The Yak Shack Forum

Hi! I just received the following email from Artbox(23rd October)on the missing auto cards!


"Hello and thank you for your inquiry.

Unfortunately, we are still waiting for the signed cards to come in, and as soon as we do receive them, all redemptions will be processed immediately.

We are now working directly with Warner Bros., so hopefully the delay is short.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter."

The actors aren't cooperating, so now WB is getting involved.  It's too bad it took so long to get this to point.  Let's hope that Artbox has better luck getting the autos than Strictly Ink did with the CSI New York Gary Sinise auto.  SI is producing a replacement -- four cards with foiled stamped autos and a "bonus" card.

All I can add to that is - About time!!  :o
I sincerely hope we get the signed cards we've sent in redemptions for and quickly as it's dragging on and on and on ... is it any wonder collectors hate redemption cards so much!? >:()

These Cards are still not available! :'(
Redemption cards really are a pain in the backside and it would be great if Artbox had the power to fine these Actors/Actresses for breaking their contract with Artbox.Does anyone have the VERY LATEST on this issue?I`ve been in touch with Artbox about 5 times and keep getting the same messages! :o=


                                                                                                                                                 John

                       

I haven't heard anymore from them on it.  I would think if Brendon Glesson signed a contract, Artbox should be able to sue for breach of contract.  The court could then force him to sign the cards or return the money they paid him.  I would think they would come up with some kind of replacement for his autograph card.

I actually spoke with Kay today on phone and she told me that WB is helping them obtain the autos.  So my update is essentially what's already been posted before.  She acknowledged that it's a problem and that it has been a very long time. 

Just received this today from Artbox! (3rd March 09)

Hello and thank you for your inquiry.

We apologize for the delay, however we are still waiting for the actor to send in their signed cards.  We hope to receive the cards in a couple weeks and as soon as we have them, all redemptions will be processed immediately.

We thank you for your understanding in this matter and for your patience too.

 :o=   :o=   :o=

I've got my fingers and toes crossed too.  :o= :o= :o= :o= :o= :o=

Cramp?

Y'know, when I read this, I immediately found myself transported to a space ship that was waiting for the imminent delivery of small lemon-soaked paper napkins before we could take off and continue our journey. I think Artbox has paid Zarquon to deliver the autos.

Fan of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Jeff? ;D  What a great series.  I think it's time to read it again! :)

Two auctions ended yesterday for Mad-Eye and Mrs. Figg redemptions.  I don't know who won them, but he/she/they definitely overpaid for redemptions that have never been available.

Mad-Eye Moody $82.06
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=400037779864

Mrs. Figg $49.77
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=400037780385

This is why it pays to do the research before purchasing redemption cards. ::)

Oh, dear.  :( That's going to be an awful shock for whoever bought them. That person probably could have paid less for a GOF Mad-Eye Moody SIGNED auto card.  :-\

As for Mrs. Figg, well, perhaps she's having difficulty getting her wand to sign the cards...she is a squib, after all.  :-\

I agree.  The buyer probably doesn't know the history of the Hunter and Gleeson cards.  Knowing what I do now, I certainly would not have paid that much for them but that's just me.

At this point, I wouldn't buy any redemption from any set unless the card was inexpensive or I knew for sure that the card company had the autos in stock.

I kinda feel the same way b/c I just don't want to deal with trying to redeem a card anymore.  With that said, I just bought one from Tom (beggars can't be choosy) and sending a few to Artbox for redemption.   :o= that all goes well (shipping it with tracking this time).

Artbox has received the Kathryn Hunter/Mrs. Figg autos!

Squee   :)

no way!!!  wow! someone pinch me :)  thanks for posting.

I just received one of my Kathryn Hunter autos in today's mail.  Wonder why they only sent one and not the rest (I originally sent in 3 or 4 Hunter redemption cards).  Anyway, those of you waiting should receive your copies soon.

Were the redemptions sent in at the same time or in different shipments?  If you mailed them together, you should contact Artbox.

I sent in one Hunter redemption by itself (with some other redemption cards) and three more Hunters a few weeks later.  I'm guessing that's how they're sending them back out (based on how they received them).

Wow, that was a lot for those redemptions in those auctions. Did the Moody card ever come in?

The Moody auto isn't in yet.

yay! got the other three Hunter autos today.  Well now it's just down to Gleeson.

I am shocked they haven't got his auto back yet!!!!

