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Opening Modern boxes and cases, and how to make money off of them. Question /Answer

miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
I have helped several people last year with this process.

Several of you have PM'd me regarding how you can make money off of modern cards. I will share with you what I do, and how it works.

I just got off the phone with Sethro(Seth) and discussed some of my ideas. So go ahead and ask any questions you want. I will post some of my submission results, and will cross them with final sales prices. I am not doing that tonight, but will get that here in this thread.

Just think this is better than me taking calls from everyone or sending back PM's.

I realize that this might hurt the Pop #'s, but I do believe more and more modern cards are getting graded through PSA versus BGS. Not saying BGS still owns the market, rather just the trending has changed a bit.

Mike
Miconelegacy Auctions
"Live everyday, don't throw it away"

Comments

  • Sean1125Sean1125 Posts: 3,479
    General overview of the process, what you rip, what you sub, what avenue you sell.

    Thanks in advance.
  • handymanhandyman Posts: 5,384 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Cool thread.
    How about some top 10 lists on what youve done and 10 things you wish you hadnt and how they all come together and make us some money?
    Not sure where to start asking. So maybe just some examples of what you do exactly and the process.

    Also money involved would be great.
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭
    Okay first things first.

    The product does not matter for our superstar players. I don't do Hockey, sorry I just buy the packs on the breaks we do. Still need to open all those 79's...

    Superstars in my opinion(some veterans others only a few years into the league, some retired but still get put into the sets. Including HOF inserts, or any inserts.

    Baseball: (no particular order)

    These are just a few of the names that will sell decently in PSA 10. A PSA 9 Depending on product or year your looking to get your money back. Now if they are on fire in the league a base card of them might still sell for $10-$12. If they are not your looking at getting your grading fees back. $5 card or so. Now if it's a HOFer that's different it could range from $5 to $12 depending on the player.

    I can't tell you how many 2011 Topps Mickey Mantle cards I sold last year. Maybe 25-30. His 10's sell in the $15-$25 range depending on POP report. I know that sounds funny, but people want the first or second one, not the 30th. Throw in a refractor version or serial numbered and it changes drastically.

    Here is who I will be grading this year. Last year I graded: 2011 Topps and any and all the inserts, SP's, etc. 2011 Bowman this is the best product choice of the year IMO. I have 10 cases already ordered. Main reason is the RC's. 2011 Bowman Platinum was not so good last year, but through grading I came out on top. The product was a dissapointment. 2011 Topps Chrome did incredible as well. All the Stars, RC's, Refractors, etc.

    There are many more great players, but some of the names don't sell. Jim Thome shouldn't he sell like crazy? Well not right now, maybe when the hall comes.

    Alex Rodriguez
    Derek Jeter
    Albert Pujols
    Jason Heyward
    Stephen Strasburg
    Ichiro
    Buster Posey
    Ryan Braun
    Justin Verlander
    Tim Lincecum
    Evan Longoria
    David Wright

    Retired:

    Nolan Ryan
    Cal Ripken
    Mickey Mantle
    Babe Ruth
    Ty Cobb
    Sandy Koufax
    Ryan Sandberg
    Mike Schmidt
    Hank Aaron
    Lou Gehrig
    Ozzie Smith

    There are a few more, but these are the names that usually will be included in the products.






    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • halosfanhalosfan Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭✭
    Keep sending in the alex cards ... I need more
    Looking for a Glen Rice Inkredible and Alex Rodriguez cards
  • MrVintageMrVintage Posts: 1,027 ✭✭✭
    This might be a bit O/T but I was wondering what you pulled from the recent BBCE rip you did that included the 96 EX bsk among other things. Anything that is going to be graded? Thanks
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭
    This process is the goal of the law of large numbers.

    If I open a blaster for $20 and I get nothing, IMO those are a waste. Don't take offense to that statement, it's just wasteful over the long run. Retail boxes are okay, but if I was going to buy a box it would be a Hobby version as they usually contain the most hits, or variations. Not always but usually.

    The best way is to buy a case. Not everyone has the same budget, and that doesn't matter. Money can be made off of just 1 box, just understand it's not going to be a lot. Can you take $100 box and turn it into a $200 or $300 box..... Sure.

    There can be no personal attachment to anything you find in it if your looking to make money. You have to completely sell it out.

    Sell the Auto's

    Sell the Jersey/Game Used

    Sell the SP's

    Sell a set if you can make one, but usually 1 box is not enough, hence my case recommendation.

    Then sell the leftovers, commons, extra inserts, etc.

    Can I guarantee you will make money every time, well I'm not going to, but you should just off of one box. May not be a lot, maybe $50 or $100, but that's better than the feeling of, "I just got another junk box, didn't get any hits, etc."

    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭


    << <i>This might be a bit O/T but I was wondering what you pulled from the recent BBCE rip you did that included the 96 EX bsk among other things. Anything that is going to be graded? Thanks >>



    It's a great question. I pulled a lot of great stuff, instead of scanning, I will give you a quick list. I have about 175 cards that I will be grading from the rip of those boxes.

    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,950 ✭✭✭✭
    I wrote this in another thread but I figured it might be cool to have in this thread, even though it's not really that modern:

    I bought a box of 1978 OPC Baseball from last year's case break. I think the box was $291 shipped.

    This was my little experiment to see just how lucrative a box break like this could be (if at all). Keep in mind, I sold EVERY CARD, with the exception of (2) Nolan Ryan's and (2) Eddie Murray's that came back MinSizeReqd, and I plan to resub them eventually. If they come back ungraded again, I'll sell them raw (with the PSA-reject flip) and maybe make $50. I also gave away a decent-sized stack of raw commons to help a fellow board member with his set, but that wouldn't really account for much more money than the (186) card lot that sold for $19.10.

    I subbed 31 cards that were either HOFers or potential low-pop cards. I also pulled a pack with Ryan on top and Murray on back (came back PSA 9).

    Here is some fun math:

    Box: -$291.00
    Grading Fees/Shipping for 31 cards & 1 pack: -$199.00
    Ebay Listing/Final Value Fees: -$48.72 (after 20% discount)
    Paypal Fees: -$22.56
    Shipping Cost to ebay winners (I offer Free Shipping): -$49.44

    Total Cost: -$610.72

    Final Ebay Earnings: (+)$612.85

    GRAND TOTAL PROFIT: $2.13!!!

    If I wouldn't have hit that Ryan/Murray pack, I would be in the hole by over $200. Good times! lol
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭
    Here is another prime example of making money off of modern. On my link it leads you to the stuff I have at auction or BIN's. Yes I have some overpriced BIN's in there, some I need that price to double my money or make at least 30%.

    Anyway you'll see a Nolan Ryan National card for $25. These where given away for free at the National. I got about 100 of them. I graded a bunch of them, you'll have to check the pop report, but I have sold about 10 of them for $25 a piece, they cost me grading fees, that's it. So I spend $5 and sell for $25. There was nothing hard about it.

