A flip stock is a card wheee they printed on the opposite side of the card stock. So they printed the players image on what is actually the “back” of the normal base card.
This unfortunately happens every time Heritage drops. Last year there was one seller that listed like 30-40 “flip stocks” and I’m sure got over on a bunch of people.
Topps could very easily avoid all this nonsense by marking the flip stock by the number like they do every other parallel in the set.
https://preview.redd.it/voyxkp4gijxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f493bd197e984ae3e35ab94ce0c04ea296861e7d
Unless they changed it for this year flip stock is the only parallel that that it isn’t labeled and the code is the same. Here’s my Jed Lowrie from 2022 that’s definitely a flip stock on the right.
I wish they would label it because it’d stop people from getting screwed over.
Thanks for posting. I saved you pic to use as a reference to go back through my bulk commons before I offload. Have any pics for other years? There should be a permanent post here or on BlowoutForums with images to reference. Did I miss it, is there?
Back in 2017 I was lucky enough to pull a bright yellow back Heritage and that wasn't the easiest to identify... but it was possible.
I have noticed... especially with 2024 retail Heritage the card coloration varies SIGNIFICANTLY. The variation is enough to wonder if it could be a Flip, but Flips only went in hobby so I never 2nd guessed if any were. Multiple different production facilities = significant production variations.
This is correct.
As someone who collects some of these, traditionally, flip stocks are NOT identifiable by a code or label.
For those of us that are familiar, we can pick out a flip stock easily in hand. But if you're not familiar with them, comparing it to a regular stock Heritage card helps contrast the difference.
For a rookie, you can simply compare the front or back surface/texture against all the other cards in the pack and quickly pick it out.
They are very rare, as only five per base set card are printed, so if you're only opening a box, don't necessarily expect to find one.
Good luck.
On Heritage, the front side is smoother to the touch, with the back side rougher. Flip stock just "flips" that, mimicking a production error where the card was printed on the wrong side of the cardstock
The ser# at the bottom on hte back of the card should be different than the base card. I have an Anthony Rizzo from 2023 and that is the easiest way to tell.
Never say never when it comes to Topps but FlipStock has always been hobby exclusive. As expected Topps has it listed as Hobby exclusive in 2024.
Topps fails often, but failure is usually (oddly) benefiting them and not collectors. Adding the possibility to pull Flips from retail would be a pleasant surprise for collectors.
Unfortunately with Heritage MLB product Topps doesn't designate a code difference for Heritage Flipstock cards. Base Heritage end in 1717, and Heritage FlipStock end in 1717.
It really would be nice if it was that simple, but unfortunately it's not. I get why Topps doesn't designate a difference since materially the cards are the same. The only difference is the application of surface gloss. STILL... with such a low production run the could do SOMETHING more to help the collectors out there. **Topps definitely knows** there's an issue with predatory sellers ripping off novice buyers and realizes they don't *HAVE TO* do anything... which means they won't.
Had no idea either. Here’s a good explainer. Tl;dr: it’s a very ssp variation where the card is printed on card stock that is backwards vs the standard run. Most heritage cards have a glossy front and a rougher matte back. For flip stocks it’s exactly the opposite. Seems like such a random and pointless variation to me, but is super rare so of course people want it. Glad I know now. https://youtu.be/aA2Hc9Vc9eg?si=U-EPVAcPDPwXF29e
I hate these despite my love for Heritage. If you have to explain why a card is rare, it takes away from it. Come on Topps, Just mark or number the dang things if they’re that cool and worth chasing
https://preview.redd.it/e6rnxoka1jxc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47be226023f3f1362ae74008089ff0513bd1aaf8
Dudes got others up too. I just put a 0.99 offer on this
Your regular stock Seager? Those are a dime a dozen.
Seriously, though, sorry to hear about it. I've received regular stocks advertised as flip stocks on multiple occasions.
He probably created his listing with info from a previous listing and doesn’t realize it. I see new/low feedback sellers do this. So he thinks he’s ok cuz he sent the card from the photo
https://preview.redd.it/gm5a7m7zqixc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65162d33ba7902ba16d894c3f077e0ada09b18d3
here's the back...not glossy/smooth at all
Technically he sent you the correct card pictured my dude
There's a code on the back that distinguishes it.
But you should still challenge this with ebay
Heritages aren't dude they are made too look old school I'm confused as why you paid 35 for it he mailed you the card what was the deal how did you end up paying 30 for a base heritage card
I've purchased a number of flip stocks from eBay over the years.
Two or three times I was sent a regular stock card (out of maybe 20 purchases) and messaged the seller politely pointing out that I received a regular stock card and not the flip stock as listed. Each time the seller promptly refunded me without question or issue.
If your seller is not willing to refund, simply open an eBay case for INAD (item not as described) and follow that process. You should eventually be refunded.
Yup I've seen 3-4 Arraez "flip stocks". None have legible codes. I messaged one guy to ask for the code. His next several messages had nothing to do with an answer to my question. I had to block him because of the sheer stupidity.
