Newbie

[aufan44]

I am a new collector, and I was wondering what are some tips for collecting hockey cards on a budget, or any other tips

[FrankToronto]

The best advice that I can give is to collect what comes naturally to you.

Don't feel the need to build a player collection just for the sake of having a player collection.

Don't build a set or subset just for the sake of it.

Don't feel the need to purchase a particular product just because it's of high value or because others place value on it. Purchase and trade for what you gravitate towards.

I would suggest picking up a box within your budget that you find that you lean towards and just break some packs and enjoy it as a pastime and then see what finds you.

[hugs65]

Welcome to the best trading site.We dont have hockey cards around my area so i bid on most of mine at Sportlots for anything that is a good deal plus i can win the cards cheaper than Ebay there or buy you a few packs at a time!

[atressler]

I am fairly new to collecting myself, and let my experiences of purchasing boxes, packs, and singles help you:

I went with a cheap brand that I learned very quickly that NO ONE collects... 2011-12 Victory. The price was right, but the cards just didn't seem worth it when I had purchased about 5 boxes of them. They are not good trade bait, and the majority of people will not want them. However, I do like their MVP collection, so I did managed to collect all but 3 cards (which I just need to purchase on eBay).

I honestly wish someone told me to stay away from the boxes at Walmart and Target. I've spent a lot of money buying blaster boxes of 2011-12 Upper Deck Series 1 (UDS1) and Artifacts. I have been very disappointed with every box that I picked up. I later found out that you DO NOT get the awesome cards that everyone on this site is getting. Occasionally, you will get a great hit, but the odds are WAY against you.

If I were in your shoes, I would pick up a box of UDS1 hobby box. Just about Everyone collects it, and it's a great place to start. You can pick up some rookie cards, some Game Used Jersey cards, and other great hits. Pinnacle is another great place to start, and they also feature autographs as well. Not one of my favorite looking cards, but to each his own. Parkhurst Champions, just from reviews, seems decent as well. They do not have Game Used Jersey cards though. Victory and Score are mainly for kids IMO. No Game Used Jersey cards or autographed cards in Victory. Score does have autos.

The cards I recommended go for about $70 a box. When I first started, I thought it was too much for me. Looking at my cards now, and the money I've spent, I wish I would have just bought the box for $70 instead of the numerous blaster boxes that are $20 each.

Hope that helped!

[StuBedaso]

I agree. The blaster boxes and retail stuff at WALMART, while it may have a nice price point, will usually give you zero in return. It really depends on what you are looking to collect. Player? Team? Sets?

[pur3strpker0]

Personally a good starting point would be a box of Score. The price point is good and there is also a chance to hit autographs, Short Printed Rookies, and even some inserts that are Extremely hard to hit.

[Yzerfan]

Personally a good starting point would be a box of Score. The price point is good and there is also a chance to hit autographs, Short Printed Rookies, and even some inserts that are Extremely hard to hit.

This is great advice. For the price, Score is great.

[atressler]

You know what else I did, and I'm glad I did, was pick out a pack from every 2011-12 set available to see what the cards looked like. That way, you can judge for yourself how the cards rank.

[aufan44]

This is great advice. For the price, Score is great.

This was actually what I was looking at getting before starting this thread

[folignofan71]

You know what else I did, and I'm glad I did, was pick out a pack from every 2011-12 set available to see what the cards looked like. That way, you can judge for yourself how the cards rank.

Including the cup?;) lol