Industrial Inspection & Consulting has taken an unexpected plunge into the world of trading cards with their new $75 CT scanning service for sealed packs. Originally aimed at showcasing their scanning technology’s precision, the service has now become a focal point of discussion within the collecting community.
A recent case study involving a Pokémon card pack scanned by Industrial Inspection garnered significant attention, leading to the official launch of their card scanning service. Despite initial assertions that they had no intention of venturing into this sector, the company pivoted its approach, now including trading cards in its CT scanning services.
For a fee of $75, Industrial Inspection offers to CT scan sealed packs of trading cards, along with a viewing program for analyzing the contents. The company also plans to expand this service to include sealed boxes in the near future.
The introduction of this technology has triggered mixed reactions within the collecting community. While some express skepticism about its widespread adoption and effectiveness, others view it as a potential game-changer for high-end products. There are concerns about collectors’ ability to interpret the scans accurately without prior experience.
Amidst the ongoing debate, Industrial Inspection’s general manager, Keith Irwin, noted a surge in interest following the initial case study’s YouTube debut. The company received numerous requests for pack scans within hours, with website traffic skyrocketing by over 17,000 percent.
Irwin emphasized the growing interest from individuals, collectors, and auction houses, indicating a strong demand for this service. While withholding specifics due to confidentiality agreements, he hinted at inquiries focusing on the technology’s capabilities and potential applications in various sectors, including authentication and selection of premium boxes.
The introduction of this service raises ethical dilemmas within the collecting community. While some condemn the practice, Industrial Inspection emphasizes the importance of making the service accessible to all collectors, not just high-end enthusiasts. The company aims to act as responsible actors in an industry where such technology is inevitable.
Questions about the service’s impact on the secondary market, especially for high-value items like vintage sports cards and early Pokémon releases, loom large. While the long-term implications remain uncertain, potential collaborations with auction houses and authenticators could shape how the service evolves.
Looking ahead, Industrial Inspection plans to continue offering card scanning services, potentially expanding to scan encapsulated packs for collectors hesitant to open them. The company acknowledges the ethical complexities of its new venture, stating that “Pandora’s box is open,” and reflecting on the responsibility that comes with introducing such technology to the market.
As the card scanning service gains traction, Irwin acknowledges the sensitivity and importance of addressing ethical concerns. The company’s decision to offer this service stems from a belief that transparency and responsible implementation can mitigate potential negative outcomes.
In a landscape where technology intersects with collecting passions, Industrial Inspection’s foray into card scanning marks a significant development. The company’s willingness to engage with these ethical dilemmas reflects a broader conversation within the industry about the balance between innovation and integrity.