Wacky Packages Forum
Wacky Packages Discussion => General Wacky Packages Discussion => Topic started by: DrDeal on October 03, 2013, 04:49:55 AM
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Now that it is clear that Wacky's have plummeted in terms of resale value; it might be nice to start a thread that highlights the great deals that people are finding on these cards. I saw Two different ANS11 Lost Wacky's listed today on Ebay for $19.99 or Best Offer. These went for $50 - 70
each with ANS10. They come 1 per CASE. My how things have changed. Sketches are the same story for awhile now but everything from ANS11 except Patches and Plates seems to have lost 80 percent of its resale value. I purchased 4 Collector Boxes this vs. 8 last time. I am glad I cut my outlay in half because I won't recoup more than 20 percent of my outlay. I can handle that as I am a collector / not a dealer. But it makes me wonder how I will handle it for ANS12. I may not buy any boxes and just buy what I need from peers or Ebay.
Andrew
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Thanks for the post - I hadn't picked those up yet, so I went ahead and bought them for $19.95 each on the auctions you mentioned. Seems like a bargain, even in the declining values scenario, though who knows - maybe a lost set will end being $25 in a couple of months. Personally I thought this particular group of Lost Wackys was weak in terms of the artwork, so that may be a factor. Nonetheless, I totally agree that the resale value of all the ANS stuff has tanked. You can now buy full master sets of previous series for $50 to $100 (which is a fraction of what the individual chase sets were selling for on ebay when they were released). I expect that Topps is only making this worse by adding more and more variations and "rare" cards to each set. It's gotten so complex and expensive that there's no hope anyone could ever attain a true "master" set anymore, so there's not much incentive to pick up a silver border set to "finish" the series when you know you'll never get all the golds, die-cuts, patches, etc. It also just seems like a money grab for Topps; not sure they're really helping the collectors that much with all these rare variations.
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I think what you're seeing is that rarity doesn't result in value unless someone cares about the item. Diehard collectors can convince themselves that they care when there are a manageable number of items to care about, but once oversaturation sets in it's a lot easier to decide not to care about anything.
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Not much is selling. Case prices are going lower. We are only a week into a new series and this stuff just isn't moving. With ANS10 case prices were going up because they were tougher to find. I think with the high demand for ANS10 Topps decided to double their production with all the variations to justify it. It's a total fail!
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I'm waiting for 55 card ANS11 base sets to hit $5.
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Thanks for the post - I hadn't picked those up yet, so I went ahead and bought them for $19.95 each on the auctions you mentioned. Seems like a bargain, even in the declining values scenario, though who knows - maybe a lost set will end being $25 in a couple of months. Personally I thought this particular group of Lost Wackys was weak in terms of the artwork, so that may be a factor. Nonetheless, I totally agree that the resale value of all the ANS stuff has tanked. You can now buy full master sets of previous series for $50 to $100 (which is a fraction of what the individual chase sets were selling for on ebay when they were released). I expect that Topps is only making this worse by adding more and more variations and "rare" cards to each set. It's gotten so complex and expensive that there's no hope anyone could ever attain a true "master" set anymore, so there's not much incentive to pick up a silver border set to "finish" the series when you know you'll never get all the golds, die-cuts, patches, etc. It also just seems like a money grab for Topps; not sure they're really helping the collectors that much with all these rare variations.
You're right, it's a short term money grab for Topps. It will kill the ANS Wackys, so in the long term Topps is going to lose out. Is Topps going overboard on all their properties like this?
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I think what you're seeing is that rarity doesn't result in value unless someone cares about the item. Diehard collectors can convince themselves that they care when there are a manageable number of items to care about, but once oversaturation sets in it's a lot easier to decide not to care about anything.
I agree. For the first time I may not try to get the silver set. I have the silver set for every series so far but Topps getting carried away like this is taking my interest away. The alternate backs is a big time turn off. They should have kept that to the base set only.
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I'm waiting for 55 card ANS11 base sets to hit $5.
Some people are probably waiting for them to hit $1 :P
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Not much is selling. Case prices are going lower. We are only a week into a new series and this stuff just isn't moving. With ANS10 case prices were going up because they were tougher to find. I think with the high demand for ANS10 Topps decided to double their production with all the variations to justify it. It's a total fail!
Big time fail! I wonder if the people at Topps even realize or are they just happy to sell the cases they've sold? I imagine that they've sold all of them. Going by plate odds, production of Collectors cases was up 48% over ANS10. My guess is orders for series 12 will be very low, hurting Topps, possibly causing them to shelve ANS Wackys, but then value on series 12 could be up some over series 11 on the resale market because there could be half as many printed. Who knows how this will play out. None of it is good for the long term health of the Wacky Packages line.
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Maybe shelving further ANS series for a period of time is exactly what this hobby needs. Keep the post cards and old school series since they experience a larger gap between releases and are made (PC's in a relatively small number).
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I think the production estimates are pretty accurate. I think topps produced about 500 ANS10 collector cases and probably closer to 1000 ANS11 collector cases With ANS10 cases selling for about $340.00, I would expect ANS11 cases to be well below $300.00 a case very soon. The Dealers who are holding onto these cases are probably in for a rude awakening in the next few weeks. With binders and halloween postcards coming soon, the buzz is almost over on ANS11. Wacky Package products are probably only about 2% of Topps annual sales so the top executives probably do not care that much. The individuals who care the most would probably be Mike Jasperson, Dave Gross and some of the artists like Neil Camera. They both probably read the forum regularly but I am sure that they would be very interested in all of the forum members comments.
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Some people are probably waiting for them to hit $1 :P
Give it time, maybe $0.10 a set! if that...i have 100 ANS 8 sets i'll sell you for $0.05 a set.
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I think the production estimates are pretty accurate. I think topps produced about 500 ANS10 collector cases and probably closer to 1000 ANS11 collector cases With ANS10 cases selling for about $340.00, I would expect ANS11 cases to be well below $300.00 a case very soon. The Dealers who are holding onto these cases are probably in for a rude awakening in the next few weeks. With binders and halloween postcards coming soon, the buzz is almost over on ANS11. Wacky Package products are probably only about 2% of Topps annual sales so the top executives probably do not care that much. The individuals who care the most would probably be Mike Jasperson, Dave Gross and some of the artists like Neil Camera. They both probably read the forum regularly but I am sure that they would be very interested in all of the forum members comments.
If you do the math based on the odds of pulling a base plate, there are around 550 cases of ans10 made and 820 for ANS11.
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Maybe shelving further ANS series for a period of time is exactly what this hobby needs. Keep the post cards and old school series since they experience a larger gap between releases and are made (PC's in a relatively small number).
The only thing that interests me in ANS11 are the OS Magnet titles; and I'll probably just buy them on ebay to save me time and money. All the bathroom humor is a total turn-off for me. :-( Not to mention the already growing discontent with the myriad variations, the manufactured "rare" items, the sheer cost of everything......uggggh. Maybe I should thank them for the bathroom humor; it finally made me say "Enough!!"
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The only thing that interests me in ANS11 are the OS Magnet titles; and I'll probably just buy them on ebay to save me time and money. All the bathroom humor is a total turn-off for me. :-( Not to mention the already growing discontent with the myriad variations, the manufactured "rare" items, the sheer cost of everything......uggggh. Maybe I should thank them for the bathroom humor; it finally made me say "Enough!!"
Yeah, they've taken wackys in several bad directions at once (bad humor, over production, too many gimmicks).
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Yeah, they've taken wackys in several bad directions at once (bad humor, over production, too many gimmicks).
It's very sad....I feel like I've "grown out of" Wacky's a second time. But my love for the originals and bright spots in the ANS series will not fade away like it did the first time.
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The only thing that interests me in ANS11 are the OS Magnet titles; and I'll probably just buy them on ebay to save me time and money. All the bathroom humor is a total turn-off for me. :-( Not to mention the already growing discontent with the myriad variations, the manufactured "rare" items, the sheer cost of everything......uggggh. Maybe I should thank them for the bathroom humor; it finally made me say "Enough!!"
Yes, they are manufactures rare items. This has been this way for 25 years with Topps and other companies with sports cards and such. This is not a shock at all. We've dealt with it with several ANS and OLDS releases.
The original series is what it is and those rare items are why those series are so treasured. The 70s were anything goes and there will always be a place in our heart for them. This is a different culture. Thinking about our comments maybe we are turning into those old farts that don't get it? You should see my daughters text's. I don't read them but I grab her phone because it rings and the text is OMG I just farted so loud. That is what is funny to them and that is supposed to be Topps target audience.
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Young or old, farts are funny though.
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I think what you're seeing is that rarity doesn't result in value unless someone cares about the item. Diehard collectors can convince themselves that they care when there are a manageable number of items to care about, but once oversaturation sets in it's a lot easier to decide not to care about anything.
Exactomundo. I will be buying with extreme caution. If I even have so much as an intuitive thought that the price is too high of any certain item, I'm out. Whatever I end up with from this series is just fine. Done with chasing, learning, and accounting for all the fabricated "hard to get" cards. IMO fabricating is not true rarity anyway.
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Exactomundo. I will be buying with extreme caution. If I even have so much as an intuitive thought that the price is too high of any certain item, I'm out. Whatever I end up with from this series is just fine. Done with chasing, learning, and accounting for all the fabricated "hard to get" cards. IMO fabricating is not true rarity anyway.
Yes, there are manufactured rarities. They are still rarities regardless if they were intentional or not. It's the way of life now.
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Young or old, farts are funny though.
Quoting George Carlin: "Kids think farts are funny. Farts are funny as hell. Farts are shit without the mess".
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I don't really mind that the cost of the cases or the ebay values are going down on these cards - makes it easier for me to complete the sets that I want to have, even if it will take a few years. That's what collecting is all about - I don't understand why some people want everything completed within the first few days of a release - what's the fun and wheres the discovery in that? I like the thrill of the hunt, especially if it comes cheaper. As much as I liked opening the first couple of collector boxes, and that is still as fun as it was in childhood except that back then it was a few 10c packs at a time, now comes the time to fill those empty spots. I'm not so worried about the prices going down as I don't collect for profit, though I did sell plates from the ans10 series on ebay. Between ans10 and ans11 it really will take years, even with loads of cash, as some of the items really are made in small quantities. I'll just let the craziness die down for a bit and not overpay when these htf cards first hit the marketplace. It's like collecting the original series, you just have to bide your time and decide which sets and what condition you want for your own collecting pleasure.
A
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I don't really mind that the cost of the cases or the ebay values are going down on these cards - makes it easier for me to complete the sets that I want to have, even if it will take a few years. That's what collecting is all about - I don't understand why some people want everything completed within the first few days of a release - what's the fun and wheres the discovery in that? I like the thrill of the hunt, especially if it comes cheaper. As much as I liked opening the first couple of collector boxes, and that is still as fun as it was in childhood except that back then it was a few 10c packs at a time, now comes the time to fill those empty spots. I'm not so worried about the prices going down as I don't collect for profit, though I did sell plates from the ans10 series on ebay. Between ans10 and ans11 it really will take years, even with loads of cash, as some of the items really are made in small quantities. I'll just let the craziness die down for a bit and not overpay when these htf cards first hit the marketplace. It's like collecting the original series, you just have to bide your time and decide which sets and what condition you want for your own collecting pleasure.
A
The reason collectors go crazy with a new release is because they want to complete the tough stuff otherwise they may never see it again. I know 2 guys still needing a couple red Luds from ANS10 and they may never find them. People are done cracking cases of older stuff.
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The reason collectors go crazy with a new release is because they want to complete the tough stuff otherwise they may never see it again. I know 2 guys still needing a couple red Luds from ANS10 and they may never find them. People are done cracking cases of older stuff.
There are still people looking for golds to complete prior sets as well. In regards to what Alex said, good point on everything except that with sales dropped to this current level the big dealers are going to buy way less of the next series. If the sales are low enough on the next series it will be the last series for a long time.
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Just sold my Gold Go Flush Card for $17.50. I guess toilet humor is not hot right now.
Andrew
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The reason collectors go crazy with a new release is because they want to complete the tough stuff otherwise they may never see it again. I know 2 guys still needing a couple red Luds from ANS10 and they may never find them. People are done cracking cases of older stuff.
WHICH ONES ON ANS10 - I HAVE LUDS MAN!!!
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I don't really mind that the cost of the cases or the ebay values are going down on these cards - makes it easier for me to complete the sets that I want to have, even if it will take a few years. That's what collecting is all about - I don't understand why some people want everything completed within the first few days of a release - what's the fun and wheres the discovery in that? I like the thrill of the hunt, especially if it comes cheaper. As much as I liked opening the first couple of collector boxes, and that is still as fun as it was in childhood except that back then it was a few 10c packs at a time, now comes the time to fill those empty spots. I'm not so worried about the prices going down as I don't collect for profit, though I did sell plates from the ans10 series on ebay. Between ans10 and ans11 it really will take years, even with loads of cash, as some of the items really are made in small quantities. I'll just let the craziness die down for a bit and not overpay when these htf cards first hit the marketplace. It's like collecting the original series, you just have to bide your time and decide which sets and what condition you want for your own collecting pleasure.
