Set Drought

[kkkkandp]

Originally Posted by familytoad

I imagine if you collect 19th century cards you'd have to consider buying any one that you need. Several other sets in the tobacco or caramel era would probably be the same thing....there isn't a large inventory of certain sets.

After a very good year last year, 2014 has been a little slow for my Old Judge list especially the last couple of months.

[markf31]

I started a run at T209-IIs about a year and a half ago. I came fast out of the gate in the first couple months with a huge help from one of our resident T209 experts Michael Peich. After that is has slowed to a minute trickle for the past year as I think I've only picked up 2 over the past calendar year.

[sports-rings]

Not sure this is relevant, but I am trying to collect every single winning super bowl ring out there. I am down to my final three! That means when a super bowl ring hits the auction house or ebay, there is already a 94% chance I have the ring in my collection.

As I was getting closer over the last few years to completing the run, I realized it was getting harder and harder to find the last few.

So I spend a considerable amount of time networking and taking a step back and trying to figure out new ways to add to my collection.

How about cold calling the largest collectors in the country or large and small card dealers found in the hobby publications? check in with them every 6 months. Create a jpg or pdf showing the cards you need with your email and phone number attached.

Attend the national and give out print outs to people showing what cards you need. heck, even advertise in scd or other places.

Once I figured out that I needed to be proactive, I was able to get a bunch of rings that have never been in the market place.

Two final thoughts: send your want list to auction houses, they do many private deals that do not hit their auctions.

Last, I actually know a couple of collectors who own the rings I need. I call them twice a year to see if and when they are willing to sell. So do spend time compiling a database of people and companies who can help you. It will be well worth your time.

Good luck!

[obcbobd]

Brian,

I (somewhat, my cards aren't as rare) know how you feel. I am collecting E121s in lower grade (G/VG or less) and do not see many cards available, especially now that I've got 60-70% of the set. This of course will get worse as I add cards, thus reducing the cards I need. Still, it is fun. And I've added a few Topps/Bowman sets so that I can at least hit my wantlist whenever I go to a show.

take care

Bob

[camlov2]

I would try to find a cheap group of cards I could start collecting on the side so that I wouldn't feel like I was striking out every time. Pick something that won't cut into the budget much so you still have money for your primary collection when needed.

not sure of your interests but maybe...
First year topps set you collected
T206 cards graded 1
Type card from each set of your favorite team

[x2drich2000]

Originally Posted by sports-rings

Not sure this is relevant, but I am trying to collect every single winning super bowl ring out there. I am down to my final three! That means when a super bowl ring hits the auction house or ebay, there is already a 94% chance I have the ring in my collection.

As I was getting closer over the last few years to completing the run, I realized it was getting harder and harder to find the last few.

So I spend a considerable amount of time networking and taking a step back and trying to figure out new ways to add to my collection.

How about cold calling the largest collectors in the country or large and small card dealers found in the hobby publications? check in with them every 6 months. Create a jpg or pdf showing the cards you need with your email and phone number attached.

Attend the national and give out print outs to people showing what cards you need. heck, even advertise in scd or other places.

Once I figured out that I needed to be proactive, I was able to get a bunch of rings that have never been in the market place.

Two final thoughts: send your want list to auction houses, they do many private deals that do not hit their auctions.

Last, I actually know a couple of collectors who own the rings I need. I call them twice a year to see if and when they are willing to sell. So do spend time compiling a database of people and companies who can help you. It will be well worth your time.

Good luck!

This is great advice and I can say it definitely pays off. I have a couple other collectors that let me know when a card is up for auction and I do the same for them. Also, when you do find a card for sale/auction, it doesn't hurt to ask if the seller has any others. By doing this I was able to pick up a nice group of 7 nadjas earlier this year.

[dlfallen]

Hi Brian.
My collecting of Seattle Popcorn cards has been in such a drought for years. I have about 72% of the set, and apparently all of the "easy" ones. I did pick up 5 at a PNWSCA show but that was 3-4 shows ago. There have been none on ebay (that I need) for at least 3 years. None are showing up in the auctions. There was a group of 25 on the BST board a year or so ago. The member stated he would only sell them as a group. I needed only one of them so I passed, not wanting to acquire 24 duplicates. Now I'm having second thoughts.

I'm compensating somewhat be collecting other sets like Seattle Zeenuts (hi Andrew) and other Seattle items which are also scarce. I also started on T206's and have has a blast on the BST board. I'm up to 281 T206's now which is a lot of compensating.

[familytoad]

Hey Dave
I thought you could just mosey down to the stadium and look down on the ground for discarded popcorn cards.
If you don't mind a few shoe prints on the cards, you should be able to pick up hundreds of them...
Oh wait

[camlov2]

Originally Posted by dlfallen

Hi Brian.
My collecting of Seattle Popcorn cards has been in such a drought for years. I have about 72% of the set, and apparently all of the "easy" ones. I did pick up 5 at a PNWSCA show but that was 3-4 shows ago. There have been none on ebay (that I need) for at least 3 years. None are showing up in the auctions. There was a group of 25 on the BST board a year or so ago. The member stated he would only sell them as a group. I needed only one of them so I passed, not wanting to acquire 24 duplicates. Now I'm having second thoughts.

I know what you mean about large groups of seattle popcorn cards, lol.
Brian

[dlfallen]

What Brian L is referring to is the story I told him about going to Rainiers games as a kid, mostly 1958 to 61, but as early as 54. It was a quarter for a bleacher ticket and I usually splurged a dime for a box of popcorn. I would look at the "card" inside the box of course, but would just throw it on the floor. Nobody I knew collected the things -- after all, they weren't REAL baseball cards (like Topps). And yes, the stands would be littered with them after the game. If I only knew then what I know now . . .

[Luke]

Oh man...