Collecting Upper Deck Cards: Lessons Learned After 1 year.

[@Fultoncards]

Even though I've been collecting forever, I found your thoughts insightful and refreshing. Social media, influencers, and group breakers have such a disproportionate influence on ppl's behaviour, which is now legalized gambling on indefensible odds. And with the sole focus on monetary value comes a deterioration of broader reasoning and community values. The hobby seems to be increasingly indifferent to the actual value of a dollar. I always appreciate when someone like yourself provides some genuine perspective and objectivity.

[@PuckMike]

Thanks for the comments and for watching! There is a lot of confusion for new collectors and hoping what I’ve learned and continue to learn will help some find their niche in the hobby. Happy collecting!

[@thePOWERofART-11]

@@PuckMike think you have done that well.

[@thePOWERofART-11]

'legalised gambling on indefensible odds'. very well said. I'm just back into the hobby after 30 years, yikes, and things really have changed. These channels with 800 dollar boxes and just trying to find a mcdavid, really doesn't appeal. For me, cards are about enjoying buying packs, putting the collection together, trading w friends and well, i dont chuck em against the wall anymore....

[@mikemyre6160]

haters gonna hate. breakers gonna break. difference? breakers and product hounds order their product months ahead of public pre-order availability. at the moment, broadly it is still very much a hobby. BUT, it’s a sellers market. Card market is no different than the stock market. Is what it is. Those jumping in to make money are the problem especially when they have next to nothing in hockey knowledge or love of the game. Watch some breaks. You will cringe at breakers butchering names and values lol. Patrik Laine called Patrick Lane 😝 Just a bunch of genx and boomers thinking Ive got 1000s of cards in my garage! what do you mean corners, sides, surfaces affect value??? dirts

[@joew6365]

Yes I’m tired of the TikTok voices and fake recorded videos KZbin is always good to come back to get insightful information, not just a quick catchy video and TikTok news voice, but it does get news out it still partisan based of your algorithm.

[@elemenop_osrs]

Very relevant list. I was hoping the list just went on and on because i enjoyed listening haha

[@PuckMike]

Thanks!

[@TheJcmc15]

New sub! Big Bad Bruins fan here…much respect for Sid though! Cool video and good luck with the channel!

[@PuckMike]

Hey thanks for the sub! Bruins off to a good start this year. Thanks for watching..

[@DirtyDan77]

very nice video for people new to the hobby. I literally just started a couple months ago. I already got to the stage where I've given up on getting rich off of cards lol. actually settled on collecting SP retail. they aren't worth much on the secondary market but the chances of getting a signature or jersey patch are pretty cool

[@PuckMike]

Nice! That's awesome. There is a lot of bashing of SP Hockey, and unfortunately I think it gets the unfortunate comparison to SP Authentic which is a premium product. I didn't mind SP hockey. The blasters were so cheap and the card quality good. You can't get Future Watch Auto's but like you said, can still get some good inserts. Thanks for watching and happy collecting!

[@RobRaincock]

Mike, bud, do us a favour and open a box of something from the '90s. Kinda worthless, but the memories are gold. Love the content, you earned my subscription!

[@PuckMike]

Rob, what a great idea! I've opened some re-packs and loose backs, but would be fun to do a hobby box. I'll do that for an upcoming video. Thanks for watching and for the sub!

[@PuckMike]

Got a Retro Series going..just opened a 90’s box. Pretty cool! m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2HXmKSIoZebf7s

[@rccardbreaks2864]

Great points, we have been collecting for a while, learned these as well. One thing with loose packs, some people may weigh the packs too. Depending on the type of cards offered, some weigh more based on the hit in the pack. Was a big issue on ebay when sellers sell Tim Hortons packs. The special trio hits always weigh more because of what the card is made out of and they would only sell the lighter packs. Buyer beware. Happy collecting!!!!

[@PuckMike]

Good point! Didn’t even think of that. I rarely buy loose packs for that reason and the ones I mentioned. Thanks for watching and happy collecting.