Glad to know the rest of your autos came in :)

Just received my Kathryn Hunter/Mrs. Figg auto also! :) (14 April)
Still no sign of the Brenden Gleeson card as of yet! :o=
Did anyone get 3 Harry Potter MM2 cards along with the Kathryn Hunter auto?My 3 cards was
P1 Sorcerer`s Stone Golden Snitch
P2 Chamber of Secrets Harry Duel
P3 Prisoner of Azkaban Harry with Book of Monsters





Baa to all sheep fans!  :o

Well, I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but nobody's gotten Gleeson autos yet, right?  I'm cleaning up my apartment today and came across my post office receipt for the OotPU redemption cards I sent in (dated 9/8/2008).  I guess I'll keep holding on to the paperwork (I have photocopies of the redemption cards in a drawer somewhere as well).  Anybody checked in with Artbox lately on this?

Artbox & Warner Bros are supposed to be working on it.

This is the information I received from Artbox Customer service, a couple of weeks ago.

Something tells me my heirs will be getting that card.  Better include the information in my will.  All I know they can do is sue Brennan Gleason for breach of contract.  Wouldn't they have him sign a contract?

True, but would you as a budding young actress volunteer to sign cards for a known and openly litigious company afterwards? Reputation is everything.

"Reputation is everything." Yes, but whose is more valuable, the contract maker or the contract breaker? Companies come and go but personal honor, or lack of, is forever. Methinks I have waxed too philosophical.

If anyone is interested, I read on the LeakyCauldon web site that Brendan Gleeson has completed his filming for Deathly Hallows.

Now will he sign the Redemption cards from Order of the Phoenix???  :o=  >:()

He also won an Emmy Award last night as "Best Actor in a Mini-series" for his role as Winston Churchill in the HBO special "Into the Storm."

At this point, I think the OOTP Gleeson auto is a lost cause. :-\  IMHO, of course.  I don't understand why he signed for GOF, but reneged for OOTP.

they (artbox) should send back the redemption cards then, cos at the moment we have no auto or redemption.

i think the collectors should have something

I sent an email to Artbox a few weeks ago asking them if they would return my redemption card if they could not obtain his autograph!I also have a change of delivery address which they stated they would update their records and seemed to be optimistic they would still get the cards in! ??? I`ve had enough and should take the guy to court! >:()

Last time I spoke to Kay, she said that if Artbox could not obtain the Brendan Gleeson Signatures, they would be compensating those redemptions with something else.
Has anyone heard the same, or anything regarding those redemptions?

Artbox has been saying for a while that they will substitute a comparable card if they don't receive the Gleeson autos.  That hasn't changed, but really, it's been more than two years since the set was released.  It's time for Artbox to pony up and send out replacements.

I sent Kay an email today about the Gleeson Auto.

I think everyone on the Shack should do the same.

Haven't we have waited long enough??  Artbox should send a repalcement asap!!

There are people on another trading card forum who have been doing this on a fairly regular basis.  They get the same response every time -- Artbox is working with WB and Gleeson, and they hope to have the autos soon. ::)  After more than two years, the promise rings hollow.

According to Jeff's stats, the Gleeson autos number around 235.  We don't know how many redemption cards Artbox inserted in boxes, but it has to be less.  Compare that number to the number of people who collect HP cards.  Artbox might not feel there are many repercussions for not dealing with the problem in a timely manner, because this missing auto affects less than 235 individual collectors.

On one hand, I'd be wary about screaming for a replacement.  Strictly Ink had the same problem with a Gary Sinise auto for the the CSI New York set (which is odd, since Sinise later signed for a Donruss set).  The company issued a replacement -- two cards with fake, gold foil signatures.  Considering the cost of the Sinise redemptions on eBay, this was a very poor substitute.  On the other hand, Artbox isn't going to do anything other than what it all ready is unless a lot of people complain.

I am so glad I didn't get one of these and have to go through all of this with you. I do feel terrible for those of you that have to deal with it and agree 100% that Artbox needs to send a nice replacement and soon.

I have long since given up on Brendan Gleeson's signature, however as a consumer who continues to purchase Harry Potter from Artbox, they need to compensate everyone who sent in those redemptions.
I wonder if anyone has contacted the Better Business Bureau.
Not to sound harsh or anything, but as many of us are either sellers or buyers on  :ebay:, could you imagine what conduct like that would do to a seller?
Why should we just accept that Artbox is not concerned with only 235 individual collectors?

I don't think anyone should accept it.  I'm wondering what can be done about it.  Right now, it appears that Artbox's only active trading card license Artbox is HP.  They used to have others, like 24, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Doom.  It could be (pure speculation here) that Artbox will never get another card license.  If the company were still interested in making cards, they would have gone after the licenses that were up for grabs after Inkworks went belly up.  Instead, Rittenhouse picked up LOST and Breygent got Ghost Whisperer.

