Set Collecting

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Posted By: Tim

From your experience when collecting a particular set, do you set out to complete the set in a lower grade in a timely manner and then approve it as you go, or slowly complete it with the cards of the quality you truly want. (This question is directed at sets that are within norm, I'm not trying to put together a Jim B E93 set one card at a time.)

I ask this because I know putting a set together slowly can run the risk of losing interest or having your attention diverted to something else.

Just wondering how others tackle this issue.

Is it better to complete the set first, or just buy what you want from the beginning?

[Archive]

Posted By: Steve Dawson

I always go for the quality I really want from the start. As many other collectors have said, the real fun in collecting anything, is the chase. It may take longer to complete a set this way, but the ultimate reward is much more fulfilling when you finally complete the set.

Also, by going for the quality from the beginning, you don't saddle yourself with a bunch of lower-grade cards that you'll just end up wanting to get rid of once you upgrade them.

Edited to add the following:

Finally, and at least for me, I feel that if I were to just go for the "quick" completion, it would be much easier to settle for the lower grade. For example, if I've got a set with several lower-grade cards that become somewhat difficult to upgrade, it would be alot easier for me to just quit trying to upgrade them, rationalizing that since I've already got them and completed the set, why should I bust my a** searching for better examples.


Steve

[Archive]

Posted By: JimB

For me, it would really depend on the set. If it were T206, a set where the whole range of grades are more or less readily accessible, why bother filling a hole with a poor card if you are going for a vg set? A vg example (or 10 of them) will be available before long. On the other hand, on tougher sets, when just getting the card at all can be challenging, I am much more flexible. My e94 set has several SGC 10s, 20's, and 30's even though one day I would like it to average more in the 40-50 range. Having a few duplicates around from upgrades also gives you good trade bait.
Best,
JimB

[Archive]

Posted By: Paul

I agree with Jim, & it depends on the set for me. I don't care much for poor condition cards, but for example I think E90-1 Caramels, bread cards, etc... have a certain charm about them well worn. I prefer black & white, sepia, & real photo images to be higher grade.

[Archive]

Posted By: Geno

I'm just the opposite, as you can see by the T202 scan below! I have never worried too much about condition and even piece together T202s when I happen to get all the panels. As a matter of fact, if anybody has panels to sell, let me know! I just like hunting down the cards, reading the backs, and trading with friends along the way...

Take Care,
Geno