A
Good point there, but I think what bums some and maybe most collectors out is the fact that "the hunt" may end up taking too much time, then and that makes it no so much fun for some collectors as they do not have the time to keep up with hunting or all the variations to collect.
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Good point there, but I think what bums some and maybe most collectors out is the fact that "the hunt" may end up taking too much time, then and that makes it no so much fun for some collectors as they do not have the time to keep up with hunting or all the variations to collect.
I don't mind waiting and hunting, but when there are literally more than 1,200 items in a set, many of which are $10-$75+, it is just too much, and I'll take a pass on 7 different variations of the same Wacky. I also used to maintain separate binders of puzzles, cereal titles, and bonus cards, but since ANS10 it's now just too expensive, and no longer fun.
Bottom line - if I'm going to spend this kind of money on trading cards, I'd rather buy a high grade older set. Hell, for what it would take to get everything in this set, I could probably buy beautiful Ratz and Cracked Animals diecuts!! I will still attempt to obtain every unique Wacky title, and the cheapest version for every unique back. But there are a lot of things I'm now passing on, partly because of the split between "collector" and "hobby" boxes which created even more border variation and special sets per series.
Topps should look at some recent history where a successful product line was killed by making it impossible for their customers to acquire or maintain a complete set of their product because of deliberately manufactured rarities.
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Bottom line - if I'm going to spend this kind of money on trading cards, I'd rather buy a high grade older set.
:thumbsup:
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A lot of collectors score all this stuff with very little out of pocket expense, or a profit. So basically it's fairly easy to get all this stuff without spending too much. It all depends on what you want to collect.
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A lot of collectors score all this stuff with very little out of pocket expense, or a profit. So basically it's fairly easy to get all this stuff without spending too much. It all depends on what you want to collect.
Can you explain how you score all his stuff while making a profit as everyone laments how nothing from the series is selling well on eBay?
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Can you explain how you score all his stuff while making a profit as everyone laments how nothing from the series is selling well on eBay?
I bought 12 cases and had them overnighted so I had them on release day. I had them quick for quick sales because buyers of red Luds don't know when/if they will show up again.
I've sold all my red Luds, black Luds, most cloth, most golds, most doubles of lost and bonus stickers, all plates, most artist autos, some sketches, a few sets of base and a couple sets of black canvas, a set of die-cuts and a set of pencil concepts minus 3 cards.
As of Friday I was up about $100 and I've retained:
About 45 sketches, all variation sets of base, red border, black canvas, magnet set, coloring set, complete patch set, all bonus, all lost, both comic autos, complete die-cut set. This also included enough profit for 5 color return sketch cards. I also deducted for Paypal and eBay fees. I will check again tomorrow with all the numbers but as of Friday I was up and retained all the stuff listed including the artists return sketches. That is why you have to move quick. It might not be for everyone. Also, collectors have the trouble of getting rid of stuff so they can't sell. I have no problem. I want what I want in my collection and to get it for little to nothing is the goal. You have to make sacrifices and some can't do it. It's not that hard.
Sales after one week have really slowed even though I have about 9 packages to ship tomorrow. Most of these have been off eBay so you can't look at completed auctions.
The thing is I could probably sell all of my sketches and I would probably be up another $2000.
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Brad,
Nice job on breaking even this time around. I appreciate your detailed recap of outlay/ sales/ net outlay.
I only purchased 4 collector boxes and sold very little as I did not pull much of the higher end stuff from my boxes.
I have around $500 into this release as I was not able to sell much and purchased most of the bonus cards as well as a few returns.
I am fine with my outlay but will spend less next time around. The key differentiator for you is having the 4 to 5 K to lay out in order to secure
your 12 cases.
Andrew
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Nice job on breaking even this time around. I appreciate your detailed recap of outlay/ sales/ net outlay.
The key differentiator for you is having the 4 to 5 K to lay out in order to secure
your 12 cases.
Andrew
I believe the recipe is:
1. $4k to $5k+
2. Rolodex to call to sell the right items to the right people (from experience on prior deals). There is no place for bottom feeders in this equation. You've got to get top dollar FAAAST to make this all work.
3. Time to devote - if this isn't done immediately, people either loose interest, or get their needs filled elsewhere. You must strike while the iron is hot. This gets more & more critical with each release IMO, and there will come a time when the pendulum will swing the other way. I find it tougher & tougher with each release, and it has long past my comfort zone. I'm sure if Brad chimes in, he will confirm that the list of "whales" is shrinking, and as others learn who they are, it's not only a game of timing, but one of luck as well based on your pulls.
4. Guts to pull the trigger. Again, with each release, I see this as a game of musical chairs, with fewer people chasing these, while the price & complexity of each release go up. At some point, you'll be left standing. In the meantime, kudos to Brad for a job well done!
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I believe the recipe is:
1. $4k to $5k+
2. Rolodex to call to sell the right items to the right people (from experience on prior deals). There is no place for bottom feeders in this equation. You've got to get top dollar FAAAST to make this all work.
3. Time to devote - if this isn't done immediately, people either loose interest, or get their needs filled elsewhere. You must strike while the iron is hot. This gets more & more critical with each release IMO, and there will come a time when the pendulum will swing the other way. I find it tougher & tougher with each release, and it has long past my comfort zone. I'm sure if Brad chimes in, he will confirm that the list of "whales" is shrinking, and as others learn who they are, it's not only a game of timing, but one of luck as well based on your pulls.
4. Guts to pull the trigger. Again, with each release, I see this as a game of musical chairs, with fewer people chasing these, while the price & complexity of each release go up. At some point, you'll be left standing. In the meantime, kudos to Brad for a job well done!
You nailed it on every level here.
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You nailed it on every level here.
I think the other factor contributing to your success this time was pulling two Super tough cards. I think it was the 1 of 5 made
gold red Ludlow back lost wackies. Not exactly sure what the cards were but scoring a few $700 cards when most are pulling $20 golds could skew your cash flow in the right direction yes?
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I think the other factor contributing to your success this time was pulling two Super tough cards. I think it was the 1 of 5 made
gold red Ludlow back lost wackies. Not exactly sure what the cards were but scoring a few $700 cards when most are pulling $20 golds could skew your cash flow in the right direction yes?
That's true and that should have been disclosed. Even if I didn't pull those I think I would have been close to breaking even.
