Expensive Packs vs. Inexpensive Boxes

There is a lot of debate these days about the price of high-end products such as The Cup, OPC Premier, ITG Superlative, and UD Ultimate.  Many of these products are out of the price range of many hobby-ists.  Some say it is gradually destroying the hobby.  I look at it from a different view point.

Inexpensive boxes are for everyone.  They're for the kids, the hobby-ists, the completionists, the set-builders, and even for the big spenders, as they often just want to buy some packs.  The big hits aren't always available but you get lots of cards for your money.

Expensive boxes are for the investors and the thrill seekers.  Everyone enjoys the excitement of the big hit and sometimes these packs provide them.  These packs usually contain autographs and memorabilia cards, short prints and inserts.

For me, I want the hits.  Especially autographed cards.  With the number of cards in my collection, hundreds of commons just don't appeal to me.  Breaking open boxes of lower-end products just leaves me with more and more of them.  I just don't have the room.

As for justification, just think about it.  I can buy three or four boxes of lower-end or mid-range product and get four or five hits total as well as hundreds of commons... or I can buy one high-end pack for the same total price and get four or five hits and virtually no commons.  Plus, often the higher-end products contain more celebrated players.

For my player collections, which need the low end cards and commons, I can just trade for them or buy them off eBay.

2007-08 In The Game Superlative

An expensive break... but very exciting.  (not pictured is a Ted Lindsay autograph)

The Phil Esposito is a 1/1, the Lafontaine is /10 and the Luongo is /9.

Hard-signed autos, Hall of Famers, Prospects.  No commons.

It's nice to have guaranteed hits... not every box can be a winner but it's fun to try.

Collector vs. Accumulator

I read an interesting article a while ago which compared two types of people, collectors and accumulators.   Anyone who knows me knows that I have many collections, hockey cards being number one on that list.  But after reading the article, I realized that I am an accumulator and not necessarily a collector.

I don't think it's a bad thing.  It is frustrating as space disappears in the house due to my gathering skills but many of my things have investment potential and some have paid off nicely.  Other things have nostalgic value, although I take that to an extreme sometimes.  Give me a call if you'd like to flip through my scribblers from Grade 3... I still have them.

Focus is the key.  Finding the time to sell off or trade or even toss these things takes time.  I wish I had enough time.  Too often it's one thing at a time... one piece every week or so.  But that won't cut it.  I've decided to focus my efforts.  It will take time.  I've started by giving large boxes of older commons to some local kids.  My decision is made.  Now I just need to continue following through.