The Topps redemption “request sub” button is an option presented to those who have submitted a card redemption request after a certain amount of time. If clicked, “request sub” allows the submitter to request a substitute card for the one they redeemed. Utilizing the option is a bit of a gamble because there isn’t any promise the card or cards received as replacements will match the value of the card you were originally waiting to be fulfilled.
Listen—it’s a tough position to find yourself in, and the situation only gets more complex the higher the value of the card you’re trying to get redeemed. Meaning if you submit for a card that might be $20 or so, you might not think twice about taking your chances with the “request sub” replacement. But what if it’s a $100 card? Or a $1,000 card?
(It’s not unlike the Panini White Box conundrum!)
My first ever redemption pulled of the guy I PC and I get a “Request Sub” message after 5+ months of waiting from @Topps – do I have any other choice besides to accept their substitution? I just want my Wander. @CardPurchaser pic.twitter.com/6MEMsdwFya
— MarinersGM (@GmMariners) October 14, 2022
While every situation is different, and you never know how long a redemption might take, here are some thoughts and opinions from those who have had to face the decision of waiting it out, or requesting a sub.
When Does the “Request Sub” Option Become Available?
As mentioned, there might not be an exact timeline, and the option to request a substititute might come sooner than later in some instances.
Request sub shows up after a certain time on all redemptions. Don’t do anything if you still want the card.
— Lorenzo Perez (@zozozo333) October 14, 2022
A “few months” seems to be the going rate for redemption cards and the request sub button, with some mentioning the fact that they saw the option to request a sub after 3 months or so.
I don’t remember exactly, pretty sure it was there after about 3 months
— Rixe Family Cards! (@FatherBreaks) October 14, 2022
What Happens if You Request the Sub?
First of all, many people choose to request a substitute card or cards because they are simply tired of waiting for their original card to be redeemed. The sad thing is, even after requesting a sub, people still find themselves waiting.
I got a redemption blue parallel Andrew Vaughn last year from 2021 gypsy queen after 5 months I asked for substitute…..I’ve still not recieved anything
— The Dutchie (@TheDutchie79) October 14, 2022
What Happens if You Wait Things Out?
From this helpful thread on Twitter, we see a lot of responses along the lines of “don’t request the sub and just wait longer.” Meaning, if you really want the card you’re trying to redeem, it could still be a reality even when presented with the “request sub” option.
They did this to me and I called support and talked to a human. They said it’s possible I would get it. I was mad because I had seen people posting the same redemption they got for a month lol. Mine came about a month later. Probably took 6 months? It was an 86T India auto.
— Gerid Goudwin (@InstaMntalMasta) October 14, 2022
From what I’ve seen, the general consensus is to wait it out, and the option to request a sub doesn’t mean that the original card will never be filled. It just might take months (even years?).
It doesn’t mean the card will never be available but it is an option for someone who wants cards quicker but doesn’t necessarily have to have that exact card they put in for. It’s usually not worth it though from the ones I’ve seen
— Allen Smith (@theAS4_9) July 27, 2022
What Cards Can You Expect as Substitutes?
Again, there isn’t a clear answer here unfortunately. I’ve seen some really terrible substitute cards that don’t come close to the value of the original card being redeemed, and I’ve seen others that are closer to “wins.” Similarly, sometimes the replacement is the same player but a card from a different set, but other times there might be no relation whatsoever.
Do you have any redemption and/or sub request stories? Would love to hear from you!
