1997 Topps Factory Set
 

So, I recently picked up a 1997 Topps Factory set and when I opened it, the cards were all horribly stuck together. The entire set was composed of maybe 6 bricks of cards. When I separated them, the majority became unusable as they all left portions of each other on their neighboring cards.

So my question is this - is there any reason to suspect that the next set I buy to replace this won't have the precise same condition? Should I expect any better results if I open a foil box?

I'm going to look on eBay for a hand-collated set from back in the day.

Glad I only spent $28 on this one (plus shipping).

I imagine storage and location played a major role in creating those conditions. I suppose it was stored in a high humidity location. If you bought it on ebay, use a different seller in a different city for your next purchase.

But as for your question, no, you should not expect that with every box. I recently pulled my factory complete sets out of storage and had no issues when I opened them up. They have been in storage for 10+ years now.

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A lot of stuff from 1992 to 2002 (maybe farther) has this issue, especially high-gloss stuff. A lot of this stuff has changed hands a few times also- even if you get it from say Arizona, a low-humidity location, there's no guarantee that it always was there. I wouldn't purchase anything unopened if it is my intention to open it.

Stadium Club and Fleer Ultra product is the worst.

I bought a large run of factory sealed topps sets not too long ago and 1996 through 2001 exhibited the same thing you’re talking about. Some of the sets, like 96, I was able to peel apart with minimal or no damage. Others like 2001 were completely ruined when I tried to separate. I highly recommend not buying factory sealed from this era. Much better off going with hand collated in my opinion.

The glossiness will make them stick anyway.

Unfortunately this issue is fairly well known and a number of cards reflect the fact that many cards stored away are damaged. Star cards from the glossy era sell for decent money despite the large amout printed.
I had a four 1993 Upper deck factory sets that I got when buying a collection maybe 6 or 7 years ago. I opened one and it was a brick. So then I was stuck because I wouldn't sell them.
I wrapped some in plastic and placed in very cold freezer overnight next day they came apart much better but there was small amounts of color transfer on most cards. So none of the Jeters was worth sending in for grading. Not alot of money but alot of work for mostly a pile of garbage.
Moral Freezer helps but best to stay away if the plan is opening.
J