Getting back into collecting

[crock77]

A lot has changed! Some questions for the regulars here.

1. Panini appears to be the brand of choice for football. Which sets are preferred in terms of potential value? Prizm?

2. When hobby boxes, come out, what do they typically cost? Looking at the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Football Hobby Box (5 autos, etc), looks like they range from $300-$400 on the open market?

3. Can hobby boxes be preordered from Panini before the release date?

4. When you pull premium cards (e.g. Trevor auto), what do you store them in?

5. For unopened boxes and cards in general, what are ideal conditions for storage?

Thanks!

[jplcom]

1. Panini appears to be the brand of choice for football. Which sets are preferred in terms of potential value? Prizm?
A. National Treasures, Immaculate, and Flawless.

2. When hobby boxes, come out, what do they typically cost? Looking at the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Football Hobby Box (5 autos, etc), looks like they range from $300-$400 on the open market?
A. Check a site like Dave and Adams Cardworld, Steelcity Collectibles, and Blowout Cards. Figure eBay sellers will be +/- 5-10% of them.

3. Can hobby boxes be preordered from Panini before the release date?
A. No, they will show a countdown on their site, then it's live for anyone to buy. If you want to preorder to reserve your spot, go with one of the people from the question above.

4. When you pull premium cards (e.g. Trevor auto), what do you store them in?
A. Ultra Pro One Touch magnetic case, or penny sleeve plus top loader plus team bag. If it's really fancy, send it in to PSA or BGS and store it in a graded tamper evident case.

5. For unopened boxes and cards in general, what are ideal conditions for storage?
A. Dark area that is temperature controlled with lower humidity.

[crock77]

Thanks jplcom. Appreciate the detailed answers. Very helpful. These 1 pack hobby boxes you highlighted are insane. These things have come a long way!

[doniceage]

Jordan,
Thanks for the awesome reply.

Don

[pwaldo]

Panini is the only licensed maker of football cards. There are a few companies that pump out unlicensed and college level stuff but for NFL cards the only choice you currently have is Panini.

[chakhae1]

First off now is the absolute worst time to get into collecting b/c of the costs of wax right now. Collectors are heavily relying on retail products from Target and other locations and it has driven them to stupidity. There is no other way to put it. Google search incidents at Target and Walmart regarding sports cards and you will quite the list of mishaps that have gone on. They have since banned the purchase of sports cards, but I believe that has been lifted at some locations.

If you are still looking to get back into he hobby look to spend at least $200 per box for a box pre-pandemic would have cost under 100. My advice to you is to wait until next year when everything is back to normal and prices are back to what they used to be.

[crock77]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback.