To Set Builders...

[jim]

A set is usually cheaper than buying singles. However, you usually get lower grade superstars than the commons in a bought set. So youy might have to consider buying the "Mantle" from the set for more money. Now you might have just exceeded your bargain purchase on the set. I have founf it better to buy a near set, which excludes the big cards and fill in when I find a bargain. And bargains can be had if you wait.
jim

[ALR-bishop]

I have a Topps run, 1948, and 1951 through to date. In my view buying sets is cheaper. But as someone else said, it lacks the fun factor of building the set from scratch. I get some of that back by doing the variations, errors and notable print defects separately

[chris]

I have built countless sets over the years for both myself and resale. I usually buy two sets or near sets and then make the best possible set out of the two. Afterword's there is usually less than 5% of the set to upgrade to your desired condition. So you still get some of the "fun factor" of building the set.

[Zach Wheat]

I agree with the majority on here. It is definitely cheaper to buy sets than to build. Shipping costs are a killer for individual cards or lots. When collecting a particular set, I almost always go that route. For me, key cards were not in the condition I typically wanted and I have always had to replace a lot of the key cards - particularly the Mantles. In addition, most sets aren't master sets (if you collect master sets) and variations aren't included. Although I don't collect master sets, it is fun collecting some of the key variations like the mid series gray back cards in '52 Topps which are extremely rare.

[toppcat]

70, 71 and 72 high numbers can be pricey, might be best to purchase sets or at least large lots those years, maybe piece together the 73-75 sets and then just buy complete sets for the balance from a cost perspective. After 1975 things get more plentiful and full sets can be had at a fair price.

[mintacular]

for the responses so far. My current strategy is to purchase a nice starter lot and then fill in stars/upgrades from there. It seems with this strategy you can save $ and enjoy the process. I've also joined a few trading sites so sometimes I've been able to trade away other stuff to get the numbers I need. In terms of shipping, I try to wait for a "set break" from a seller with reasonable combined shipping policies...