Is BBCE premium worth it?

doog71

I'm planning to purchase some unopened, strictly as an investment for at least 10 years (giving to children).

On some stuff BBCE costs a bit more (still fair prices) which I'm willing to pay if it means it's easier down the road to sell them, and sell them for a premium as BBCE is so trusted.

With those factors in mind do you feel the premium is worth it? I do, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you.

MrVintage

It really just depends on what you are planning on buying. If it is vintage you are looking at I would say it is worth it. If it is something modern where boxes already come factory sealed I wouldn't have a problem waiting for a good deal on ebay.

Stooge

If I were going to buy a box of wax off of eBay, and BBCE didn't currently have it in stock, and the person selling it had it shrink wrapped with a BBCE sticker on it, then yes, I would be willing to spend the few extra bucks to acquire that said box.

For myself the BBCE premium is worth it.

Paul.

ThoseBackPages

Absolutely. Shop nowhere else.

doog71

The plan is for boxes 20+ years old, so yes vintage. Sorry I didn't include that in first post.

grote15

There are reputable sources out there for vintage unopened, and Steve himself has to buy product from somewhere, but if you are not confident in your ability to judge the authenticity of unopened product, BBCE is the place to go.

76collector

Regardless of buying to rip now or save for later, bbce is virtually my only choice. I have bought from DAC before, but their selection usually isn't in the same league. I pretty much don't trust anything on ebay except maybe a sealed case from a known seller. I know there is some legit stuff out there, but I don't have the expertise to weed through the bad to find the good, so for safety sake I pick the bbce. Also, if it is worth anything to you, their customer service has ALWAYS been top notch for me. If you are going to dive into buying unopened on ebay (especially if its expensive) talk it over with some board members. There are some people on here with a VAST amount of knowledge on how to spot bad unopened product (sorry I'm not one). Anyway you choose, good luck.

doog71

Thanks everybody I really appreciate the input.

1954

I personally think buying boxes from Steve adds an extra value when buying from him and then when you want to sell. I also think his pricing is very competitive to what you find on Ebay. Worth it all the way.

doog71

Does each unopened vintage box purchased from BBCE come with their shrink wrap and a card verifying it's a BBCE box? I thought I'd read that on the boards previously.

Exodus

<< <i>Does each unopened vintage box purchased from BBCE come with their shrink wrap and a card verifying it's a BBCE box? I thought I'd read that on the boards previously. >>



That is correct.

leathtech

<< <i>The plan is for boxes 20+ years old, so yes vintage. Sorry I didn't include that in first post. >>



20+ years old puts you at 1993 and lower. Maybe 35+ old is a better starting point.

Also for me buying directly from BBCE where I see the value once it leaves Steve's hand who knows what can happen to the box - Shrink wrap can easily be redone.

MintMoondog

I almost exclusively buy from Steve. Having been burned numerous times by resealers on ebay, the premium is more than worth it (I agree with Paul BBG, that there really isn't much of a premium at all). Also, I would strongly suggest that you keep the invoices as additional provedance once you eventually do sell, because the REAL premium will be when the buyer feels more certain that your stash is from BBCE

ReggieCleveland

<< <i>Does each unopened vintage box purchased from BBCE come with their shrink wrap and a card verifying it's a BBCE box? I thought I'd read that on the boards previously. >>



No. I'm not sure what the cutoff is (or whether it's a year thing or a value thing) but not all wax boxes are wrapped in cellophane. Certainly the more expensive ones are, but some of the less expensive ones are not.

mygotta

<< <i>Does each unopened vintage box purchased from BBCE come with their shrink wrap and a card verifying it's a BBCE box? I thought I'd read that on the boards previously. >>



In my experience, no, not every box you purchase will come with this. Usually the more distinct boxes will have this. I bought a 1986 Fleer box that was shrink wrapped with his sticker, however, the 2 1986 Topps boxes I purchased came without shrink wrap or any BBCE notes.

Time4aGansett

Just ask Steve to shrinkwrap your boxes. He has done that for me when I have asked, and yes, it was some '86 Topps boxes.

mccardguy1

<< <i>

<< <i>Does each unopened vintage box purchased from BBCE come with their shrink wrap and a card verifying it's a BBCE box? I thought I'd read that on the boards previously. >>



In my experience, no, not every box you purchase will come with this. Usually the more distinct boxes will have this. I bought a 1986 Fleer box that was shrink wrapped with his sticker, however, the 2 1986 Topps boxes I purchased came without shrink wrap or any BBCE notes. >>



I bought a box of 1987 Donruss from Steve at a National a few years ago and dont think I paid more than 18 bucks for it at the time. As to why I bought this.......my Son was born that year and he wanted a complete set from the year he was born. The box I bought came with shrink wrap and the BBCE card attached to the bottom. I assume if he is shrink wrapping boxes such as these he will wrap everything with his card attached under the wrap.