memorabilia one example being legend signed footballs.
9) Most importantly Terry has joined Ozcards as a member and will come on here from time to time. Please dont bombard Terry with messages just yet but its great to have buy in from ESP into our community.
I have to say from my chat with Terry have a lot of good things planned and no doubt will be releasing lots of great cards in future!
Finally I wanted to say a huge thanks to Terry for taking the time to chat with me and for being so open an honest with us! ESP are very keen to hear what we as collectors want and will work towards creating these cards we love to collect!
Cheers
Matt