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That's true and that should have been disclosed. Even if I didn't pull those I think I would have been close to breaking even.
Luck is a big factor, no doubt. The more you buy, the luckier you will tend to be.
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I didn't purchase any of the Collectors boxes this time around. Can someone please ship me an empty box and some wrappers? I can send you $ via Paypal for shipping, etc. Please PM me. Thanx!
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That is what is funny to them and that is supposed to be Topps target audience.
Kids have always been the "target audience"; however, show me one fart joke in the original 1-16 series. Those did pretty well with the kids, I think we all agree. Show me one potty joke in OS1-16. Did we as kids appreciate more intellect and/or wit in our humor than the kids today? Sorry, I don't find anything witty, clever, or satirical about fart and potty humor. Glad they were absent in OS1-16.
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Kids have always been the "target audience"; however, show me one fart joke in the original 1-16 series. Those did pretty well with the kids, I think we all agree. Show me one potty joke in OS1-16. Did we as kids appreciate more intellect and/or wit in our humor than the kids today? Sorry, I don't find anything witty, clever, or satirical about fart and potty humor. Glad they were absent in OS1-16.
As I've said before, I find the "humor" in wacky gags to be overrated. There are some amusing moments in all the series, but what stands out about the original 1-16 is the character art and the realistic depiction of the packaging.
That said, I agree the originals were "classier" in the sense David describes.
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As I've said before, I find the "humor" in wacky gags to be overrated. There are some amusing moments in all the series, but what stands out about the original 1-16 is the character art and the realistic depiction of the packaging.
That said, I agree the originals were "classier" in the sense David describes.
100% with you on the realistic depiction of the packaging and the character art. Combine those with wacked-out taglines like "Antidote inside!" and "Free 24 Vol. Set Encyclopedia Brittanica in every box!" and I was immediately hooked as a kid! (The 2nd series was my "first".)
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Yeah, some of the gag details are funny, I agree. But when I look back at what really makes me laugh, it's always the characters. 6-up, Dopey Whip, etc. would be pretty weak without the characters.
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but what stands out about the original 1-16 is the character art and the realistic depiction of the packaging.
and that's what I'm really starting to miss with these last two releases. Far, far too many have weak depictions of the packaging.
Imprecise, non-symmetric, out-of-round, distorted proportions, etc. etc. Quite a few lack that spark of realism.
And the 'Favorites' topic thread reflects this desire as well, by noticing which titles are being chosen, and particularly, which ones are not being picked.
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and that's what I'm really starting to miss with these last two releases. Far, far too many have weak depictions of the packaging.
Imprecise, non-symmetric, out-of-round, distorted proportions, etc. etc. Quite a few lack that spark of realism.
And the 'Favorites' topic thread reflects this desire as well, by noticing which titles are being chosen, and particularly, which ones are not being picked.
If they do another F*ckin parody of Licky or whatever Charms and Frosted or whatever Flakes - I am going to kill someone!!! >:D >:D >:D
GET SOME NEW PRODUCTS!!!ALL THE PASTA SAUCES, CEREALS, DOG FOOD, ETC... >:D >:D
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If they do another F*ckin parody of Licky or whatever Charms and Frosted or whatever Flakes - I am going to kill someone!!! >:D >:D >:D
GET SOME NEW PRODUCTS!!!ALL THE PASTA SAUCES, CEREALS, DOG FOOD, ETC... >:D >:D
Haha truth. Some of these products are way over done by now. C'mon Topps you can do better!
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I don't know why they can't use other products or even different color wrappers :^)
I have a hunch they will do 5 more ANS series and then be done. 16 series sound familiar? Only 5 more orange wrappers to go...LOL
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Kids have always been the "target audience"; however, show me one fart joke in the original 1-16 series. Those did pretty well with the kids, I think we all agree. Show me one potty joke in OS1-16. Did we as kids appreciate more intellect and/or wit in our humor than the kids today? Sorry, I don't find anything witty, clever, or satirical about fart and potty humor. Glad they were absent in OS1-16.
Here's one potty joke in OS 1-16: POOPSIE (parody of Pepsi in a bottle)
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Here's one potty joke in OS 1-16: POOPSIE (parody of Pepsi in a bottle)
Ironically, it happens to be one of the worst from series 1-16.
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Here's one potty joke in OS 1-16: POOPSIE (parody of Pepsi in a bottle)
bzzzt! Thanks for playing. "poop" is also a term for an old person; hence the dichotomy between "those who are young" and those "poops" that are old. or maybe that humor is a little too smart....yeh, it's all about shit...too bad it wasn't done today with ANS...they would have painted little turds inside the bottle.
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I don't know why they can't use other products or even different color wrappers :^)
I have a hunch they will do 5 more ANS series and then be done. 16 series sound familiar? Only 5 more orange wrappers to go...LOL
I heard in Allentown that there is a strong chance that the next set will be called something like "2014 Series 1." As of now the plan is still to produce two new retail series per calendar year.
I didn't ask why the color scheme has been orange for the last three releases, but if you look at the advance promotion for ANS10 and ANS11, each has used the previous series' packaging as an example. It may just be that they haven't had (or taken) the time to mock up new packaging by the deadline for the promo material, so they think they have to stick close to what's been advertised. Just a theory though.
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Haha truth. Some of these products are way over done by now. C'mon Topps you can do better!
Topps is not too concerned about repetition of products between series because every new set can be some kids' first, and they want to hit them with recognizable brands and gags they can relate to.
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bzzzt! Thanks for playing. "poop" is also a term for an old person; hence the dichotomy between "those who are young" and those "poops" that are old. or maybe that humor is a little too smart....yeh, it's all about shit...too bad it wasn't done today with ANS...they would have painted little turds inside the bottle.
I always read "poopsie" as a cutesy nickname for a baby... like a mom might say "my widdle poopsie"... but agree that it was never intended as a poop gag.
Topps most likely had different standards for gags then--one might say "classier" standards--because the culture as a whole was still slightly more genteel 40 years ago than it is now. The playground in 1973 was full of booger and puke and poop talk but you didn't see much of that in the media, it was more taboo than it is now.
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The bottom line here is that the historically the Wackys that have been the most appealing has been because of cool looking art and characters. There is nothing cool looking about some turds, or a guy with his pants full of poop, or a rear end. Nothing at all.
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I always read "poopsie" as a cutesy nickname for a baby... like a mom might say "my widdle poopsie"... but agree that it was never intended as a poop gag.
This is exactly what I always thought too. Never associated it with a poop gag.