The thing i don`t understand is that when they promote new card sets that are coming soon,they state that the following actors/actresses have agreed to sign there cards? ???
Agreed as in how?I would have thought that a contract should be included as they sell their boxes and cases to us collectors on the back of who is signing cards! >:()I would be happy to just get my redemption card back so that i can put it in my binder to complete my Master Set :(

I believe there are signed contracts for the autos, but I doubt any trading card company would take an actor to court over not signing the cards.  It would cost the company a lot of money in legal fees, never mind the issues involved with a U.S. company suing someone who lives in the U.K.

Have you asked Kay if she can return the redemption card?

Hi! Yes i have asked Kay twice for my card to be returned to me without reply! :(It used to be that if you won a case in the courts,then you didn`t pay the court fess ;D
I am going to try Kay again at the weekend as it has been a couple of months or so since i last got a email from her!I`ll keep you posted  0:)

Just received two emails from Kay today


Hi John,
I wish I had good news for you,
Warner Bros. is still pushing for us.

Do you want your card returned?
Please let me know and I’ll send it back to you.
Sorry……
Kay

_______________________________________________________________

Hi John,

Thanks for your quick reply.

I’ll have the card sent back to you today.
But please hold on to it, and as soon as we have
the signed card back from Brenda n Gleeson,
we’ll process all redemptions.

Thank you so much for your understanding…..
Have a wonderful night.
Kay


Kay is so honest :)    I hope to get my redemption card back in the next few weeks :o=

Kay returned my redemption card today :)
She stated that Artbox are still hopeful to get the Brendan Gleeson auto`s back and to return my card when the are available.
I think hell will freezeover first! ;D

Hope springs enterna.  I happy Warner Bros. is involved.  Maybe they can put the fear of god in Brendon Gleeson to sign.  I would imagine he's in violation of his contract with them.

I suggested this here...
http://nonsportupdate.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/954605353/m/7041094492?r=220101483#220101483

Get typing, people  ;D

To make things easier, here are the addresses for Gleeson's manager and agent.  It can't hurt to complain to them that Gleeson is upseting his fans by not signing and returning the autos to Artbox.

Management:
Principal Entertainment
Larry Taube, Manager
1964 Westwood Blvd., Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90025
USA
Phone: (310) 446-1466
E-mail: larry@principalent.com

Agent:
The Agency Ltd.
47 Adelaide Road
Dublin 2
Ireland
Phone: +353 1 6618535
E-mail: admin1@tagency.ie

I`m not a fan of Gleeson or any other actors or actresses! 99.9% look down at us mortals who think they are gods of some kind.They are just normal human beings who have had the breaks to become (so called) movie stars and i think people should tell his agent just how crap and shallow this idiot really is 
I`ve never liked redemption cards anyway as you risk losing cards first from cases,then when you post them back and then again waiting for the redeemed card to show!Not forgetting the small fortune to ship cards back and fourth to the USA
I  won`t bother with writing or emailing his agent(thanks kbmum for the info)as nothing will get done!Maybe we could pretend to be a film director offering him a cameo or major character role in a new film and then pull the plug on him at the last minute!

When no action is taken, nothing gets done. I didn't get any answer, but I didn't expect any. I was just hoping that a certain volume of emails may spring someone into action. It is obviously easier to sit back, moan and feel sorry for yourself. Those who do nothing should expect nothing.

Hence the reason i got my redemption card back ;D
Type all you like,it won`t get you anywhere

Oh, I don't know.  I think if enough people complain to Gleeson's manager, he may realize that his actions have created bad PR.  It certainly can't hurt to spend a few minutes letting him know of your dissatisfaction.

The saga is finally over.  I received a letter today from Artbox Entertainment. It seem they are not going to be able to redeem the Bredan Gleeson auto redemption cards.  Instead, they sent me a special Michael Gambon autograph card.  I'm a little disappointed.  I already have two Gambon autograph cards. 

At least they redeemed the card with something. Honestly, it is a decent auto, but like you, I have a couple of his as well. However, I also have the other Gleeson auto when he actually signed for GOFU. I just looked at the new replacement card on  :ebay: and I like it! I guess I am just happy that they replaced it with something rather than just screwing everyone over, which could have happened. Also happy to hear there is still activity going on over at Artbox.

Got a scan of the "special" Gambon card? Or is it one of the existing issues?

It's a brand new card with a design that's different than any of the other HP sets.  There are two on eBay.  This one has the best picture:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harry-Potter-OOTP-Update-Michael-Gambon-Auto-REPLACEMENT-Brendan-Gleeson-/140688626549?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c1b21375

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v451/kbmum/OOTP/HPOOTPGambonSpecial.jpg)   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v451/kbmum/OOTP/HPOOTPGambonSpecial2.jpg)

I actually really like this card.

