I have just recently “adjusted” my collecting goals…Over the past year or so, I was trying to complete 1st edition WOTC binder sets. With prices going bonkers lately I had to do some soul searching and decide if I really wanted to spend thousands of dollars more to finish what I had started (I am an idiot and started with the cheap cards first rather than the more expensive cards like I should have).
It was a tough pill to swallow because I only needed 50 or so more cards to finish my goals, but I decided to stop buying 1st editions and pick up complete unlimited sets instead. At first it felt disappointing to abandon my goals, but once the unlimiteds came in, and I got to see the complete sets in all their glory for the first time, with no blank spaces in my binder, it felt great. I realized that simply completing the sets and being able to look at and appreciate the cards was more important to me than having that extra little 1st Edition stamp on the side.
Not only do I avoid spending thousands more to finish, but there is the added benefit of no longer being tempted to sell my cards as they skyrocket in value, I know I can hold onto these for the long term. I had always just wanted cards to keep forever because I enjoy flipping through them once in awhile, but as their value climbs into the tens of thousands of dollars, there is always that thought in the back of my mind of “what else could I be doing with that money instead…?” If prices continue to rise, I can simply sell my 1st editions with no regrets and pocket a nice amount of coin, while still having the unlimiteds to enjoy.
TL,DR: be honest with yourself and what you enjoy about the hobby, why you are into collecting, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your goals.
I’ve done the same recently and then a few more times since then and it doesn’t get any easier but adapt or die I think in this market and hobby and I’ve continuously found new cards and goals and dreams that are fun when I have to give up another one. Too many great aspects in this hobby.
I can 100% relate to you on this haha. I literally only need shadowless Charizard to complete the set, but I’m priced out of it now because I stupidly saved it for last.
Agreed, I’ve found myself asking this exact thing as prices rise and my goals of a copy of every deck variant have gotten more difficult to achieve. I think I’ll have to just kick back in hopes values will eventually drop or be happy with what I have, which is more likely.
I also retired and just buy Magikarp shit cards of like 1 usd to look at and enjoy. Kinda tired of this adrenaline stress market rollercoaster. Sit back and chill if you are already happy with what you’ve achieved.
Good decision in my opinion. I only started collecting vintage again at the beginning of the year, so first editions were already well out of my price range. I definitely agree with the sentiment.
I think nowadays the average new collector just has to admit that the price to enjoyment ratio just isn’t worth it for high end mint first editions or PSA cards. Personally I don’t see how someone could enjoy owning 1 single 1st ed PSA card over say 10 classic LP binder sets.
I found a modern set that I like as I really enjoy the gigantamax concept in the actual game. I’m only missing 3 gigamantax cards which is the meowth, eevee, and pikachu promo which are all 50$+. Rainbow rares aside which I’m not too fond of. I need the two eternamax cards too but they’re not gigantamax. The pic I uploaded was only about 70$ for all of the cards.
Great post mate! It’s funny I’ve often thought about would getting card A rather than card B actually give me more happiness in my life… and when I think hard enough the answer is usually no.
Isn’t shadowless zard still affordable (I know it’s all subjective) unless you’re wanting a PSA 10. But if you’re looking for a binder copy like a 5, I think it’s very doable.
A PSA 2 shadowless zard just sold for $2k in a PWCC auction. So I can see how even a decent looking binder copy could be out of reach now. It’s incredible how quickly this has changed.
Personally, I actually bought a raw shadowless zard from my cousin for $400 just a month ago. That would have still been in reach for most collectors. I think it would also get a PSA 2 or 3. At the time it was a good deal, but I already feel bad. He held it for 20 years and missed the recent surge by one month. I’ll probably give him more money for the card. I guess that’s the problem with buying from family!
Ohh wow. I didn’t know that the shadowless one became this expensive too. I genuinely thought a PSA 5-6 would be $2k and I know it’s big money but still within the reach of everyday people if you save for a few months.
Unlike 1st edition PSA 5 selling for $20k. I actually sold my 1st edition zard for $500. But can’t sit and regret. It is what it is and I possibly never own another again unless there’s a huge dip and it comes around to $2-5k. But we all have to adjust our goals. I still feel shadowless is doable if someone wants it.
Also I just checked eBay and a CGC 4.5 shadowless is available for $1800!! And CGC is usually a harder grader so it might easily equate to a PSA. But if you say a PSA 2 sold for $2k, then a 4.5 for $1.8k is an absolute steal. You might wanna snag it now for your collection goals!!
I don’t think I’ve seen any under the $1k (CAD) mark in a while. I personally can’t justify spending that kind of money on 1 card. I’m probably one of the smaller collectors here lol.
I totally understand. I’m a small collector too. I only ever have made 3-4 deals for over $1k. Heck I have never even opened a wotc pack in my life. Ever. But just a couple of days ago I saved up money and bought a jungle 1st ed pack and a skyridge pack. They are part of the 3-4 deals I ever made close to 1k. I’m content with what I buy though. Pokémon cards should make me/anyone happy. Going way over my means and being financially irresponsible and having sleepless nights won’t give me any joy. I try to make the best judgement in terms of what I like + value within my means.
This and “price memory” drove me to other collectibles for a while during the pandemic as I was sick of blatantly “overpaying”.
Then I had to throw that away and be in the mentality of what I don’t buy today is more expensive tomorrow. That helps, but still a daunting task of trying to master set everything. It’s going to end up costing me some vital organs at this rate.
