Player lots vs Set-Builder lots

[dudical]

I collect both some sets and a couple players. So I'm in the middle.

[Gallinator]

Sets are taking a bath because of US Shipping Rates, they are ghastly domestically, and off the chain to Europe and Canada. I also understand that Canada Post is about to enter the fray in March with new rates that will rival the US ones. When that happens you can say good-bye to all card shipments over say 10 cards anywhere International from any North American destination.

I agree that it is very difficult to move complete sets due to shipping. I think the OP is also considering smaller quantities of members of a set (parallels or inserts) vs. keeping those cards for player compilations. I frequently browse eBay by "lot" (in the title) within the set I am searching, e.g. "Prizm purple lot" - and try to either snag reasonably priced BINs or enter bids on auctions ending soon.

[Drewk86a]

I think the OP is also considering smaller quantities of members of a set (parallels or inserts) vs. keeping those cards for player compilations. I frequently browse eBay by "lot" (in the title) within the set I am searching, e.g. "Prizm purple lot" - and try to either snag reasonably priced BINs or enter bids on auctions ending soon.

Bingo...

I realize that player collectors, far and away, out number set builders. It is my experience, at least for my PC, that I rarely see a player lot where I need all of the cards. In fact it is usually the opposite. A typical Lindros or Kovalchuk lot will only have one or two cards I need and the rest I already have. Often I will pass on the player lot because I do not want to spend lot prices to get one card. Player lots seem to be best for someone starting a new PC, rather than a collector who is well into his collection.

I ask about set lots because I see a lot of posts here from people saying things like, "I really love the (insert set or parallel set) from Artifacts (or any other set). I'm going after that insert set." So, I'm thinking if I can put together 3 - 6 cards from that particular insert set, I might have a better chance of making a sale.

[Gallinator]

I think that works well soon after a set is released, with diminishing returns as time goes on due to people having filled more of their holes. I am already finding it difficult to find Prizm lots where I need 50% or more of the cards in the lot. If you get a free listing day and can take the time to do it, the very best way would be to list these individually with flat rate shipping.

[Fred Bear]

Bingo...

I realize that player collectors, far and away, out number set builders. It is my experience, at least for my PC, that I rarely see a player lot where I need all of the cards. In fact it is usually the opposite. A typical Lindros or Kovalchuk lot will only have one or two cards I need and the rest I already have. Often I will pass on the player lot because I do not want to spend lot prices to get one card. Player lots seem to be best for someone starting a new PC, rather than a collector who is well into his collection.

I ask about set lots because I see a lot of posts here from people saying things like, "I really love the (insert set or parallel set) from Artifacts (or any other set). I'm going after that insert set." So, I'm thinking if I can put together 3 - 6 cards from that particular insert set, I might have a better chance of making a sale.

It depends heavily on the set.

I don't necessarily agree that player collectors outnumber set collectors, but player collectors are more consistent in their buying habits. A player collector will go after all-or-most of a players cards. A set collector will ONLY go after the sets they collect - very few go after everything. Upper Deck 1/2, OPC, and a couple others are good 'sets' (i.e. master collectors looking for everything) and after that it becomes hit or miss.

If you are doing 'set' lots, use less-popular players or include one 'marquee' name. A Crosby/Stamkos insert will often sell on its own, so only include it if it increases your chance of moving the lot at a higher price.

If you are doing 'player' lots, try and make sure to include at least one 'hard-to-find' release. As you point out, some collectors will be turned off of paying 'more' to obtain cards they already have. If there is an incentive, though, they will at least have a choice to make instead of looking at a lot of 10-15 cards they already have...

Just some ideas for consideration.