This thread can serve as a running total of how many of the OS Binder 1 - 4 sets were purchased by forum members. If you can post how many you purchased
and put the running total after your purchase quantity. I will start it. This figure may be of value for Topps.
Andrew
2: 2
I bought one set.11
One set here -1: 13
1:12
I bought one
27
Got 2 so 2:31Please not the time of purchase..........................
Got 2 so 33.
cheap sketch cards that only take up 2/3rd of the back of a card and are actually a sticker cut down to be stuck on the back of the puzzle cards is ridiculous!not true, the sketches are drawn directly on the card surface, on a white space created on the backs just for this artwork
Cancelled my order for 2 sets and got a full refund after seeing uncut sheet with sketch card, artist bio card, and C.O.A. printed and stuck on the back of a regular cardboard card material.
Should be no more than $260.00 for all 17 binders and all of the extras, instead of $1040.00!!!
I would reconsider soon. Do you think Topps could sell all of this for $15 a binder? With a limited run of 150 and special canvas covers you think Topps could do those for around $4 a binder and pay the artists and card production? I bet the production cost was a lot higher than that. I think the production cost was around $40-$45 for each binder and with about a 40% margin bringing the sale price to $65. I don't know what margin Topps strives for but most companies would love to see around 40% in a retail market.
Even with the crazy pricing, I'm surprised these haven't sold out yet with the low 150 qty. It's been almost a week. I'd be very curious to see how far they are from selling out.
cost and not really advertising is probably why they haven't sold out yet. Also contribute the horrible ad for these on Topps site as WackyGarbage pointed out. He's as confused as everyone else about these. I'm sure they will be sold out soon.
I think once we get these in hand people will be pretty bummed they didn't get in on these.
cost and not really advertising is probably why they haven't sold out yet. Also contribute the horrible ad for these on Topps site as WackyGarbage pointed out. He's as confused as everyone else about these. I'm sure they will be sold out soon.
I think once we get these in hand people will be pretty bummed they didn't get in on these.
I am hoping that Topps will send customers who purchased the first series of binders an email to order the next series. Hopefully, they could give us a day jump before sending out the mass email to everyone. I would consider it a fringe benefit for ordering the first series. Does anyone know the approximate release date or shipping date of the first series binders?
Brad, I'm basically doing what you had suggested before, that is, giving topps the benefit of the doubt and making sure I get the first release in my hands and then decide for myself whether the binders are worth the money, and worth buying series 5 thru 16. I can always blow them out thru ebay & not buy the rest of them if they aren't good & still get most of my money back. But if they are killer, I sure don't want to end up paying more on ebay than topps is asking to get a set because I didn't give them a try.
With all this speculation I can see that if the binders aren't really cool, no one will want the rest of them and the release will tank, but if they are awesome once people see them, it will be competitive to get the rest of them from topps, and those that missed out on 1 thru 4 will be at a disadvantage.
None of this information is accurate. The sketch cards are NOT stickers stuck on the backs. They are drawn on the cards which look and feel just like the original series. Each binder comes with nine separate cards. The website shows a composite of the nine cards to give you an idea of what the pieces would look like as a group. The opposite sides of the checklists feature newly-designed puzzles that mirror each series.
zero : zero
Brad, I'm basically doing what you had suggested before, that is, giving topps the benefit of the doubt and making sure I get the first release in my hands and then decide for myself whether the binders are worth the money, and worth buying series 5 thru 16. I can always blow them out thru ebay & not buy the rest of them if they aren't good & still get most of my money back. But if they are killer, I sure don't want to end up paying more on ebay than topps is asking to get a set because I didn't give them a try.
I was considering doing just what you are talking about here and buying a set and maybe selling them later at least making back most of what I paid, but I can't do it on principle. Brad suggested that Topps is making 40% of their money back, but my guess is that Topps is at least tripling or quadrupling their money if $150,000 in binders all sell. It is just too much to ask 150 collectors to pay for.
plus the horrible job Topps did to market these on their website. They should be showing the front and back of the binders and show the checklist and such.
Did anyone ever get an idea when we would recieve the 1st set of binders?
I really don't know how much profit Topps is making off these but I highly doubt it's more than 40%. These are not your regular manufactured vinyl binders. These are special canvas covers that probably haven't been produced since the 70's. I'm sure finding a shop that can produce canvas covers wasn't easy and with only 150 binders the production costs go way up because of small QTY. Who knows?
None of this information is accurate. The sketch cards are NOT stickers stuck on the backs. They are drawn on the cards which look and feel just like the original series. Each binder comes with nine separate cards. The website shows a composite of the nine cards to give you an idea of what the pieces would look like as a group. The opposite sides of the checklists feature newly-designed puzzles that mirror each series.
