Website FAQ
What is NPNsportscards.com?
For the most part NPNsportscards.com is the number one website in the world devoted to listing active NPN (No Purchase Necessary) addresses for Sports Cards.
What's the history of NPNsportscards.com?
The website started as the brain child of Barry Scott, (yes that Barry Scott). Barry started the site first under his own website, then moving it over to NPNsportscards.com in 2005. He started the site as a helpful tool for collectors to pool their resources and share NPN addresses. I joined Barry in Jan. 2006 to assist in updating the information on the site. Barry slowly lost interest in the hobby, and I took ownership of the site in Oct. 2006 full time. I moved the site to Blog format on Blogspot.com in Feb. 2010.
What's the deal with the stupid blog?
Great question! Doesn't everyone have a blog these days? Two reasons for the blog really, 1) I wanted to update the look of the site a bit, and 2) I wanted to become more involved in the hobby in a way that wouldn't cost as much as buying cases of cards.
Where did my NPN addresses go?
Never fear, they are only one click away on the main page. Clicking any of the links under the top banner will take you to the appropriate section on the NPNs page. Also clicking on the "Last Updated" link on the right side will also lead you to the page. If you still aren't happy with that, and absolutly don't want to see my opinions you can bookmark the page directly, http://www.npnsportscards.com/p/npns.html.
So what topics are you going to cover in the Blog?
The blog will be a mix of NPN news, updates, and success stories. In addition I will cover and editorialize on the big happenings in the sport card world. I mainly collect baseball so the stories will primarily be biased towards that sport, but I won't try to limit myself.
What's your hobby background?
I started collecting cards Easter of 1982. I remember this because as an 8 year old the Easter Bunny brought me my first cards, (Two rack packs of 1982 Topps). Thus began the addiction. I collected through much of my youth with friends as we rode the baseball card popularity of the late 80's. My collecting took a backseat through the college years and much of the 90's. However, I would still but a few packs here and there. I really got back into things in 2004, and have been spending way too much money on cards ever sense. I have some experience setting up a shows back in the day, and today sell cards on both Ebay and Checkoutmycards.com. I would call myself an ADD collector. My collection has no focus, and I collect a little bit of everything. If anyone every wants to send me some cards, I'll accept anything Giants!
What's with the annoying ads on the site?
Well like everyone on the internet I want to make millions and retire! (If I can make enough to pay for domain hosting, I'll be happy.)
Can you send me some cards? I requested an NPN, but you didn't send me anything, what gives?
Sadly if you are asking me these questions you are just shooting the messenger. I only post the address to the companies that are having NPN contests. I don't run the contests. I am not affiliated with any of the sport card companies. Although I suppose if you send me a SASE I'll send you some of my commons.
How do you get all the addresses? Why don't you have the NPN for XXX?
Well since this isn't my full time job, and just my hobby so addresses get to the site in one of two ways. 1) I buy the packs myself. As I mentioned I really only collect baseball, so most of the baseball NPNs end up on the site. 2) This is where you come in. I can't do it all myself. I need your help! The majority of the NPNs for the other sports, and some from baseball come from loyal readers of the site. If you see something I don't have e-mail it to me and I'll get it on the site.
General NPN FAQ
What is NPN? What does NPN stand for?
NPN means No Purchase Necessary. Basically, you don't have to buy a pack of a particular product product to have a chance to get one of their insert cards (GU, non-GU, Autos, etc).
Why do companies offer NPN?
The main reason is that card companies offer NPNs to prevent any legal issues with gambling laws.
What do I need to do?
For all companies except for Upper Deck hand print your name and address (and answer to the math super trivia quiz for those in Canada) on a 3"x5" index card. Throw that in a #10 envelope. Address it to one of the addresses (DO NOT include anything in ()'s that says note:) above, slap first class postage on it and mail it off.
How about Upper Deck?
In 2008 Upper Deck went to an online form to request NPNs. You will need to visit their NPN website, http://npn.upperdeck.com. You can register for an account, log in, select the NPN contest you want to enter, and submit!
