Questions about set building

[grayrob8178]

I have just gotten into the trading card scene and things sure have changed since the last time I was collecting (1991 or so).

My question for you guys is this: Do most people try to put a whole set together and if so, do they just do the commons and rookies or do they try to get every single card possible.

I was writing out my first post (09/10 Panini NBA set) and listing out the cards I did not have and I realized that I was not as close to having a complete set as I thought I was. Not only that, but even if I buy another hobby box, I still don’t think I’d finish up the set.

For an average set, what is the best way to start and finish a set?

Thanks for the advice…Rob

[tapintomac]

welcome rob - this site is great for starting and finishing sets - I've been here about two years and have finished or gotten much closer to finishing a lot of sets - old and new. I have some as far back as 77-78 in fact that tradwers have helped me finish here.

I consider a set complete when all base and rookies are done. Only the 07-08 topps set have I completed the inserts as well, and it was quite an undertaking.

Good luck on here, and let me know what sets you are trying to complete.

[teacheric]

Rob, you can do whatever you want.

A complete set refers to the base set and most often includes SPs and Rookies.

A master set refers to the base set (+ SPs and RCs) as well as the inserts.

An insance person would only go for the ENTIRE run...parallels included. I haven't met one of those people...yet. ;)

I recommend the base set + SPs (short prints) and RCs.
The inserts CAN be a chase but if you're going after a lower-end product like Panini, it can be done.

This forum can be a help. Looking for lots on eBay is a good way as well.

Good luck and I may have some of what you're looking for. ;)

[wrafman]

As a set collector, who like you, has collected on and off over many years, I can tell you that set-building is much more difficult than it might seem. Set bulding can be rewarding though. I like building sets and am working on about twelve sets but decided to give up on a few because it is too difficult, time-consuming and expensive. I suggest you just collect the base set and RCs, but you should do/collect whatever you like.

The hardest part is completing the set. I am still looking for some commons from sets going back to 2000-01.

[grayrob8178]

I appreciate all of the replies. I am enjoying getting back into the hobby and learning all that has changed in the past decade.

I think my goals, when it comes to sets, will be to collect the base set and rookies and then any particular inserts that are really wanted.

I think the key is to collect what I want to collect, otherwise it is not going to be any fun.

One thing is for sure, this stuff can get expensive if you are not careful!

[wrafman]

Glad we could help - you are definitely right about the expensive part. Patience is also a key. I like the K.I.S.(S) philosophy - 'keep it simple'. Many people choose sets that are overly ambitious and discover that they do not have the desire or budget to finish them. Then they often have to sell or trade the cards for much less than they paid for them as they may have overpaid on these cards because of set needs.

[ISO NJ 30 G]

Rob:

I'm not a set collector (player collecting for me!), but welcome aboard to SCF! I admire both player collectors and set collectors, as both tasks require dedication and focus. Good luck and enjoy!

-Matt