Vintage Set Group Break Idea! Input Needed!

[autocentral]

Hey guys,
My name is Nick for those of you who don't know me. I'm an approved group break host on Blowoutcards forums and host a variety of breaks from cards to memorabilia products. I've bought a good amount of cards on this site and I think we have the strongest vintage card collecting presence of any forum, so I thought a vintage set group break would be an awesome new addition to the site.

Leon & I discussed the possibility of doing a vintage group break but we need your input on a possible set to break. So far we really like the idea of doing a 1955 Topps Set with the main cards of the 206 card set being the Roberto Clemente Rookie, Sandy Koufax Rookie, & Harmon Killebrew Rookie. Let me know how you feel about this and Leon & I will discuss it from there.

I know a lot of you already know the format and how these work. But for those of you who are unfamiliar with the idea here is an example of how it works using the Topps 1955 set

*JUST AN EXAMPLE*
-Set: 1955 Topps
-Number of Cards: 206 (Each card represents a group break spot)
-Spot price breakdown example:
$4,000/206=$19.40
$19.40 + $4.00 Shipping & Supplies + $1.00 Paypal Fees=$24.40 per card/spot
-Once all 206 spots are filled and paid for. A random done live via ustream webcam will take place to decide what card you end up with. For instance, if you receive spot #164 in the random you receive card number #164, which in this case is the Roberto Clemente Rookie Card.
*JUST AN EXAMPLE*

Leon & I would love to know what you guys think. Leon has agreed to front the money for the set we decide, but keep in mind we do have a budget. Condition of the set has yet to be determined. But the estimated pin point as of now would probably range from VG to EX-MT (PSA 3-6). Again condition depends on what is available and at what price. I will host the break meaning that I will handle all the logistics of the break including keeping track of payments, packaging the cards, and shipping the cards.

*COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, CONCERNS: FEEL FREE TO POST ON THE THREAD OR SEND ME A MESSAGE*

[ZachS]

Depending on condition I'd be open to purchasing a few spots. I'm working on a 55 set but I'm trying to keep it around 5 or above. Are we talking graded or raw and what kind of condition?

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by ZachS

Depending on condition I'd be open to purchasing a few spots. I'm working on a 55 set but I'm trying to keep it around 5 or above. Are we talking graded or raw and what kind of condition?

For sure the main cards will be graded thats a guarantee. The whole thing relies on what set is available to us and at what price. My guess is for the first run group break the cards will range from 3-6 in grade, so VG to EX-MT. (Just an estimate)

Thanks for the comment and support.
Nick

[drazz5]

Sounds like a great idea

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by drazz5

Sounds like a great idea

Thanks for the comment and support.

Nick

[Mountaineer1999]

I'm in.... Sounds like fun and 55 seems like as good a choice as any.

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer1999

I'm in.... Sounds like fun.

Thanks for the comment and support. These are really fun and a great way to bring the forum community together.

Nick

[ullmandds]

i have no interest in this...as I collect mainly pre war cards...not pre vietnam!

[mrvster]

but I only collect T206 and OJs!

[bobbyw8469]

How random is the number generator?

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

How random is the number generator?

Random.org has a random list generator. I will broadcast the random live and run the generator 5 times.

Thanks for the question,
Nick

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by mrvster

but I only collect T206 and OJs!

We may do a pre-war set/partial set later but this first break is a test run to see interest levels and what people would be interested in doing.

Thanks for the input,
Nick

[jhs5120]

Will we split up the exact cost of the set?

Or is there a premium we all are paying to someone?

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

i have no interest in this...as I collect mainly pre war cards...not pre vietnam!

We might do pre-war cards in another installment, this is really the first run so we want to see exactly where we stand especially interest wise.

Thanks,
Nick

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by jhs5120

Will we split up the exact cost of the set?

Or is there a premium we all are paying to someone?

There is a premium due to the time and effort that goes into putting all this together. Leon & I agreed to split that premium 50/50. We are trying to be as transparent as possible. We are not going to charge ridiculous premium charges but rather something that we think is fair.

Thanks for the question,
Nick

[vintagetoppsguy]

Personally, I like the idea and I would be in for a few spots.

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

Personally, I like the idea and I would be in for a few spots.

Thanks for the input and support,
Nick

[Mdmtx]

I would buy a few spots.

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by Mdmtx

I would buy a few spots.

Thanks for the comment and support!

-Nick

[wolf441]

I think it's a great idea. I've always liked the 1956 and 1960 Topps sets. What about 1941 Playball?

[Matvoo]

I was about to post a thread on here and blowout about a prewar group break idea. If you are going to do a pre war set in the future please let me know

[Rich Klein]

I love the idea --- please keep me informed.

And if you want to do this at the end of the month -- I have a place where this can be done publicly. Leon, are you game for doing this at the local show I coordinate

[bobbyw8469]

I am interested. Not sure what you mean that numbers are drawn 5 times. Does that mean that the first 4 draws don't count?

[soccersaver97]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

I am interested. Not sure what you mean that numbers are drawn 5 times. Does that mean that the first 4 draws don't count?

Yea. He means the list will be randomized 5 times and whatever shows up the 5th time is the final list that will be matched up to the card numbers.

[The Nasty Nati]

I'd throw down for a spot or two. I think this is a great idea! I like watching group breaks, but personally I don't care about owning the glitzy new cards of today...however a vintage group break sounds like a lot of fun!

[conor912]

I'm not much of a gambling man, so I'd be out.....though I'd certainly be interested in watching the drawing.

[veleno45]

I have little interest in anything other than pre-war, but I would probably buy a spot just for the gambler in me.

[Econteachert205]

I like the idea, filling that many spaces might be a challenge, what time horizon would sign ups exist in?

