Sets, piecemeal or as a whole?

[1963Topps Set]

When it comes to complete sets, do you like to put them together or buy them already complete?

I like to build them piecemeal as I have more control over the entire grading of the set and I like to see the set come together. It makes me appreciate the set much more.

I do know it costs more to build a set, but that is the one negative I am willing to live with.

[KCRfan1]

I'm in agreement with you Tom. I am working on a 1973 set, and am buying the individual cards as I go. i know that I will end up paying way more than I should, but it gives me control over the cards and condition I want. I plan on never selling the set once it's completed as it is pure nostalgia for me. The next set I put together will be more difficult ( and more expensive ).

[bbcard1]

I am spending tonight grinding through a 1969 set to pick up a few commons and upgrades at the Moeller show. I am sure I am paying too much because I am piece milling it, I have been going through the set with my 20-year-old home from college...have got to tell him about a myriad of lesser know players...Carlos May, Gates Brown, Mike Kekich, the Alou brothers...guys like that with great stories. Have got to tell him about old wax packs and show him how to use panty hose to clean the fronts of cards. It's been a nice rainy Sunday evening.

[gopherfan]

I prefer to put them together piece meal. I am doing all the Topps sets from 1970 (The year I was born) to present. Sadly, I still put the current sets together card by card. Lucky for me, I am friends with a guy that buys about 20 cases, and he lets me go through the cards and choose what I want for my set, and then just charges the same as he normally charges for a complete set. If I wasn't able to do that, I think I would just start buying the complete sets.

[Footballdude]

I too lie putting sets together card by card, or in groups. I'll usually buy cards in small lots, which keeps the per card cost down a little, and upgrade when I can. It leaves me with dupes to re-sell or trade. When I get to 80-90% complete I start picking off individual cards.

[the 'stache]

I will build any set I own. I want total control over every card. You can buy a set listed as "near mint", but those cards can have centering all over the place, print flaws. I want to eliminate those as much as humanly possible. I realize it will take longer, and cost more, but it's like designing your dream home versus buying one already built. Both can be great, and they both give you a roof over your head. But one is truly a reflection of your passion as a home buyer.

If I had the money to just buy my T206 set in one fell swoop, I'd still keep building it piece by piece. There's just something about looking for that perfect card, and acquiring it. I like opening my eyes in the morning, and having something fun to do. Even if I'm just going to spend $20 to buy a couple of cards, I know that I will find a card or cards that meets my specifications, or I'll just keep looking. I love getting lots of little boxes, and padded mailers. When I hear the mail truck pulling into the cul de sac, I have a Pavlovian response. I'm 43 years old, and I get excited like a little kid.

To me, that's what the hobby is all about.

[darkhorse9]

I do my sets piecemeal, but i do them in series. I complete series one first just like kids did when they first came out, then on to series two, and so on. That wsy I'm usually facing only three or four star cards at a time in each series. It gices me a sense of completion and focus as i go along

[1963Topps Set]

Very interesting and unique! I have put together many sets and never thought to put them together by series. I would think that would be less stressful... Until you get to the last series!

[DHogan]

I build my sets piecemeal. It's more of challange. A lot more satisfaction when (if ever) I complete one.