Upgrading is satisfying, don't you think?

Exhibitman · #1 06-21-2011, 10:24 AM

There is a middle road, so to speak, which is consistency. I don't really care whether the cards are ex or mint, as long as they are visually appealing and consistent throughout my holdings. I will frequently get rid of cards that are below or above the average for the issue I am collecting in order to arrive at a consistent visual presentation for the set.

Doug · #2 06-22-2011, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

There is a middle road, so to speak, which is consistency. I don't really care whether the cards are ex or mint, as long as they are visually appealing and consistent throughout my holdings. I will frequently get rid of cards that are below or above the average for the issue I am collecting in order to arrive at a consistent visual presentation for the set.

I think that's an great point. I've seen plenty of examples of VG cards with excellent overall eye appeal for a fraction of the price of the same cards in EX condition that don't have the same overall high end appearance. If I can get a lower grade, visually appealing card and save some money in the process, then that's the route I'm going.

Scott T · #3 06-22-2011, 04:39 PM

When high-end collectors upgrade their cards, those cards are upgrades for middle-grade collectors, whose cards then turn into upgrades for us low-end collectors!

Congrats!

Volod · #4 06-23-2011, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott T

When high-end collectors upgrade their cards, those cards are upgrades for middle-grade collectors, whose cards then turn into upgrades for us low-end collectors!

Congrats!

Trickle-down card collecting, huh?

novakjr · #5 06-23-2011, 10:55 AM

Everything comes down to preference and financial ability. Those collectors that have fallen in love with a set or two and have decided to make those sets their specialty, are more likely to upgrade. While on the other hand, people that are more interested in "say" a complete Topps run(as example, basically compiling as opposed to perfection) are more likely to downgrade, and get the "2 for 1" deal as someone mentioned earlier. Personally, I'm a compiler and am not really that condition sensitive. I love the beaters. Eye appeal is somewhat important, BUT it's not that often I come across a card I don't find appealing. My father on the other hand is one of the condition/upgrade guys. His '54 Bowman football set is rather nice(5th current finest psa), and I've watched him over the years make many upgrades, and sometimes downgrade for a better looking card or in trades for multiple cards(that while downgrading the main card also upgraded a handful of others as part of the trade), only to upgrade again. It seems like fun, but also alot of work. I've often considered picking a specialty set, but I'm too indecisive. Maybe I have ADD or something..

smtjoy · #6 06-24-2011, 10:33 AM

I am a set & player collector, my upgrading really depends on the set-

On a few tough sets like 1926 and 1933 Exhibts I am just happy to get a card in any grade, I like to upgrade but only if the price is right or my first card is really bad. Now I will pay up for a mid grade if its a card I need.

On other more common sets like 1934-37 Exhibits, I am trying to get them all in the VG range, in these cases many times I will sell any high grades ones I get and downgrade. I also make a point of upgrading any P-G cards.

On a newer set like 1947-66 Exhibits, I am working to get the set in EX-MT, I have sold off lots of cards in the NM+ range and upgrade my lower conditions but I watch the cost a lot. I do not see much value in upgrading a card from a PSA 5 to a 6 but I would pay up to go from a PSA 3 to a 6.

On my Clemente cards, I really like to get a nice solid example but any top graded cards I get I would rather sell/trade to the top two Clemente collectors for other Clemente cards I need. I get so much more satisifaction at just getting a card I need or discovering a new card vs upgrading.

I do not have a set that I am trying to get in top condition (nothing above ex-mt other than Clementes), It is just not my cup of tea, I would rather save that money for other cards I want.

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