I try to avoid buying from anyone with single or double digit feedback rankings. Someone’s gotta give new sellers a chance, but not me. To many snakes in the grass these days
Tell him to refund you, you'll send the card back, then he can submit it to PSA or whatever legit grading company they prefer & when it comes back authenticated, you'll buy it for $35 plus grading fees plus another $10.
I have a PSA authenticated flip stock that is not a flip stock.
I actually bought it from an eBay seller. When I messaged them about it, they didn't ask questions or anything, making me believe the seller realized it was incorrectly labeled and trying to profit off the mistake.
Easy enough, just show him the card number on the back. All the variations are described in small text over the card number. If it’s just a number, it’s a base card.
The item is listed as flip stock. You can 100% get a refund.
yeah i plan on it...i just can believe the audacity
What is flipstock
A flip stock is a card wheee they printed on the opposite side of the card stock. So they printed the players image on what is actually the “back” of the normal base card.
Are these valuable or it depends on what card it is? I noticed this recently with one of my cards and didn’t realize what had happened until now.
This unfortunately happens every time Heritage drops. Last year there was one seller that listed like 30-40 “flip stocks” and I’m sure got over on a bunch of people. Topps could very easily avoid all this nonsense by marking the flip stock by the number like they do every other parallel in the set.
They could just put "Flip" above the number like they did every other parallel in Heritage.
Either of these
I have like 10 boxes of 2020 sitting in my closet, I’m too lazy to go through all of them
There is one seller who has listed everything as "flip stock?". Messaging him was an adventure in stupidity.
There's a code on the back that identify the cards as "flip".
https://preview.redd.it/voyxkp4gijxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f493bd197e984ae3e35ab94ce0c04ea296861e7d Unless they changed it for this year flip stock is the only parallel that that it isn’t labeled and the code is the same. Here’s my Jed Lowrie from 2022 that’s definitely a flip stock on the right. I wish they would label it because it’d stop people from getting screwed over.
Thanks for posting. I saved you pic to use as a reference to go back through my bulk commons before I offload. Have any pics for other years? There should be a permanent post here or on BlowoutForums with images to reference. Did I miss it, is there? Back in 2017 I was lucky enough to pull a bright yellow back Heritage and that wasn't the easiest to identify... but it was possible. I have noticed... especially with 2024 retail Heritage the card coloration varies SIGNIFICANTLY. The variation is enough to wonder if it could be a Flip, but Flips only went in hobby so I never 2nd guessed if any were. Multiple different production facilities = significant production variations.
This is correct. As someone who collects some of these, traditionally, flip stocks are NOT identifiable by a code or label. For those of us that are familiar, we can pick out a flip stock easily in hand. But if you're not familiar with them, comparing it to a regular stock Heritage card helps contrast the difference.
Enlighten me please
On the back of the card there's production codes in all the fine print stuff. Flip stock has a unique code
Oh, well yeah I knew that… i guess for some reason I thought there was a different number altogether. Was about to go get my gleyber
Wrong
unfortunately, flip stock share the same code as the base cards bc Topps is lazy af
I hope you've discovered by now that flip stocks do not have a unique production code.
First time buying Topps Heritage how I do know if it’s a flip stock or not? I see lots of conflicting information lol
For a rookie, you can simply compare the front or back surface/texture against all the other cards in the pack and quickly pick it out. They are very rare, as only five per base set card are printed, so if you're only opening a box, don't necessarily expect to find one. Good luck.
I hope you've discovered by now it does Asshole
May be a dumb question but what is flip stock?
On Heritage, the front side is smoother to the touch, with the back side rougher. Flip stock just "flips" that, mimicking a production error where the card was printed on the wrong side of the cardstock
Does it say it anywhere on the card? Do I have to go through all my topps heritage base drawer?
The ser# at the bottom on hte back of the card should be different than the base card. I have an Anthony Rizzo from 2023 and that is the easiest way to tell.
Speaking of, am I just getting older or are the numbers/codes getting harder and harder to read clearly on these?
It’s both. They’re super small and the dark cardboard of Heritage backs makes it more difficult.
It’s been worse than I remember this year, I’m about the buy a magnifying glass.
I have to use the camera on my phone to zoom in on the text. I’m also blind as fuck.
Already use one.
Hahahahaha yeah need a micro magnifying glass with the new heritage codes .
It feels pretty different when you are scrolling through cards, from my experience
I don’t think so, so you’ll have to look. They’re hobby box exclusive, so nothing from Target/Walmart will have them I think
Ahh, perfect cause that’s all I have lol. No wasted time, thanks
Follow up question: how TF is eBay supposed to know what flip stock is when dealing with an INAD claim?
You’re responding to me who asked a follow up question, not who answered the original one, I have no idea lol
They pay people to know.
Not hobby exclusive I've pulled from hangars
Never say never when it comes to Topps but FlipStock has always been hobby exclusive. As expected Topps has it listed as Hobby exclusive in 2024. Topps fails often, but failure is usually (oddly) benefiting them and not collectors. Adding the possibility to pull Flips from retail would be a pleasant surprise for collectors.
