Noob needs help

[Robertos87]

Hey guys, new to not just this forum but the whole world of trading cards. I'm a big NFL fan with two young kids. I thought collecting cards with my boys would be a nice hobby for*us all to share, so I jumped on a Amazon*and bought a box of Topps Fire. I opened it with my four year old and we had a ball seeing what cards we got and putting them into their sleeves. Everyday he grabs the folder and looks through it. I'm very happy I decided to start this with my boys, and will be buying a box each pay day. One problem. I kind of have no idea*what I'm doing. I see all this jargon and am lost as to which cards are average and*which are good. Is there any resource out*there that I can read to familiarise myself with the hobby? Because right now I don't have a clue. Thanks guys.

Sent from my HTC_Desire_320 using Tapatalk

 

[Brewer Andy]

You've picked a good forum to join. Generally nice people hang around here and would be happy to answer any questions you may have! The modern card world can certainly be overwhelming so don't feel silly asking before you spend hard earned money

 

[Waxov]

Welcome to FCB and cards in general. I probably will make a more in depth post later, but right now I want to get one important advice out of the way-

When buying boxes find out if redemptions are in it, and when they expire. Avoid expired redemption boxes like the plague!! :smile:

 

[mrdallas]

Another good rule of thumb…. AVOID loose RETAIL packs from places like Target, Wal-Mart etc. like the plague. 99% of the times searched by pack searchers. And welcome to the forums and collecting.

 

[homerun28aa]

Avoid buying individual packs on eBay like the plague. There's essentially a guarantee that they've been weighed down to ensure there are no "hits" in the pack.

 

[Robertos87]

Thanks so much for the advice guys! I should have told you guys I live in Sydney, so I have to buy online. I've bought the blaster box, should I be getting a different box? Can I still get any card in that box? And how can I find out which cards are good pulls? Atm I'm looking at the cards and I'm not sure.

Sent from my HTC_Desire_320 using Tapatalk

 

[Waxov]

A lot of the blasters have similar pull odds to retail, where they don't guarantee autos and have a much harder time with rare parallels.

In terms of what pulls are the best- rookie autos, rookie parallels, rookie parallel autos, parallel autos of stars, multi color patch cards(the more color breaks the better) rare refractors. That is open and vague because every product is going to be taken differently by the fans, but in NFL star and rookie QB autos that are low #d are easily the most sought after. The majority of people here are MLB guys but a lot is similar.

 

[Robertos87]

Thanks mate. Going off what you've said I think the best card I got was an aikman green parallel refractor numbered 16/99. Does that sound right or have I got it completely wrong?

Sent from my HTC_Desire_320 using Tapatalk

 

[Waxov]

Yeah, if you didn't get any autos then a HOF QB parallel was probably the best.

Another good thing to know is that price guides are fun to look at and are good estimates, but past ebay results is always a superior way to find a cards value.

 

[AnthonyCorona]

Yeah, if you didn't get any autos then a HOF QB parallel was probably the best.

Another good thing to know is that price guides are fun to look at and are good estimates, but past ebay results is always a superior way to find a cards value.

That is the best advice you'll get as far as value. Beckett can list any price but a completed eBay auction is what a person actually paid. Is shipping to the land down under pretty expensive?

 

[predatorkj]

Best bang for your buck used to be topps chrome. Decently cheap too. I'd try that and maybe prizm. Decent pulls but still an affordable box to break for the kiddos.

 

[gt2590]

Thanks mate. Going off what you've said I think the best card I got was an aikman green parallel refractor numbered 16/99. Does that sound right or have I got it completely wrong?

Sounds like a cool card. Did the kids get excited or sit there wondering who the heck that guy was? He's now the Lead announcer for Fox NFL, if you guys get that down there...

 

[Robertos87]

My oldest is only four so he's got no idea, hahaha, but yeah I know who he is. Yeah We get a bit and I buy game pass so I get a lot of nfl here. I bought a hobby box, just waiting for it to arrive so fingers crossed we get some thing nice.

Sent from my HTC_Desire_320 using Tapatalk

 

[gt2590]

My oldest is only four so he's got no idea, hahaha, but yeah I know who he is. Yeah We get a bit and I buy game pass so I get a lot of nfl here. I bought a hobby box, just waiting for it to arrive so fingers crossed we get some thing nice.

Good luck with your Box and keep us posted!

 

[Robertos87]

Thanks mate!

Sent from my HTC_Desire_320 using Tapatalk

 

[kryslarry]

Getting in to a hobby like this with young kids? My advice is to buy what you can afford, and enjoy opening with your kids. Keep it simple in the beginning and go for what you like to look at and share. Young kids have a habbit of dinging corners and bending cards (they don't mean to, it just happens) and you can't get mad at them for it. It would ruin the fun. It doesn't sound as if you are in it to turn a profit (maybe not yet ) but for the fun. Stay in touch with the really great crowd on this site, and don't be afraid to ask questions here. We were all in your spot at one time, though many of us can't remember that far back! Yes, me included. Once you get the overwhelming start out of the way, see what you like best or your kids like the best. It will narrow your focus and keep you from going overboard. Rookies and major stars usually are worth more, and numbered cards like your Aikman or game-used are always cool and usually bring a premium. Maybe find a favorite team and focus on that or a favorite player and most of all, HAVE FUN WITH IT! Good luck and welcome to the forums.

 

[tramers]

remember to read the backs to the boys , this will help them want to read . When you pick a team or player let us know .
BTW ; I know the baseball player that just set baseball home run record in Australia - he played for local team .