Set building strategies

[markf31]

I'm new to the board her and I'm pretty new to vintage pre-war collecting but it has become the main focus of my collection now, until recently my focus had always been on the late 50's through the 60's. Collecting and completing sets for the 50's and 60's was pretty easy comparatively speaking and I think the inherent difficulty in trying to complete pre-war sets is part of the appeal to me.

I was just curious as to what some of your thoughts and theories are on trying to complete these difficult sets. I've set my sights on the 1934 Goudey and much tougher T205 set. I have very strict budget that I limit myself to. I could set out after the commons first then go after the higher profile cards, or save my budget for a couple months to pursue the higher profile cards first.

In the end maybe it doesn't matter much, just curios if anyone has theories on this.

[bbcard1]

The three sets of some note I have completed have followed a pretty similar template:

1) get a bargain on a decent chunk of the set
2) Pick off the easy ones
3) Keep a bit of dry powder for when you get a great buy on something
4) Sell duplicates you get along the way to fund other purchases
5) Grind out the last few cards

You are at a wonderful place to help you. I have in all likelihood the worst T205 set in existence, but couldn't have done it without the help I got on this board, particularly Mac and Marc.

[yanksfan09]

Welcome aboard,

I would say don't over-extend yourself early. It may be easier to complete a set with big cards out of the way but you don't want to invest too heavily into something you're just starting either. I'd start with commons and see if, after a while, you still have strong interest to keep pursuing the set. Sometimes people lose interest as they acquire cards in a set, then you at least won't have too much $ invested if you decide to get out and pursue a different project.

I started going after the Diamond Star set a couple years ago and sort of lost interest. Maybe not lost interest, but became interested in other stuff more. I didn't buy any of the expensive high # cards yet, so I'm happy with that. I've since put that project on hold and still have the cards but am more happy acquiring other cards at the present time....

[zljones]

I found that with my subsets it is better to begin with the rarest and/or highest valued cards first. Because once you start on a set often times you may want to keep rolling to complete it. And when you complete the whole set accept those really frustrating ones, then it can be a pain waiting on getting those not so common or expensive ones. Soon I will be embarking upon 33 and 34 Goudey, 41 Playball, and Diamond stars HOF subsets, and my plans are to get 41 playball Dimaggio and Ted Williams out of the way first. Luckily I already have Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth now it should be a lot easier. And like bbcard1 said try to buy in bulk.

[bbcard1]

I might add that my strategy for upgrading is buy lots, keep the better of the two for myself, list the other on ebay...if you get a reasonable discount for buying in bulk and pass without remorse when you don't, you have a puncher's chance of upgrading your set without much out of pocket.

BUY BUY BUY. Run a sprint instead of the normal stroll. On a serious note the T205 set in low grade A-2 can be had very fast and for reasonably cheap as long as you go for common backs. GL with the set

[Tcards-Please]

As Andrew mentioned, go at a slow pace. I've seen several collectors dive in and run at full speed only to have their collecting interests change. If it is the T205s that interest you and you aren't trying to collect the back variations (Wilhelm & Mathewson), it can be accomplished without breaking the bank as your most expensive would be the Cobb or Addie Joss. Although I'm biased, I think it is one of the most fascinating prewar sets out there. You will find quite a few T205 experts on this board if you ever have questions about something.

I have been working on my low grade set since 2007 and just went over the 75% threshold. Like you, I was on a limited budget and I was never in a position to acquire a large lot since I was going after the variations as some rarely come up and I wanted to make sure I had the funds saved when they did. At first, I would buy 1 or 2 commons a month, while I saved for one of the higher priced or variation cards. I would have been done earlier with the set, but like many other collectors, I would see something not related that would catch my eye. I'm down to needing 53 commons to be complete and I hope to have it done by July of 2013.

r/
Frank

[rainier2004]

I'd have to say starting slow is the best advice until you are 100% convinced this is definitely the set for you. The next best piece would be buy large lots whenever possible and make it possible. You get to upgrade your dups, get some more for the set and take your time selling what you dont need to recoup funds. This has always worked out financially for me. If you push too hard it can make you feel "trapped" though so enjoy whatever pace you choose.

[iwantitiwinit]

My fool proof strategy:

1. Open a bank account that wife doesn't know about
2.. Put a bunch of money in it approx. 150% more than what you think the set will cost.
3. Open a paypal account that draws on that account.
4. Rent a p.o. box
5. Buy cards from ebay, net54, cardshows, auction, etc and have them sent to the p.o. box.
6. Pick up shirts from the laundry, make sure shirts are folded not on hangers
7. Insert bought cards into the folded laundry
8. Walk into house with cards hidden in laundry box.
9. Extract cards and co-mingle with previously purchased cards so wife can't discern that there have been any new acquistions.