Questions for set builders

[Gorditadogg]

I am a 50s-60s collector. I have been collecting for 50 years or so and am perpetually upgrading. I used to put my cards in binders but found that if you stand the binders up, the pages will curl after 20-25 years and could bend the corners of the cards.

Most of my cards are raw, and I am now keeping them in card savers, although key cards are mostly graded.

For me, it would be great if someone created binders designed for cards in card savers. That would be ideal for me.



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[Rhotchkiss]

I start with the most expensive HOFers. Once I get a certain critical mass, I will dive into the set, usually cheating a by buying cards in bulk. This jives with several other posts who recommend you start with the expensive and tough ones first; sucks to get far along and not be able to finish bc the tougher/expensive ones are out of reach. And, spend the money on the HOFers, not the commons. The better the player, the more you should strive for the best example, bc that’s where the value is.

[seanofjapan]

I've always been a set builder.

1. Are there particular strategies you follow in building your sets?

Most of my vintage sets have started with starter lots, sometimes more than one. Once you get up to having about 60% of the cards in the set buying them in lots is no longer effective (too many doubles) so I switch to hunting for indivdual cards one by one at around that point.

2. Do you build multiple sets at once, or does that make it too difficult and you focus on one at a time?

Multiple sets all at once. I've probably got about a dozen on the go at any one point, though how actively I pursue them varies. The problem with focusing on just one at a time is that you'll go for long stretches where you can't find what you are looking for (at least at the right price), which gets frustrating. If you've got a few sets on the go at the same time you are more likely to find good deals on at least one of them from time to time so you avoid that.

3. Do you prefer all raw, all graded or a combo and why?

Raw. I don't care much about condition (mostly going for "mid grade-ish" sets) and never really understood the attraction of graded (to each their own, this isn't a criticism of those who do).

4. Finally, what is the best way to store sets (in-progress or completed) so that you can also enjoy seeing the cards?

Binders, with the cards arranged numerically and leaving blank spots for the cards you don't have yet. This is way better than boxes for the simple reason that it you get this massive shot of satisfaction every time you get a card you need and slide it into the pocket you've had reserved for it. I've never felt that same rush when putting a card I needed into a set I keep in a box. Filling up pages one by one - especially when you get the 9th card for a given sheet and complete it - is probably the most intensely satisfying feeling I've ever had as a collector.

[Zach Wheat]

Originally Posted by seanofjapan

......Binders, with the cards arranged numerically and leaving blank spots for the cards you don't have yet.....for the simple reason that it you get this massive shot of satisfaction every time you get a card you need and slide it into the pocket you've had reserved for it.......

Agree wholeheartedly! The itch has been scratched.

[Casey2296]

I've only built one successful set, an E98 Master which is 4 sets. I just dove in the deep end, built a spread sheet and fell on the generosity of many members here who helped me. Took me 17 months start to finish, got some deals, also overpaid when I had to. The difference between pre and post is if you're building a pre war set you have to grab the cards at whatever price when they come up. Some cards may not appear for years. I have huge respect for anybody working on a pre war set greater than 30 cards.

Choose your project wisely, make sure it's challenging but also within your budget(esque). I'm currently working on 2 E-sets, won't ever attempt a set of more than 30 cards as I'm a type collector but pre war sets tend to suck you in over time. Make whatever set you build aesthetically pleasing, don't mix 7's and 3's, don't buy ugly cards.

Above all, collect what inspires you, that's the only thing that will keep your nose to the grindstone to finish, a well curated pre-war set is one of the most beautiful things to see in our hobby.

Good luck!

[facex002]

Thank you all so much for your responses. It was great to see so many consistencies across the responses, but also the ways people differ in their approaches. I appreciate you all taking the time to help me out, and now I have decisions to make! Should be a fun adventure!