In an unexpected move, Industrial Inspection & Consulting has introduced a novel service that allows customers to CT scan sealed packs of trading cards for $75. Initially meant to showcase the precision of their CT scanning technology, the service has now become a topic of discussion within the collecting community.
Just recently, Industrial Inspection gained attention by scanning a sealed pack of Pokémon cards, demonstrating the capabilities of their technology. Although they initially stated no intentions of offering a card scanning service, the company changed course and included trading cards in their CT scanning services this week.
The Service
For a fee of $75, Industrial Inspection offers to CT scan sealed packs of trading cards, providing customers with the necessary program to analyze the contents. There are plans to expand this service to cover sealed boxes in the near future.
Industry Reactions
The collecting community’s response to this technology has been mixed. Some express doubts about the widespread adoption of the service, suggesting it may only appeal to those interested in high-end products. Questions have been raised about whether collectors can effectively interpret the scans without prior experience.
According to Keith Irwin, the general manager of Industrial Inspection, the company received an influx of requests to scan packs within hours of their initial case study being shared on YouTube. Website traffic has surged by over 17,000 percent since then, indicating a strong interest in the service from individuals, collectors, and auction houses.
While Irwin refrained from divulging specific details due to non-disclosure agreements, he mentioned that inquiries mostly centered around the capabilities of the technology. Speculation abounds about the potential use of this technology by group breakers to identify premium boxes, as well as for authenticating sealed vintage boxes.
Community Concerns
The collecting community is apprehensive about the implications of this technology. Many collectors were previously unaware of the application of X-ray technology in this manner. The ability to scan packs for a nominal fee has sparked considerable debate within the community.
A significant portion of collectors has criticized the practice, yet Irwin and Industrial Inspection argue that offering the service to all collectors, not just high-end individuals, is crucial.
“Our aim is to make this service accessible to everyone,” Irwin emphasized. “We want to be on the right side of this issue. If we don’t provide this service, others might resort to less ethical practices.”
Ethical Considerations
The introduction of this service raises ethical and moral dilemmas. While collaborating with auction houses or authenticators could have positive implications, it also carries the risk of restricting access for individual collectors seeking to verify their collections. Distinguishing between positive and negative uses of the technology is a complex task.
Irwin posed a fundamental question, “If we don’t offer this service, what will happen?” He stressed the company’s decision to engage in this space with a sense of responsibility.
Despite the intentions behind the service, its potential impact on the secondary market, especially for high-end products, is significant. While scanning packs or boxes of lower-tier items may not be cost-effective, for vintage sports cards, early Pokémon releases, and premium modern sets, the technology could be transformative.
It remains unclear whether major trading card manufacturers are taking preventive measures. Requests for comments from Panini America, Topps, and Upper Deck went unanswered.
Future of Card Scanning
Irwin mentioned that Industrial Inspection could thrive without the card scanning service, although it does offer a lucrative revenue stream. One solution card manufacturers could explore is using dosimeter stickers that change color upon exposure to radiation, indicating whether a box has been scanned.
For now, Industrial Inspection intends to continue scanning packs and potentially move to boxes. They may also explore scanning encapsulated sealed packs for collectors who wish to open them.
Regardless of the services provided, the ethical and moral implications will remain a key concern for Industrial Inspection. The company acknowledges on their website that they have opened “Pandora’s box,” a sentiment echoed by collectors.
“We have clearly struck a nerve within the community,” Irwin acknowledged. “These industries are central to people’s lives, prompting us to reflect on whether our actions are appropriate. Yet, if we conceal this technology, individuals may resort to unauthorized means. It’s a situation where inaction is wrong, yet action raises questions.”
The debut of this service has stirred the collecting community, raising broader discussions about transparency and ethics in the hobby.
