BCW vs. Ultra Pro

[Jayworld]

Having all my collection in binders since the late 1980s, I have found, from personal experience, that the BCW binders are far and away better constructed and last longer that the Ultra Pro brand binders. I have found that the spine sleeves on the Ultra Pro binders begin to tear away after a year or two, whereas I have 7 BCW binders that still look brand new after being in my collection for almost 30 years.

My quandary? Why is the Ultra Pro brand so prevalent in local hobby stores (baseball card stores, comic book stores) and retail boxes like Walmart and Target, whereas BCW is only available online through their website or perhaps through eBay?

Anyone else have similar experiences?

[DaClyde]

If you want a quality binder, don't waste your time with "hobby" brands, they're mostly junk. Just go to Staples or Office Depot and get the good quality business variety.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Jayworld

Having all my collection in binders since the late 1980s, I have found, from personal experience, that the BCW binders are far and away better constructed and last longer that the Ultra Pro brand binders. I have found that the spine sleeves on the Ultra Pro binders begin to tear away after a year or two, whereas I have 7 BCW binders that still look brand new after being in my collection for almost 30 years.

My quandary? Why is the Ultra Pro brand so prevalent in local hobby stores (baseball card stores, comic book stores) and retail boxes like Walmart and Target, whereas BCW is only available online through their website or perhaps through eBay?

Anyone else have similar experiences?

Ultra Pro top loaders are the industry standard, maybe it rolls over to the binders?

[peterose4hof]

When we had a hobby store back in the 90's we switched from stocking BCW to Ultra Pro. Why you ask....because the margins were much better. We kept our retail prices the same as when we stocked BCW and realized 50-60% more profits.

We got out of the card business in 2001, but we still have a brick and mortar store (trophies & promotional items) which allows me to use my resale license to order supplies for my personal collection. Which company do I order from for my personal collection you ask....BCW of course.

[Jayworld]

Originally Posted by Leon

Ultra Pro top loaders are the industry standard, maybe it rolls over to the binders?

Good idea, Leon. Also the post below that stated margins are better with dealers selling UltraPro says a lot as well, as far as prices are concerned (and profit), but does not necessarily speak to the quality.

Anyone know any dealers that sell the BCW brand?

[Exhibitman]

One interesting factoid about BCW sheets:

The two-pocket [vertical; the tall pockets] sheets are a perfect fit for SGC postcard sized cases. I cut them in half and use them as sleeves for my SGC holders.

[sebie43]

I get all of my BCW sleeves, pages etc off of Amazon. I also prefer them to Ultra Pro, both are good though. Never used hobby binders so I cant comment.