In a recent revelation on Reddit, a former insider at the popular sports card break company, Backyard Breaks, has come forward with claims suggesting unethical business practices. The whistleblower, who has chosen to remain anonymous, expressed growing concerns over what they described as a systematic approach to deceive avid collectors and buyers.
Update: Reddit Mods confirm the post was from a Backyard Breaks former employee
Potential Shill Bidding in Online Platforms
The source alleges that there exists a specialized department within Backyard Breaks responsible for overseeing the ‘Flamethrower repacks’. This department supposedly orchestrates bids, sometimes accounting for up to 50% of the break, using fictitious accounts on WhatNot. These artificial bids drive up prices, and on the occasion that one of these accounts ‘wins’, the cards are reintroduced into later Flamethrower repacks.
Company Culture: Entertainment or Deception?
The informant further sheds light on the company’s internal culture, stating that the top executives advocate for an “entertainer” persona. They allege that streamers were instructed to exaggerate card values and amplify their presentations, likening the operations to that of an online casino, aiming to captivate and retain their audience.
Misleading Promises
A recurring promise made to buyers during streams is the “blessing” of unsuccessful participants with cards from personal collections. Contrary to these assurances, the insider alleges these so-called “blessing” cards are in fact pre-factored into the break’s cost and originate from the company’s own Flamethrower division.
Backyard Breaks has yet to respond to these allegations. This exposé serves as a reminder for buyers to approach online transactions and promises with caution and due diligence.
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