First, I want to apologize to the artists that had a hand in creating the binder sets. I wasn't dissing you or your work. I LOVE what every artist brings to each new release like this! I just think, for the money that Topps is asking, the cards and sketches could have been better. Why only 2/3rd of the back of a puzzle pic card for the sketches? I think all of us hardcore collectors would prefer a full card sketch like every other series that has been released to date. Am I wrong?!
Again, I am not dissing the artists in any way, shape, or form! I do actually LOVE the binders ad maybe I'll regret not getting them during the pre-sale, maybe I won't. I don't know! I was simply expressing that for $260.00 for each group of 4 binders is high, even with all of the "extras" that are included.
I don't know. I don't know. :sad:
Michael
I think these would still sell even if they came with NO extra's. Just the idea of a very limited/retro/ canvas OS binder done by a contemporary artist is good enough to make the project succeed.
Andrew
I really don't know how much profit Topps is making off these but I highly doubt it's more than 40%. These are not your regular manufactured vinyl binders. These are special canvas covers that probably haven't been produced since the 70's. I'm sure finding a shop that can produce canvas covers wasn't easy and with only 150 binders the production costs go way up because of small QTY. Who knows?
Think of it as buying 4 boxes of cards every 2 months. I think they are going to look spectacular but I could be wrong gambling on the resale market. I just don't think a lot of non-forum collectors know about these plus the horrible job Topps did to market these on their website. They should be showing the front and back of the binders and show the checklist and such.
I see things a little differently with this particular offering from Topps. Topps will generate gross sales of $156,000 after these binders sell out. My quick expense calculations on their material cost, customer service payroll and free UPS shipping amounts to about $85,000. This nets them about $71,000 before taxes. After taxes, Topps will net them about $55,000.00 in profits. Topps clearly could have doubled the quantities and sold them into retail outlets while still selling out. I see this offering truly for the collector. $55,000 in profits is extremely small for a company like Topps. I don't see Topps releasing too many offerings like this for the collector. Topps may be over pricing some of the offering but this is clearly not one of them.
First, I want to apologize to the artists that had a hand in creating the binder sets. I wasn't dissing you or your work. I LOVE what every artist brings to each new release like this! I just think, for the money that Topps is asking, the cards and sketches could have been better. Why only 2/3rd of the back of a puzzle pic card for the sketches? I think all of us hardcore collectors would prefer a full card sketch like every other series that has been released to date. Am I wrong?!
Again, I am not dissing the artists in any way, shape, or form! I do actually LOVE the binders ad maybe I'll regret not getting them during the pre-sale, maybe I won't. I don't know! I was simply expressing that for $260.00 for each group of 4 binders is high, even with all of the "extras" that are included.
I don't know. I don't know. :sad:
Michael
Hi Michael,
I don't think any of us thought you were dissing on the artists. The reason I replied to your earlier post was to make sure that the details of these binder sets are clear so that collectors can make an informed buying decision.
Best Regards,
Neil
BINDERS SOLD OUT per Topps site. Hopefully, they will ship soon.
BINDERS SOLD OUT per Topps site. Hopefully, they will ship soon.
That was the most anticlimactic "Sold Out" post I have ever seen.
Andrew
For those of you who didn't act in time, there was some tragic news today... The original series binder release has just sold out... never to appear again :'( :'( :'( If you missed out, prepare to dig deep into your wallets if you care to partake on ebay >:D >:D >:D
How was that?
That was the most anticlimactic "Sold Out" post I have ever seen.
Andrew
For those of you who didn't act in time, there was some tragic news today... The original series binder release has just sold out... never to appear again :'( :'( :'( If you missed out, prepare to dig deep into your wallets if you care to partake on ebay >:D >:D >:D
How was that?
Binders schmeinders! THIS is what you need to make your collection complete! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261219152099&ssPageName=ADME%3AL%3ALCA%3AUS%3A1123& I can't believe there are bidders, Jay you da man !!!!
For those of you who didn't act in time, there was some tragic news today... The original series binder release has just sold out... never to appear again :'( :'( :'( If you missed out, prepare to dig deep into your wallets if you care to partake on ebay >:D >:D >:DNow THAT was a "Sold Out" announcement worthy of the event which took place. My sincere thanks to you.
How was that?
Just found out yesterday that Topps botched my binder order and has no record of it (but they do have the order for the ANS10 binder I ordered at the same time) >(. The binders are now back in my "bag" and or course sold out. I am playing a long shot and asking here if anyone who puchased more than one set would consider selling their extra to me. This is the 2nd time in the past 2 years an order has gone through with Topps only to find it somehow evaporated after the fact.
