Being new to collecting, I have a few random questions there doesn’t seem to be a specific answer to. I figured anyone else on here new to collecting or the community might have their own questions as well. This thread is intended to ask those questions, and possibly get some great answers! I’m not 100% sure if this has been done on here before, and I’m also not sure if it belongs in General or RTC, so please forgive me for any hiccups. ^.^’ This is my very first thread.
To start it off, here are some questions of my own…
What’s the general etiquette for trading, especially from out of country? And what are some things to keep in mind when shipping cards?
What are some of the bigger milestones for the tcg as a whole? For example, what was the last set that was printed 1st edition in English?
Starting off, is it recommended to purchase and pull from packs? How does one get to the point where you collect Base Set Charizards? I understand money is a huge factor, but I’d think that most people start smaller in the beginning.
Besides Sugimori, who are some other hard-hitting artists? Are there a lot of people that collect their cards by artist?
and finally…
How the heck are they going to fit Alolan Exeggutor on the card?
First, I can’t unsee Shining Raichu after your Dab post.
I think the standard for trading is the lower feedback individual sends first. Always use tracking. For most international countries you can get first class DELCON through ebay, probably the best option for price point + tracking.
This one is a bit open ended. There is a lot that could answer this question. In relation to last 1st Edition set in English, that would be Neo Destiny. Neo Destiny is also the only set to feature the Light Pokemon as well.
Steady. That is the word to focus on when getting back into the game. Information is everywhere now, so it is easy to find too much to buy. In relation to packs, there is nothing like opening a booster pack. To this day it is one of my favorite things to do in the hobby.
Sugimori, Arita, Imakuni, Himeno; people sleep on Himeno. She was one of the artists from the original era. But Sugimori and Arita are the most prominent.
Himeno is the second most prolific Pokemon artist. I believe the tally right now for 2nd is Himeno 522, Arita 521. Sounds like a competition may be happening between these two:)
Plus, she’s a girl which is why I’m surprised nobody talks about collecting her exclusively…especially our female Pokemon enthusiasts.
Scott’s answers were pretty on point, but i’ve got a bit more to add:
95% of people in the hobby are good people, and it won’t matter if they send first, you send same time, or you send first. That being said, most people have some sort of personal policy. It’s best to ask when you’re starting a trade what their position on who sends first is. Being new to the hobby, you’ll probably be asked to send first most of the time.
Some of the big milestones are probably the era changes. Most people collect cards from certain eras. Here are the most well-recognized eras:
WOTC era (Base Set-Neo Destiny): Cards were produced by Wizards of the Coast, hence WOTC. All sets had 1st Edition and Unlimited variants. The Neo sets added the first true “Ultra Rare” cards in the Shinings.
E-Series (Expedition-Skyridge): Cards were changed to be compatible with the Game Boy Advance e-reader. Only 3 sets in this era, but collectors really like them, especially the Crystal cards.
EX Series (Ruby & Sapphire - Power Keepers): Introduced the first “ex” cards, and changed card design again.
DPt era (D&P Base - Platinum Arceus): Introduced the Lv. X mechanic, and removed ex cards. Card design changed.
HGSS era (HGSS Base - Call of Legends): Introduced the LEGEND and Prime mechanics, and removed Lv. X. Card design changed
BW/XY era (BW Base - XY Evolutions): Some people separate these but I keep them together. The mechanics and card design never changed unless you count Megas. Introduced Pokemon-EX and Full Art Pokemon cards.
There really isn’t a formula to starting your collection. My approach was pretty much to buy cards and/or packs I really liked, and go from there. I eventually figured out what I wanted to collect. You’re definitely right in saying everyone starts out small. Opening packs is always super fun, but you should know that you’re most likely going to lose money. The only way people make money by opening packs is by buying insane amounts of product at distributor prices.
Forgive the shameless plug, but I made a video on my youtube channel about my personal top 10 TCG artists. Feel free to check it out www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6cyTIuCyD0
No idea, they’re gonna have to pay those illustrators extra for that one…
Nice video Ethan.
You mentioned Arita was 2nd on the most prolific list. Where did you find that info and what are his numbers now compared to Himemaru?
You’re welcome. ;] I’m going to hunt down all the dabbing Pokemons. The truth is out there.
The arts are so beautiful for Neo Destiny. ;u; Not going to forget the 1st edition cap with that in mind.
And I didn’t realize Imakuni was an actual person! His cards certainly do him justice. And is there any reason people underestimate Himeno in comparison to the others?
Adding some more to point 1. Don’t be afraid to pay the 2.9% plus 30 cents for a paypal invoice as well. That is always an option. It seems it is the most obvious, most secure option and it too often circumvented for avoidance of such a minuscule fee. Small price to pay for safety and security in your early purchases. A good rewards credit card almost fully negates the fee.
JUMBO cards with regular sized type and a huuuuuge pokemon-art box! As far as for regular sized cards… you got me there. Maybe a scale break or something on the y axis of the photo?
That timeline is pretty helpful, I’m trying to remember all of the sets but it’s hard remembering the order sometimes, especially since I wasn’t collecting much past WOTC initially.
And you have a point with the pack pulling. But I also agree with Scott, the unknown is pretty exciting. I grabbed a pack of Furious Fists on a whim, and ended up pulling my first Dragonite since Fossil! Maybe the key is finding a happy medium, where you budget enough to get the cards you need while still have enough for the rush of packs now and then? That seems like a personal decision.
You got yourself a sub, that video was very informative. Just a little surprised at where Sugimori was, but the reasoning is pretty justified.
Honestly I’m betting on another secret exeggutor, there’s no way they can do the Alolan form without a full art in my opinion.
Yeah, I’ve read a few horror stories on here, and invoices+tracking seems to be the most secure combo. Didn’t know the exact price of an invoice though, which is definitely something to consider when saving. And with that small a percentage, I don’t see why people would avoid it? Even with higher dollar cards, that’s not bad at all.
I didn’t consider Jumbos, could totally see them putting out some kind of Alolan Exeggutor GX box. For regular cards, I was considering perspective too. Maybe a diagonal overhead view with his lil head leaves poking out of the box just a little bit? I hope whoever draws him has as much fun making it as it is speculating it. ^.^
I’d like to thank everyone that’s responded so far, your answers have given me a lot to research and think about. :] If anyone else has questions, feel free to ask!
Everyone else’s answers are spot on so far but I wanted to add two more cents to point 3
When collecting it is so very important to have a goal - not having a goal will result in so many non-related purchases that you’ll enjoy for a time but they lack something further, like a gratification on completing or working on completing a goal. It’s incredibly important both from an enjoyment aspect as well as a financial standpoint in my opinion.
It ultimately doesn’t matter what the goal is, and it can be widened in time too. @quuador and myself collect Pikachu, @tonysandlin collects Voltorbs and Electrodes, and there are others here who have specific Pokemon collections. Others focus on collecting Gold Stars, some PSA Shining cards, some Base Set… the options are endless. Our love for the hobby brings us all together here to help each other out, whether that is in sales, information, or general support.
This is a good point, and something I’ve personally been working on with a goals list. I can’t imagine how hectic it must be collecting Pikachu though. o.o
Just a little surprised at where Sugimori was, but the reasoning is pretty justified.
