Opportunity cost is a big deal in this hobby, despite evidence showing that the latest and greatest product is always the most popular. Although said latest and greatest product is usually the most popular in the secondary market, it is also safe to say that many collectors look at the release calendar before dropping major coin on currently available product.
Actually, I am in a dilemma right now, as it is looking like Panini’s new Plates and Patches set is looking to be their best secondary market singles product of the year so far. As it stands, there are a few cards I would have no problem saying that I would be glad to have, and yet, I am having a hard time justifying purchase due to a few other things that are going to be happening.
First, Contenders is not far off. Although it bugs the fucking shit out of me that it is foil based for the autographs, its still a good set to look at for singles purchases. They are Panini’s first on card autographs in a long long time, and as long as they don’t turn out streaky and bubbly like I expect them to, I may consider looking into a few.
Secondly, like Contenders, National Treasures will be making a splash sooner rather than later. The set’s rookie patch autos are shaping up to be very cool with their hard signed signatures, and I know they will be expensive to collect. The other cards in the set look to be relatively run of the mill, so Im not going to spend much in that respect.
Lastly, there is the grandaddy of 2010, Topps Five Star that should come soon. Its been delayed a few times, which sucks, but thus is the nature of the beast with on card products. Guess what though? I will gladly bide my time until it is released, as the opportunity cost of spending my money now will greatly weigh on my ability to spend the money later on these OBVIOUSLY superior cards. Even if the box breaks suck, the singles are still going to be fucking rad (yes, they will be so cool that I used an 80s level adjective), and I want to be able to spend spend spend.
Even though Plates and Patches is looking good, is it really going to be THAT different from any other card you could buy this year? Not really. In fact, this is where opportunity cost should come into it for you too. Is buying that box of Plates and Patches a better buy than a box of 2009 SP Authentic/Ultimate Collection or 2008 NT or SPA? Hell, is spending 400 on a box of Five Star better than just buying an autographed football from ANYONE that is still alive? Those are the questions you should be asking yourself.
In all honesty I have never been more bored with the hobby than I am right now. I don’t know if it’s the mediocre rookie class, or that every product seems to be the same, or if its that my player collections have kind of hit a wall, but whatever the case disinterest is there.
I for 1 will not me waiting for Contenders. I don’t know how they justify the price on that product. When you really think about what you get in a box of contenders it should not be more than about 90 dollars.
Hopefully there will be oodles of group breaks with 5 star and Treasures. Maybe that will get me cranked up again.
Am I the only one that’s bored out there?
I also am bored and not impressed with the current hobby. Monopolies over the types of cards have resulted in no accountability for companies like topps and panini. Upper deck had shady business practices, but made great nfl football, nba and mlb cards. I have to look for the older upper deck autograph cards to get what I want now. Until things change, which they won’t, I will have this viewpoint.
Been loading up on HOFer, on-card autographs for the last year +. At some point people will realize the supply of them is becoming very small…
Im glad someone finally said it. This is a hobby that i LOVE and I am bored to tears with it. I thought it was just me for the longest time. Its so annoying that I could buy 1 really nice single out of a product for the same price I would pay for a whole box. In that box I would more than likely get nothing but crap. I love opening boxes but this whole hobby is bass ackwards…Since UD basically left the hobby when it comes to football panini has made it a point to get more lazy in their approach to design…is this ever going to end?
“In all honesty I have never been more bored with the hobby than I am right now. I don’t know if it’s the mediocre rookie class, or that every product seems to be the same, or if its that my player collections have kind of hit a wall, but whatever the case disinterest is there.”
AMEN
Def not just you. I have been completely disconnected from the hobby for months. I think UD losing its license was part of it, Panini sucking balls at all summer/fall was part of it and uber disappointing rookie class seemed to seal it. I cant even remember the last time I opened a pack or box.