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The bottom line here is that the historically the Wackys that have been the most appealing has been because of cool looking art and characters. There is nothing cool looking about some turds, or a guy with his pants full of poop, or a rear end. Nothing at all.
Bingo. Potty humor just doesn't belong in Wackys. The kids that like that can go buy GPK.
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and that's what I'm really starting to miss with these last two releases. Far, far too many have weak depictions of the packaging.
Imprecise, non-symmetric, out-of-round, distorted proportions, etc. etc. Quite a few lack that spark of realism.
And the 'Favorites' topic thread reflects this desire as well, by noticing which titles are being chosen, and particularly, which ones are not being picked.
I agree that the poor depictions of packaging really distract me from the characters and gags. It's not necessarily that I love the "nuts and bolts" of packaging, but that they really take me out of the experience as I am so critical of the poor rendering. Oh, and like so many here, I hate all the poop and bodily fluid humor.
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The humor in OS 1-16 seemed more in line with Warner Bros cartoons of the 40's - more adult. The newer ANS potty "humor" is very Shrek-like in its wit (i.e. imperceptible on the Wit-O-Meter). I fear it's one more sign of the overall decay of civilization in general...
Another subtle aspect of the humor I see in the OS 1-16 that started to disappear in the 85 series and beyond was the fact that the characters seemed liked characters acting/playing a part. I could imagine them in a photo shoot for the art and then going off and doing something else afterwards. In other words, they were never harmed - it was just a gag. Some of the newer ones make it look like characters are actually being hurt or are genuinely distressed in some way - not playing a part. Again it is VERY subtle - but it's there.
Mark Parisi nailed this recently with a very funny comic: http://www.gocomics.com/offthemark/2013/10/03
The cat is not in real pain or danger. You can imagine hearing "cut" and the cat deflates and walks away with the other "actors" in the scene and goes and has a latte. The expression on the cat's face and his overall look - but mainly that expression - are what makes this cartoon hilarious! The newer "humor" would have the cat looking genuinely distressed and/or poked full of blood-oozing holes and/or dead. Not funnier that way - just grim - and that's the difference I see.
In lots of the newer Wackys there's this very subtle "edge" on the images that convey actual pain/distress on the parts of characters rather than this more subtle (and much funnier imo) conveyance.
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I think the other factor contributing to your success this time was pulling two Super tough cards. I think it was the 1 of 5 made
gold red Ludlow back lost wackies. Not exactly sure what the cards were but scoring a few $700 cards when most are pulling $20 golds could skew your cash flow in the right direction yes?
I got one of the Gold. Red Ludlow lost wackys. From past experience after a few months these cards lose most of their value. (like a new car does). I purchased 5 cases @350.00 each, and I sold that card for 600.00. I though am keeping the Black Ludlows and Golds. I would like to get a full set of those. Also I want a full set of patches however I truly believe that they will come down in value.
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Also I want a full set of patches however I truly believe that they will come down in value.
We still don't know if the Pupsi is rare or not. There is only one on eBay now. I paid $200 for mine just to finish the set.
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We still don't know if the Pupsi is rare or not. There is only one on eBay now. I paid $200 for mine just to finish the set.
Right now that is a good price, maybe even a steal! I just have to wait it out and see if they come down like they did last series. (I have recently picked up many series 10 Red ludlows between 10-20 bucks each). I hope I don't have a hole in my collection because of my views.
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Bingo. Potty humor just doesn't belong in Wackys. The kids that like that can go buy GPK.
Anyone else remember Bathroom Buddies?
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Right now that is a good price, maybe even a steal! I just have to wait it out and see if they come down like they did last series. (I have recently picked up many series 10 Red ludlows between 10-20 bucks each). I hope I don't have a hole in my collection because of my views.
There are a couple really strong collectors of red Luds. If they both have the same card you will get them for that price but if its a tough one you will have to open your wallet or you may never see it again. I know 2 collectors that still need about 6 cards each for ANS10 red lud sets. It's that much of a grind and they may never find them? I can't imagine spending around $6k for a set of ANS red Luds but what do I know? Yes, there are still completists even with these crazy odds.
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There are a couple really strong collectors of red Luds. If they both have the same card you will get them for that price but if its a tough one you will have to open your wallet or you may never see it again. I know 2 collectors that still need about 6 cards each for ANS10 red lud sets. It's that much of a grind and they may never find them? I can't imagine spending around $6k for a set of ANS red Luds but what do I know? Yes, there are still completists even with these crazy odds.
So "Flopps" is catering to a few completest by adding all this garbage to their sets while alienating what seems to be most of the people who collect this stuff. Love the way corprate assholes think!
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I guess I am going to play the odds that Topps produced more cards then there are serious collectors. I agree that plates and artist autographs have a definite number produced. However I am hoping with the greater amount of cases out there, that later there will be a plethora of product to choose from. I would adjust my thinking if I had an exact number of boxes produced, but since I can't find that information I have to use past performances and extrapolate the results. What that then tells me is black ludlows, golds, cloths, pencil sketches and die cuts will be in big supply and the prices will come down. Red ludlows after a year and when the few who have spent ungodly amounts of money on them are done, will settle under 20 bucks each. Sketches are always a different animal, meaning a shit sketch will always bring shit money where as a great sketch will always be desirable. I guess you could call me a cost conscience completest. Meaning I will buy up full series of golds and ludlows, however I won't be the one who dictates initial market prices. From Ans10 I was able to get ludlows golds and cloths, full sets and not at initial prices. As for reds I have collected 27 of the so far. All at an average price of under 20 bucks. It might take a few years but I will eventually get them. I will give an example of where I didn't follow my own advise early on. Any Reepers sticker in the beginning commanded a premium. I paid 50 dollars for a cloth one. Later about 2 months into the program run I picked up 2 more for under 10.00. Now as a seller I would use perceived rarity to my advantage, however as a collector, I now will take the attitude that someone will eventually sell and when a newer series is out the old series becomes like "leftovers from a good restaurant". Meaning with a limited amount a fund most people would buy the new stuff then get the old stuff.
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There are a couple really strong collectors of red Luds. If they both have the same card you will get them for that price but if its a tough one you will have to open your wallet or you may never see it again. I know 2 collectors that still need about 6 cards each for ANS10 red lud sets. It's that much of a grind and they may never find them? I can't imagine spending around $6k for a set of ANS red Luds but what do I know? Yes, there are still completists even with these crazy odds.
