Questions for set builders

[jchcollins]

My functional advice is probably not the most fun or most economical (but perhaps...) way to go about building a vintage set - but just buy it whole. That's what I did with my '71 Topps set when I ran across a deal I couldn't refuse a few years ago. I can't say I regret it.

[stkuhl]

Welcome to set collecting. My strategy has been to buy some lots and then start filling in. I'm slowly finishing Topps BB sets back to 1961.
As far as raw or graded, I'm more concerned with the price and how the card looks. If I buy a graded card, I photo copy it in color and put the copy in my binder.
I work on one set at a time unless a deal pops up. I'm 9 cards short of a 1962 Topps BB set and will then start working on a 1963 set.
Good luck with whatever set you choose and have fun!

[wdwfan]

1. Are there particular strategies you follow in building your sets?
I like to start by buying up some lots. I'll then go through and pull whatever I like/want/need then try and trade off any extras for ones I need. Or I'll group all the extras into lots/teams and sell (I realize not everyone likes to trade). But by doing this, I was able to put a NM set of 1958 Topps together for just over $500.

Secondly, a lot of people buy cards just to have them in the sets. Then try and upgrade later. I don't do that. Seems like a waste of time. I'd rather have an empty spot in my notebook than a card I'm not going to be proud of.



2. Do you build multiple sets at once, or does that make it too difficult and you focus on one at a time?
I try to do one, possibly 2 at a time. Otherwise, it gets too expensive. And you're spread out over multiple sets.



3. Do you prefer all raw, all graded or a combo and why?
I strictly collect raw. All cards. Nothing graded. I love putting them into notebooks and flipping through those notebooks. So everything from Mantle, Brooks RC, Nolan RC, Rose RC to the commons are in notebooks.



4. Finally, what is the best way to store sets (in-progress or completed) so that you can also enjoy seeing the cards?
I use notebooks and pages. I wait until I've got between 50-60 percent of the set to then place them into a notebook.

[Kutcher55]

Buy the full set first and upgrade. When you upgrade, consider buying another full set and swapping out the best cards. This is the most economical IMO because then you have two sets and can sell off one of them. You can do this 3/4/5 times although once you hit a certain level of condition it becomes harder. Lots can be good too. If you are committed to buying, upgrading and holding the set for an extended amount of time then I recommend this approach. For any set that I’m working on I keep what I call a “bullpen” of backup cards. When the bullpen gets too big and/or loaded up with too many duplicates I sell off lots that I think might be of interest. This keeps the bullpen from getting too unwieldy.

Be willing to take a loss sometimes as you go through the process. If you are a reasonably shrewd buyer you will win more transactions than you lose over time and it will improve the value of the set relative to your total cash outlay. The problem with buying sets and lots on line is that most sellers overstate the condition of what they are selling, even well meaning sellers can be guilty of this as it is human nature. So expect some of what you buy to be disappointing, get as many pics as you can, and celebrate those times you buy a lot that turns out to be NMT-MT as it can happen if you are patient enough and persevere.

[Exhibitman]

I've built out many sets over the years. I do not do so any more except for a few very, very rare ones where just finding a single card is a challenge.

I'd say the best advice is to buy the condition you ultimately want to own when it comes to mainstream sets, but also do not overpay. Most sets are commodities, not rarities, so you can hold out for cards in the condition you prefer at a price you can handle, and that is how I like to do it. When I built my 1971 Topps set, for example, I tried the buy in bulk and upgrade route, but I found it disappointing and expensive to keep getting crappy Mays and Clemente cards that I had to then turn over. Eventually, I culled through thousands of cards at shows to build it. I say get it right the first time. Now, if you happen to find a set that looks perfect for you, by all means buy and upgrade. Happened to me once with a 1973 Topps hockey set. Usually, not.

The other advice I have is that if you are chasing after a truly rare set, don't be a condition snob, because it will not go well. You may as well not even start if your plan is to build an N300 Mayo set in near mint. I am perpetually trying to build a set of Adam Hats premiums and my cards range from nearly perfect to barely intact, but the cards are so rare that I am lucky to find one a year, so I take them as they are found.




Ditto set of 1904 boxing cabinets:



Not the greatest condition but that's how it goes.