We are trying to gauge interest in the new premium pack format that many manufacturers are now producing. I'm speaking of packs that you purchase that contain a sketch card (and in some instances, base cards and other insert cards beyond the sketch card). These can retail anywhere between $30 and $75.

This is definitely a new way for manufacturers to present collectors with their product. Instead of the collector hoping to get a sketch card out of the pack they buy, they are now guaranteed a sketch card but are paying a premium price for it. And now base cards become the insert and it is much harder to obtain a base card set then the old tried and trusted box method of packaging.

We are wondering how Non-Sport Update readers and NSU Card Talk members feel about this new method of packaging. Do you like it? Dislike it? Please vote in our poll and then post your comments below. To try and keep this a bit more productive, perhaps it would be best if you simply state your opinion about it and not respond to what others post. We are looking for your input rather then debate on others opinions.

Thanks!

Question:
How do you like the new premium packs that are being issued? Which statement best reflects your attitude towards them.

Choices:
I like them and will purchase packs when the subject interests me.
I am interested in them but would only purchase them in rare circumstance.
I haven't yet made up my mind.
I prefer the old packaging method of 24 (or more) packs per box and will only purchase those types of products.

 

First of all, you know you’re gonna get something sweet in every pack. Secondly, the base cards arn’t that common anymore. I will be harder then ever to complete a base set! Trading amongst collectors will flourish. And did you ever think about the environmental advantage? If you have been ordering cases of product you’ll be formilliar with ending up with a lot of extra base sets. Have you been able to trade all of them? Have you given them away as presents? At some point, you might have… dumped them in the trash bin ...

I would buy them for sketch card 1 per box type products (assuming suitable price point and subject matter) because I do find myself buying cases and having lots of base cards after. Also, shippping would be much lower which helps internationals. However, I think I'd prefer something intermediate: say 10 pack boxes with the base set spread over 2 boxes and insert sets over 4-6. That way, a 8-12 box case gets a few base sets and a couple of insert sets as well as the 8-12 sketch cards.

For the auto/costume based sets, I think I'd hate it. These I tend to buy a few boxes and trade/buy the missing autos I want. I don't buy the same volume because there's not the problem of unique high end inserts which never make it past the opener, so there's a much lower incentive to try and pull everything yourself.

I voted 'I like them and will purchase packs when the subject interests me', although if we use the sketch example, it isn't true since I dislike sketch cards. If it was an autograph/memorabilia card + base cards, I would be all over it.

I haven't made up my mind yet about the packs. The Breygent mystery packs are definitely fun, and I do like the idea of more limited base sets. But, I just think that people are so used to the box format, it may be difficult for them to accept the change.

For me, it's more about the subject. However, buying a box for $50+ was somewhat prohibitive. But then again, if I stumble across a pack or two for under $5, then I can be impulsive. $30 packs aren't an impulse, but at the same time they're not a $50 box either. I got a little more elaborate yesterday on my blog:
http://tradercracks.blogspot.c...-to-fundamental.html

Clearly I am biased but I like them. I think they need to be improved, and the idea of buying 3 cards blind for $75.00 on an unknown property seems nuts to me, I also dislike spending $30.00 on one sketch and nothing else, but a lot of folks like this set up. I think it is going to change and your going to find more base cards in the packs along with a "hit" card. I know Breygent have done this to an extent and we are also going sticking a bunch of stuff in ours. You could really even look at Factory Entertainments SDCC modern Prisoner set in the same light. You got the basic set and a lot of chase and an Autograph AND a sketch in the one pack. It's a system that will have a great impact on the hobby side of the market the real worry is the effect on the retail market which we would hope is what brings new collectors into the field.

Haven't made up my mind yet - I like the "mystery sketch" pack idea but not the sketch + 3 base card idea as I like the base set but don't necessary want 20 sketch cards to get 60 base card concept.

Perhaps we might end up with more "factory sets" Base + chase + sketch/costume for a fixed price!

The question from me is "Where is the base set" in this format? Are we looking at a $10/15 base set or $40?

never mind.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sci-FiPlanet,

I voted for:Haven't yet made up my mind.

I think if the product is good enough people will buy it. Look at sticker autographs. People hate them but they will still buy a product with them if its good enough. By good enough I mean its something their interested in.

PS it's also good for the environment, saves on waste

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MrBlueofnyc,

I like to see innovation in the hobby. . .

1 hit per pack
1 hit + base per pack
1 hit + chase + base per pack
1 hit + set

It's all good as long as the subject is interesting.

I wish the poll was more general about non-wax-box type releases vs being specific about the 1 hit : pack release and not including the 1 hit : set releases.

Jon

I like to see the industry mix things up and am glad to see some innovative trends. Unfortunately, the trend towards a single sketch per pack doesn't interest me.

In essence, you are rolling the dice looking for a quality sketch from a well known artist. I'd rather just commission a sketch directly from the artist.

Looking at the secondary market for these cards, the sketches are selling at auction for less than the artists was originally paid to create them. That's not a maintainable situation.

These products are giving lesser know artists a way to break into the sketch card industry and get recognized. That's a significant plus.

Ultimately, the fun of collecting trading cards is all about... trading. Chase cards are fun and add additional levels of collecting to the mix but I had just as much fun buying packs of Star Wars cards and trading with my friends - no autographs, no holograms, no foils, no sketches.

I voted haven't made up my mind yet.

I'm still not sure - what we need is a mixture of formats - say a box with the normal 24 packs and a pack with limited cards - it would help the price of a base set rise.

I like the idea of reducing the paper waste of the industry.

I also like the thrill of the hunt.

The single pack makes sense to me on some levels, I like approach with sketch + base set (or just a few base cards). The sketch only packs just don't appeal to me without a base set.

If a box of packs will always yield exactly one sketch and some virtually worthless chase cards (ala inkworks and RA) then the single pack works better for me.

If the the product has the sketch and the possibility of hidden gems (like S.W. galaxy 5) Then I like the box of packs.

All in all it is nice to see some innovation in the industry.

I think there is definitely a demand for this type of product,especially I think from dealers who do not have the time to break down large numbers of base and chase cards for little or no profit.

I personally like the idea of different formats and think there is room for all different types of package.

I'm all for the 'premium pack' idea.

I don't know about one sketch and a base set in one pack BUT it's better than what I've gotten in most boxes. I have so many base sets from one series alone that it's ridiculous.

I still collect auto's and costume cards so to have one or two pulls, a few base cards and a subset card or two would be great. In whatever formulation, I just see this as a win-win.

Especially if it's something that I'm interested in.

My interest in this would be based on the manufacturer. I trust Breygent to have a decent insert in the pack; I don't trust Topps with its non-sport releases.

Although, I think having just the one pack is a lot less fun. There's something about cracking a full box of packs, not knowing what you'll pull from each pack, that's exciting. I haven't opened a box of anything in over a year, so maybe I'm just being nostalgic.