Alright BRAD...what are the RED LUDs they need...from ANS10 - I have cases still to open from ANS10 - and ANS11 :o :o- I can post a list of what I have...I do have #13 Red Lud for sale from ANS11....if anyone needs that...later :great:
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Apparently some people aren't pleased with potty humor, asses, crap, etc.., and while that is your opinion you must also realize times change. As much fun as it was, this isn't the mid 80's anymore. Society is desensitized to many things so you need appeal to their other side. As much as we'd like Topps and Wacky Packages to exist thanks to us, the collectors and enthusiasts, that just isn't true. You have to do what is going to capture the attention and interest of those keeping the hobby alive. When you look at the other competition in the card dept you recognize why the change in humor.
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You have to do what is going to capture the attention and interest of those keeping the hobby alive.
Maybe you're right. Let's ask Brad and Leslie what type of humor they prefer.
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Maybe you're right. Let's ask Brad and Leslie what type of humor they prefer.
I have said already that I'm not a fan. I couldn't tell you what Leslie thinking. Thanks for singling us out. :-\
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Alright BRAD...what are the RED LUDs they need...from ANS10 - I have cases still to open from ANS10 - and ANS11 :o :o- I can post a list of what I have...I do have #13 Red Lud for sale from ANS11....if anyone needs that...later :great:
I'll PM you
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Maybe you're right. Let's ask Brad and Leslie what type of humor they prefer.
Dude - that's Funny!!! FLOL!! great for Friday laughs!!! :] :] :]
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Maybe you're right. Let's ask Brad and Leslie what type of humor they prefer.
Unless Brad and Leslie are pseudonyms for Santa Clause or The Flash (characters who can make the trip to all of the walmart/target/tru of the country in the snap of a finger) we need to look at the people who are buying these cards when they walk into various stores selling them. Unfortunately those of us on this board or other boards like it are just a small niche in the picture.
I ask again: Have any of you noticed the competition when you walk into the card aisle of Target? Long gone are the days of Pac Man and Ewoks. If you want to sell, you need to compete.
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Unless Brad and Leslie are pseudonyms for Santa Clause or The Flash (characters who can make the trip to all of the walmart/target/tru of the country in the snap of a finger) we need to look at the people who are buying these cards when they walk into various stores selling them. Unfortunately those of us on this board or other boards like it are just a small niche in the picture.
I ask again: Have any of you noticed the competition when you walk into the card aisle of Target? Long gone are the days of Pac Man and Ewoks. If you want to sell, you need to compete.
I would guess you would mean compete for customers. I would like to know what demographic ANS is geared towards (according to Topps). That would be very helpful information.
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You have to do what is going to capture the attention and interest of those keeping the hobby alive.
I agree completely, so stuff like Honey Boo Boo is probably a good idea although it makes some cringe ( I don't like Honey Boo Boo). That said, I seriously doubt that the injection of potty humor is going to increase sales at all.
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I would guess you would mean compete for customers. I would like to know what demographic ANS is geared towards (according to Topps). That would be very helpful information.
they may not know very well who Wackys are selling to - but apparently they are seeing that the sales of GPK is much higher.
So Topps probably figures it's worthwhile to skew towards GPK humor and hopefully try and pick up some fraction of those consumers and improve sales of Wackys.
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I agree completely, so stuff like Honey Boo Boo is probably a good idea although it makes some cringe ( I don't like Honey Boo Boo). That said, I seriously doubt that the injection of potty humor is going to increase sales at all.
I just came out of Target and took my usual perusal through the card aisle and there are so many different cards and crap marketed towards kids that gags similar to those from the 70's and 80's wouldn't stand a chance in hell of pushing packs. We never had 1/7 of the amount of cards when I was a kid that are available now. There are too many things to catch the eyes of the kids such as pins, gaming cards, athletes, wrestling, GPK, etc..,
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Maybe you're right. Let's ask Brad and Leslie what type of humor they prefer.
:great:
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I just came out of Target and took my usual perusal through the card aisle and there are so many different cards and crap marketed towards kids that gags similar to those from the 70's and 80's wouldn't stand a chance in hell of pushing packs. We never had 1/7 of the amount of cards when I was a kid that are available now. There are too many things to catch the eyes of the kids such as pins, gaming cards, athletes, wrestling, GPK, etc..,
Are the athletes crapping on the field or peeing in their pants? Are the wrestlers sniffing each other's bare butts?
Topps really needs to do a little research on the demographics of its products. You ever notice how car manufacturers make several different models? Soda manufacturers make so many different flavors? Levis jeans makes so many different styles? It's because one product does not suit all. GPK appeals to a certain demographic. More power to 'em! Let them enjoy all the boogers, butts, zits, crap, turds, shit, diarrhea, puke, vomit, hurl, farts, gas, and crotch they can stand! Bottom line is this type of humor never belonged in Wackys and it is exactly what killed them in the 80's and 90's.
Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.....
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Are the athletes crapping on the field or peeing in their pants? Are the wrestlers sniffing each other's bare butts?
Topps really needs to do a little research on the demographics of its products. You ever notice how car manufacturers make several different models? Soda manufacturers make so many different flavors? Levis jeans makes so many different styles? It's because one product does not suit all. GPK appeals to a certain demographic. More power to 'em! Let them enjoy all the boogers, butts, zits, crap, turds, shit, diarrhea, puke, vomit, hurl, farts, gas, and crotch they can stand! Bottom line is this type of humor never belonged in Wackys and it is exactly what killed them in the 80's and 90's.
Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.....
Very well said!
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Very well said!
Thanks!!! :great:
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The thing is Topps can produce these and we still collect them. What does that say about us?
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:great:
So you think this is great when you are trying to build sets yourself? I guess we need to add you to the list....
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So you think this is great when you are trying to build sets yourself? I guess we need to add you to the list....
Once again I have no idea what you are talking about. Can you translate?
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Are the athletes crapping on the field or peeing in their pants? Are the wrestlers sniffing each other's bare butts?
Topps really needs to do a little research on the demographics of its products. You ever notice how car manufacturers make several different models? Soda manufacturers make so many different flavors? Levis jeans makes so many different styles? It's because one product does not suit all. GPK appeals to a certain demographic. More power to 'em! Let them enjoy all the boogers, butts, zits, crap, turds, shit, diarrhea, puke, vomit, hurl, farts, gas, and crotch they can stand! Bottom line is this type of humor never belonged in Wackys and it is exactly what killed them in the 80's and 90's.
Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.....
To be fair, Topps IS offering different models of Wackys with postcards, and especially with Old School. They've decided that their demographic for the ANS sets is little kids, which is disappointing for me, but I'm still in for a base set because I enjoy at least some of the titles.
