In a surprising move, Industrial Inspection & Consulting has unveiled a new service that allows customers to CT scan sealed packs of trading cards for $75. Originally intended to showcase the precision of their CT scanning technology, the service has quickly become a topic of debate within the collecting community.
The Service
For a fee of $75, Industrial Inspection & Consulting offers to CT scan sealed packs of trading cards, providing customers with the viewing program necessary to analyze the contents. Plans are underway to expand this service to include sealed boxes in the near future.
Industry Reactions
The introduction of this technology has divided opinions within the collecting community. While some are skeptical about its widespread adoption and question the ability of collectors to interpret the scans effectively, others have shown great interest. Following the release of a case study on YouTube, Industrial Inspection received a surge in website traffic and numerous requests for scans from collectors and auction houses.
General manager Keith Irwin shared, “We’ve seen a lot of interest from various parties. It seems like everyone is intrigued and wants to be part of this. If we don’t provide this service, someone else will.” While specifics remain undisclosed, the inquiries mainly revolve around the technology’s capabilities, with speculations about applications in identifying the best boxes and authenticating vintage ones.
Community Concerns
The unveiling of this service has sparked concerns within the collecting community regarding its ethical implications. Many collectors were previously unaware of the possibility of using X-ray technology in this manner, leading to heated discussions about the impact of $75 scans on the hobby.
Despite the controversy, Irwin emphasized the importance of making the service accessible to all collectors, not just those dealing with high-end products. He stated, “We aim to be the ethical providers in an industry that’s evolving. If we don’t offer this service, others will, potentially in less ethical ways.”
Ethical Considerations
The ethical dilemmas raised by this new service are multifaceted. While collaborations with auction houses and authenticators might seem beneficial, they could also restrict individual collectors’ access to verifying their collections. The line between positive and negative use cases of the technology is blurred, prompting reflections on the impact on the secondary market.
Irwin pondered, “If we choose not to offer this service, what could happen? The reality is, someone else will fill that gap. We’ve embraced a responsible approach to participate in this space.” As the implications on the high-end trading card market loom large, it remains uncertain how major manufacturers are responding to these developments.
Future of Card Scanning
Industrial Inspection may thrive without the card scanning service, but its potential as a revenue stream is undeniable. Suggestions for card manufacturers to incorporate dosimeter stickers that change color upon exposure to radiation could be a step towards safeguarding customers against unwanted scans.
The company plans to progress with scanning packs and potentially expand to boxes, offering a valuable tool for collectors interested in verifying sealed packs. Despite their range of services, the ethical considerations surrounding card scanning will persist, as acknowledged on the company’s website.
Irwin reflected, “We’ve certainly stirred up emotions in the community. People have strong ties to these industries, and it’s forced us to question our actions. However, by not revealing this service, we might drive it underground. We’re caught in a dilemma of doing wrong by acting and doing wrong by remaining inert.”
