General Forum

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I'm new to TCDB:

What is your definition for a "set builder"? What rules have you established for yourself in order to say that you're a set builder?

Obviously, someone who buys a factory set of Series 1&2 isn't a set builder. Conversely, someone who buys pack after pack of Series 1 and 2 chasing the set would be.

But what about the grey area? Is buying a lot of 200 cards of a 300 card set "cheating"? 

I'm asking because I'm curious. I'm thinking of building some sets, and I was wondering what kind of rules I should set for myself that would make the experience more enjoyable.

What if you do both? Aren't you still a set builder? although you bought a FS. I have many FSs, but have built many in my time.  ????

Only buying factory or pre-built sets, is a "set collector".  Buying packs, boxes, lots to complete a set would be a "set builder".

Fair point! I guess the better question is: How do you define a "built" set? 

Example: I went to a garage sale and bought a binder full of 1985 Topps. It was missing about 30 cards, so I bought them from cardbarrel in one purchase. Is that a "built set"? 

The beautiful thing about the hobby is there are no rules as to how to collect. You want t ocollect baseball players named Fred, you can do that. You want only football players named Bubba, cool. Tinkerbell on cards, you got it. One team, that's nice too.

So you like complete sets. Some are easier to get by buying complete, some are cheap and easy enough to do it through packs and getting some extras to make trades.

It's YOUR hobby. Do it however YOU have fun doing it. But, please, have FUN doing it. It is a hobby after all.

Do we have to define every thing.    Difference between a set builder vs a set collector.    What is the diff between buying 1 card for the set and buying 300 cards for the set from one person?    

If I sell one card do I call myself a reseller?     If you buy graded cards are you an investor vs a collector?   

Do not set rules for your self, just do what you enjoy.    buy sell trade what ever.  If you want a set and can buy it complete great if you think you would enjoy buying each card then go for it.

Have fun that is what this hobby is about.

I consider myself a set collector. I don't collect by team, player, or subject. If I decide to add a new single card to my collection, I always end up trying to complete the set. I have a different approach depending on if its a modern or vintage set.

Most of my sets are vintage (pre-1980) and many are pre-war. Buying packs is not really feasible. If they exist, they are way to expensive. I like to buy lots when possible. I find sorting enjoyable and I'm always looking to upgrade the condition of cards in my collection so I'm not afraid of duplicates. Plus buying lots is a great way to add to my trade inventory.

I do collect some modern sets and I will buy boxes and booster packs. I usually limit myself to one box and then I'll buy boosters until I start getting overloaded with duplicates. At that point, I'll start buying singles or look for trades.

Of course, these aren't rules. This is just what I find enjoyable.

SET COLLECTOR / BUILDER ....there you go.

Well if you want to nitpick.... as Chuck (C2Cigars) and you yourself said a set "builder" is someone who "builds" the set card by card. It doesn't matter how many you begin with the goal is to ultimately have the entire set "built". Buying a full set (factory or otherwise) is set collecting, no building to be done. Now there is some gray areas if you purchase what you think is a full set or was billed as a full set and it is missing a card or two then you will need to "build" that set with the missing cards. Basically if all the cards are there for a full set wen you get them all at once it is just a collected set. If you have to add a card or two or more then it is a build.

No to totallyl confuse things more we could get into the difference between a "base" set and "master" set, but that is a different class different professor twice as many credits and the final exam is a monster.

Amen to the fun part! Collect what you like, however you like, no matter the label or definition of what kind of collector others say you are.

I like team collecting in modern baseball, and vintage set building in lower condition

Mark