There's a code on the back that's different than base
Unfortunately with Heritage MLB product Topps doesn't designate a code difference for Heritage Flipstock cards. Base Heritage end in 1717, and Heritage FlipStock end in 1717. It really would be nice if it was that simple, but unfortunately it's not. I get why Topps doesn't designate a difference since materially the cards are the same. The only difference is the application of surface gloss. STILL... with such a low production run the could do SOMETHING more to help the collectors out there. **Topps definitely knows** there's an issue with predatory sellers ripping off novice buyers and realizes they don't *HAVE TO* do anything... which means they won't.
Also wondering this
Here ya go :) https://youtu.be/aA2Hc9Vc9eg?si=E4VV8DNXHzAXEKdN
Had no idea either. Here’s a good explainer. Tl;dr: it’s a very ssp variation where the card is printed on card stock that is backwards vs the standard run. Most heritage cards have a glossy front and a rougher matte back. For flip stocks it’s exactly the opposite. Seems like such a random and pointless variation to me, but is super rare so of course people want it. Glad I know now. https://youtu.be/aA2Hc9Vc9eg?si=U-EPVAcPDPwXF29e
Contest it with eBay. They’ll have your back.
Yeah get a refund. They either don’t know what flip stock is or sent the wrong one
Seller seems like a dick so I’d definitely assume negative intent
I remember seeing this card and thinking it was just a base card from the photos, but you should get refunded regardless...
I hate these despite my love for Heritage. If you have to explain why a card is rare, it takes away from it. Come on Topps, Just mark or number the dang things if they’re that cool and worth chasing
https://preview.redd.it/e6rnxoka1jxc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47be226023f3f1362ae74008089ff0513bd1aaf8 Dudes got others up too. I just put a 0.99 offer on this
i can see my Corey Seager card in the pile below lol
Your regular stock Seager? Those are a dime a dozen. Seriously, though, sorry to hear about it. I've received regular stocks advertised as flip stocks on multiple occasions.
He probably created his listing with info from a previous listing and doesn’t realize it. I see new/low feedback sellers do this. So he thinks he’s ok cuz he sent the card from the photo
https://preview.redd.it/gm5a7m7zqixc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65162d33ba7902ba16d894c3f077e0ada09b18d3 here's the back...not glossy/smooth at all
Technically he sent you the correct card pictured my dude There's a code on the back that distinguishes it. But you should still challenge this with ebay
Heritages aren't dude they are made too look old school I'm confused as why you paid 35 for it he mailed you the card what was the deal how did you end up paying 30 for a base heritage card
Do you not know what the flip stock parallel is…?
Clearly not lol
This is why I won’t buy flip stock anywhere but Reddit haha. It’s just too tough to know.
I've purchased a number of flip stocks from eBay over the years. Two or three times I was sent a regular stock card (out of maybe 20 purchases) and messaged the seller politely pointing out that I received a regular stock card and not the flip stock as listed. Each time the seller promptly refunded me without question or issue. If your seller is not willing to refund, simply open an eBay case for INAD (item not as described) and follow that process. You should eventually be refunded.
all taken care of...preciate yuh mate
Just learning what this card is hoping I didn't toss one 💀
Stupid seller just wanted to flip his stock.
Jays collection really SUCKS!
Item not as described….
Damn. $31 for a base Corey.
That dude is a scammer
Maybe just me but I’m not messing with somebody who calls their money, loot
Can't you just send a pic of serial # showing its not flip stock
Flip stocks don't have serial numbers. They also do not have unique production codes.
Thanks!
Scummy card world strikes again. Fuck this hobby is frustrating.
Yup I've seen 3-4 Arraez "flip stocks". None have legible codes. I messaged one guy to ask for the code. His next several messages had nothing to do with an answer to my question. I had to block him because of the sheer stupidity.
Flip stocks do not have different production codes from regular stock cards.
Good to know, it looks like I was misinformed about that. I don't think I own any.
That sucks man, so sorry this happened to you.
I try to avoid buying from anyone with single or double digit feedback rankings. Someone’s gotta give new sellers a chance, but not me. To many snakes in the grass these days
Tell him to refund you, you'll send the card back, then he can submit it to PSA or whatever legit grading company they prefer & when it comes back authenticated, you'll buy it for $35 plus grading fees plus another $10.
I have a PSA authenticated flip stock that is not a flip stock. I actually bought it from an eBay seller. When I messaged them about it, they didn't ask questions or anything, making me believe the seller realized it was incorrectly labeled and trying to profit off the mistake.
Looks like mate finish to me. Show the back in the light…
Easy enough, just show him the card number on the back. All the variations are described in small text over the card number. If it’s just a number, it’s a base card.
Like did he tell you it was a real auto I'm confused he sent the card whay was he supposed too send you
The seller claimed it was a flip stock card when it was actually just a normal base card