    The set from the National that you'll see there. I have sold a bunch of those as well. Again free giveaways.
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • MrVintageMrVintage Posts: 1,027 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>This might be a bit O/T but I was wondering what you pulled from the recent BBCE rip you did that included the 96 EX bsk among other things. Anything that is going to be graded? Thanks >>



    It's a great question. I pulled a lot of great stuff, instead of scanning, I will give you a quick list. I have about 175 cards that I will be grading from the rip of those boxes. >>



    Oh yeah a list would be cool. I look forward to seeing it. Thanks
  • handymanhandyman Posts: 5,384 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I can see free cards easy to make money off of. I was wondering about the Cases. Ive just heard most dont make a living off of opening packs, they make a living selling them. Do you have a certain method on chosing a case to bust? And what % do you feel you have on making a profit or losing most of your money?
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭
    2003 Topps Chrome(all are ready for submission)

    Lebron James RC #111
    Shaq #34 Refractor
    Kobe #36
    Kendrick Perkins RC #137
    Yao Ming RC #11
    Dwayne Wade RC #115
    Kirk Hinrich RC #117
    Boris Diaw RC #131 Black Refractor /500
    Shaq #34

    2008 SP Authentic(all are ready for submission)

    Kevin Durant RC #AP-13
    Rodney Stuckey #AP-17
    Lebron James Base #78
    Dirk Nowitzki Base #98
    Jeff Green RC #AP-10
    Dwayne Wade #64
    Shaq Base #65
    Wilson Chandler RC #AP-20
    Joakim Noah RC #AP-11
    Amare base #94
    Michael Conley RC #AP-15
    Carmelo Anthony base #67
    Kobe Bryant Base #61
    Sign of the Times Mike Bibby, Francisco Garcia 4/50 Dual Auto
    Dwight Howard Base #48

    2003 Topps Pristine(all are ready for submission)

    Dirk Nowitzki #41 Gold Refractor #D 86/99
    Dirk Nowitzki base #41
    Scottie Pippen base #52
    Carmelo Anthony RC #107
    Lebron James RC #101
    Tim Duncan GEMS #GEM-TD Jersey
    Jason Kidd GEMS #GEM-JK Jersey
    Dirk Nowitzki Pristine Borders Germany Player Worn Shooting Shirt

    2003 Fleer Showcase(all are ready for submission)

    Carmelo Anthony RC #120
    Karl Malone base #33
    Kobe Bryant base #98
    Amare base #97
    David Robinson base #30
    Scottie Pippen base #47
    Brian Cook Sweet Sigs Auto #SG-BC
    Jason Kidd base #89
    Yao Ming RC #96
    Luke Ridnour RC Gold /1000
    Vince Carter base #87

    2003 Bowman/Bowman Chrome(all are ready for submission)

    Peja Stojakovic #73 Refractor /300
    Lebron James RC #123
    Marcus Banks Sign of the Times Auto
    Shaq base #50
    Amare RC #78
    Kobe Bryant #100
    Dirk Nowitzki #20(2 of them)
    Lebron James RC #123 Gold

    1997 Skybox EX2000(all are ready for submission)

    Michael Jordan #9
    Scottie Pippen #10
    Kobe Bryant #30
    Jason Kidd Star Date #8 of 15

    1998 Skybox Premium(all are ready for submission)

    Michael Jordan #23
    Scottie Pippen #20
    Adonal Foyal Autographics Auto
    Kobe Bryant #44
    Shaq #21 (2)

    1998 Skybox Metal Univers(all are ready for submission)

    Shaq #1 (2)
    Allen Iverson RC #26
    Michael Jordan #23
    Kobe Bryant #86
    Michael Jordan All Millenium #5 of 20 (PSA 10 will bring $200 Plus)
    Tim Duncan #72





    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭


    << <i>I can see free cards easy to make money off of. I was wondering about the Cases. Ive just heard most dont make a living off of opening packs, they make a living selling them. Do you have a certain method on chosing a case to bust? And what % do you feel you have on making a profit or losing most of your money? >>



    Cases IMO are the best way to make money.

    Here is one of my first modern subs from last year.

