Industrial Inspection & Consulting has made a splash in the collecting world with its new $75 card X-ray service. What started as a showcase of their CT scanning precision quickly turned into a popular service for analyzing the contents of sealed packs of trading cards.
Initially hesitant to dive into the card scanning world, Industrial Inspection pivoted after the successful CT scan of a sealed pack of Pokémon cards went viral. Now, for a fee of $75, collectors can have their sealed packs scanned, with plans to expand the service to include sealed boxes in the near future.
Despite mixed reactions from the collecting community, Industrial Inspection’s general manager, Keith Irwin, has reported a surge in interest since the service’s launch. The company received numerous requests within hours of the initial card scan case study being shared online, indicating a high demand for this innovative service.
While some industry insiders remain skeptical about the widespread adoption of card scanning technology, others see the potential benefits, such as authenticating vintage sealed boxes and assisting group breakers in identifying valuable content. Irwin emphasized the company’s goal of making the service accessible to all levels of collectors, not just high-end enthusiasts.
The introduction of this service has sparked ethical debates within the collecting community. Concerns have been raised about the implications of using X-ray technology to analyze card packs, with questions arising about fairness, transparency, and the impact on the secondary market. Industrial Inspection acknowledges these concerns but believes that offering the service in a transparent and ethical manner is crucial in an industry where such practices are likely to emerge regardless.
As the technology evolves, the future of card scanning remains uncertain. Industrial Inspection plans to continue offering the service while exploring potential collaborations with auction houses and authenticators. The company also acknowledges the need for ethical considerations and is open to discussing safeguards, such as dosimeter stickers, to ensure transparency in the scanning process.
In conclusion, Industrial Inspection’s $75 card X-ray service has made waves in the collecting community, raising important ethical questions and potential impacts on the market. While the service opens up new possibilities for collectors, it also highlights the need for responsible and transparent use of advanced scanning technology in the world of trading cards.