[@chippedicehockey]

Thanks Mike. Really appreciate the tips here. I just got back into the hobby again and the landscape is so different than when I was a kid collecting (first of all, I want my bubble gum back! Haha!) so it’s great to get the guidance from someone who recently went through the journey I’m just embarking upon (took me a couple months to figure out what PC was as well 😂) Anyway, liked and subscribed! Regards.

[@PuckMike]

Nice! Welcome back! Still some of those bubble gum packs floating around unopened..not sure you’d want to chew it though haha. Glad the tips helped. Keep it real and just do you. Some naysayers in the hobby but find the good eggs and hang with them. Happy collecting and thanks for the sub!

[@lostinda208]

I collected baseball and pokemon cards as a kid. I've been a hockey fan for about 10 years and just recently got back into card collecting (hockey only, for now lol). This video really came in clutch as I was anticipating spending a stupid amount of money on black friday next week.

[@robertn-77]

great video thanks! I've gotten back into hockey cards after opening packs with my dad and younger brother; I bought a Tim Hortons pack last week and it brought me back to my childhood; I've now pre ordered the artifacts hobby box and gonna go buy some boosters!

[@phils6733]

Great video! I personally love artifacts, maybe not everyone’s favorite but it became mine when I started collecting 2 years ago because it was 150$ per hobby and you could hit an auto which I never had of a player before…I recently got a box of this years artifacts and was lucky enough to hit an emerald Roman I. Biggest and best pull I’ve got so far, always looking for a Gretzky mcdavid or matthews auto. It’s an expensive hobby I gotta say but always fun to rip boxes

[@PuckMike]

Nice! I have no issue with Artifacts although I know not a lot of collectors like it, but I tend to think they are cool looking cards from a collector's point of view. Thanks for watching. Happy collecting!

[@jaypilon8281]

Love the advice and number 6!! good advice for sure. love to see the videos. Thumbs up as always. Later Jay

[@PuckMike]

Thanks! Happy collecting..

[@kimberlymccarthy8441]

Tks for all your words of great advice for the new collectors❣️🤞

[@PuckMike]

Hey thanks for watching!

[@ronniehockey8814]

I love hockey. I collected as a kid. Started collecting in 2020. Collecting because I like it and to pass the time during thepandemic. Hardly sell but trade alot to complete sets or for pcs. I have 3 boys I'd like to pass my collection to when they're older.

[@PuckMike]

That's awesome! Great way to collect and that will be special to pass on to your boys. I've always loved hockey. Played as a kid and went to the games. Just recently got back into the card collecting and I love it. Thanks for watching and happy collecting!

[@chippedicehockey]

Love this Ronnie! Wish my daughter was interested in the cards, maybe someday.

[@noblingblinghockey1166]

Love your channel!! Great video's!! My wife been bugging me for over 10 years, since i retired lol, to get a hobby and I started this week hockey card . In already 2000$ in lol love it. Learned a lot with your video!! Thank you!! wish I knew about the Hobby box a week ago lol 2000$ in and only have 5 Hobby box and wasted $$$ on Blaster box :-( But I did get 6 Tin box that i loved. Have a question, can you explain the series one, two and extended series, why Upper Deck have series one and two + Extended for 1 season? Hope you understand my question lol.

[@Colyde25]

You can also reseal looks packs too. I worked at a big box retailer we don’t accept returns of loose packs for this reason.

[@PuckMike]

Good call! I talked about this in my ebay loose hobby packs series. Always have to be careful with loose packs. Thanks for watching and please consider subscribing if you haven't already. Happy collecting!

[@paulwall1981]

The most important thing I've learned about hockey cards is this, I do it for the enjoyment and the love of the hobby. If you make money, it a bonus. Also if you pick a specific team or player, then it's easier to and cheaper than just going for the most expenisve cards and players.

[@PuckMike]

Good tips thanks. Every day I zone in on my PC a little closer to more specific players/teams/cards. At the beginning was saving a bunch but narrowing it down to a select few! Thanks for watching.