[bobbyw8469]

Now, would you actually show the cards and who got what one at a time, or would you email everyone the list and jsut let them see the number and player they got?

[JollyElm]

This is definitely a cool idea. Can you give an estimate of what a slot would cost? That would certainly help a lot of people decide if they would be in or out.

[ocjack]

If I'm the only one to have this question, please feel free to delete this post.

But can someone explain what is going on? I've never heard of group breaks.

Thanks.

[ZachS]

Originally Posted by ocjack

If I'm the only one to have this question, please feel free to delete this post.

But can someone explain what is going on? I've never heard of group breaks.

Thanks.

Using the example of the 1955 Topps set there are 206 cards total in the set... that means 206 slots available for sale.

There is a set price per slot and you can buy multiple slots.

Let's say you buy 5 slots at $25 per slot ($125 total). Your name will be put in the group 5 times (once per slot).

All names go into a randomizer... that's a program that will randomly put each name next to a number (in this case 1-206)

You will end up with 5 numbers between 1 and 206 selected w/ the randomizer program.

For example the randomizer puts your name next to numbers 11, 32, 47, 138, 198 in which case you'd get Fain, McGhee, Aaron, Hebert, and Berra.

That means you would end up with those card numbers from the set.

You could end up with 4 commons and a HOFer and make out pretty well or you could end spending $125 for 5 commons... it's all a gamble.

That's about as far as I can break it down without drawing pictures. Hopefully it makes sense.

[brewing]

If multiple slots were purchased, would shipping be combined?

[ocjack]

@ZackS

Thanks. That explained it very well. Appreciate your taking the time.

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

Now, would you actually show the cards and who got what one at a time, or would you email everyone the list and jsut let them see the number and player they got?

I would slowly scroll down the list so you can see your name on the random as well as make the video public on my ustream so you can watch it over if you wish. Also, Random.org has the time the random took place so you can use that as a reference as well.

-Nick

[mattsey9]

Interested in a spot.

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by brewing

If multiple slots were purchased, would shipping be combined?

Shipping would be combined if you have multiple spots. Also there will be some discounts depending on how many spots you buy. But that will be determined once we figure out the monetary dynamics of the break.

-Nick

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by ZachS

Using the example of the 1955 Topps set there are 206 cards total in the set... that means 206 slots available for sale.

There is a set price per slot and you can buy multiple slots.

Let's say you buy 5 slots at $25 per slot ($125 total). Your name will be put in the group 5 times (once per slot).

All names go into a randomizer... that's a program that will randomly put each name next to a number (in this case 1-206)

You will end up with 5 numbers between 1 and 206 selected w/ the randomizer program.

For example the randomizer puts your name next to numbers 11, 32, 47, 138, 198 in which case you'd get Fain, McGhee, Aaron, Hebert, and Berra.

That means you would end up with those card numbers from the set.

You could end up with 4 commons and a HOFer and make out pretty well or you could end spending $125 for 5 commons... it's all a gamble.

That's about as far as I can break it down without drawing pictures. Hopefully it makes sense.

Thank you for the help in explaining the concept. I really appreciate it.

-Nick

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by Matvoo

I was about to post a thread on here and blowout about a prewar group break idea. If you are going to do a pre war set in the future please let me know

We are definitely in discussions about doing a pre war set in the future. You will definitely hear about it if we do.

Thanks,
-Nick

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

This is definitely a cool idea. Can you give an estimate of what a slot would cost? That would certainly help a lot of people decide if they would be in or out.

At this time I cannot estimate an exact price on exactly what each break slot would cost. That will be decided sometime in the near future when we obtain the set. Most of these breaks will have a lot of spots so no need to worry about figuring out if you can join now. You will definitely have time to decide once the break if officially posted.

-Nick

[autocentral]

I'd like to everyone who posted on this thread. Thank you for all the support and questions. I've tried to answer all the questions and I'm very gracious to those who took the time to answer some for me.


-Nick

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by Econteachert205

I like the idea, filling that many spaces might be a challenge, what time horizon would sign ups exist in?

Unsure of the time horizon but sometimes members take multiple spots so it fills it up much quicker. 206 is a lot of spots but with these Topps sets usually the more cards equals the lower the spot price will be. Pre-war set prices since some have few cards spot price is quite high. For now this is a brainstorm, concern, question thread. Just trying to poll everyone see how they feel. I know we have a lot of pre-war collectors so Im trying to weigh every possible option available to us.

-Nick

[Jobu]

I have not heard of this before but think it is a cool idea.

[ZenPop]

I'd love to be part of it... I could only afford 1 or 2 slots, but it sounds like an awesome idea!

Cheers!

[toledo_mudhen]

I'd be in for a spot or 2 - always interested in Pre-War Cards (Vietnam)

[Leon]

Hey guys
Nick approached me with this idea and it sounded like it could be something to keep our forum current and energized. I don't think anything is set in stone yet so any suggestions and/or feedback is appreciated. The '55 set seemed good because of it's size and star amount but i am also open to thinking about other sets, maybe pre-war? Or maybe the first one is the '55 and we see how it goes. I am not sure we can fill over 200 slots. Keep the feedback coming and thanks to Nick for offering to handle it. Believe me guys, this is all Greek to me too!!

[oldjudge]

Nick--What's in this for you?

[Buythatcard]

I'm in. Sounds like a fun idea.

[roce4e52]

I would take a spot or 5 depending on price. Better odds than the lottery.
Bill D.

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

Nick--What's in this for you?

Im doing this because I love the hobby. As I previously stated in another answer to a question there is a premium amount to run the break which me and Leon will split 50/50. A lot of work goes into putting these breaks together, making them run smoothly, packaging items, and sending out the items.

Thanks for your questions,
-Nick