Binders schmeinders! THIS is what you need to make your collection complete! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261219152099&ssPageName=ADME%3AL%3ALCA%3AUS%3A1123
And leave myself open for voo-doo attack? No way. But I was going through a bag of seed potatoes the other day... and I found one where all of the eyes had sprouted but one. I'm thinking of making a little cloth eyepatch and putting it on the potato and selling it on ebay as "BAZOOKA JOE POTATO".... But I don't think they allow the sale of produce on ebay.List it as a REPO DUCTION
Binders schmeinders! THIS is what you need to make your collection complete! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261219152099&ssPageName=ADME%3AL%3ALCA%3AUS%3A1123
Didn't you get an email receipt with your order number?
Now when I go back and check, no... but that has happened several times in the last year for me (no emailed order conformation but an order on my Topps account). I am still a little confused as to what happened. The day I ordered (first day they were available to reserve), I added the binders and an ANS10 binder to my "bag" then checked out. I even used the discount code posted here on the forum for the ANS10 binder. I used Paypal but had to go through the payment process twice as it errored out the first go around. After the 2nd attempt, I did receive a Paypal notification for the correct amount. I also confirmed that the items were removed from my bag on Topps. I didn't expect a shipping notification yet and I had seen that I had an order pending with Topps on their site. My big mistake was not checking the details of the order. Yesterday, I was checking out stuff on the Topps site for the Memorial Day sale. I checked my account and the only thing on the order was the ANS10 binder. I checked Paypal, and the funds for even that have not been pulled yet. All I can imagine is that my two attempts at Payment were somehow seen by Topps as two purchase attempts even though I only went through the checkout process once. Perhaps my order was cancelled although I received no notification to that affect. Very frustrating to say the least. I have seen others post their Topps ordering issues and always wondered when it would bite me.
Binders schmeinders! THIS is what you need to make your collection complete! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261219152099&ssPageName=ADME%3AL%3ALCA%3AUS%3A1123
Binders schmeinders! THIS is what you need to make your collection complete! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261219152099&ssPageName=ADME%3AL%3ALCA%3AUS%3A1123No bones about it, that's an easy auction to see through. May need to adjust my bid...
And leave myself open for voo-doo attack? No way. But I was going through a bag of seed potatoes the other day... and I found one where all of the eyes had sprouted but one. I'm thinking of making a little cloth eyepatch and putting it on the potato and selling it on ebay as "BAZOOKA JOE POTATO".... But I don't think they allow the sale of produce on ebay.
Sorry your order got messed up Scot. Several members ordered more than one set. I bet someone will help you out!
I’ve had a couple of situations, and have heard a couple of stories that have led me to the following conclusion. When performing an operation or transaction on a web page, if you get an error, and then proceed forward with the operation, things can sometimes go wonky. I bet you know this, but there’s a computer term called “session”, that Wikipedia defines as, ”A semi-permanent interactive information interchange, also known as a dialogue, a conversation or a meeting, between two or more communicating devices, or between a computer and user.” For a few reasons, I believe that when attempting to perform an operation, if an error occurs, and then you proceed with the action, within the same session as the error (as opposed to closing and then reopening your browser, to create a new session that does not contain the error), things can go haywire.
Maybe it was a coincidence, but I don’t think so. On Greg’s website, the forum indexing became screwed up when I created a new thread and had a similar problem with an error. I tried to launch a new thread, and I used pair of programing symbols within the title of the thread, and I got an error statement. I did not close my browser to create a new session, and I removed the symbols from the post, and proceeded with the operation of creating the thread. The indexing problem was noticed right after that. I believe my first attempt at the process of creating the thread (associated with the error) created software coding that in some way interfered with the second attempt to launch the operation, which I think is why the indexing was thrown off kilter.
I wonder if the Topps / Paypal system interface was confused by the error and that led to processing only part of your cart. Since this has happened to you and other people before, with Topps, it sounds like there is sometimes a communication glitch between Topps and the Paypal site. I think the safest thing to do if one gets an error statement is to close the browser and restart the ordering process fresh, with a new session.
Sorry your order got messed up Scot. Several members ordered more than one set. I bet someone will help you out!
I’ve had a couple of situations, and have heard a couple of stories that have led me to the following conclusion. When performing an operation or transaction on a web page, if you get an error, and then proceed forward with the operation, things can sometimes go wonky. I bet you know this, but there’s a computer term called “session”, that Wikipedia defines as, ”A semi-permanent interactive information interchange, also known as a dialogue, a conversation or a meeting, between two or more communicating devices, or between a computer and user.” For a few reasons, I believe that when attempting to perform an operation, if an error occurs, and then you proceed with the action, within the same session as the error (as opposed to closing and then reopening your browser, to create a new session that does not contain the error), things can go haywire.
Maybe it was a coincidence, but I don’t think so. On Greg’s website, the forum indexing became screwed up when I created a new thread and had a similar problem with an error. I tried to launch a new thread, and I used pair of programing symbols within the title of the thread, and I got an error statement. I did not close my browser to create a new session, and I removed the symbols from the post, and proceeded with the operation of creating the thread. The indexing problem was noticed right after that. I believe my first attempt at the process of creating the thread (associated with the error) created software coding that in some way interfered with the second attempt to launch the operation, which I think is why the indexing was thrown off kilter.
I wonder if the Topps / Paypal system interface was confused by the error and that led to processing only part of your cart. Since this has happened to you and other people before, with Topps, it sounds like there is sometimes a communication glitch between Topps and the Paypal site. I think the safest thing to do if one gets an error statement is to close the browser and restart the ordering process fresh, with a new session.
Now that the waiting has begun on the binder orders here's hoping for a LOW Number set. It would be pretty cool to receive #06 or something like that. Do we think all 4 binders will be the same number in your order? They ARE numbered right?
Andrew
Now that the waiting has begun on the binder orders here's hoping for a LOW Number set. It would be pretty cool to receive #06 or something like that. Do we think all 4 binders will be the same number in your order? They ARE numbered right?I've never really understood this 'low number' concept. Any one of the 150 COA's are as rare another. How is a 7 any different than a 123?
Andrew
Rob, no idea what you said here and read it twice :] :] :]
I don't think there any possible way that Topps ships binders 5-17 with the same serial numbers. Furthermore, I also do not have any confidence that we will receive an email before the pre-orders go out to the general public.
I've never really understood this 'low number' concept. Any one of the 150 COA's are as rare another. How is a 7 any different than a 123?
I think this is a seller and flipper mentality/excuse to jack up prices on certain items and unfortunately the collecting public has bought into it.
btw - if I get a single digit COA, I'll be asking for more than a $1000 for the set. ;)
I think its fun when you have a limited item to score a lower number. Not thinking about flipping. Just cooler for me to score a 07 than 148.
Andrew
I want # 13!
My kids Birthdays are both on the 13th.
Is the “low number” desirability because they are the “first off the press” or because there are only 9 one digit numbers?I think it's false spreading of terminology across collectibles where really it only matters with things that are actually 'first off the press'. Like with coins, where the die wears down over time, and the first strikes can be sharper.
Does your PayPal still show pending??
Yes
I want # 13!
My kids Birthdays are both on the 13th.
Jay, when are you going to offer up some of your hair for sale? :D
(http://upperdeckblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2008-A-Piece-of-History-Baseball-Hair-Cuts-Geronimo.jpg)
You deserve to join the ranks of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, Alexander Hamilton, and Babe Ruth, in card collecting history!
http://upperdeckblog.com/2013/01/brag-photo-history-channels-pawn-stars-features-upper-deck-george-washington-hair-cuts-autograph-card/
Still no shipping notice. I looked at my Paypal account and it seems to have fallen off the bill me later section but has not been billed. Is everyone else's Paypal still showing pending?
My charge is still pending too. I think the charge can remain pending for 30 days. They may be waiting to ship in order to charge. They were originally on schedule for this week or next week, so hopefully, that's still true. Maybe Neil can update us.?.?.?
I'm signed up for UPS MyChoice and received email from them with tracking number. Due tomorrow in NJ.
I'm signed up for UPS MyChoice and received email from them with tracking number. Due tomorrow in NJ.
I wonder why Topps can't send shipping notices? My last couple orders I didn't receive anything. I thought they would have it fixed by now?
Glad to hear they're shipping. If mine shipped today I won't have it until next Tues or Wed.
I like the number 7 (7/9)
(http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/rbishop224/Number9_zpsa7f0aea5.png)
I haven't received anything from Topps either. If you log into your account at topps.com you can track shipment.
Scot, still not sure of the issue. The reason I don't log into Topps site is because I hit the pay with Paypal link. Never had an issue and get a Paypal and Topps receipt right away. My problem is I don't get a shipping notice from Topps now.
It's really strange you're having problems with this. You should call Topps.
I paid via paypal and nothing shows up in my order history. I am confident that I will get my binders as I have my paypal confirmation of payment to Topps. They should be able to auto-link this back to my account. I may have to work this out when it comes time to get my 17th binder.
Andrew
I paid via paypal and nothing shows up in my order history. I am confident that I will get my binders as I have my paypal confirmation of payment to Topps. They should be able to auto-link this back to my account. I may have to work this out when it comes time to get my 17th binder.
Andrew
I checked my two orders and they are both still in the processing status....
Hmmmmmmm.....
Alex
Andrew, I would recommend checking both Topps and Paypal accounts. This sounds similar to what happened to me. No order on Topps and the Paypal notice I received had the purchase amount but no order number. Very frustrating to realize I, in fact, had no order in after they sold out.
After re0reading your posts it does seem I may be in the same boat. I have the Paypal conf email but no order #.
Going into paypal today the transaction is marked as Temporary Hold. So the funds are are not in my account but it looks like Topps has not taken them either. I may be binderless. Topps has an office closed message up the last two times I called today. I would think they have put a few binder sets aside for damages and can reconcile this for me if it is the case. Not optimistic anything is coming my way today.
Andrew
I just spoke with Topps and they have had some odd issues with sending out tracking info.
He said if anyone has any issues with the store and/or Paypal they should send a message to storehelp@topps.com and they will get back to you right way with order and tracking info.
I told him about the 2 incidents you guys spoke about and he was not aware.
So If you have an order # and email confirmation from Topps then you are good??Paypal still shows 'pending authorization'??
check that - its now shows complete....so i may be good.... :-\ :-\ :-\
So If you have an order # and email confirmation from Topps then you are good??Paypal still shows 'pending authorization'??
check that - its now shows complete....so i may be good.... :-\ :-\ :-\
I just spoke with Topps and they have had some odd issues with sending out tracking info.
He said if anyone has any issues with the store and/or Paypal they should send a message to storehelp@topps.com and they will get back to you right way with order and tracking info.
I told him about the 2 incidents you guys spoke about and he was not aware.
So If you have an order # and email confirmation from Topps then you are good??I just saw my paypal status has also changed to "completed" within the last few hours. This is after I sent an email to Topps explaining the situation. I guess I am good now.Paypal still shows 'pending authorization'??
check that - its now shows complete....so i may be good.... :-\ :-\ :-\
You should get and order confirmation direct from Topps right after you purchase. You will also get a Paypal notification the same time.
So it looks like 33 binders went to Forum members so where did the other 117 of them goTo folks who don't want to pay marked up prices on ebay?
To folks who don't want to pay marked up prices on ebay?
So it looks like 33 binders went to Forum members so where did the other 117 of them goProbably a lot more than that. Not everyone sees the point of posting this info.
Have we seen a color sketch show up yet?it's still on the ups truck heading to my house!
it's still on the ups truck heading to my house!
it's still on the ups truck heading to my house!
Alot of the binders and puzzles are showing up on EBAY as we speak.... let the price gouging begin!! Ah Capitalism at it's finest!!
:97:
Anyone actually sold any for any kind of profit? Just curious (after fees, etc.)
Anyone actually sold any for any kind of profit? Just curious (after fees, etc.)
I have been waiting for Topps to release some sort of quality binder for the original series but I refuse to have any part in these since they limited them to just 150 sets and if that wasn't bad enough they then allowed people to order more than 1 set. As much as I like the binders, I just refuse to support such business moves. A shame too as all 16 series housed in these would be a nice collection!
I have been waiting for Topps to release some sort of quality binder for the original series but I refuse to have any part in these since they limited them to just 150 sets and if that wasn't bad enough they then allowed people to order more than 1 set. As much as I like the binders, I just refuse to support such business moves. A shame too as all 16 series housed in these would be a nice collection!
I was hesitant to buy more than one set because it would mean that the next person might have to get theirs from Ebay - but I went ahead and ordered another one more than a week later because they did not sell out! So everyone that wanted one initially had their chance to order a set - seemed fair to me. What started out as potentially as a flipper's dream didn't end up being one.
Now, the next set of binders may be different as more collectors know about these sets....
A
I got home at 8:45 this evening and there was a big brown box from Topps on my deck!
I REALLY like these binders! I can't wait to start filling them up with vintage goodness! The puzzles and card backs are fun and informative and have the feel and look of the '70s sets.
From an artist's viewpoint, it's projects like this that make me wish I was still painting for Topps!
Great job, guys! Can't wait for the next installment!
Exactly George! I think its great. I don't know about price gouging but these things aren't cheap to put together either. I'm just glad Topps is doing something special for us collectors. Maybe people are expecting too much. Like I said the covers of the binders are like painted canvas.
In 20 years these binders will be a big part of a OS collection. When someone goes to sell their OS cards one of the first questions will be "are they in the binders"?
Andrew
I believe you are correct about the binders. It is has been almost a week since their release and I have only seen 3-4 binder sets on Ebay. I assume that 95% of the people have received their binders so I don't really expect too many of these to show up on Ebay or the forum. Most people only purchased 1-2 sets. We will see what happens. Having said all of that, I think that the binders, sketch card and puzzle sets are very nice.
Seriously? :^)
I was thinking the same thing before I read your comment.
SERIOUSLY?
I was thinking the same thing before I read your comment.
SERIOUSLY?
Andrew gets no love from you guys. I don't think anyone knows what will happen in 20 years but it could happen. I wonder what will happen to the original series after all of us crazy 40 and 50 yr olds drop dead or quit collecting? LOL :]OR BOTH
Seriously? :^)
Dead Serious.
An interesting prediction. Can you expand on why you feel this way?Certainly. These binders have original art done by current WP artists. They pay homage to the original stickers and add a puzzle set that is both contemporary and "old school". While they missed a few opportunities with the spines and the inside of the binders; they still produced a very cool binder which is a great way to house your OS cards cards. I put my series 1 - 4 OS and ANS cards in the binders 1 -4 and feel good about my decision. The fact that I purchased the OS cards when I was young and the binders when I was 50 add a bit of sentimentality to the equation. Kind of "Wacky's come full circle". The fact that these are Topps produced also adds to the equation. I owned the NSU binders for years but the self promotional ads on the back and the lack of D rings bothered me over time. I think these binders with their retro cloth covers will grow on us over time. Thier price is not that high considering the puzzle set in the mix.
I was hesitant to buy more than one set because it would mean that the next person might have to get theirs from Ebay - but I went ahead and ordered another one more than a week later because they did not sell out! So everyone that wanted one initially had their chance to order a set - seemed fair to me. What started out as potentially as a flipper's dream didn't end up being one.
Now, the next set of binders may be different as more collectors know about these sets....
A
Certainly. These binders have original art done by current WP artists. They pay homage to the original stickers and add a puzzle set that is both contemporary and "old school". While they missed a few opportunities with the spines and the inside of the binders; they still produced a very cool binder which is a great way to house your OS cards cards. I put my series 1 - 4 OS and ANS cards in the binders 1 -4 and feel good about my decision. The fact that I purchased the OS cards when I was young and the binders when I was 50 add a bit of sentimentality to the equation. Kind of "Wacky's come full circle". The fact that these are Topps produced also adds to the equation. I owned the NSU binders for years but the self promotional ads on the back and the lack of D rings bothered me over time. I think these binders with their retro cloth covers will grow on us over time. Thier price is not that high considering the puzzle set in the mix.
I have now committed to buying the full set and don't feel there will be any regret on my part.
Regards, Andrew
I'm glad you enjoy the binders. But nothing you've said convinces me anyone will care about them years from now. Even as a vintage collector, I wouldn't even know these exist except for the forum. I don't find them very compelling but I'm glad others do.
I believe you are correct about the binders. It is has been almost a week since their release and I have only seen 3-4 binder sets on Ebay. I assume that 95% of the people have received their binders so I don't really expect too many of these to show up on Ebay or the forum. Most people only purchased 1-2 sets. We will see what happens. Having said all of that, I think that the binders, sketch card and puzzle sets are very nice.doubt 95% have them, as I finally just got mine today.
There was around a 20 day notice before they went on sale.
Wow, a whole 20 days, lol. Like I was saying.....As Aesop would say "Those grapes were probably sour anyway"
Your welcome to disagree with me all you want as were all entitled to our opinions and we all make purchases based off of our opinions. IMO, this entire product was just one bad business decision after another and after the initial excitement of the set wore off, I was actually glad that I didn't spend any of my money on them. Besides, I already have my multiple sets of original 16 series in high quality archival D-Ring slipcases from Light Impressions. They may not have the nice Wacky Packages drawings that are on the limited edition sets but they are superior to the limited edition sets produced by Topps in every other regard. So I am all good with what I have.
As Aesop would say "Those grapes were probably sour anyway"
Not everyone can watch the internet on a regular basis and order items immediately after coming out. I was in the middle of Utah on a 10 day photo shoot when this first came out. I had no way to even access the internet, let alone log on and read about Wacky packages items. Bottom line, when something is this limited, people should only be able to order 1, at least for the first 2-3 weeks. If they don't sell out at that time, then you can open up orders again for people that have already ordered a set. All these kinds of moves do is screw a lot of people that wind up wanting to buy them. You see it time and time again with almost every collectible market in existence. eBay is overflowing with such purchases.
In all honesty, the more I thought about it the happier I was that I didn't buy a set. Almost no advanced notice, a high price tag, limiting them to just 150 sets, letting people buy more than 1 set. Its just piss poor business all the way around in my book.
Nope, just call em like I see em. The Topp's binders aren't even listed as archival. That in itself is a deal breaker for me.
For any other members in here that are looking for high quality archival binders, just hit Light Impressions and get either the D-Ring Archive Binder or the Trueguard Album and Slipcase set. Again, they may not have the Wacky Packages drawings on the cover but they are both superior in every other way. They are also $60-100 cheaper (per every 4 purchased).
Fascinating to me that there seems to be a pretty clear division between people liking or disliking these binders. I'm not sure if there has been a Wacky's product that has done this to such an extent before? Anyone?
I'm glad you enjoy the binders. But nothing you've said convinces me anyone will care about them years from now. Even as a vintage collector, I wouldn't even know these exist except for the forum. I don't find them very compelling but I'm glad others do.