It's a really beautiful design. I like the colors a lot too!

Yeah, I really like the colors a lot too. Even though I have a couple of his auto already, I really would not mind having this one. Love that it mentions "limited edition" on the back too.

Did they say if they would be returning the original redemption card along with the Gambon replacement.

Artbox never returns redemption cards like other companies do. Even though this is a redemption for a card that doesn't exist, I doubt this will change.

The letter from Artbox that comes with the auto states that they don't return the redemption card.

Seems Gleeson really didn't want to sign the auto cards... anyone else get a different auto, or are they all the special Gambon autos? 

(edit due to a reading fail on my part.. d'oh!)

The Gambon auto is specially designed to be a replacement for the Gleeson auto, so everyone is getting the same card.  And, yes, he really didn't want to sign the cards, considering that Warner Bros. became involved in the situation and was not able to convince Gleeson to do the right thing.

And he has signed for the sets before, GOFU. I wonder why he suddenly wouldn't do it again. And doesn't he agree to it before Artbox creates the cards?

Got mine this morning. I nearly fell over when I saw the envelope on the mat. It's funny but this whole saga popped into my head earlier this week having forgot clean about it.  Must've been a premonition.  It's a nice card but I kinda wish they'd got someone else who's perhaps never signed a card before for any of the sets.  And it would have to be a high profile cast member given the actor it's designed to replace.

Brendan Gleeson: bad man, naughty, not happy with you at all sir.  Slapped wrists...

Artbox would have had a commitment from Gleeson before producing the cards for him to sign.

There are a number of high profile cast members who never signed.  If Artbox couldn't obtain their signatures for any set, it's highly unlikely it could have negotiated a contract for any of them to sign a one-off card. 

Why should it be someone who never signed for any of the sets before? Even the original actor who the card was supposed to be has signed for a previous set before.  I know Gambon signed for a lot of the other sets, but wouldn't you rather it be him than "slytherin boy"? LOL. At least Artbox got a main cast member to sign the card for them this late in the game. Maybe Maggie Smith would have been a better comparable replacement, but I still like the new card and wouldn't mind owning it.

I posted this on another forum, but it works here, too.  :)  We've had autos from Death Eaters with non-speaking roles, Hogwars students with non-speaking roles, and the son of a werewolf and an auror who was filmed for the final scene, but cut from the movie.  Dumbledore is a good replacement.

Got mine (UK) yesterday morning, I'm delighted with it. Great looking card with good signature.
Best looking card to come out of OOTP in my view and whether it's worth as much as the Gleeson would have been I don't care. Very pleased to have it in my collection. Thank you Artbox.

Sharon got hers on Saturday and it's lovely. I think the big news here is that there is still life at Artbox Towers  :rofl:

It's shocking, isn't it? :D  It's nice to see they really were working on the problem.  Maybe there's hope for costume/prop set.

Ive just got mine aswell  and really happy with it, i`d completely forgotten i`d even sent in the gleeson redemption card.
Fingers crossed theyre sorting out the DH2 costume/prop set, has anyone had a reply about it yet?

I got mine today!  I moved eight months ago and occasionally thought about sending a change of address card to Artbox just in case anything ever came of this redemption, but figured it was a lost cause.  I'm glad that my forwarding address is still in effect so that I received the card!  I really liked Mad-Eye in the movies and was excited when I pulled that redemption card, but I'm very pleased with Dumbledore, too!  It does seem odd that Gleeson signed some for the one set but not the other.  Guess I'll have to poke around the auction site if I really want a Mad-Eye autograph now.

I haven't opened my cases of the last three or four sets that came out: I'm sure the official redemption dates have all passed by now, but I've missed those dates before (though not by the sort of time frames I'd probably be looking at now) and still got them redeemed.  Maybe I should sit down and start opening Harry Potter cards again soon...

If you ever plan on opening the cases (instead of selling them), you probably should do so sooner than later.  Artbox does honor redemptions past the expiration date, but some of the autos might be out-of-stock or have limited quantities.  We also don't know what's going on with the HP license, which could eventually affect redemptions.  There have been times when a card manufacturer was ordered to destroy leftover stock for a product with an expired license.  I'm not saying that's actually happening here, but you never know.  Better to be safe than sorry.

On another note, how could you hold on to unopened cases?  :o  :o  :o  I would have cracked those babies within minutes of delivery!  Then again, I have no willpower when it comes to cards.