What's with Canada? Why do they have to answer math problems?
Basically its how companies get around Canadian laws for gambling. Apparently, if you live in Canada you aren't allowed to profit from any contest unless you correctly answer a skill question. Thus the math problems.
What is #10 envelope?
It's a business size (4-1/8" x 9-1/2") envelope. It's the rectangular one you get most of your mail in (excluding credit card and some utility bills.)
What's a 3x5 index card?
They're note cards. They come in lined, unlined, and many color varieties. The cheapest are the white kind, but I'm sure the companies could care less what color they are.
Where can I get a 3x5 index card, #10 envelope, and a stamp?
The first two, any grocery, drug, or retail store carries them in the office supply stationery section. You usually can get stamps at the same places; if not, go to the post office.
If I send in, will I always get something back?
Not necessarily. You have the same chance of getting something as if you had opened a pack. So if a Game Used card comes 1:28 packs, you have a 1:28 shot per index card you send in of getting a Game Used card. It's still unclear on how it works for packs with 1 GU/Auto per pack. Back a couple of years ago, for Topps Tribute, many people got back an Auto or GU for each index card. Recently (specifically thinking of high end UD stuff), some companies specify that the NPN drawing is for everything but the 1 per pack items. Also, remember the companies don't have an unlimited supply of cards set back for NPNs. If they get far more requests than expected, likely that reduces your chances of getting something back. Although, the packs do say "At the same odds" without mentioning number of requests.
When will I know if I won?
For some companies the dates listed are the "postmark" date, the date you have to have mailed the entries by. Generally the recieved by date (by which the card company has to have received the entries) is one week later. The drawing date is then a week after that. Winning entries (ie the cards) usually show up around a month after the drawing date. The first NPN's that I posted (long ago), had a drawing date of May 7th, and they started arriveing June 6-7, so the month seems pretty accurate. For other companies like Upper Deck it seems they do their NPNs in batches 3-4 times per year pretty much at random. My advice is mail it off, forget about it, and hopefully one day you will get a nice surprise is the mail.
What if I don't use a #10 envelope? What if my index card is 5" x 7"? What if I write in crayon?
The card companies measures all index cards and envelopes for the appropriate size before validating your entry. JUST KIDDING. The answer is, I don't know. I've heard of someone that had used smaller envelopes to mail in entries, and they still got free cards. So, use "non-standard NPN" materials at your own risk. But as long as the stuff gets there, I doubt the card companies really care about the exact materials. Of everything though, I'd reccomend using 3"x5" cards; that's what they use for the drawing, so it's the most important.
Can I put 2 index cards in one envelope?
No, no, that's cheating...one index card per envelope. I'm guessing your entry will be disqualified if more than one index card is in the envelope.
So how about the NPNs like allow for multiple entries?
You still have to send them in one at a time.
What happens if I send in more than the allowed number of entries?
The card company could disqualify your entries since it's technically a contest, and you'd be a cheater, nobody likes a cheater.
Can I send in entries for both the retail and hobby versions of the product?
Ahhhh finally I get to the most asked question I get on the site. The short answer is I don't know. Only Topps has addresses for different versions of their products. This is due to the different odds in the different types of packs. The packs clearly state "Limit 1 request per household for XXX product". However, does that mean 1 request per pack type, (Hobby, Retail, Blaster, Jumbo, etc.)? Or just 1 request for the entire product? Here's what I do. I send one to each address. I have no way of knowing if my entries ever get disqualified. However, I will say I have received more than 1 NPNs from a given product. So I know some of them aren't disqualified. Follow what I do at your own risk. One day I'll attempt to speak to someone at Topps and get an answer to this perplexing question.
Can I send in more than 2 entries by using a different name/address?