I was just thinking about this last night and it would have been great if Topps would have added a lost wacky to each binder so in the end you would have 17 lost wackys to put in your lost wacky binder.
Out of curiousity, does having an archival binder make any difference with Wackys? Isn't it the archival page that is the most important? You could still have archival pages in the Wacky binders. I think most collectors now use archival quality baseball card pages.
I have used hingeless stamp albums with archival acid free pages and preset mounts for years, but don't recall the binders and slipcases being archival.
A
That would have been a great addition, and helped justify the high price of the binders. Alas, too late now...
I would agree with you here Dave. Vintage stuff is vintage stuff, and new is new. These are not Norm Saunders murals put on these binders, and even if they were, it would still be a product from 2013. These binders are a stand alone product. That's not to say they won't or can't enhance a vintage collection. They can, just like an os 1 to 16 run is certainly more appealing in an NSU binder set than in binders from Staples. The difference is that when you pull the sets from the binders, there's not a chance that people won't want the wackys because they are not in the binders. The binders add value to the extent that they are valued. The binders & os stickers really have nothing to do with each other and I think it's nothing more than "the sum of the parts".
I also think that in 20 years, you're going to have a hard time selling off the os stickers AND the binders, together or separate, because in 20 years (or hopefully 30 or more), we kids of the 70s are going to start dying off along with the memories & emotional attachments to these things. It's my opinon that in another 10 to 15 years or so, the value of wackys (original & ANS) will start to decline, never to go back up. I don't think people collecting the ANS will be nearly as emotional about them as we are about the ones from the 70s. There doesn't seem to be nearly an equivalent desire for the reissues, 80's album stickers, '85 set or the '91 set for the people who grew up collecting those. I think the ANS will be more nostalgic for us because of its link to the 70s rather than the kids of today.
I also think that in 20 years, you're going to have a hard time selling off the os stickers AND the binders, together or separate, because in 20 years (or hopefully 30 or more), we kids of the 70s are going to start dying off along with the memories & emotional attachments to these things. It's my opinon that in another 10 to 15 years or so, the value of wackys (original & ANS) will start to decline, never to go back up.
Out of curiousity, does having an archival binder make any difference with Wackys? Isn't it the archival page that is the most important? You could still have archival pages in the Wacky binders. I think most collectors now use archival quality baseball card pages.
I have used hingeless stamp albums with archival acid free pages and preset mounts for years, but don't recall the binders and slipcases being archival.
A
I'm not quite getting the whole "archival" aspect of the binders. The stickers themselves were not printed on archival quality stock, so it seems likely that they will break down over time (even if they are stored in archival quality sleeves). And any binder made now is likely to outlast any of us, unless they're made of inferior plastics, which I assume is not the case with the new Topps binders.
I'm going to archive my binders! :great:
Absolutely it makes a difference. Chemicals can easily bleed and even fumes, over years of storage, can cause damage (yellowing is the most common damage from using non archival storage). Of course, it would depend on a lot of things, like what glues and chemicals were used, where you stored them (in a box with no ventilation or in a large room with significant ventilation) etc.. IMO, if your going to go archival then go archival. Why spend good money on archival pages only to store them in a non archival binder? Why even take the chance with your valuable collectibles? That being said, to each their own. Some people just aren't as concerned with things like using archival storage solutions. Whatever you feel comfortable using after all, its your collection.
Your correct, Wacky's themselves are not archival. Either are Baseball cards or Hockey cards or movie cards or any of the cards that have been produced the last 75 years. I certainly don't know of any cards that have been produced using archival card stock and archival inks. That being said, sticking them in non archival pages or in a non archival binder is only going to increase the likelihood that you will see negative effects from those non archival materials. Going off of this mentality, why would you even use archival pages at all? In fact, why are companies even producing archival pages for card collectors? Again, I don't know of a single card produced thus far that used archival card stock or archival inks. Trust me, it may seem counter intuitive but it absolutely makes a difference. Besides, your talking about 2 completely different types of non archival materials, those that are used to produce cards and those that are used to create modern day plastics, glues, etc.. In particular, the chemicals in modern day plastics are far more damaging than the non archival materials used to create the cards themselves. You may not see the difference over short periods of time (1-5 years) but you will definitely see the effects over longer periods of time (10+ years).
Back when I first started art school (went for photography) I stored some of the first pictures I printed in regular non archival plastic sheets. They wound up getting buried in the massive amount of work I did while I was at the school. A few years after I graduated, I went back and organized all of the work I did while at school. I was blown away when I dug up those pictures I stored in regular plastic sheets. They were so yellow that you would swear I purposely toned them that way. It was a pretty shocking demonstration of the effect non archival plastics can have on paper and the time frame was only around 6 years.
