What is the future for unopened packs?

[xanderthegreat35]

Hey everyone, I was thinking about collecting unopened packs. There are a lot of discussions out there about this topic but a large amout of them are outdated. Just wanted to try to stir up a conversation and maybe learn something new. I know many packs are resealed and The Baseball card Exchange is probably the most reputable dealer of unopened packs. I was wondering about the packs on ebay and grading. Is it worth taking a risk of buying sealed packs on ebay from a seller with 100% feedback? If I sent in to grading should I send to GAI or PSA? Ive heard PSA cases damage the pack but GAI is known to grade resealed packs from time to time. So which one is better, or is it better to leave it ungraded?

Also, what about modern packs? I know some product is expensive in particular 03-04 Basketball and early 2000 wax for Baseball. Will Modern product ever be in such a high demand as vintage, as it becomes harder to find? Unopened wax is an interesting area of Sports Cards to collect that often does not receieve the publicty that it should. What do fellow collectors think about unopened packs?

Alexander

[philliesphan]

Why buy from an untrusted seller? Even with 100% feedback, you're playing with fire. If you don't know the person you're buying from, I would simply stay away. Too much downside for risk.

I didn't think GAI still existed. There are a lot of complaints about PSA's gasket and the damage in shipping. I'd say graded is likely better at some break point in collecting time -- perhaps 1973 and before.

As for modern packs, there are a few key issues to consider:
A) Grading likely won't help for anything 2000 and after. Usually I'd only recommend unopened boxes because of the seeded lottery mentality of such product.
B) Redemptions. In so many products, it has a long term issue on value. Why have an unopened box of 2001 Bowman Chrome, for example, knowing that a Pujols pull is impossible?
C) Variety. There's literally dozens of different sets being produced each year now. Collecting tastes will continue to evolve, and it is not clear which sets may stand the test of time. Moreso given the notion that the area where most valuation is today is in the lottery mentality of a few hits per box with the remainder largely throwaway. To the extent that continues, singles may continue to spark interest in a way that unopened does not.

[Orioles1954]

May I recommend "fun bags" that Donruss & Topps produced in the 1970s-1980s? No chance of resealing packs that are still in bags!

[xanderthegreat35]

philliesphan many good points, as for GAI I found this article online:
http://www.cardboardconnection.com/collectopedia/card-grading-companies/global-authority/
I think I will try buying unopened packs on ebay and getting them graded and if they were altered see if I can get my money back, its worth a try. As for modern packs, it is too hard to tell which years will be more collectible then others but in general very little modern boxes are left unopened and its hard to come by any sealed boxes so the demand is there IMO.
Orioles1954 I didnt know fun bags exisited, I did a quick search and there not to common and they do go for a good amount of $ at times.

[Griffins]

Buying unopened raw packs on ebay, getting them graded, and then trying to get your money back when they are rejected is a long shot. You may get a few thru, but I suspect you'll end up with worthless packs and no refund.
It takes at least 30 days if not more to get packs graded, and in a lot of cases the people selling raw packs are resealers who will not stand behind their product.
If you want to start an unopened collection go slow, buy legit, graded packs, and learn as much as you can about what to look for.
You'll pay a bit more buying from Steve Hart but you're virtually 100% certain of getting a legit pack.
Stick to "finds" that flood the market temporarily and drive down prices- '64 Topps Standup penny packs are the last such find, and prices are a fraction of what they were before the find and flooding of the market.
Cellos have proven to be especially problematic and extreme caution should be taken before the purchase of any, graded or not.
12 card grocery cellos from the '70's and Christmas rack packs are aftermarket creations and have no value.
A run of legit wax packs make for a great visual display, but a couple of bogus ones will really discourage you. Go slow, and don't be afraid to pay a bit more for peace of mind and good provenance. Nothing is more expensive than getting a deal that is too good to be true.
If you're buying modern I'd suggest full, sealed hobby boxes of Topps Heritage. Tough to go wrong there, especially if buying when they are issued.