I don't advocate it. Most NPN's are now 1 or 2 entries per household. Household is defined as "A domestic unit consisting of the members of a family who live together along with nonrelatives such as servants" by Dictionary.com So basically, if you live with 8 other people who collect cards, you have to share two entries. But, I know people use multiple addresses/names, such as their girlfriend, grandma, second cousin twice removed, etc. addresses'. While it's technically a different household, it is for you. Personally, I don't think it's all that ethical, again you risk being labeled a cheater.
What's the deal with the stupid blog?
Great question! Doesn't everyone have a blog these days? Two reasons for the blog really, 1) I wanted to update the look of the site a bit, and 2) I wanted to become more involved in the hobby in a way that wouldn't cost as much as buying cases of cards.
Where did my NPN addresses go?
Never fear, they are only one click away on the main page. Clicking any of the links under the top banner will take you to the appropriate section on the NPNs page. Also clicking on the "Last Updated" link on the right side will also lead you to the page. If you still aren't happy with that, and absolutly don't want to see my opinions you can bookmark the page directly, http://www.npnsportscards.com/p/npns.html.
So what topics are you going to cover in the Blog?
The blog will be a mix of NPN news, updates, and success stories. In addition I will cover and editorialize on the big happenings in the sport card world. I mainly collect baseball so the stories will primarily be biased towards that sport, but I won't try to limit myself.
What's your hobby background?
I started collecting cards Easter of 1982. I remember this because as an 8 year old the Easter Bunny brought me my first cards, (Two rack packs of 1982 Topps). Thus began the addiction. I collected through much of my youth with friends as we rode the baseball card popularity of the late 80's. My collecting took a backseat through the college years and much of the 90's. However, I would still but a few packs here and there. I really got back into things in 2004, and have been spending way too much money on cards ever sense. I have some experience setting up a shows back in the day, and today sell cards on both Ebay and Checkoutmycards.com. I would call myself an ADD collector. My collection has no focus, and I collect a little bit of everything. If anyone every wants to send me some cards, I'll accept anything Giants!
What's with the annoying ads on the site?
Well like everyone on the internet I want to make millions and retire! (If I can make enough to pay for domain hosting, I'll be happy.)
Can you send me some cards? I requested an NPN, but you didn't send me anything, what gives?
Sadly if you are asking me these questions you are just shooting the messenger. I only post the address to the companies that are having NPN contests. I don't run the contests. I am not affiliated with any of the sport card companies. Although I suppose if you send me a SASE I'll send you some of my commons.
How do you get all the addresses? Why don't you have the NPN for XXX?
Well since this isn't my full time job, and just my hobby so addresses get to the site in one of two ways. 1) I buy the packs myself. As I mentioned I really only collect baseball, so most of the baseball NPNs end up on the site. 2) This is where you come in. I can't do it all myself. I need your help! The majority of the NPNs for the other sports, and some from baseball come from loyal readers of the site. If you see something I don't have e-mail it to me and I'll get it on the site.
General NPN FAQ
What is NPN? What does NPN stand for?
NPN means No Purchase Necessary. Basically, you don't have to buy a pack of a particular product product to have a chance to get one of their insert cards (GU, non-GU, Autos, etc).
Why do companies offer NPN?
The main reason is that card companies offer NPNs to prevent any legal issues with gambling laws.
What do I need to do?
For all companies except for Upper Deck hand print your name and address (and answer to the math super trivia quiz for those in Canada) on a 3"x5" index card. Throw that in a #10 envelope. Address it to one of the addresses (DO NOT include anything in ()'s that says note:) above, slap first class postage on it and mail it off.
How about Upper Deck?
In 2008 Upper Deck went to an online form to request NPNs. You will need to visit their NPN website, http://npn.upperdeck.com. You can register for an account, log in, select the NPN contest you want to enter, and submit!
What's with Canada? Why do they have to answer math problems?
Basically its how companies get around Canadian laws for gambling. Apparently, if you live in Canada you aren't allowed to profit from any contest unless you correctly answer a skill question. Thus the math problems.
What is #10 envelope?
It's a business size (4-1/8" x 9-1/2") envelope. It's the rectangular one you get most of your mail in (excluding credit card and some utility bills.)
