Purchasing Complete Baseball Factory Sets - Retail vs. Hobby vs. ???

Flewbie

I'm looking at purchasing some factory sets for my boy's going back to their birth year. In looking at the purchase, I'm seeing reference to "Hobby" vs. "Retail". Looking for an understanding of the differences and to listen to any suggestions on which "factory" sets to purchase. The kids are young so I don't need to go back but a few years and my focus, without input, is on Topps since that is what I collected as a kid.

Thoughts, suggestions, etc. are appreciated.

bishop

r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9Gi.AT.NalVoA4GhXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByNDZ0aWFxBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwM2BHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1524875265/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fsportscardforum.com%2farticles%2f2008%2f09%2fretail-vs-hobby-packs%2f/RK=2/RS=3nIGw8aKwaaUU8C7cSUHN5qrdMI-

r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9Gi.AT.NalVoA2mhXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByM3V1YTVuBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMzBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1524875265/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fsportsnmore.us%2fdifference-hobby-packs-retail-packs%2f/RK=2/RS=YUSIgHemvfahbsI7sR.0zDPnTc4-

baz518

I'm not 100% certain, but I believe its similar to modern packs/boxes. At some point they started adding parallels/exclusives/SPs to factory sets... the difference between the two are what "extras" you get with your set.

SOM

Those links provided are for hobby and retail packs, not the factory sets you want.

My advice is to simply look at the packaging. The sets list plainly what is enclosed, and that is pretty much the main distinction, as Baz said. For 2017, you can buy a factory set that includes Derek Jeter inserts, or you can buy a set with rookie inserts. There are plenty of other variations, too. The base cards are the same in each variation, hobby or retail.

As you'll see posted on this board numerous times, buy what you like. You can't go wrong doing it that way!