it started with tickets...

My local card shop has a Facebook page. The owner announced on this page that he had free New Britain Rock Cats tickets for those who wanted them. I jumped at this, of course, as I've been dying to get to a game as of late. The game is this Sunday and they'll be playing the Harrisburg Senators. Should be a good time.

Well, it wouldn't be much of a post if I stopped there, would it?

I sent him a message asking if he had gotten in his Gypsy Queen yet. He said that it should be there any minute. I proceeded to ask him how much boxes were going for. His reply was "about $150ish". Ouch. That's about what they are now averaging online, scary, no? Well, yes it is but if the Christy Mathewson deal taught me anything, it is that bartering is good. Very good. So I checked out my stuff, rounded up some trade and headed on over to the shop. With the trade stuff, I managed to get the cost of the box and six packs down to a flat $100. That folks, I can work with. I had to get some of the set, my collecting itch doesn't go away when it gets itchy, so I had to think of something. Packs are selling for about $9 right now over there and boxes are $159. Here is what I ended up with:

Boy, the cardboard Gods must have been smiling upon me. My box contained the Youkilis and Ripken relics and the Freeman auto redemption. It also had the Pelfrey (leather parallel numbered 1/10 but its not really leather) and the Halladay sepia numbered 99/99 (this card is spoken for). Seems I was missing that second auto, so My UPC will be sent in for my second no name auto. The Freeman is on eBay right now due to them selling for a decent amount of money.

The packs had the Frank Robinson mini relic, the Markakis auto, and in the same pack was the Fukudome relic and Ruben Tejada mini cyan plate. This is only the second plate I've ever pulled and BOTH have been Mets (the first was a Jose Reyes from National Chicle).

I really like the set but due to cost I won't be finishing it up. I really don't think he will let me trade up for another box so it looks like this is it for boxes. He also informed me of a potential reason as to why this set is doing what it is.

He spoke with two different distributers and they both gave the same reason. Seems that when this set was solicited in December, orders and interest were low. So Topps printed less just to be cautious. Makes sense as to why they cut the set down by 100 cards last minute. So maybe I have been a bit harsh on Topps if this is the truth. Most dealers and collectors must have passed this off as 'just another retro set', and saw that might be hot last minute so now everyone is scrambling for product. Also if this is the case, this set will seemingly be always tough to find and expensive (card shop guy expected boxes to be around $200 next month), due to not much of it being out there. We will just have to see.

ahh...good old topps...part two

I suppose that Topps has created quite the ruckus with Gypsy Queen. After reading and responding to the comments yesterday, I am definitely glad to know that people have opinions on this whole matter, even if they disagree with me. Ryan G made a very good point about Upper Deck doing this with their 1989 release. In that example, I see that as good business. Here is why. Back in 1989 there were four companies (Donruss, Fleer, Score and Topps) making cards. Then Upper Deck joins the fray and blows away the competition with their 1989 set, which is still probably one of the most important sets released in the past 30 years. Thing is though there was actual competition back then. The pie was bigger but broken up into five parts. Here in 2011, Topps doesn't have that issue. The pie is all theirs. THAT'S why I am a little upset by their actions. They don't need to add hype to their products because they still sell and will continue to regardless. No one is taking away Topps' pie yet and I really don't think they need to worry about it. You know what though? Ryan also made another good point, in that maybe Topps wants to fix the whole autograph ordeal. If that's the case, then it is for the better but the early adopters will have to have their wallets suffer a little.

This hasn't sullied my experience as a collector, nor does it make me want the set any less. I don't plan on collecting the full set, nor did I ever. I don't usually piece together any sets aside from the basic Topps series 1 and 2, unless it really captures my interest. I will buy some GQ when I can and would love to go out and find some right now. I just don't want to overpay for some right now. I'll just have to wait and see.

Another topic that was brought up in the comments was about Triple Threads. I associate Triple Threads and Tribute pretty closely. Both are way to expensive for what you get in return and both don't usually justify the cost of the box. Good example; my local shop busted a box of Tribute. They are selling at an average of almost $400 online. I didn't ask what he paid, nor would he tell me (nor would I expect him to). His best hit of the box was an Ernie Banks auto/dual bat relic. A really awesome card. What can he sell it for though? $200, At most? I have no idea what justifies this product as being how much it is. As a retailer, I would be upset and never open any of it to resell because I'd never get my return. Just sell the boxes out at $350 or whatever and let the customers deal with what they get. I hear Triple Threads is even worse in this department.

Overall, I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes or try and get people to be mad with me and go storm the Topps building or anything. I, as a collector and a consumer, just feel that we shouldn't have to overpay for our cards and I won't. I can't. Obviously the rest of you have your own ideals and views and if you want to go out and find some Gypsy Queen, I wish you the best in your purchases and would still love to see what you all get but I will be sitting the bench on this set for the time being.