Pros of Autographed Stickers
Though redemption cards are still found in some products, their numbers have been greatly reduced since the early 2000s - and stickers are the primary reason. Having athletes sign a number of stickers before production on the cards begins gives the manufacturers a much better idea of what they can realistically expect to offer in each set.
Stickers also give the companies a greater degree of flexibility to change plans or come up with new ideas on the fly. They've been an especially big boon in the creation of cards signed by multiple players, eliminating the headaches caused by having to send signed cards from one player to another or trying to assemble athletes from different teams in one place.
In an era where the condition of cards is more important than ever, autographed stickers also help keep the cards they're attached to in better shape. That's because the cards never need to be shipped back and forth or handled by the athletes, making them much more likely to emerge from the pack looking pristine.
Finally, some companies' stickers also provide an additional level of protection against counterfeiters. Forgeries of signed cards are extremely rare, but the holographic logos used by manufacturers like Topps and Upper Deck on their autograph stickers make them almost impossible.
Pros of On-Card Autographs
The most attractive feature of hard-signed cards is something that stickers will never be able to duplicate: the connection they create between athlete and collector. For the segment of the hobby that collects to feel closer to their favorite superstars, there's something to be said for the fact that those players actually touched the cards in question. With in-person autographs getting more difficult (and more expensive) to come by, on-card signatures are the next best thing.
There's also a question of aesthetics that often comes out in favor of on-card autographs. Card companies are always getting more sophisticated with their card designs, and they've become pretty clever at making stickers less obvious. Still, a sticker limits an athlete's signature to a small, defined area, where an on-card autograph allows more room for a full signature and a clean design.
Where it Stands
Even collectors who prefer hard-signed cards would have to admit that autographed stickers have their advantages. Their use allows card companies to create just about any autographed inserts they can dream up, and they certainly seem like the lesser of two evils when weighed against the negatives of redemption cards.
The really good news is that collectors don't necessarily have to choose between the two. Stickers look like they're here to stay, but card companies continue to release some products each year that offer hard-signed cards. For hobbyists who feel that on-card is the only way to go, they may have to hunt a little harder, but the cards they want are still out there.