Wax Boxes vs Complete Sets?

AragornTheBold · June 20, 2008 3:05PM

I have never known the difference between them, it seems like wax boxes sell for more but why? Doesn't a complete set insure the desired card of choice? Someone please explain this to me.

SDSportsFan · June 20, 2008 3:32PM

First off,

to our (not so) humble community

To me, it seems like the answer to your question is two-pronged.

#1, it's the thrill of the hunt. If you're buying say, a 1989 Upper Deck wax box, you might end up with multiple Ken Griffey Jr rookies, or multiples of any of the other big rookies in the set. If you buy a set, you know what you're getting.....one example of each card.

#2, When you buy a wax box of cards, you're getting what should be untouched cards in supposedly mint condition. If you buy a set, you're assured of getting all the cards in the set, but the cards aren't untouched, and therefore, may not be in mint condition. Also, if you buy enough boxes, you might just get lucky enough to end up with a complete set, plus all the multiples you can eventually buy or trade.

Also keep in mind that, and this again may just be my own opinion, but set collecting has really taken a dive over the last many years. It has become so difficult to complete a set, that many collectors don't even bother to attempt it. Most people seem to be in it just for the "big hit", i.e., pulling a big insert or rookie card. Most people these days don't even want to look at a card of the backup catcher for the Seattle Mariners, for instance, let alone actually go after collecting it.

Steve

yankeeno7 · June 20, 2008 3:56PM

Easily said, people love to gamble so they buy wax. When you buy sets, the best cards may be cherry picked and replaced with sub-quality cards.

Estil · June 20, 2008 6:39PM

It's really quite simple. Wax boxes are much, MUCH rarer (at least from early 80s onward but especially 1970s and before that) than sets. And everytime someone opens up one (and you know people still do that), they only get even rarer every year. Also, what you're really paying for is the rarity and the collectiblity of the wax box, not so much for the cards inside. Whereas getting the cards themselves are much easier as that supply does not go down nearly as quickly provided the cards have been taken good care of.

You know, I'm wondering if I should do a nice wax box collection (starting with 80s) also?

Wax Boxes vs Complete Sets?

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