another newbie question

thehallmark

What sort of distribution can you expect from an "unopened vending box"? % of stars? commons? rookies? doubles?
Is it truly random?

How does the condition of those cards compare to, say, the average rack pack?

preownedautos

I recently opened 6 vending boxes of 1987 Topps baseball. It truly is random. I did got a Bonds in 5 out of the 6 boxes so I thought that was pretty lucky. I don't remember getting very many doubles at all. However, I prefer rack boxes/cases. I don't like buying individaul rack packs becuase they can easily be searched. I learned that a long time ago by buying some racks and after I get them I noticed fingernail marks (indentions) on the back where they had been searched. Topps also used to use a sequence for their racks and if someone knows the sequence then the racks are easy to search without almost even touching them. I remember back in the mid 80's you could even purchase the "sequence secrets" in the classifieds of some baseball card magazines. If you're going to buy racks, buy a box (or whole case) from a dealer you can trust. It's just my opinion, but I do not like older wax. In every older wax box that I've ever opened, the cards are slightly bent - not creased, but warped - because of the gum. Then there is the problem with wax/gum stains.