To make up for the pervasive potty humor in ANS11, here's hoping that booze and cigarettes will show up in the next postcard and Old School sets!
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Are the athletes crapping on the field or peeing in their pants? Are the wrestlers sniffing each other's bare butts?
Topps really needs to do a little research on the demographics of its products. You ever notice how car manufacturers make several different models? Soda manufacturers make so many different flavors? Levis jeans makes so many different styles? It's because one product does not suit all. GPK appeals to a certain demographic. More power to 'em! Let them enjoy all the boogers, butts, zits, crap, turds, shit, diarrhea, puke, vomit, hurl, farts, gas, and crotch they can stand! Bottom line is this type of humor never belonged in Wackys and it is exactly what killed them in the 80's and 90's.
Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.....
No but I'll do you one better. Look at the fantasy gaming cards (right next to WP's) and you might just happen to see some rather busty characters which completely bury an ass or underwear dripping with piss. Boobs hanging out of a shirt would have gotten my attention when I was young. The entire section has so many things captivating children. The wrestling cards from the mid 80's are nothing compared to their counterparts from today.
You're entitled to your opinion but I'd say you are completely wrong when determining why Wacky's died in the early 90's.
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Once again I have no idea what you are talking about. Can you translate?
I should have said your list. Since you singled me and Leslie out for no reason at all. I thought you were keeping a list of people that are actually collecting ANS11. I think you are one of the few that isn't. I said I'm not a fan of the potty jokes and I really don't like them but it's not going to keep me or other collectors for collecting the series because there are other pieces that are really good. It's not the original series but it's still Wacky Packages.
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You people complaining about titles & themes gotta remember, these are Wackys, which in reality is kid driven. Back in the original days I find it hard to believe that grown folks would go to the candy store looking for packs, it was us as kids with maybe a quarter in our hands getting 5 packs if the guy didn't tell us tax , otherwise we could only get 4 packs. So lighten up on all the critiquing . after all it is still kid driven & now we are reliving a part of our childhood except instead of spending a quarter we are spending hundreds if not thousands of quarters. Its only Wacky Packages!!!
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I should have said your list. Since you singled me and Leslie out for no reason at all. I thought you were keeping a list of people that are actually collecting ANS11. I think you are one of the few that isn't. I said I'm not a fan of the potty jokes and I really don't like them but it's not going to keep me or other collectors for collecting the series because there are other pieces that are really good. It's not the original series but it's still Wacky Packages.
I agree, Crap or not I will purchase future WP releases. I prefer not to be inundated with phlegm , puke , blood and crap but will still keep collecting.
Andrew
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I should have said your list. Since you singled me and Leslie out for no reason at all. I thought you were keeping a list of people that are actually collecting ANS11. I think you are one of the few that isn't. I said I'm not a fan of the potty jokes and I really don't like them but it's not going to keep me or other collectors for collecting the series because there are other pieces that are really good. It's not the original series but it's still Wacky Packages.
Let me explain my original comment, since you evidently didn't understand it.
Four Roses suggested potty humor is catering to the ones "supporting this hobby", implying that that is little kids. By suggesting you and Leslie be consulted, I was only suggesting that adults spending $10 K on cases are really supporting Topps releases, not kids. I felt like some kids were into wackys in around 2006, but I don't smell a whiff of that anymore.
Nothing negative toward you or Leslie was implied.
I am curious though. If kids are the supposed market for this series, necessitating potty humor, then why are there chase cards up the wazoo that kids would neither care about nor be able to afford? I guess the idea is to market to kids and simultaneously try to bilk completist adults.
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I am curious though. If kids are the supposed market for this series, necessitating potty humor, then why are there chase cards up the wazoo that kids would neither care about nor be able to afford? I guess the idea is to market to kids and simultaneously try to bilk completist adults.
that's the idea exactly.
Topps spelled it out to that effect to the dealers in their last two powerpoint sell sheet presentations for ANS10 and ANS11. To paraphrase from the sell sheets:
Both this and GPKs now have a two-prong 'synergistic' approach, meant to enhance sales.
kids: the humor of the set is geared towards kids, with kid relevant products/humor/art
adults: the architecture of the set is geared towards adults, with collector boxes, 'valuable' hits and "collector relevant" chase items (e.g. buybacks, patch relics, etc.)
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that's the idea exactly.
Topps spelled it out to that effect to the dealers in their last two powerpoint sell sheet presentations for ANS10 and ANS11. To paraphrase from the sell sheets:
Both this and GPKs now have a two-prong 'synergistic' approach, meant to enhance sales.
kids: the humor of the set is geared towards kids, with kid relevant products/humor/art
adults: the architecture of the set is geared towards adults, with collector boxes, 'valuable' hits and "collector relevant" chase items (e.g. buybacks, patch relics, etc.)
Agreed. My primary complaints are based on my collecting mentality, and with ANS11 I felt they went way too far with variations. With the humor, again, that's Topps' demographic, so that's what they're going to go with. I will still try for one of each title. But, I hope they don't expect me to spend a whole lot of money on 7 different variations of a title I didn't even like; at the same time, I hope that they won't cancel Wackys because of this issue with adult collectors like myself who stop collecting variations, which may result in reduced pre-orders/ collector sales next time.
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So you think this is great when you are trying to build sets yourself? I guess we need to add you to the list....
Some of the non-potty-gross-out titles are quite good. I'm not building a set but some of the puzzles I like. No way am I (or could be) on a list that spends thousands of bucks...
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You people complaining about titles & themes gotta remember, these are Wackys, which in reality is kid driven.
Again I have to ask, why do the kids today require such low-brow humor? Everybody keeps saying kids, kids, kids...we were the kids who made wacky packs #1 back in the day! And we did not need such crappy (pun intended) humor.
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The thing is Topps can produce these and we still collect them. What does that say about us?
True, but a lot of us are buying less. In fact I was excited to hear about the TRU mini uncut sheets, but with so many potty humor titles, I probably won't be buying those. I will most likely just stick to a base set and some bonus stickers.
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GPK appeals to a certain demographic. More power to 'em! Let them enjoy all the boogers, butts, zits, crap, turds, shit, diarrhea, puke, vomit, hurl, farts, gas, and crotch they can stand!
Too funny. Maybe for ANS12 Topps can restrict the potty humor titles to a subset that is only included in special "kids only" WG (Wacky Garbage) boxes ;)
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Again I have to ask, why do the kids today require such low-brow humor? Everybody keeps saying kids, kids, kids...we were the kids who made wacky packs #1 back in the day! And we did not need such crappy (pun intended) humor.