    1 1 18346344 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS 7 MICKEY MANTLE Card
    1 2 18346345 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS 7 MICKEY MANTLE Card
    2 1 18346346 MINT 9 2011 TOPPS 7 MICKEY MANTLE BLACK Card
    3 1 18346347 MINT 9 2011 TOPPS 50 ALEX RODRIGUEZ Card
    3 2 18346348 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS 50 ALEX RODRIGUEZ Card
    4 1 18346349 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS 100 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    4 2 18346350 MINT 9 2011 TOPPS 100 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    5 1 18346351 MINT 9 2011 TOPPS 110 AROLDIS CHAPMAN Card
    5 2 18346352 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS 110 AROLDIS CHAPMAN Card
    5 3 18346353 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS 110 AROLDIS CHAPMAN Card
    6 1 18346354 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS 183 STEPHEN STRASBURG Card
    6 2 18346355 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS 183 STEPHEN STRASBURG Card
    7 1 18346356 MINT 9 2011 TOPPS 282 BUSTER POSEY BLACK Card
    8 1 18346357 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS KIMBALL CHAMPIONS KC-37 STEPHEN STRASBURG Card
    9 1 18346358 MINT 9 2011 TOPPS KIMBALL CHAMPIONS KC-2 DEREK JETER Card
    10 1 18346359 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS KIMBALL CHAMPIONS KC-40 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    10 2 18346360 MINT 9 2011 TOPPS KIMBALL CHAMPIONS KC-40 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    11 1 18346361 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS 60 T60-7 MICKEY MANTLE Card
    12 1 18346362 GEM MINT 10 2011 TOPPS LOST CARDS 8 MICKEY MANTLE Card
    13 1 18346363 MINT 9 2011 TOPPS 60 YEARS OF TOPPS 6 MICKEY MANTLE Card
    14 1 18346364 NEAR MINT 7 1977 TOPPS CLOTH STICKERS 32 THURMAN MUNSON Card
    15 1 18346365 NEAR MINT 7 1977 TOPPS CLOTH STICKERS 47 DON SUTTON Card
    16 1 18346366 MINT 9 1987 TOPPS ALL-STAR GLOSSY SET OF 60 30 BARRY BONDS Card
    17 1 18346367 GEM MINT 10 1992 SKYBOX AA 251 MIKE PIAZZA SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS Card
    18 1 18346368 MINT 9 2009 UPPER DECK USA BASEBALL RETROSPECTIVE USA-2 STEPHEN STRASBURG Card
    19 1 18346369 GEM MINT 10 2008 TOPPS CHROME T205 27 TIM LINCECUM REFRACTOR Card
    20 1 18346370 MINT 9 2009 UPPER DECK GOUDEY 172 TIM LINCECUM Card
    21 1 18346371 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 174 JASON HEYWARD REFRACTOR Card
    22 1 18346372 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 176 MIKE LEAKE REFRACTOR Card
    22 2 18346373 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 176 MIKE LEAKE REFRACTOR Card
    23 1 18346374 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 177 AUSTIN JACKSON REFRACTOR Card
    24 1 18346375 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 181 TYLER COLVIN REFRACTOR Card
    25 1 18346376 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 184 IKE DAVIS REFRACTOR Card
    26 1 18346377 MINT 9 2010 TOPPS CHROME 221 BUSTER POSEY REFRACTOR Card
    27 1 18346378 MINT 9 2010 TOPPS CHROME 222 BABE RUTH REFRACTOR Card
    28 1 18346379 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 226 MICKEY MANTLE REFRACTOR Card
    28 2 18346380 MINT 9 2010 TOPPS CHROME 226 MICKEY MANTLE REFRACTOR Card
    29 1 18346381 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 225 TY COBB REFRACTOR Card
    29 2 18346382 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 225 TY COBB REFRACTOR Card
    30 1 18346383 MINT 9 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC1 JASON HEYWARD Card
    31 1 18346384 MINT 9 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC2 MIKE LEAKE Card
    32 1 18346385 MINT 9 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC3 STARLIN CASTRO Card
    33 1 18346386 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC4 AUSTIN JACKSON Card
    34 1 18346387 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC5 CARLOS SANTANA Card
    35 1 18346388 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC6 MIKE STANTON Card
    36 1 18346389 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC7 STEPHEN STRASBURG Card
    37 1 18346390 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC8 ANDREW CASHNER Card
    38 1 18346391 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC9 BRENNAN BOESCH Card
    39 1 18346392 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS HOLIDAY FACTORY SET ROOKIE BONUS RC10 BRIAN MATUSZ Card
    40 1 18346393 GEM MINT 10 1991 TOPPS TRADED 2T ROBERTO ALOMAR Card
    41 1 18346394 GEM MINT 10 1991 TOPPS TRADED 58T BO JACKSON Card
    42 1 18346395 MINT 9 1991 TOPPS TRADED 69T CHUCK KNOBLAUCH Card
    43 1 18346396 MINT 9 1991 TOPPS TRADED 114T DARRYL STAWBERRY Card
    44 1 18346397 MINT 9 1992 BOWMAN 590 BARRY BONDS FOIL Card
    45 1 18346398 GEM MINT 10 2007 UPPER DECK MASTERPIECES 27 DAISUKE MATSUZAKA Card
    46 1 18346399 GEM MINT 10 2007 UPPER DECK 592 DAISUKE MATSUZAKA Card
    47 1 18346400 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 2008 TOPPS CHROME TRADING CARD HISTORY 8 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    48 1 18346401 MINT 9 2008 UPPER DECK SWEET SPOT 4 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    49 1 18346402 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK BASEBALL HEROES 196 CAL RIPKEN JR./DEREK JETER/ICHIRO/KEN GRIFFEY JR. Card
    50 1 18346403 MINT 9 2008 UPPER DECK FIRST EDITION 299 JOEY VOTTO Card
    51 1 18346404 MINT 9 2009 UPPER DECK 401 DAVID PRICE BLUE UNIFORM Card
    52 1 18346405 GEM MINT 10 2009 UPPER DECK 343 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    53 1 18346406 GEM MINT 10 2009 TOPPS 217 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    54 1 18346407 GEM MINT 10 2010 BOWMAN DRAFT PICKS BDP30 MIKE STANTON Card
    55 1 18346408 MINT 9 2010 BOWMAN DRAFT PICKS & PROSPECTS BDPP80 MANNY MACHADO Card
    56 1 18346409 GEM MINT 10 1996 FINEST 22 RAY ALLEN W/COATING Card
    57 1 18346410 MINT 9 1996 FINEST 50 MICHAEL JORDAN W/COATING Card
    58 1 18346411 MINT 9 1996 FINEST 69 ALLEN IVERSON W/COATING Card
    59 1 18346412 MINT 9 1996 FINEST 75 STEVE NASH W/COATING Card
    60 1 18346413 GEM MINT 10 2007 UPPER DECK FIRST EDITION DURANT EXCLUSIVES KD4 KEVIN DURANT Card
    61 1 18346414 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI PRESTIGE 20 LeBRON JAMES Card
    62 1 18346415 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI PRESTIGE 139 MAGIC JOHNSON Card
    62 2 18346416 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI PRESTIGE 139 MAGIC JOHNSON Card
    63 1 18346417 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI PRESTIGE 137 LARRY BIRD Card
    64 1 18346418 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI PRESTIGE STAT STARS 2 LeBRON JAMES Card
    65 1 18346419 MINT 9 1984 TOPPS 280 ERIC DICKERSON Card
    65 2 18346420 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1984 TOPPS 280 ERIC DICKERSON Card
    65 3 18346421 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1984 TOPPS 280 ERIC DICKERSON Card
    66 1 18346422 GEM MINT 10 2006 UPPER DECK ROOKIE EXCLUSIVE ROOKIE PHOTO SHOOT FLASHBACK PM PEYTON MANNING Card
    67 1 18346423 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK HEROES 77 PEYTON MANNING Card
    68 1 18346424 MINT 9 2008 FINEST MOMENTS FM-BS BARRY SANDERS XFRACTOR Card
    69 1 18346425 MINT 9 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM 18 BUSTER POSEY Card
    69 2 18346426 MINT 9 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM 18 BUSTER POSEY Card
    69 3 18346427 GEM MINT 10 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM 18 BUSTER POSEY Card
    69 4 18346428 GEM MINT 10 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM 18 BUSTER POSEY Card
    69 5 18346429 GEM MINT 10 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM 18 BUSTER POSEY Card
    69 6 18346430 GEM MINT 10 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM 18 BUSTER POSEY Card
    69 7 18346431 MINT 9 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM 18 BUSTER POSEY Card
    70 1 18346432 MINT 9 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM AUTOGRAPH BPAJM JESUS MONTERO REFRACTOR Card
    Total Items: 89
    Date Received: 3/26/2011
    Date Shipped: 4/14/2011
    Order Status: Shipped




    Here was my next sub just a few weeks later....




