Prices of complete sets relative to singles

jayshum · #1 03-04-2022, 09:35 AM

I remember when I was working on Topps sets 20+ years ago and the Beckett Price Guide was the main source for prices. Each set had a complete set price listed along with separate listings for commons (by series for the older sets) and then individual stars and minor stars. Usually, if you added up the prices of all the listed stars and minor stars, you got pretty close to the price listed for the entire set which seemed to mean that if you could find a whole set to buy, you would basically get the commons for free. Since I couldn't afford to buy an entire set at once, I never was able to verify if that was really true, but it certainly was implied by the price guide.

quinnsryche · #2 03-04-2022, 09:48 AM

I think it's the fact that most collectors can't afford to buy a complete set all at once but can afford to pickup a card here and there. There is also the aspect of the enjoyment of building something and the sense of accomplishment when the task is complete. That's why when many collectors finish said set, it either sits on a shelf or they decide to sell it to start something new.
Just my 2 cents.

obcbobd · #3 03-04-2022, 12:09 PM

As a seller I would sell a complete set at a discount as opposed to selling each card individually as it would save me a lot of time and energy

parkplace33 · #4 03-04-2022, 12:35 PM

It is very rare to find complete sets for sale now. Most AHs or ebay sellers (GM) break up them to maximize profit.

GasHouseGang · #5 03-04-2022, 12:43 PM

I always go back to this example. A friend of mine put together a 1933 Goudey set card by card with every card PSA6. He bought many cards in other graded holders and paid to cross them over to be sure everything was in a PSA6 holder. When he sold it as a set, he lost over $30K. I thought it was a terrible way to sell them, but that's what happened. I'm sure whoever bought it broke it up and made money.

conor912 · #6 03-04-2022, 01:52 PM

I’m a “project” guy, so I love set building. I enjoy the focus, the hunt, and the clear path to the completion of a goal. I can never wrap my head around just collecting random cards. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, it’s just not how my brain works, I guess.

I think that complete sets tend to sell for less than the sum of the parts for a few reasons.
1. Not many people buy complete sets.
2. Most of those that do buy them, do so to break them up.
3. Buying a set and breaking it takes a ton of time and effort.
4. As mentioned, there is more fun in building it than owning it.

GoCubsGo32 · #7 03-04-2022, 12:40 PM

I think it depends on a few factors.

For me...

If it's a vintage set and kinda pricey...I love the build. Usually ends up being cheaper, you pay as you go and get to pick the condition of the cards. I hate buying a vintage set via AH. I often feel because of the amount of cards in the set they're aren't described the best (unless it's a graded set). In addition, I enjoy learning about the different players as I add them into the set.

If it's a modern set, say 1987 Topps etc. I'm buying the factory set, looking through them and call it a day.

The thrill is the chase vs. the catch!

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