Maybe because the cartoons have been dumbed down for some time now. For example SpongeBob. I generally like SpongeBob, and some episodes crack me up, but they contain a lot of potty humor that makes me cringe. Too bad for the kids, because as you mentioned, I don't remember cartoons needing that stuff back then to keep our attention or be funny.
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Some of the non-potty-gross-out titles are quite good. I'm not building a set but some of the puzzles I like. No way am I (or could be) on a list that spends thousands of bucks...
I think that is the misconception. I bought 12 cases but after eBay and Paypal fees I'm up about $400. It's actually profitable to collect Wackys! I have a really nice collection and I made money off the series. That is amazing! Who is saying you have to pay thousands? How about making money off the series? Sure I could have sold everything but I'm also a collector as well. Why hasn't anyone mentioned Clint or Cardgary? They just buy to sell and this is their business. I've told everyone what I collected from this series an I made a profit. I also have 45 sketch cards that haven't costed me a cent. I also have 5 artist returns that haven't cost me a dime even though it cost me $850 but it's all absorbed with the profits. If I didn't buy any cards such as sketches or complete my patch set I would actually be up $2k. There you have it. I wear my collecting on my sleeve. Some don't get it. That's how it is collecting the new stuff. I know people don't like to discuss this side of collecting as its taboo. I think that is the collectors mentality to not let anything go. I want what I want and will make compromises to get to my goal. Yes I don't have every variation of all the different borders but I don't care. I think if I have the die cuts and red and canvas with all the variations I me fine. I don't even care of a standard base set in my collection because the other stuff is cooler.
Basically, don't judge my collecting habits. I just told you how to get what you want without any cash. Yes, you can use a credit card and pay it all back within a couple weeks.
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Brad, there is no misconception, we understand you made back your money. My only point is who is financing the series, whether you resold stuff is moot. Also, please don't pretend that everyone could follow your same blueprint, the buyers would not be there for twenty people trying to go that route, as you well know.
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Brad, there is no misconception, we understand you made back your money. My only point is who is financing the series, whether you resold stuff is moot. Also, please don't pretend that everyone could follow your same blueprint, the buyers would not be there for twenty people trying to go that route, as you well know.
Everyone has strong opinions on the forum and I respect that. I'm not a fan of what Topps has done with the ANS series but we have to deal with it. You are right that if there were more sellers then people probably wouldn't make a profit but there are some really big collectors with very deep pockets that are trying to complete everything. I know it's crazy but these people don't buy cases they buy from sellers. With my 12 cases I hardly made a dent in those collectors collection. I know one collector that wants 2 of everything. That person already completed one ANS10 red ludlow set and needs about 15 more cards for a second set so if their collecting habits stay the same then yes 20 sellers could (possibly with some lucky pulls) follow my blueprint.
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Brad, there is no misconception, we understand you made back your money. My only point is who is financing the series, whether you resold stuff is moot. Also, please don't pretend that everyone could follow your same blueprint, the buyers would not be there for twenty people trying to go that route, as you well know.
I remember early in ANS when many of us were buying boxes and cases from Lockwood, it was mentioned that we weren't making a dent in the sales of Wackys. The big boys were Walmart, Target, TRU, etc. Not sure if that's still valid now though.
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I remember early in ANS when many of us were buying boxes and cases from Lockwood, it was mentioned that we weren't making a dent in the sales of Wackys. The big boys were Walmart, Target, TRU, etc. Not sure if that's still valid now though.
In the days before sketch cards and gold borders there wasn't much reason for a collector to order 12 cases.
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In the days before sketch cards and gold borders there wasn't much reason for a collector to order 12 cases.
I don't think I bought my first case until ANS4 or 5. Your right it wasn't until Flashbacks came out when I started buying more than one case because of the gold search. I only ordered 3 cases initially with ANS10 and ended up buying about 20+, I don't remember off the top. I initially ordered only 5 cases of ANS11 and then the day before release I though that since Blowout was shipping my stuff overnight I would have a jump on other collectors so ordered another 7 cases. That is all I have bought and haven't picked up any more since. Its a controlled burn...LOL
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True, but a lot of us are buying less. In fact I was excited to hear about the TRU mini uncut sheets, but with so many potty humor titles, I probably won't be buying those. I will most likely just stick to a base set and some bonus stickers.
The year is 2013. Society is desensitized to many things so they need to be more in your face. Kids aren't coming home from school and watching Silver Spoons or The Facts of Life. The prequels to Star Wars came out and they were loaded with CGI instead of models and stop motion animation because society wouldn't have been able to handle it otherwise. The same thing is true with WP's.
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Maybe because the cartoons have been dumbed down for some time now. For example SpongeBob. I generally like SpongeBob, and some episodes crack me up, but they contain a lot of potty humor that makes me cringe. Too bad for the kids, because as you mentioned, I don't remember cartoons needing that stuff back then to keep our attention or be funny.
That is very sad. I'm very grateful I did not grow up in this day and age. The "machine" is selling the kids short.
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I think that is the misconception. I bought 12 cases but after eBay and Paypal fees I'm up about $400. It's actually profitable to collect Wackys! I have a really nice collection and I made money off the series. That is amazing! Who is saying you have to pay thousands? How about making money off the series? Sure I could have sold everything but I'm also a collector as well. Why hasn't anyone mentioned Clint or Cardgary? They just buy to sell and this is their business. I've told everyone what I collected from this series an I made a profit. I also have 45 sketch cards that haven't costed me a cent. I also have 5 artist returns that haven't cost me a dime even though it cost me $850 but it's all absorbed with the profits. If I didn't buy any cards such as sketches or complete my patch set I would actually be up $2k. There you have it. I wear my collecting on my sleeve. Some don't get it. That's how it is collecting the new stuff. I know people don't like to discuss this side of collecting as its taboo. I think that is the collectors mentality to not let anything go. I want what I want and will make compromises to get to my goal. Yes I don't have every variation of all the different borders but I don't care. I think if I have the die cuts and red and canvas with all the variations I me fine. I don't even care of a standard base set in my collection because the other stuff is cooler.
Basically, don't judge my collecting habits. I just told you how to get what you want without any cash. Yes, you can use a credit card and pay it all back within a couple weeks.
Brad, if too many people attempt to collect each new Wacky series like you are doing, then it will cease to work because of a glut. In fact, that glut has already started to happen. Series 10 was 3 times as profitable as series 11. I am not faulting you. I do the same thing. I collect certain things, sell the rest and make a little money over all. My point is, it will only work for so many people before it stops working. It could stop working with any given series, then it will be like being on a sinking ship.