Set registry question

LOTSOS

I've been building a PSA graded 1979 Topps Hockey set that I haven't actually yet registered. The set is now complete and I will be uploading it next week. Now even while it is 100% complete I don't think that I will challenge the set rating for number one but I may be close on set number 2.



Unfortunately It appears as though both the number 1 & 2 sets are not able to be viewed. Since I'm new to the whole set registry game is that a common practice to not allow others to view your sets? It just seems odd that you would be allowed to "compete" but not display your sets. Perhaps I'm not doing something right and it can be seen but the links don't appear to be active on my end.



Anyways, if anyone can share some insight I would greatly appreciate it.



Thanks,

Kevin

DanBessette

Yes, you can keep your set private.

VitoCo1972

PSAASAP and I had a long email exchange about this a few weeks ago. I'm in the camp of 'what fun is it to register your sets if others can't see them'. His (very valid) point was that if you register your sets and you're interested in being competitive, other people can see what cards you need (especially if they're ultra low-population) and hold them for a high ransom price. It makes sense. It's jut not something I've worried about up until now. Maybe that will change. I dunno. I enjoy going through other people's sets and treating it like a museum tour. Why register it if you're only going to look at it yourself?

LOTSOS

Originally posted by: DanBessette

Yes, you can keep your set private.

Thanks Dan. Most helpful as always.

Originally posted by: VitoCo1972

PSAASAP and I had a long email exchange about this a few weeks ago. I'm in the camp of 'what fun is it to register your sets if others can't see them'. His (very valid) point was that if you register your sets and you're interested in being competitive, other people can see what cards you need (especially if they're ultra low-population) and hold them for a high ransom price. It makes sense. It's jut not something I've worried about up until now. Maybe that will change. I dunno. I enjoy going through other people's sets and treating it like a museum tour. Why register it if you're only going to look at it yourself?

Intresting. That makes sense. I guess now I can see it both ways. I can imagine that cards could be held ransom, but it does take some of the fun out of it to a certain extent. I have no intention of making this set my primary focus but it was on my short list of sets that I'd like to own. It was and is an important set to me because of what it means to the sport. They actually had a very nice article about it in a recent SMR. I say this now and hope to stick to it but my sets will always remain public. Although I did notice that a few cards that I need for my Perreault sets have become way, way over priced (for hockey anyways) since my joining these boards so we'll see. Unfortunate side of the hobby I guess.



Fortunately for me I don't have a need to have any of my sets ranked #1. Complete yes. But tops no. If it is, so be it, but it's definetly not a goal.

K

The registry makes people ultra competitive. Collectors will buy cards they already have and don't need just so their competition doesn't acquire them and close in on them.

Additionally sellers know exactly what people are seeking and know that they will pay a premium to acquire their cards.

Either way do what makes you happy. That's the point in the end right?

panamamyers

Won't people be able to sort of figure it out anyways?
Isn't it possible to see how many of a certain grade a card has?
Isn't it also possible to see the averages of the top registry sets?
It wouldn't take much figuring to see that this card is a rare 10 and from viewing g the registry, there are dozens of people working on this set with very high grade desire.
So, the card would probably be held ransom.

Not seeing how a person would get any advantage knowing who, specificially, wants the card.

Dpeck100

Dude when you watch the card market like a hawk like I do you know who owns what.



They think they are fooling you but they aren't.



One of the top collectors in the primary sets that I collect has all three of his top sets hidden but it is never a surprise when a card comes up that he needs.



If you like the idea of keeping them hidden go for it but I prefer to have my sets published and photos of each of the cards of my best sets.

panamamyers

Dude when you watch the card market like a hawk like I do you know who owns what.

They think they are fooling you but they aren't.

One of the top collectors in the primary sets that I collect has all three of his top sets hidden but it is never a surprise when a card comes up that he needs.

If you like the idea of keeping them hidden go for it but I prefer to have my sets published and photos of each of the cards of my best sets.

Exactly.
PSA should not even make it possible to have them hidden in my opinion.

LOTSOS

Yeah, like I said before mine will stay public. With the exception of my Perreualt fetish, I've come to the same conclusion that a lot of others here have as well. I'd rather have a nicely centered 8 that presents well versus a 9 just for the sake of the number on the holder and not the card inside.

MrNearMint

Originally posted by: VitoCo1972

PSAASAP and I had a long email exchange about this a few weeks ago. I'm in the camp of 'what fun is it to register your sets if others can't see them'. His (very valid) point was that if you register your sets and you're interested in being competitive, other people can see what cards you need (especially if they're ultra low-population) and hold them for a high ransom price. It makes sense. It's jut not something I've worried about up until now. Maybe that will change. I dunno. I enjoy going through other people's sets and treating it like a museum tour. Why register it if you're only going to look at it yourself?

I have always wondered about this question myself. I never really thought about it like that but it does make sense.



I agree with everyone so far. I have a BGS MJ registry and the guy who's in the top spot has a private registry. Drives me nuts, all I wanna do is look at his collection!

vintagefun

I only do basic player sets, and I only make public when complete.

I publicized my Mays set at about 75% and it seemed as though all of a sudden I was warring it out on my remaining cards. Could have very well just been circumstance, but on all other sets, I waited until completion to make public.

When I get knocked down, I don't worry as completion at a reasonable cost was my goal. But I do notice when I knock others down, competition sets in and it won't be long before someone pulls an upgrade.

prgsdw

I see both sides. Personally though, I keep my sets visible and I put up high resolution scans of the front and back of all of the items. It happens infrequently, but from time to time I exchange email with someone who thanks me for making the scans of the items available. There are a few collectors who collect some of the same sets as I do that have absolutely out of this world collections that are either not visible or that are visible but don't have images posted. Shame as I'd really enjoy looking at some of their rare, high end items.