    1 1 18995384 VERY GOOD 3 1969 TOPPS 120 PETE ROSE Card
    2 1 18995385 NEAR MINT 7 1976 TOPPS 74 OSCAR GAMBLE Card
    3 1 18995386 MINT 9 OC 1976 TOPPS TRADED 259T DARREL CHANEY Card
    4 1 18995387 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1979 TOPPS 2 HOME RUN LEADERS J.RICE/G.FOSTER Card
    5 1 18995388 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1979 TOPPS 136 JIM KAAT Card
    6 1 18995389 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1979 TOPPS 202 RON GUIDRY Card
    7 1 18995390 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1979 TOPPS 202 RON GUIDRY Card
    8 1 18995391 EXCELLENT-MINT 6 1979 TOPPS 680 CARLTON FISK Card
    9 1 18995392 MINT 9 1978 TOPPS 170 LOU BROCK Card
    10 1 18995393 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1978 TOPPS 510 WILLIE STARGELL Card
    11 1 18995394 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1985 TOPPS 115 RICKEY HENDERSON Card
    12 1 18995395 GEM MINT 10 1985 TOPPS 493 OREL HERSHISER Card
    13 1 18995396 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1982 TOPPS 400 JOHNNY BENCH Card
    14 1 18995397 MINT 9 1985 FLEER 82 DWIGHT GOODEN Card
    15 1 18995398 MINT 9 1985 DONRUSS 581 OREL HERSHISER Card
    16 1 18995399 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 1987 DONRUSS 35 BO JACKSON Card
    17 1 18995400 GEM MINT 10 1989 UPPER DECK 5 SANDY ALOMAR JR. STAR ROOKIE Card
    17 2 18995401 NEAR MINT-MINT+ 8.5 1989 UPPER DECK 5 SANDY ALOMAR JR. STAR ROOKIE Card
    18 1 18995402 EXCELLENT-MINT 6 1989 UPPER DECK 467 CAL RIPKEN JR. Card
    19 1 18995403 NEAR MINT-MINT+ 8.5 2001 SPx 001 KEN GRIFFEY JR. SAMPLE Card
    20 1 18995404 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 2001 SP AUTHENTIC SAMPLE 90 KEN GRIFFEY JR. SAMPLE Card
    21 1 18995405 GEM MINT 10 1994 FLAIR 8 CAL RIPKEN JR. Card
    22 1 18995406 GEM MINT 10 1994 FLAIR 23 BO JACKSON Card
    23 1 18995407 GEM MINT 10 1994 FLAIR 36 FRANK THOMAS Card
    24 1 18995408 NEAR MINT 7 1994 FLAIR 84 DON MATTINGLY Card
    25 1 18995409 GEM MINT 10 1994 FLAIR 94 MARK McGWIRE Card
    26 1 18995410 GEM MINT 10 1994 FLAIR 103 KEN GRIFFEY JR. Card
    27 1 18995411 GEM MINT 10 1994 FLAIR 141 RYNE SANDBERG Card
    28 1 18995412 MINT 9 1994 FLAIR 182 MIKE PIAZZA Card
    29 1 18995413 MINT 9 1994 FLAIR 239 BARRY BONDS Card
    30 1 18995414 GEM MINT 10 1994 FLAIR OUTFIELD POWER 6 KEN GRIFFEY JR. Card
    31 1 18995415 GEM MINT 10 1994 FLAIR HOT NUMBERS 3 WILL CLARK Card
    32 1 18995416 GEM MINT 10 2006 TOPPS 500 DEREK JETER Card
    33 1 18995417 MINT 9 2007 UPPER DECK ARTIFACTS 40 KEN GRIFFEY JR. Card
    34 1 18995418 MINT 9 2007 UPPER DECK ARTIFACTS 21 DEREK JETER Card
    35 1 18995419 MINT 9 2007 UPPER DECK ARTIFACTS 22 ALEX RODRIGUEZ Card
    36 1 18995420 GEM MINT 10 2007 UPPER DECK ARTIFACTS 77 DAISUKE MATSUZAKA Card
    37 1 18995421 GEM MINT 10 2007 UPPER DECK ELEMENTS 71 ALEX RODRIGUEZ Card
    38 1 18995422 MINT 9 2007 UPPER DECK ELEMENTS 78 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    39 1 18995423 MINT 9 2007 UPPER DECK ELEMENTS 112 DEREK JETER Card
    40 1 18995424 GEM MINT 10 2007 UPPER DECK MASTERPIECES 9 ROGER MARIS Card
    41 1 18995425 GEM MINT 10 2007 UPPER DECK MASTERPIECES 29 KEN GRIFFEY JR. Card
    42 1 18995426 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 2007 UPPER DECK MASTERPIECES 30 DEREK JETER Card
    43 1 18995427 GEM MINT 10 2007 UPPER DECK MASTERPIECES 45 KEN GRIFFEY JR. Card
    44 1 18995428 MINT 9 2007 UPPER DECK MASTERPIECES 49 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    45 1 18995429 NEAR MINT-MINT 8 2007 UPPER DECK MASTERPIECES 72 ALEX RODRIGUEZ Card
    46 1 18995430 MINT 9 2007 UPPER DECK MASTERPIECES 82 TIM LINCECUM Card
    47 1 18995431 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK FIRST EDITION STARQUEST SQ4 KEN GRIFFEY JR. COMMON-GREEN Card
    48 1 18995432 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK FIRST EDITION STARQUEST SQ-9 DEREK JETER COMMON-GREEN Card
    48 2 18995433 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK FIRST EDITION STARQUEST SQ-9 DEREK JETER COMMON-GREEN Card
    48 3 18995434 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK FIRST EDITION STARQUEST SQ-9 DEREK JETER COMMON-GREEN Card
    49 1 18995435 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK FIRST EDITION STARQUEST SQ-16 ALBERT PUJOLS COMMON-GREEN Card
    49 2 18995436 MINT 9 2008 UPPER DECK FIRST EDITION STARQUEST SQ-16 ALBERT PUJOLS COMMON-GREEN Card
    50 1 18995437 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK FIRST EDITION STARQUEST SQ-20 ALEX RODRIGUEZ COMMON-GREEN Card
    51 1 18995438 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK STARQUEST SQ-32 ALBERT PUJOLS UNCOMMON Card
    52 1 18995439 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK STARQUEST SQ-32 ALBERT PUJOLS COMMON Card
    53 1 18995440 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK STARQUEST SQ-51 KEN GRIFFEY JR. COMMON Card
    54 1 18995441 MINT 9 2008 DONRUSS THREADS 22 BOB FELLER Card
    55 1 18995442 GEM MINT 10 2008 DONRUSS THREADS 33 GEORGE BUSH Card
    56 1 18995443 GEM MINT 10 2008 DONRUSS THREADS 35 DON MATTINGLY Card
    57 1 18995444 GEM MINT 10 2008 DONRUSS THREADS 38 MIKE SCHMIDT Card
    58 1 18995445 GEM MINT 10 2008 DONRUSS THREADS 49 NOLAN RYAN Card
    58 2 18995446 GEM MINT 10 2008 DONRUSS THREADS 49 NOLAN RYAN Card
    59 1 18995447 GEM MINT 10 2008 PLAYOFF CONTENDERS LEGENDARY ROOKIES 3 CAL RIPKEN JR. Card
    60 1 18995448 GEM MINT 10 2008 SP LEGENDARY CUTS 2 DEREK JETER Card
    61 1 18995449 MINT 9 2008 SP LEGENDARY CUTS 3 ALBERT PUJOLS Card
    62 1 18995450 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK BASEBALL HEROES 37 KOSUKE FUUDOME Card
    63 1 18995451 MINT 9 2008 UPPER DECK YANKEE STADIUM LEGACY-2000'S 6066 DEREK JETER Card
    64 1 18995452 GEM MINT 10 2008 UPPER DECK X 94 EVAN LONGORIA Card
    65 1 18995453 GEM MINT 10 2009 TOPPS 1 ALEX RODRIGUEZ Card
    66 1 18995454 GEM MINT 10 2009 TOPPS 78 TIM LINCECUM Card
    66 2 18995455 GEM MINT 10 2009 TOPPS 78 TIM LINCECUM Card
    67 1 18995456 MINT 9 2009 TOPPS 195 TIM LINCECUM Card
    68 1 18995457 GEM MINT 10 2009 TOPPS 138 UBALDO JIMENEZ Card
    69 1 18995458 MINT 9 2009 TOPPS 206 JAKE PEAVY/JOHAN SANTANA/TIM LINCECUM Card
    70 1 18995459 GEM MINT 10 2009 TOPPS 206 JAKE PEAVY/JOHAN SANTANA/TIM LINCECUM Card
    71 1 18995460 MINT 9 2009 TOPPS 250 JOSH HAMILTON Card
    72 1 18995461 MINT 9 2009 TOPPS 259 DAN HAREN/JOHAN SANTANA/TIM LINCECUM Card
    73 1 18995462 GEM MINT 10 2009 TRISTAR OBAK 17 JASON HEYWARD Card
    74 1 18995463 GEM MINT 10 2009 UPPER DECK 260 ALEX RODRIGUEZ Card
    75 1 18995464 GEM MINT 10 2009 UPPER DECK 485 TIM LINCECUM Card
    76 1 18995465 GEM MINT 10 2009 UPPER DECK RIVALS R7 ALEX RODRIGUEZ/DAVID WRIGHT Card
    77 1 18995466 MINT 9 2009 UPPER DECK STARQUEST SQ-6 DEREK JETER GOLD Card
    78 1 18995467 GEM MINT 10 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM 1 STEPHEN STRASBURG Card
    79 1 18995468 GEM MINT 10 2010 BOWMAN PLATINUM 44 ICHIRO Card
    80 1 18995469 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS 375 MIKE LEAKE Card
    81 1 18995470 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 28 KEN GRIFFEY JR. Card
    82 1 18995471 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 144 ALEX RODRIGUEZ Card
    82 2 18995472 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS CHROME 144 ALEX RODRIGUEZ Card
    83 1 18995473 MINT 9 2010 TOPPS CHROME 174 JASON HEYWARD Card
    84 1 18995474 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS 206 17 MIKE LEAKE Pack
    85 1 18995475 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS 206 BABE RUTH NO CARD NUMBER Card
    86 1 18995476 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS 206 JASON HEYWARD NO CARD NUMBER Card
    87 1 18995477 GEM MINT 10 2010 TOPPS TRIBUTE 56 TIM LINCECUM BLACK Card
    88 1 18995478 GEM MINT 10 2008 TOPPS CHROME TC121 TOM BRADY Card
    89 1 18995479 GEM MINT 10 2008 TOPPS CHROME TC163 TOM BRADY Card
    90 1 18995480 GEM MINT 10 2008 TOPPS CHROME TC187 RAY RICE Card
    91 1 18995481 GEM MINT 10 2009 TOPPS 323 MATT RYAN Card
    92 1 18995482 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI ABSOLUTE MEMORABILIA 4 MATT RYAN Card
    93 1 18995483 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI ABSOLUTE MEMORABILIA 43 PEYTON MANNING Card
    94 1 18995484 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI ABSOLUTE MEMORABILIA 58 TOM BRADY Card
    95 1 18995485 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI ABSOLUTE MEMORABILIA 76 BEN ROETHLISBERGER Card
    96 1 18995486 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI ROOKIES & STARS 5 MATT RYAN Card
    97 1 18995487 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI ROOKIES & STARS 82 BRETT FAVRE Card
    98 1 18995488 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI ROOKIES & STARS 115 BEN ROETHLISBERGER Card
    99 1 18995489 GEM MINT 10 2010 PANINI ROOKIES & STARS 115 BEN ROETHLISBERGER Card
    100 1 18995490 MINT 9 2010 TOPPS PLATINUM 18 MATT RYAN Card
    101 1 18995491 GEM MINT 10 1991 UPPER DECK 21 TEEMU SELANNE Card
    102 1 18995492 MINT 9 2006 FLEER 115 MARTIN BRODEUR Card
    Total Items: 109
    Date Received: 4/8/2011
    Date Shipped: 5/19/2011
    Order Status: Shipped
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • handymanhandyman Posts: 5,384 ✭✭✭✭✭
    What was the cost of the break and what was the sale of if?
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭


