Opinions about starting a set project

Zixx · July 5, 2009 6:48PM

One of the first cards I ever personally submitted to PSA was a 1967 Topps Mantle that I bought from a Kit Young catalog about 25-30 years ago for $12. Was fortunate that it came back a PSA 8 a few years ago, although I thought it could even be higher (been thinking about getting a scan for your opinions, but that's for another time).

Obviously since that is a main card of that set and one of the priciest at an 8, it would be a good starting place. But then I got thinking, would it really be worth it? Sure, on one hand there's the collecting aspect of it which I understand, but leaving that out of this situation, would it be a money sink that I could never profit from?

Financially, I can't really see a solid chance of coming out ahead if I ever completed the set in a PSA 8. Am I wrong? Would it be something that after 2-3 years, the set is complete(hypothetically) and I sell it for basically the price I paid, or worse, for a loss?

What do you think, would a person make or lose money when it's completed?

Trevmo · July 5, 2009 9:21PM

You might make a few bucks later down the line. You should collect the set for other reasons than money. Collect it if you like something particular about it or if the year was significant to you in some way. If you are trying to make some sort of a profit on it, you may have to wait a few years to see it pay off. That would be a nice set to complete in PSA 8 and quite a task as well.

Trevmo

Brick · July 5, 2009 9:34PM

I would not start this set if my motive was profit. If this set is has sentimental value then go ahead. To put together sets for profit or as a hobby are very different animals. If you only want to make a profit sell the Mantle now.

hankcaddy · July 6, 2009 3:07AM

i agree, set building for profit is a very risky proposition indeed,
maybe build a team set to start and see how that goes. finding raw cards in 8 quality is very difficult , and buying graded you are of course paying in one way or another. some bargains to be had for sure
in the end i would not build to turn a profit on it, you may be able to do so, but would need to be very shrewd when it comes to buying, thus spending more time on set.

my 2 cents
hank

divecchia · July 6, 2009 3:20AM

I'm with the rest of the group. Profit or lack thereof should not be a motive to start this or most other sets. Do it only if the bottom line is not money.

Good luck in your decision...Donato

Edited to add: Having the Mantle is a nice start...Congrats on on that...

Trevmo · July 6, 2009 3:27AM

Donato,
Nice Ryan rookie! That thing is pretty sweet. If I could get my hands on one of them, I would display it too. Truly a unique card.

Bosox1976 · July 6, 2009 7:07AM

You'd probably have to build it at around 60% of SMR to consider a profit, while you are off to a good start, and while there are some steals on ebay these days, that is still a tough nut to crack. There is a reason that guys buy complete sets and break them up to make a profit instead of the other way around (I know, I am thinking of doing that right now). Either way, nice work on the Mantle.

divecchia · July 6, 2009 7:32AM

<< <i>Donato,
Nice Ryan rookie! That thing is pretty sweet. If I could get my hands on one of them, I would display it too. Truly a unique card.

>>

Thanks Trevor...I appreciate your kind words on the Ryan rookie...Donato

Stone193 · July 6, 2009 8:56AM

<< <i>would it be a money sink that I could never profit from? >>

Zixx - I'm with those that try not to put that kind of pressure on collecting.

My POV?

1. Collect a set ya really like.

2. Then decide what grade ya can afford for the total project.

3. Then establish a monthly budget that will make it enjoyable and not haunt ya.

My problem with higher grade sets is the scarcity of some cards that requires ya to put out an obscene amount of money for a common - that's what I call the "curse of the registry."

Whatever ya decide - I wish ya the best - I like the 63F BB set - though only 67 strong, it's taken me 5 yrs to get to 77% in the grade, centering and budget I want to afford for the set.

mike

Nathaniel1960 · July 7, 2009 3:03AM

It seems you are into 60's in decent condition. Consider the 64 Topps set in PSA 6-7. I think its undervalued and underappreciated. The more I review the cards, the more I like it. You have to come to terms with the design though. The photos are fantastic IMO, and there are decent colors in the team cards.

You can pick up quality lots for a buck a card, and supplement with PSA 6's and 7's which are not that hard to come by. For example, I picked up a nice centered Clemente PSA 6 for $65 dlvd.

There are no SP's, no out of control RC's, and the high's are reasonable.

A centered Mick in PSA 6 can be had for $200 if you look.

NAT

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