And sometimes the box configuration is totally unique.
When I stopped in Triple Cards in Plano TX to discuss 2014 Panini Hot Rookies to get his viewpoint, the owner told me he wasn’t crazy about the rather ‘unique’ box concept that’s in play with this product. After I left the store, I realized in some ways the 2014 Hot Rookies boxes make for a unique and innovative way to sell packs.
The biggest pack in the box has 32 cards and features veterans with at least two cards numbered to 99 or less. There is one pack in a case in which every card in this large pack is a serial numbered parallel.
Then there is a 10 card pack featuring all rookies with one card numbered to 99 or less.
The third pack has five insert cards, one of which is a signed memorabilia card.
The fourth pack contains three cards—all autographs. The more I thought about this, the more I thought dealers could be truly innovative selling these cards.  You could decide how to market the four different types of packs. While that involves some thought, you could price those packs in such a way to match what you would have done for 10 separate five-card packs.
Hot Rookies are parallel in design to the recently released Score Football except the cards have silver borders. The size of the set is the same as the Score set ((330 cards) so finishing a base set is a real challenge. Triple Cards sold a few boxes at $115 per and just said that was enough and moved the rest of his boxes out of the store while leading on-line retailers are now between $90-95 per box.  This is a hobby only product–no blaster boxes.
Autographs appear to lean heavily on stickers.
So how did we do from our box?
Base Cards: 36 different. Yes with perfect distribution you would need a lot of boxes to finish a set. However, if your goals are base cards maybe you can find a sympathetic store owner or dealer who will sell you just the big packs or work through eBay.
Scorecard Parallel (#d to 99): Teddy Bridgewater
Showcase Parallels (#d to 79):  Doug Martin, Robert Mathis
All-time Franchise Leaders: Â Barry Sanders
Brothers in Arms: Pittsburgh Steelers
Brothers in Arms Green Parallel (#d to 5): Washington Redskins
Franchise: Cam Newton
Hot Rookie: Jordan Matthews, A.J. McCarron
Inscriptions: Adrien Robinson
Rookie Signatures: Trent Murphy
Hot Rookie Autographs: Cody Latimer
Future Franchise Fabrics Signatures: Dion Jordan
My box was didn’t have anything really great (not to mention the really poor signatures we continue to see from players), but there is some hope long-term thanks to the sheer number of autos and inserts.
Especially at the lower price points the product has dipped to in some places, some collectors will enjoy opening up this reasonably high-end issue. And for an innovative dealer or shop owner, I bet they can get more than the $90 right now by breaking up those packs.
Click here to see 2014 Panini Hot Rookies on eBay.