No argument there about ventilation and even temperature, humidity and sunlight. OT, I keep some of my collection behind tinted glass doors but some of my oldest cards used to be in card pages that were stiffer and obviously not archival quality - the newest quality pages are limp (think that subject was covered here) and some of my old tan backs are now 'wavey' - how does one safely store these?
With acid-free archival stiffeners behind the cards in each pocket? I know that the comic book graders put a special stiffener/page inside the comic before they are sealed to help the comic degrade at a slower rate and that these can be replaced by the grading companies every 5 years. Does one use these?
BTW, I have seen 100 plus year old stamp albums that have kept their shape and mostly white page colors because there were no plastics used in those days - high rag content 'paper' pages with linen interleaving and bindings with leather covers and hand made paper covers....A
DueceI am thinking about getting 1 set of the binders on the next round, I like the looks of the binders but the $$$ figure is high. I am still on the fence because I will sell 1 set eventually but I'm thinking about a full set of the binders to sell, 1-16.
2 : 15
In 20 years these binders will be a big part of a OS collection. When someone goes to sell their OS cards one of the first questions will be "are they in the binders"?God, I hope not. I'd like to think that the actual stickers will always be WAY more important than what they're frickin' stored in.
God, I hope not. I'd like to think that the actual stickers will always be WAY more important than what they're frickin' stored in.
Sadly you're right. Comics and BB cards from earlier generations have found a younger audience, but it won't likely happen with wackys which are much more of a generational fad. All I know is collecting them makes me happy, if they ultimately lose value I'll just see it as a buying opportunity until I finally die or go broke.
I see your point about the fumes gassing off of the binders being potentially damaging to the stickers, particularly if the binders are not kept in a well ventihlated area. I was thinking that since they would not be in direct contact with the cards, they shouldn't affect them. But you're right that some plastics can "gas off" for a long long time.
As far as the comparison between Wackys and other trading cards, I would still maintain that Wackys would seem to me to be more fragile and likely the decompose than baseball cards, largely because they are not a simple ink-on-cardstock process. The adhesives Topps used have already bled through a lot of the 5th and 6th series cards, I'm assumiung because they used either inferior paper or more aggressive adhesive on those sets than the others. And maybe by now the sticker paper and adhesive have stabilized, but it just seems like that thin layer of paper over a coating of adhesive is more likely to decompose than a baseball card.
Anyway, I just don't see Wackys as being very stable over the long term, no matter how you store them. It makes sense to be careful to a degree though (I'd say putting them in a nitrogen-filled case would be going over the top).
God, I hope not. I'd like to think that the actual stickers will always be WAY more important than what they're frickin' stored in.
Dave,
Love your point-of-view, and I think I share much of it. The act of collecting is the primary motivation - the other stuff is secondary (not entirely unimportant, but not the primary).
Having been a comic collector since childhood, and been a professional in the comic book publishing business for most of the 1990's, I'd built up quite a comic book collection. While I don't follow the collector market in that category too closely, I think there are fewer and fewer comic book collectors to absorb most of what was saved - and that number is not growing. I've got a giant collection, but most of it I'll be lucky to get pennies on the dollar for.
Later this year, my older brother and I will be liquidating 90% of the comics we saved as well as the thousands I received for free during my editorial years. Holding onto 10% seems like a good ratio and one which allows us to prune to the pieces that mean the very most to us.
We're doing it mainly to make space, and with the realization that we're not doing much with so many of them (meaning, nothing). As we've started the process to get them into a sell-able organization, it has been exciting and fun to look at them all again. And I'll admit that that process and that fun has given us both pause. But I'd rather sell them now for a little, with the hope that they'll find some utility, than having to dump them when no one will be interested in buying them 20 years from now.
It just seems that the the best stuff holds and grows a bit, but that definition becomes ever-narrower as the market for them grows smaller.
So, even in comics, I think we're going to see a sort of natural attrition, while at the same time seeing a kind of growth for the very best stuff. I'm sure it'll be the same for Wackys... and maybe it's already the case.
I'll have to report back later in the year and let you know how it goes, both in the selling and how it is emotionally for us to let go of so many things we saved for so long.
I will be selling some very nice original series sets in the next few weeks if anyone is looking to fill some pages in these new binders.
Let me know when you list them! I am always interested in adding high quality original series to my collection.
I will be selling some very nice original series sets in the next few weeks if anyone is looking to fill some pages in these new binders.
Anyone have an update as to when the binder 5 - 8 go up for sale?
Andrew
very soon...
Neil,
Might you enlighten us as to which artists did binders 5 - 8?
Thanks, Andrew
very soon...
So its 9 days after "very soon" was mentioned. How long now?
Andrew
You haven't been reading the Topps thread have you? LOL
"Very soon"
EDTthank you! ;D
thank you! ;D