hello

[jmoak]

Hello everyone!

I'm some what of a newb and would like some help & advice. I collected cards when I was younger but gave up when my collection was stolen. I'm really out of the loop now a days when it comes to cards. I went to my local card shop the other day and now I'm hooked again. I never realized until just the other day how much I enjoy sports cards. I also realized how much cards can be worth these days. I would like to know what are the higher end pack/brand of cards I should buy if i want to score big value cards? It seems like autographed cards are very big these days. Are those what I should be looking for?

Bottom line I want to find big value cards. What packs should I buy to find these?

[RenegadeLonghorn]

This might give you a good idea of the top brands and box prices.

http://charmcitycards.com/footballcategories.htm

[jmoak]

:-) thanks. I plan on going to the card shop tomorrow with about $100 bucks. Any advice on what packs I should pick up? I want to get something good to start off my new collection. :-) man I'm stoked

[RenegadeLonghorn]

I would go with something from an 05 or 06 sets. Lots of good rookies the past two years. Unfortunately that does mean packs are going to cost more. If you plan on spending $100 you should go purchase a hobby box since you are usually guaranteed autogarphs or jersey cards depending upon the brand you buy. Some popular (and good) brands of 2006 cards for around $100 or less are Leaf Certified Materials, Leaf Rookies & Stars, Bowman Chrome, Topps Chrome, and Donruss Elite. Those all will either include one autograph in the box or a chance to pull one. If you want to slowly get back into cards there are plenty of low end sets like Fleer Ultra, Topps, Score, and Bowman but these have harder odds at pulling an autograph.

[jmoak]

So I would be better off buying a box over packs?

[RenegadeLonghorn]

yes because you are guaranteed to get something in a box (jerseys or autos). But sometimes you can hit some really good cards in random packs. It never happens for me though.

[jmoak]

Would there be a difference if I purchased cards from my local target or walmart compared to a card shop?

[arkaneinc]

some people do rather well at Wal-Mart or Target but take it from me you get more bang for your buck at a Card Shop.

If you are looking for packs go with 06 is what I would suggest. Its alot better to get a box though but thats can be few and far between aswell. honestly and it's just my opinion i would buy a card(s) off of ebay.

[Vickfan7]

Boxes/packs at Walmart/Target are almost always Retail boxes. Card shops have hobby boxes which guarantee certain stuff per box.

[jmoak]

Okay, I get it now. Thank you guys for all the help. I purchase a few packs from target earlier today, that is why I asked. Do card shops only sell hobby boxes? How can I tell the difference between hobby & retail?