    << <i>What was the cost of the break and what was the sale of if? >>



    I have to still update it with another 9 boxes, but I spent $2,000.
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
    With so many of the cards coming straight from the pack in Mint or Gem Mint condition is there a large premium paid for those grades with most modern cards?

  • halosfanhalosfan Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭✭
    D ... that really depends on the issue
    Looking for a Glen Rice Inkredible and Alex Rodriguez cards
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭
    Product plays a role, but on average you are talking about $15-$25 for base cards. Now last year I sold maybe 20 Harper Bowman Chrome cards as high as $100 and as low as $35 in PSA 10.
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It would seem to me that if you get them graded you better feel very strong about their chances of getting a 10.


  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hiya Mike

    Have no idea how something like this would work out - but the time invested in that size sub must be substantial?

    I'll enjoy watching your quest - to be frank - I don't have the patience to do anything close to that.

    Good luck.
    Mike
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭
    D it's not very often you'll get an 8 which isn't really worth anything unless it's a hot rookie or something.

    9's, well see above from a couple of my submissions with modern from early last year. 9's will go for $5-$10, but again player's name, current status in the league, etc do play a role. I think of 9's as your money back card.

    10's, I was averaging around 65-70% PSA 10's on modern last year.

    I have been sitting on a bunch since baseball season is over, but as soon as things get going I'll be putting them up for sale.

    Another big thing IMO with modern is watching seeing how the players do. When Jeremy Lin caught fire there, everyone went to Ebay to buy his cards.

    This always occurs with trends in sports as well. Jered Weaver last year got off to an amazing start, his cards where going for huge money at that time compared to regular prices.

    It's like the stock market I guess, but if your watching sportscenter and doing a little research you can time it right.

    I wouldn't spend all this time on it, if I was sitting around throwing money out the window...
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭


    << <i>Hiya Mike

    Have no idea how something like this would work out - but the time invested in that size sub must be substantial?

    I'll enjoy watching your quest - to be frank - I don't have the patience to do anything close to that.

    Good luck. >>



    Hey how's it going.

    It's really not time consuming as while I break the cases, the cards go right into card savers. I give them a quick look while opening the pack, and a final inspection while filling out the submission. Not really time consuming at all. What is time consuming is opening all those boxes, packs, and cases. But that's the fun side with a glass of wine in hand.

    If you are already buying these packs, cards, boxes, cases, etc. You might as well make some money off the cards other than just the Auto's and Jersey cards...

    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I went to high school with a guy who does the exact same thing.

    He jumps on the hot performers and then when the market gets hot he sells. Seems logical to me.

    Hopefully you keep having good luck!
  • MeferMefer Posts: 1,163 ✭✭✭
    This is very interesting. Still not sure though I would have the guts to invest a couple of grand into a modern case and hope to make a profit. While I can't say I follow modern too closely, it would seem Heritage may be the safest bet for such an endeavor. I would have to assume you would get close to a full set (if not a full set) with a case. Sets of Heritage generally sell quite well. Still though, what a leap (though it would be fun to crack a case).

    Matt
  • jswietonjswieton Posts: 2,870 ✭✭✭
    This is a very cool thread and can't wait to see how it plays out. The only question I have is, when you are selling your cards do you just list them all as auctions or do you sell some of them in a eBay store with BIN listings? Personally, I don't think I have the stones to do what your doing, but it is refreshing to see someone that actually makes money ripping wax.
  • JustinsShoeboxJustinsShoebox Posts: 1,301 ✭✭✭
    Mike,

    How are you unloading? Do you consign everything with Rick or do you sell one-offs on your own?

    I just completed my first consignment with Rick and was very happy with the results. I subbed about 100ish items and from what I tracked, am expecting a return of 1.1K-1.3K). This may turn into a fun monthly endeavor for me.

    Some of the young up and comers that moved were:

    Eric Hosmer (though it might be best to sit on his cards for a bit)
    Aroldis Chapman (very hot)
    Michael Pineda
    Jason Heyward PSA 10s sell pretty well, but 9s aren't at the break even point imo.
    Bryce Harper (though I believe his base cards are starting to dip a bit, the SPs are still bringing good money)
    Manny Pacquaio (my 2011 Allen Ginter PSA 9 sold for 20.00!)

    I have about 20 Strasburgs to sell off, one is a 2010 Topps Chrome XFractor PSA 10 Pop 2 from my last sub. We'll see how those sales turn out.

    I expected to see Dee Gordon's cards start to move, but I was wrong on that one.

    Any SP #'d cards sell farily well it seems. Sold some /50 Orange Bowman Draft Picks for 15.00. Some blue refractor autos for 15-20.00.

    I can also confirm that the Mickey Mantle cards sell as well. My 2006 Allen Ginter Mickey Mantle PSA 10 did sell for 15.00+. My total investment on the cards submitted was roughly 687.00 for this month, but I do things a bit differently. I don't buy cases, instead I let the vendors at the card shows do the work. I generally pick up the $1.00 rookies and sub them. I will say that the 2011 Bowman Chrome Hobby Box was a good buy for me. I also had extremely good luck with the 2010 Topps Chrome product.

    Justin
    Retired - Eddie Mathews Topps Master Registry (100% Complete) Rank 1

    Retired - Eddie Mathews Master Registry Set (96.36%) Rank 1
  • fergie23fergie23 Posts: 2,151 ✭✭✭✭
    Interesting thread. How meticulous are your records? I know for certain that ripping older product is a losing proposition in the long run but will be interesting to see if your modern case/box rips work out.

    Your last 2010 National Treasures case, 2011 Topps Five Star cases and 2012 Oval Office cut sigs cases did not seem to pan out mostly due to price point on the cases. For Oval Office you had $2960 in gross eBay sales with a purchase price of $2800 before eBay, Paypal & Probstein fees. Seems like with eBay, Paypal and Probstein taking ~15% combined makes higher priced product a real crap shoot for breaking even or making a profit. You had mentioned when you ripped your 2010 NT case where you pulled the Lin auto/99 that you had 2 more 2010 NT cases coming, did you open those? How did you do?

    I definitely enjoy your case rips and box breaks. I think if you consolidate your rips into a single thread it will help you track how your cases do. I know scanning can get to be a bit of a pain but even just listing your hits/planned card subs is a great way to track things.

    Good luck!

    Robb
  • Sean1125Sean1125 Posts: 3,479
    From "start" (cracking the case), to "finish" (items sold), how long does it take pending the grading time.
  • swartz1swartz1 Posts: 4,911 ✭✭✭
    you should charge $ for this type of info...


    Looking for 1970 MLB Photostamps
    - uncut


    Positive Transactions - tennesseebanker, Ahmanfan, Donruss, Colebear, CDsNuts, rbdjr1, Downtown1974, yankeeno7, drewsef, mnolan, mrbud60, msassin, RipublicaninMass, AkbarClone, rustywilly, lsutigers1973, julen23 and nam812, plus many others...
  • bigreddogbigreddog Posts: 1,156
    Its a shame to see what this once great hobby has been reduced to.
  • Sean1125Sean1125 Posts: 3,479
    So you are telling me people didn't buy packs in the 50's and 60's to resell the cards? There was no such thing as a card dealer? Or a collector using cards to fund their habit? Explain what you mean buy "reduced to"...
  • mccardguy1mccardguy1 Posts: 1,509 ✭✭✭


    << <i>So you are telling me people didn't buy packs in the 50's and 60's to resell the cards? There was no such thing as a card dealer? Or a collector using cards to fund their habit? Explain what you mean buy "reduced to"... >>



    Sean I started collecting in 1982 as a 9 year old kid and continued until this day. I have been a collector, card show dealer, card show promoter and card shop owner so I think I have seen all aspects of this hobby.

    A bit of a history lesson .....

    To answer your question, generally no, people did not buy packs in the 50's and 60's to resell as there was almost no market for them. There were a few dealers who did deal in large quantities as I remember sending away to one dealer who advertised in the back on my Baseball Digest but I only ordered cards to complete my sets which is what many didtoo. Investing in cards was almost unheard of and most only collected for the ejoyment the cards brought them and if they made a few bucks on the side to help fund their collection they were happy.

    I remember having card shows in 1981 in my parents garage where I advertised I was buying old baseball cards and people were amazed I would give them cash for this "crap" they had in their attics and basements. I had people bring brown shopping bags into my garage and happy that they were getting some cash for the stuff they never thought they would sell. I cannot tell you how many unbelievable cards I got by buying up stuff people thought were crap back in the day. It wasnt until the mid 80's when card dealers became plentiful and people actually thought they could make a living by selling cards! You have to remember there were no price guides on this stuff until Beckett came out with his ANNUAL price guide around 1980 or so. There were card shows back before 1980 but many peiople fixed their own prices to the cards by what they thought it was worth and then you haggled. I remember being offered a 1953 Topps Mantle for 50 bucks and thought the guy was nuts asking that price. He wouldnt haggle and I walked away laughing at him!

    I say all this because I think many of today's collectors have no idea what is was like "back in the day" and have little perspective how different this hobby is now when compared to what is was like back then. The days of buying a pack for 50 cents and hoping you got your favorite player are gone and the day of cracking a pack and calculating how much return on your investment you can gain from that one pack of cards it what collectors in todays market face. I think this is what BigRed is saying when he says what a shame he feels this hobby has been reduced to. I too feel the same way and that is why I am going back to the years I fell in love with this hobby and will be putting together all raw, hand collated sets that I remember as a child. 1971 to 1978 Topps is what I am going for. The very thought of putting these sets together without worrying about third party grading and registry sets as well as paying 200+ dollars for packs has actually re-energized me and rekindled my love for this hobby!

    Anyone have some decent commons from 1971 to 78 they want to get rid of cheap!! image
    I am on a budget and I am not afraid to use it!!
  • brianwintersfanbrianwintersfan Posts: 3,626 ✭✭


    << <i>So you are telling me people didn't buy packs in the 50's and 60's to resell the cards? There was no such thing as a card dealer? Or a collector using cards to fund their habit? Explain what you mean buy "reduced to"... >>



    Very little compared to today. And I got out of the case ripping to make money business years ago. In the long run it's a black hole. If Miconelegacy is cleaning up more power to him but I have my doubts.
  • redbullredbull Posts: 85
    Making profit would all depend on what you pulled out of the case. Some cases are really bad and i would not take the gamble. I saw a 2011 topps heritage auto on ebay for $19.99 that did not sell. If i was a wealthy man and could afford to lose money then i would probably take the chance because ripping boxes is fun.
    70's and 80's baseball cards
  • trextrex Posts: 179
    mccardguy1 +1
  • RipublicaninMassRipublicaninMass Posts: 10,051 ✭✭✭
    I think people collect cards for many reasons, they also buy and sell them for many reasons, most of which is for profit.

    great thread
  • EchoCanyonEchoCanyon Posts: 2,288 ✭✭✭


    << <i>mccardguy1 +1 >>



    +2

  • Sean1125Sean1125 Posts: 3,479
    Well put. PM sent.
  • JuggsJuggs Posts: 495 ✭


    << <i>

    << <i>mccardguy1 +1 >>



    +2 >>

    I'll +3 that.
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭


    << <i>Interesting thread. How meticulous are your records? I know for certain that ripping older product is a losing proposition in the long run but will be interesting to see if your modern case/box rips work out.

