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I've decided on a set, now what?

AxtellAxtell Posts: 10,037 ✭✭
in PSA Set Registry Forum
So now that I have decided which set I want to go (1971 topps baseball), is my best course of action to start buying up lots of raw cards, and picking out the best ones from there to be graded? Since this is going to be the first set I am undertaking, I'd really appreciate the insight of those here who've already gone down this road, and let me know what they feel are the best courses of action.

Thanks!

Comments

  • qualitycardsqualitycards Posts: 2,811 ✭✭✭


    << <i>is my best course of action to start buying up lots of raw cards >>


    That is a daunting task to find nice '71's for grading, you found the toughest year to work on.
    Unless the cards are vending fresh you'll probably get killed on your submissions. The black borders
    will be suicidal. My advice is to check eBay and pick up some cheaper high pop cards in the grade
    you are interested in already slabbed and then take it from there. After you have some already graded you
    can check out what constitutes that grade, it will give you a better eye when looking thru the ungraded cards.
    Its a cool set, good luck...jay
    image
    Website: http://www.qualitycards.com
  • baseballjeffbaseballjeff Posts: 1,082 ✭✭✭
    Go with Jay's advice. Buy them graded already. A lot more fun, and less time consuming.

    Let us know which were the first few you picked up!

    Jeff
  • Scot2Scot2 Posts: 5
    Yes, you have picked a challening set to build! What grade cards do envision trying to build the set with? I have some raw 71's in decent shape, you might be interested in buying or trading for. You can email if your interested.

    Cheers,

    Scott
    Cheers,

    Scott
  • bobsbbcardsbobsbbcards Posts: 3,254 ✭✭✭
    Axtell,

    If you are planning on doing the set in PSA 7, then look at the set registry leaders. If they are doing it in PSA 8 (or higher, God forbid), then contact them. I am sure they have plenty of "rejects" that they would probably rather unload in a bunch rather than go through the trouble of selling them on eBay. Auction lots for PSA 7 '71s also might be well under SMR. I would buy stars individually on eBay since you will probably be pickier about getting high end 7s (look for bargains). Good luck!

    Bob
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  • acowaacowa Posts: 945 ✭✭
    Building PSA graded sets on a budget

    Here's a link to an article that I wrote for SMR. Good luck with your set.


    Regards,


    Alan
  • theBobstheBobs Posts: 1,136 ✭✭
    Touch base with Jrinck, he has tried to build this set in 7s before. He will probably have some ideas.

    When I did 1965s, I tried to buy up 7s off of guys submitting for 8s. They had an immediate outlet for cards, and I got 7s that looked like 8s...
    Where have you gone Dave Vargha
    CU turns its lonely eyes to you
    What's the you say, Mrs Robinson
    Vargha bucks have left and gone away?

    hey hey hey
    hey hey hey
  • onegauchoonegaucho Posts: 650 ✭
    Tough, tough set. Probably the toughest of the 70s.

    1. Start with a goal and then work yourself a budget over the course of the next few years (at least 4-5).
    2. Focus on getting the stars first off of ebay - this way, if you ever decide to change sets, you'll have made a good investment and should be able to resell them easily.
    3. Raw material is going to be really difficult to find. The National is an obviousl venue to find good raw material. Major auction houses (Mastro, Superior, etc.) are other ways to get quality raw material. I'd steer away from trying to buy packs and buidling the set that way. Buying vintage packs to open is equivalent to buying a bunch of lottery tickets or going to the horse races - it's a big gamble.

    If you're really serious about it, set some small goals first. Collecting it at first will be fun, but when the supply for the cards you need (low pop commons) starts to run out, the game of patience will begin.

    Good luck!
  • ZodiacMindwarpZodiacMindwarp Posts: 680 ✭✭


    << <i>2. Focus on getting the stars first off of ebay - this way, if you ever decide to change sets, you'll have made a good investment and should be able to resell them easily. >>



    If you are still not sure about diving into the 1971 set then this is sound advice. Star cards would be easier to sell than commons.

    If you are 100% sure about starting this set with the intention of finishing it then I wouldn't suggest this route. Graded stars appear far more frequently on eBay than any particular common. Having tracked PSA sales on eBay for the 1969 set, I know that the greatest fluctuation in price is on the star cards as any given common tends to sell within a narrow range. When working within a budget, buying stars at lower prices frees keeps the overall cost down. For instance, a PSA 7 1969 Nolan Ryan sells between $125 and $175. That $50 difference is equal to about 10 PSA 7 1969 commons.

    Good luck with your new endeavor!
  • bobsbbcardsbobsbbcards Posts: 3,254 ✭✭✭
    I just discovered what Pog Mo Thoin means!

    Bob
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  • PittfanPittfan Posts: 476
    If you got some money you can go to the mastronet auction and bid on some high dollar unopened material.

    Mastro link
  • ZodiacMindwarpZodiacMindwarp Posts: 680 ✭✭
    Bob,

    Please note that it's not meant to be taken literally.

    Regards,
    Michael
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