Is it better to sell a set complete vs. 2 cards short of complete?

theklonewarrior

I have been working on a low to mid grade 1957 Topps set for a while, and is just 2 cards from completion: the Brooks Robinson RC, and the Yankee's Power Hitter card. All of the star cards are already graded and are PSA 4 to PSA 6. The Mantle is a PSA 3, and is the only PSA 3. Most of the commons are ungraded and about 30% of the set is VG% and 40% is VG-EX condtion with 10% being G to VG and 20% being EX. Might be some in much higher condtion....

Ive decided that its come time to move on from my cards. I really don't want to sell each card seperately, on eBay, I don't have the time for that kind of madness. Would it be worth it to just pick up the last to cards to sell the set as complete? or sell it as is? Not sure if I spent the $350 or so it would take to get those cards in PSA 4 if it would add any value to the set when it came time to sell as complete.

Thanks for you input.

leathtech

if you don't want to buy the Brooks rc I'd sell off the major graded cards on ebay in single auctions and then do another auction for everything else - maybe list everything in an auction called nice starter 1957 set.

I'm sure you could even sell a lot of the graded stuff on the BST message board to save on ebay / paypal fees.

Good Luck!

leadoff4

Better off selling the complete set, especially if you're only 2 cards shy of completing the set.

Brick

One reason to purchase a set almost complete is it will probably be at a bargain price, especially with the missing cards being major cards in the set. Complete the set before you sell.

frankhardy

I know what I would do without question. Instead of buying those two cards in VG-EX, I would buy them in very low grade. That way you have your complete set and you don't have that much in those 2 cards.

ShawnyD

find 2 nice raw specimens for the set then sell it.

lol what frank said.

posted before i read the replies!

SOM

Just me, but:

There is no way you'll get top dollar by selling any set as a one-shot item. I cannot think of any set that would bring more in revenue than the same cards having been sold individually.

So, even though you said you are totally opposed to it, I would just sell the 405 cards you have. One by one.

Or...consign them to a decent auction.

ShawnyD

think of the time, effort and fees associated with selling the set piecemeal.

now also consider the crappy prices auctions are bringing.

who is gonna pull the trigger on a vg-ex 57 common. ? a lower grade set, with most of the stars/rookies graded, i think will do quite well.

put it up with BUY IT NOW with best offer, see what kind of nibbles you get.

frankhardy

<< <i>find 2 nice raw specimens for the set then sell it.

lol what frank said.

posted before i read the replies! >>





What was so funny about what I said? The OP already said that 10% of his set is low grade. Why not go with those last 2 cards in low grade and save money (of course, as long as you mention that those cards are in low grade). Again, what is so funny about that. I guarantee you he would clear more in my example than your example. I've done it both ways a few years ago to test this out (I could give you specific examples regarding a 1953 Topps Set and a 1952 Bowman set, but I will spare you the details). If part of the set is low grade, then the low grade route is definitely the way to go. A nice Brooks Robinson RC will absolutely get "hidden" in the set and he would be wasting money. That is my humble opinion.

ShawnyD

sorry frank,

LOL (at myself) not at you.
basically posted the same post, you just wanted beaters and i wanted nice raw, no issues!

frankhardy

<< <i>sorry frank,

LOL (at myself) not at you.
basically posted the same post, you just wanted beaters and i wanted nice raw, no issues! >>




Gotcha. No problem. I just thought you were saying that I was wrong about my suggestion. Just remember - I am never wrong!

theklonewarrior

Thank you gentlemen for your input...Im looking at a few VG raw cards now to finish it up, and get it listed.