    Your last 2010 National Treasures case, 2011 Topps Five Star cases and 2012 Oval Office cut sigs cases did not seem to pan out mostly due to price point on the cases. For Oval Office you had $2960 in gross eBay sales with a purchase price of $2800 before eBay, Paypal & Probstein fees. Seems like with eBay, Paypal and Probstein taking ~15% combined makes higher priced product a real crap shoot for breaking even or making a profit. You had mentioned when you ripped your 2010 NT case where you pulled the Lin auto/99 that you had 2 more 2010 NT cases coming, did you open those? How did you do?

    I definitely enjoy your case rips and box breaks. I think if you consolidate your rips into a single thread it will help you track how your cases do. I know scanning can get to be a bit of a pain but even just listing your hits/planned card subs is a great way to track things.

    Good luck!

    Robb >>



    The Oval Office Packs(2) cost me $2,800, after fees I made $2,647 back. Those two were a losing rip. The Clinton's 1/1 didn't go for nearly what I thought it would. It only sold for $760.

    So that one didn't work out, but the loss was minimal.
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭


    << <i>

    << <i>So you are telling me people didn't buy packs in the 50's and 60's to resell the cards? There was no such thing as a card dealer? Or a collector using cards to fund their habit? Explain what you mean buy "reduced to"... >>



    Sean I started collecting in 1982 as a 9 year old kid and continued until this day. I have been a collector, card show dealer, card show promoter and card shop owner so I think I have seen all aspects of this hobby.

    A bit of a history lesson .....

    To answer your question, generally no, people did not buy packs in the 50's and 60's to resell as there was almost no market for them. There were a few dealers who did deal in large quantities as I remember sending away to one dealer who advertised in the back on my Baseball Digest but I only ordered cards to complete my sets which is what many didtoo. Investing in cards was almost unheard of and most only collected for the ejoyment the cards brought them and if they made a few bucks on the side to help fund their collection they were happy.

    I remember having card shows in 1981 in my parents garage where I advertised I was buying old baseball cards and people were amazed I would give them cash for this "crap" they had in their attics and basements. I had people bring brown shopping bags into my garage and happy that they were getting some cash for the stuff they never thought they would sell. I cannot tell you how many unbelievable cards I got by buying up stuff people thought were crap back in the day. It wasnt until the mid 80's when card dealers became plentiful and people actually thought they could make a living by selling cards! You have to remember there were no price guides on this stuff until Beckett came out with his ANNUAL price guide around 1980 or so. There were card shows back before 1980 but many peiople fixed their own prices to the cards by what they thought it was worth and then you haggled. I remember being offered a 1953 Topps Mantle for 50 bucks and thought the guy was nuts asking that price. He wouldnt haggle and I walked away laughing at him!

    I say all this because I think many of today's collectors have no idea what is was like "back in the day" and have little perspective how different this hobby is now when compared to what is was like back then. The days of buying a pack for 50 cents and hoping you got your favorite player are gone and the day of cracking a pack and calculating how much return on your investment you can gain from that one pack of cards it what collectors in todays market face. I think this is what BigRed is saying when he says what a shame he feels this hobby has been reduced to. I too feel the same way and that is why I am going back to the years I fell in love with this hobby and will be putting together all raw, hand collated sets that I remember as a child. 1971 to 1978 Topps is what I am going for. The very thought of putting these sets together without worrying about third party grading and registry sets as well as paying 200+ dollars for packs has actually re-energized me and rekindled my love for this hobby!

    Anyone have some decent commons from 1971 to 78 they want to get rid of cheap!! image >>



    I don't disagree with any of this, but there is nothing wrong with making money off of modern cards.

    That reality is we all watch these current players, route for their teams, and follow their stats. We have fantasy leagues, people bet on the games, others collect team cards, some do registry sets of players.

    The point is this is what the market is like these days, the younger generation wants to have a Gem Mint Derek Jeter card for $15 or $20 bucks. I have no problem helping them meet that need. Whether it's a rookie or veteran people want current cards.

    This is a good sign that the younger market is in full run, and this only will help fuel the future with sportscards. They can't afford the vintage cards, Mantle, Maris, Ruth, etc. But they can afford the current players that they watch on TV. We want them to buy modern cards, because as they get older, they will make more money in their careers and will eventually want to start buying the vintage players that founded these sports. The long run for us as vintage collectors is those cards will continue to increase in value.

    It's almost like being involved in a fantasy league, I just enjoy opening the packs, cases, etc and watching the players stats, and seeing who is trending, as that is the best time to sell their cards.
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • miconelegacymiconelegacy Posts: 3,052 ✭


    << <i>Interesting thread. How meticulous are your records? I know for certain that ripping older product is a losing proposition in the long run but will be interesting to see if your modern case/box rips work out.

    Your last 2010 National Treasures case, 2011 Topps Five Star cases and 2012 Oval Office cut sigs cases did not seem to pan out mostly due to price point on the cases. For Oval Office you had $2960 in gross eBay sales with a purchase price of $2800 before eBay, Paypal & Probstein fees. Seems like with eBay, Paypal and Probstein taking ~15% combined makes higher priced product a real crap shoot for breaking even or making a profit. You had mentioned when you ripped your 2010 NT case where you pulled the Lin auto/99 that you had 2 more 2010 NT cases coming, did you open those? How did you do?

    I definitely enjoy your case rips and box breaks. I think if you consolidate your rips into a single thread it will help you track how your cases do. I know scanning can get to be a bit of a pain but even just listing your hits/planned card subs is a great way to track things.

    Good luck!

    Robb >>



    And fergie I have always enjoyed watching your modern rips, you have ripped a lot! I remember at one point you posted your cost basis. The one thing I would like to know, have you graded any of those cards? That's where you can certainly increase the value of the cards.

    For example.... This card of mine sold last night. Elliot Williams National Treasures RC Auto Patch /99 $223.17

    This one wasn't graded same card $95.00

    It cost me $8 to grade the card, and I more than doubled the market price, These are the things I am constantly doing... This is exactly why it pays to grade modern cards. I can show you hundreds of examples of this.

    Bottom line is if your opening modern cards and you don't grade the stars, auto's, rookies, etc, then yes you will lose money. Grade out the box, case and see how you do. I wouldn't wasted my time doing it if it wasn't profitable..

    Here is another from one of my auctions last night Ray Allen National Treasures NBA logo auto. Here is the recent raw one not mine /10 $46.55

    Here is mine that ended last night after an $8 grading fee. Mine was a Gold Standard NBA logo auto, but almost the same /10 $171.49 Because it's graded, and a BGS 9.5 Pop 1

    Here is another

    Patrick Patterson National Treasures Auto Patch /99, not mine $66.31

    Here is mine that sold last night, same exact card and almost identical Patch $137.50

    I can show you more and more of these examples. I am not trying to toot my own horn, but many of the people on here have asked what I have been doing to make money on modern cards. In these 3 examples my cards went for more than double the raw version. It only cost me about $20 total with grading and shipping fees.

    So I go back to. If your going to open modern why not get the stars and rookies graded? The losing proposition is not grading them. Then your almost guaranteed to lose money...