What's a 3x5 index card?
They're note cards. They come in lined, unlined, and many color varieties. The cheapest are the white kind, but I'm sure the companies could care less what color they are.
Where can I get a 3x5 index card, #10 envelope, and a stamp?
The first two, any grocery, drug, or retail store carries them in the office supply stationery section. You usually can get stamps at the same places; if not, go to the post office.
If I send in, will I always get something back?
Not necessarily. You have the same chance of getting something as if you had opened a pack. So if a Game Used card comes 1:28 packs, you have a 1:28 shot per index card you send in of getting a Game Used card. It's still unclear on how it works for packs with 1 GU/Auto per pack. Back a couple of years ago, for Topps Tribute, many people got back an Auto or GU for each index card. Recently (specifically thinking of high end UD stuff), some companies specify that the NPN drawing is for everything but the 1 per pack items. Also, remember the companies don't have an unlimited supply of cards set back for NPNs. If they get far more requests than expected, likely that reduces your chances of getting something back. Although, the packs do say "At the same odds" without mentioning number of requests.
When will I know if I won?
For some companies the dates listed are the "postmark" date, the date you have to have mailed the entries by. Generally the recieved by date (by which the card company has to have received the entries) is one week later. The drawing date is then a week after that. Winning entries (ie the cards) usually show up around a month after the drawing date. The first NPN's that I posted (long ago), had a drawing date of May 7th, and they started arriveing June 6-7, so the month seems pretty accurate. For other companies like Upper Deck it seems they do their NPNs in batches 3-4 times per year pretty much at random. My advice is mail it off, forget about it, and hopefully one day you will get a nice surprise is the mail.
What if I don't use a #10 envelope? What if my index card is 5" x 7"? What if I write in crayon?
The card companies measures all index cards and envelopes for the appropriate size before validating your entry. JUST KIDDING. The answer is, I don't know. I've heard of someone that had used smaller envelopes to mail in entries, and they still got free cards. So, use "non-standard NPN" materials at your own risk. But as long as the stuff gets there, I doubt the card companies really care about the exact materials. Of everything though, I'd reccomend using 3"x5" cards; that's what they use for the drawing, so it's the most important.
Do I have to send in postage or a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) for them to send me back my card if I win?
Nope, just the index card. If you win, the card company pays for the postage.
Can I put 2 index cards in one envelope?
No, no, that's cheating...one index card per envelope. I'm guessing your entry will be disqualified if more than one index card is in the envelope.
So how about the NPNs like allow for multiple entries?
You still have to send them in one at a time.
What happens if I send in more than the allowed number of entries?
The card company could disqualify your entries since it's technically a contest, and you'd be a cheater, nobody likes a cheater.
Can I send in entries for both the retail and hobby versions of the product?
Ahhhh finally I get to the most asked question I get on the site. The short answer is I don't know. Only Topps has addresses for different versions of their products. This is due to the different odds in the different types of packs. The packs clearly state "Limit 1 request per household for XXX product". However, does that mean 1 request per pack type, (Hobby, Retail, Blaster, Jumbo, etc.)? Or just 1 request for the entire product? Here's what I do. I send one to each address. I have no way of knowing if my entries ever get disqualified. However, I will say I have received more than 1 NPNs from a given product. So I know some of them aren't disqualified. Follow what I do at your own risk. One day I'll attempt to speak to someone at Topps and get an answer to this perplexing question.
Can I send in more than 2 entries by using a different name/address?
I don't advocate it. Most NPN's are now 1 or 2 entries per household. Household is defined as "A domestic unit consisting of the members of a family who live together along with nonrelatives such as servants" by Dictionary.com So basically, if you live with 8 other people who collect cards, you have to share two entries. But, I know people use multiple addresses/names, such as their girlfriend, grandma, second cousin twice removed, etc. addresses'. While it's technically a different household, it is for you. Personally, I don't think it's all that ethical, again you risk being labeled a cheater.