[@paulwall1981]

Thanks for the kind words Mike. I have been a Colorado Avalanche fan since the mid to late 1990s and I knew that I wanted to start a AVALANCHE P.C. I have rookies from Players like Ray Bourqe, Joe Sakic, Mikko Rantanen and 4 count em 4 19/20 MEGA PATCHES OF Nathan MacKinnon, which I paid a hefty sum for, but there one offs, so I know there worth quite a lot for the quote lot of 4. I love my collection, love supporting my team and just love NHL hockey overall.

[@PuckMike]

@@paulwall1981 That's awesome! I have a penguins collection for the same reason. I grew up going to the Penguins games and love the team. I went to football and baseball games too, but for whatever reason, I just love hockey now! It's the only sport I follow. Thanks for watching.

[@thePOWERofART-11]

@@PuckMike I'm a leafs fan and collect habs cards for obvious reasons. hahahahahah

[@JohnB-mo4kq]

If you're mainly focused on young guns, I highly recommend upper deck epack. Base cards can be foiled and sent to comc(they don't sell for much), young guns can be foiled as well or sent to comc. You can build up what you want to send home and sell the rest. It's just a really convenient way of collecting. Don't waste your time selling base cards. Also, there are three main products in hockey worth collecting. Series 1, 2, & extended for young guns, SPA for FWA, and if you're rich The Cup. Don't waste your money on anything else aside from maybe OPC Platinum. I've learned this over years of collecting hockey. Oh, and if you're not a degenerate like myself and many others, NEVER buy more than a couple boxes of sealed product to rip in hopes you'll hit that YG you want, just buy it. Trust me, you'll save a ton of money.

[@PuckMike]

Thanks, super helpful! Someone else recommended the epack so I may have to give it a shot. I agree on ripping too many boxes. S1 this year I did two boxes, and the second one I got Zegras YG and Caulfied French YG but I got lucky:). S2 and extended I only did one box and then buying the YGs like you said. May start looking for YGs exclusives too but those get pricey. Thanks for the tips and for watching.

[@JohnB-mo4kq]

@@PuckMike Another tip is, wait to buy the YGs you want until the product hits epack then wait a week or so. That's when the market gets flooded and prices come back down to reality.

[@PuckMike]

Good call! I’m surprised by how cheap the YGs from extended are. Jarvis is only like $30 US right now…”cheap” compared to Laffy or Kirill:).

[@JohnB-mo4kq]

@@PuckMike Laffy YGs are insane. People are still hyped about him, even though he hasn't done anything. I don't think he's a bust yet, but he's close lol.

[@PuckMike]

@@JohnB-mo4kq Yeah I don't think he'll ever reach 90 point season status. He was more physical last year so I think he'll be a good power forward which does add value, but not enough to warrant the high prices. I think I paid $80 or $90 USD for my YG.

[@Dak4L]

your very underrated. thanks for the videos

[@PuckMike]

Appreciate the support. Thanks for watching!

[@petechristensen9812]

I dont know for me i just like opening packs . Just brings back memories of my dad and grandpa letting me get a few packs and how happy i was

[@PuckMike]

That’s great! When I opened my first pack a couple years ago for the first time since I was a kid, I can’t tell you how excited I was. I was a kid in a candy store! Thanks for watching.

[@BearBoxBreaks]

Artifacts is coming out at the end of September (as of now). Got mine pre-ordered and I can't wait.

[@PuckMike]

Nice! Artifacts is pretty cool. I might do it I’m not sure yet. Definitely doing OPC platinum and probably ICE. Got some YGs I want to buy so need to save for those:)

[@theprovoked321]

I just started about 6 months ago... I did collect with my dad when I was a kid and found my old collection and have been hooked since. Im doing the ebay thing. I pulled a Silver oitburst Bedard on my 7th pack.of series 2 (My beat card atm) and I just hit His retro young gun and draft card in a box of extended series today!!!

[@PuckMike]

Nice! Those are some good pulls. Bet you have some pretty cool cards in that old collection.

