In a time where tangible assets like sports cards are attracting a new wave of collectors and investors, many turn to “group breakers” — those who open packs of sports cards live online, distributing the valuable cards to participants who’ve bought a stake in the break. The Hobby House, also known by its social media handle HobbyhouseFL and based in Florida, has made a name for itself in this burgeoning market. Yet, a recent episode has cast a shadow over the company’s reputation for customer care.
UPDATE: WhatNot provided a refund, HobbyHouseFL did nothing.
At the center of the matter are two shipments confirmed lost or pilfered after being handled by the United States Postal Service. While the responsibility for these lost packages would seem to fall into a murky area, what has confounded those involved is the total value of the cards lost — more than $3,000.
Yet, when confronted with this situation, The Hobby House’s response has been disheartening for the aggrieved parties: the company claims it bears no responsibility once the packages are initially scanned by the postal service.
We reached out to Hobby House after we heard about the situation for comment and didn’t receive a reply at publication time.
Sport Card Radio had a run in with The Hobby House in 2022 after we called into question their association with fellow group breakers Backyard Breaks during a live stream.
This was their message they sent to us unprompted at the time.
Experts in contract law point out that the legalities of such situations could get complicated. “If it can be proven that a business consistently does not take sufficient measures to ensure the safe delivery of goods, it could potentially be liable for negligence,” notes Elena Richardson, a lawyer specializing in contract and consumer law.
While this particular situation may or may not lead to legal action, it serves as a cautionary tale in a market that has largely been built on trust and community engagement. Consumers are left pondering whether The Hobby House and similar enterprises are as invested in their client relationships as they are in capitalizing on the sports card boom.
It is an episode that has many, from customers to legal experts, rethinking the very essence of accountability in a niche that is rapidly gaining mainstream momentum. As of now, whether the $3,000 in lost cards will be reimbursed remains an open question — and one that could have far-reaching implications for this hobby-turned-industry.
UPDATE: WhatNot provided a refund, HobbyHouseFL did nothing.
HobbyHouseFL posted this update on their Instagram Page:
