In a surprising twist, Industrial Inspection & Consulting has leaped into the world of trading card collections by offering a CT scanning service priced at $75. Initially showcasing the precision of their CT scanning technology with a Pokémon pack demonstration, the company has now become the talk of the collecting community.
Just weeks ago, Industrial Inspection created a buzz by revealing a CT scan of a sealed pack of Pokémon cards, demonstrating the potential of their technology. Despite earlier claims that they had no intentions of venturing into card scanning, the company made a U-turn this week to include trading cards in their range of CT scanning services.
The Service
For the affordable fee of $75, Industrial Inspection will CT scan sealed packs of trading cards, providing customers with the necessary viewing program to analyze the contents. There are even plans to extend this service to include sealed boxes in the near future.
Industry Reactions
The collecting community has had mixed reactions to this new offering. An industry insider expressed doubts about the widespread acceptance of the service, hinting that it might be more relevant to high-end products. Concerns were also raised about whether collectors would possess the knowledge to interpret the scans accurately.
Keith Irwin, the general manager of Industrial Inspection, shared that the company received an impressive ten requests for pack scans within just the first two hours of posting their initial case study on YouTube. Since then, their website traffic has skyrocketed by over 17,000 percent.
“We were flooded with interest,” Irwin revealed. “Not only from individuals and collectors, but also from auction houses. It seems like everyone is both intrigued and eager to participate. And if we don’t offer this service, someone else definitely will.”
Irwin refrained from sharing further details due to non-disclosure agreements but mentioned that the inquiries primarily focused on the technology’s capabilities. Speculation abounds regarding the potential use of this technology by group breakers to identify premium boxes, or for authenticating sealed vintage boxes.
Community Concerns
The collecting community is grappling with the implications of this innovative technology. Prior to these recent case studies, many collectors were unaware that X-ray technology could be applied in this manner. The ability to scan packs for a nominal fee of $75 has sparked a significant debate within the community.
While a segment of collectors has criticized the practice, Irwin and Industrial Inspection argue that providing the service to all levels of collectors, not just elite ones, is essential.
“Our aim is to ensure this service is accessible to everyone,” Irwin stated. “We want to be the positive force in something that is here to stay. If we don’t offer this service, others will, potentially in less ethical ways.”
Ethical Considerations
The introduction of this service raises a host of ethical and moral questions. While collaborating with auction houses or authenticators could be viewed positively, there’s a risk of limiting access for individual collectors who wish to verify their collections. Distinguishing between beneficial and harmful use cases is a challenge.
Irwin pondered, “The big question is: If we don’t do it, what happens?” He continued, “The answer is, if we don’t do it, someone else will. We choose to participate because we know we can act responsibly.”
Despite well-meaning intentions, the potential impact on the secondary market, especially for high-end products, is profound. While scanning packs or boxes of lower-tier items may not be economically feasible, for vintage sports cards, early Pokémon releases, and premium modern sets, the technology could be a game-changer.
It remains uncertain if major trading card manufacturers are taking steps to safeguard customers. Requests for comments from Panini America, Topps, and Upper Deck went unanswered.
Future of Card Scanning
Irwin indicated that Industrial Inspection could thrive without the card scanning service, but it does present a lucrative revenue stream. One potential solution for card manufacturers might involve using dosimeter stickers that change color upon radiation exposure, indicating if a box has been scanned.
For now, Industrial Inspection plans to progress with scanning packs and potentially move on to boxes. They may also scan encapsulated sealed packs for collectors who wish to open them.
Regardless of the services provided, the ethical and moral dilemmas will persist for Industrial Inspection. The company’s website acknowledges, “Pandora’s box is open,” resonating with collectors.
“We have definitely struck a chord within the community,” Irwin acknowledged. “People have invested a lot in these industries, making us question if we have made the right decision. But if we didn’t unveil this and offer it as a service, people would be doing it secretly. We find ourselves in a position where inaction is wrong, yet so is taking action.”
