This post was originally written by and published on BallcardGenius.com
The thrill of buying a new baseball card for your collection. That's what makes #mailday a thing, right? Sure we collect to add to our shelves and boxes, but we also like showing them off!
But how do you personally go about obtaining those cards? What's the best way?
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, there are several ways to buy baseball cards. Each method has its own set of advantages and potential pitfalls.
1. Singles: The Precise Pick
When you know exactly what you want, buying singles is the way to go. It's like ordering à la carte at a restaurant. You get precisely what you crave without the extras.
The beauty of singles is that you save money by not buying in bulk or leaving things to chance with packs or boxes. Plus, it allows you to craft your collection just the way you envision it.
The way I do it is utilizing eBay saved searches. For instance, I'm always on the lookout for new A's autos from Rickey Henderson, Mark McGwire, or Jose Canseco. Thus, I'll simply save "canseco auto" and will then check it every day or so to see if anything new and cool is hitting the marketplace.
Sure, I've been lucky enough to hit a Canseco auto (even Rickey) but it's never as fulfilling as buying the exact one I want (and typically for less money than a hobby box).
Great for:
Player collectors
Team collectors
Beginner collectors
Those low on space
Minimalist collectors
Risk averse collectors
2. Card Lots: The Collector's Buffet
Now, if à la carte isn't quite enough to fill your collector's stomach, perhaps I can interest you in a buffet option? For those who bleed team colors or idolize a particular player, card lots are a treasure trove. Imagine getting a lot of 50 different Oakland A's insert cards or 50 different Rickey Henderson cards. You can also check out random lots, which are akin to a mystery box, offering variety and a sprinkle of surprise.
With lots, it's essential to inquire about the range of years and sets included. Or better yet, try to see some pictures of what you'll be getting if you can. You wouldn't want to end up with 50 duplicates of a common card, would you?
Great for:
Team collectors
Player collectors
Set collectors
Risk averse collectors
3. Sealed Boxes: The Risk Taker's Delight
Now, if you'd rather not know what you're buying and are OK with walking away with nothing for your money (but perhaps are feeling lucky and dream of hitting the jackpot), sealed boxes are your best bet.
Sealed boxes are brand new, and filled with unopened packs of cards. They offer the chance to discover something rare and valuable. Configuration could range from just a few packs of cards per box that contain a few cards each, to something like 24 or even 36 packs of cards with at least a handful of cards in each. It really depends on the product and manufacturer.
Many people view box-buying as the best way to buy cards because they might be guaranteed at least one auto or relic if not more, and again, could be a big name player. As an added bonus, for those methodical collectors, a box could also bring them a step closer to completing an entire set.
But here's the catch: not all boxes are created equal. Even those that guarantee hits like autographs or relics might provide very little value; as in a fraction of what you paid for the box.
And then there's the choice between blaster boxes (retail) and the more premium hobby boxes.
In the end, always do your homework. Know the odds and what's included in the set you're buying.
Great for:
Risk takers
Set collectors
Graders
4. Sealed Packs: The Quick Fix
Similar to boxes but on a smaller scale, sealed packs are for those who love the thrill of the unknown but don't want to plop down hundreds of bucks at a time. Card packs provide a quick dose of excitement, especially if you pull a rare card. But, again, there's always a but—you may not hit anything.
Not to mention that while they might be more affordable than boxes, there's typically no guarantee of a hit unless it's from a high-end set.
Last, a word of caution: if you're buying from a physical retail store, check for any signs of tampering. You wouldn't want to be the victim of a pack-searcher.
Great for:
Risk takers
Set collectors
Graders
5. Complete Sets: The Collector's Dream
For those who want it all, buying complete sets is the ultimate satisfaction. Complete sets offer a guarantee of every card on the base checklist, and if you're lucky, they'll be in mint condition.
Especially of late, complete sets offer a bit of the risk found in boxes and packs thanks to them offering exclusive parallels that vary from set to set.
But here's a pro tip: to maintain value, keep those sets sealed. Alternatively, though, if you're after a specific card in gem mint condition for grading purposes, this might be your best shot.
6. Bulk and "Loose" Buys: The Treasure Hunt
Last, and perhaps most exciting of all, imagine someone selling their entire collection on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. It's like being handed a map to buried treasure. Sure, some cards might be worn out from years of admiration, but the thrill of sifting through a collection is unparalleled.
In fact, this is exactly how I got into cards—going to garage sales and flea markets with my dad and buying up huge collections in bulk.
However, be prepared. You might find a gem, or you might end up with a pile of common cards. Always inspect in person if possible and have a system to categorize and integrate them into your collection. The worst thing I did as a young collector was just plop all of these cards into bins.
Anyway, if I've said it once, I've said it a million times—in the world of baseball card collecting, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's a journey filled with choices, risks, and rewards. Whether you're buying singles, lots, boxes, packs, in bulk, or complete sets, always remember to enjoy the process. After all, it's not just about the cards; it's about the stories they tell and the memories they hold. Happy collecting!