    Ask as many question as you want.
    Miconelegacy Auctions
    "Live everyday, don't throw it away"
  • mccardguy1mccardguy1 Posts: 1,509 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>So you are telling me people didn't buy packs in the 50's and 60's to resell the cards? There was no such thing as a card dealer? Or a collector using cards to fund their habit? Explain what you mean buy "reduced to"... >>



    Sean I started collecting in 1982 as a 9 year old kid and continued until this day. I have been a collector, card show dealer, card show promoter and card shop owner so I think I have seen all aspects of this hobby.

    A bit of a history lesson .....

    To answer your question, generally no, people did not buy packs in the 50's and 60's to resell as there was almost no market for them. There were a few dealers who did deal in large quantities as I remember sending away to one dealer who advertised in the back on my Baseball Digest but I only ordered cards to complete my sets which is what many didtoo. Investing in cards was almost unheard of and most only collected for the ejoyment the cards brought them and if they made a few bucks on the side to help fund their collection they were happy.

    I remember having card shows in 1981 in my parents garage where I advertised I was buying old baseball cards and people were amazed I would give them cash for this "crap" they had in their attics and basements. I had people bring brown shopping bags into my garage and happy that they were getting some cash for the stuff they never thought they would sell. I cannot tell you how many unbelievable cards I got by buying up stuff people thought were crap back in the day. It wasnt until the mid 80's when card dealers became plentiful and people actually thought they could make a living by selling cards! You have to remember there were no price guides on this stuff until Beckett came out with his ANNUAL price guide around 1980 or so. There were card shows back before 1980 but many peiople fixed their own prices to the cards by what they thought it was worth and then you haggled. I remember being offered a 1953 Topps Mantle for 50 bucks and thought the guy was nuts asking that price. He wouldnt haggle and I walked away laughing at him!

    I say all this because I think many of today's collectors have no idea what is was like "back in the day" and have little perspective how different this hobby is now when compared to what is was like back then. The days of buying a pack for 50 cents and hoping you got your favorite player are gone and the day of cracking a pack and calculating how much return on your investment you can gain from that one pack of cards it what collectors in todays market face. I think this is what BigRed is saying when he says what a shame he feels this hobby has been reduced to. I too feel the same way and that is why I am going back to the years I fell in love with this hobby and will be putting together all raw, hand collated sets that I remember as a child. 1971 to 1978 Topps is what I am going for. The very thought of putting these sets together without worrying about third party grading and registry sets as well as paying 200+ dollars for packs has actually re-energized me and rekindled my love for this hobby!

    Anyone have some decent commons from 1971 to 78 they want to get rid of cheap!! image >>



    I don't disagree with any of this, but there is nothing wrong with making money off of modern cards.

    That reality is we all watch these current players, route for their teams, and follow their stats. We have fantasy leagues, people bet on the games, others collect team cards, some do registry sets of players.

    The point is this is what the market is like these days, the younger generation wants to have a Gem Mint Derek Jeter card for $15 or $20 bucks. I have no problem helping them meet that need. Whether it's a rookie or veteran people want current cards.

    This is a good sign that the younger market is in full run, and this only will help fuel the future with sportscards. They can't afford the vintage cards, Mantle, Maris, Ruth, etc. But they can afford the current players that they watch on TV. We want them to buy modern cards, because as they get older, they will make more money in their careers and will eventually want to start buying the vintage players that founded these sports. The long run for us as vintage collectors is those cards will continue to increase in value.

    It's almost like being involved in a fantasy league, I just enjoy opening the packs, cases, etc and watching the players stats, and seeing who is trending, as that is the best time to sell their cards. >>



    Thats the beauty of this hobby in that anyone can collect any way they want as there is no right or wrong way to do it. If someone wants to invest and try and make money ripping and selling...who am I to tell him or her that they cannot. For me, I have tried to make money on this hobby and have made my share but to rip the newer stuff and pray I make my money back and a profit would give me ulcers! I will stick to my raw, 70's sets and stay ulcer free!! LOL Watching these rip threads has been fun but I will leave that to the guys who can turn a quick profit.
    I am on a budget and I am not afraid to use it!!
  • CDsNutsCDsNuts Posts: 10,092 ✭
    wat
  • fergie23fergie23 Posts: 2,151 ✭✭✭✭
    I used to rip a lot of wax but I have been focusing on my PSA 9 HOF and Brady RC collections the last year or so.

    Grading can certainly help with recouping some of your costs on modern breaks and potentially generating profits with the right case. I will be interested to watch how your remaining 2010 National Treasures and 2011 Topps Five Star auctions go as well as anything else where you post the cost & break results. It seems from your examples you are better off purchasing those cards raw and flipping after grading rather than paying to break cases. Personally I don't have the inclination or patience to buy, grade and flip modern but it seems like there is definitely a market for it at the moment.

    Since you mix buying for your personal collection, flipping and opening wax you must have a couple spreadsheets you keep updated to track profitability. Would be interesting to see if your 2011 Bowman case breaks became less profitable over time (as more graded cards entered the market) or if you were able to maintain the same relative performance. Same with 2010 National Treasures and any other cases you bought repeatedly. I will admit that I am skeptical that anyone can consistently make money opening & grading modern cases especially using a consignor but that doesn't mean you are not doing it.

    As I said I enjoy your pack, box & case rips and wish you continued good luck.
    Cheers,

    Robb
  • EAsportsEAsports Posts: 1,566 ✭✭✭


    << <i>All the stuff that mccardguy said >>



    While I DO agree with the sentiment.... it's a chicken and egg discussion. In the early 2000's, I opened a bunch (not by some of the big rippers standards.... but still....) of modern. It was enjoyable, but it DID feel like I was buying scratch off tickets.

    So I stopped. I buy a couple of packs of most products when they come out now, just to see what they look like. But, I COLLECT what I enjoy (LSU stuff, New Orleans teams' stuff, etc.), and I hand collate Topps Sets, for posterity's sake.

    Without someone(s) buying cases of modern, cracking it, selling the "hits", selling current Topps Sets, etc..... I'd have nothing to collect, or I'd have to buy a million packs of product X to get that LSU autograph to add to my collection.

    It takes both sides pushing to make the hobby world spin, IMO.
    My LSU Autographs

    Only an idiot would have a message board signature.
  • Alfonz24Alfonz24 Posts: 3,111 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Without someone(s) buying cases of modern, cracking it, selling the "hits", selling current Topps Sets, etc..... I'd have nothing to collect, or I'd have to buy a million packs of product X to get that LSU autograph to add to my collection.

    It takes both sides pushing to make the hobby world spin, IMO. >>



    +1

    In the 80s I made all my card buying money back selling the "Hot" guy.

    Nick Esasky, Julio Franco, etc.
    #LetsGoSwitzerlandThe Man Who Does Not Read Has No Advantage Over the Man Who Cannot Read. The biggest obstacle to progress is a habit of “buying what we want and begging for what we need.”You get the Freedom you fight for and get the Oppression you deserve.
  • leathtechleathtech Posts: 3,191 ✭
    looking forward to this thread hopefully it won't get derailed @ some point.

    image
    image
  • CDsNutsCDsNuts Posts: 10,092 ✭
    I think you accidentally left "shilling your own auctions and running up unsuspecting CU board members" off your list.
  • llafoellafoe Posts: 7,220 ✭✭


    << <i>I think you accidentally left "shilling your own auctions and running up unsuspecting CU board members" off your list. >>



    10 month bump!
    WANTED: Cincinnati Reds TEAM Cards
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