[@theprovoked321]

@@PuckMike Not Only that but the card shop down the street closed down and I got like 20,000 cards of them for dirt cheap, I got a 10x14 signed gretzky with coa for 25$ Now im making lots out of all the rest, I have 400 pat roy, 200 gretzky, 200 hasek, 100 mcdavids, 100 kanes ect... JACKPOT

[@acadiancardscartesacadienn6620]

New sub here! Great video! Great for starting to collect but also if they want to become a content creator on KZbin or other social media's. Nice job!

[@PuckMike]

Hey thanks for watching and for the sub! Happy collecting!

[@thecardcollector255]

Great video, Ussially when I open boxes if I can get 40% of my money back.. it's a good box.

[@PuckMike]

Thanks. That's a good rule. It's so hit or miss depending on what you pull and what you want to sell. I don't mess with selling base cards unless it's a big name like McDavid but I know others do sell those so - depends on the goal. Thanks for watching.

[@4daluvofdagame]

Feel same bout getting back into it, thanks!

[@PuckMike]

Nice! Happy collecting and thanks for watching..

[@Rezzy.85]

i was in the same boat back in 2020. Bought some cards on ebay and eventually ran into ud epack. 1 pack turned into 1000s lol. Its worth it though managed 2 combine some Ygs into speckled foiled ygs.If u have the $ to spend i recommend epack. I pc makar,svechky,batherson, hughes,mctavish and im still counting on hayton and kravtsov to break out lol.

[@PuckMike]

Nice! That’s a good pc. I just learned about the epacks and was curious how people were feeling about those….so I may have to try them out. Thanks for sharing

[@TheBirdGroves]

@@PuckMike if you’re in Canada getting the physical cards can be an arm in shipping costs

[@PuckMike]

@@TheBirdGroves I'm in the US...which has it's ups and downs when it comes to collecting. I don't get some products as quick as I'd like to - especially opening for the channel - and selling on eBay to Canada can be tricky in keeping down shipping costs.

[@RinksideRelics]

true that opening loose packs are not a way to go but when i was younger and didin't know it, i bought some loose packs that pulled me a YG canvas matthews lol. haven't opened loos packs since then.

[@PuckMike]

Ha nice! Yeah you can still get lucky on those and not every seller tries to cheat the system. That’s a nice pull! Thanks for watching.

[@Dutch972]

Heyo, just got my first pack ever (22-23 artifact box). Are there chances of autos in every set, or is it only on sets/boxes that specifically say “look for signed cards!” Thanks!

[@PuckMike]

Nice! It depends on what type of box you’re opening. You can get up to 3 autos in a hobby box but you can also get 0. There’s different types of boxes (hobby or retail). Usually you don’t get autos in retail like blasters. The full checklist usually has the odds and specifies what you can get in the different boxes www.cardboardconnection.com/2022-23-upper-deck-artifacts-hockey-cards/amp?fbclid=IwAR3mheH7sbDWek9QkJT7npw-tBVb59QKjVo4h8vy5DX1VZRttwAwt5LlOpk. I would ignore the “look for signed cards” as it’s just an advertisement. The checklist will let you know where you have a chance of getting an auto. Happy collecting!

[@BuriedFlame]

Also look for two words on boxes: "on average".

[@chief3619]

I collected heavy for about a year and my advice would be is if you’re going for a specific card, it usually ends up being more worth it to buy from someone on eBay that already has it unless you’re not really looking for anything specific and just like opening hobby boxes.

[@PuckMike]

For sure, agree with that! Thanks for watching!

[@Habitant13]

i would like to know what do you think about breaks. Also, if you're only talking on a video, it could be nice to show some of your pc.

[@PuckMike]

Breaks are awesome. Lots of box breaks on my channel. Just opened some MVP 2022-23 and some Artifacts. Also have a few videos on my collection. Here’s one showing a few recent purchases. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoXco6WhosilrLM. Thanks for watching..

[@johndavidson8223]

I collect without opening anything cause I just buy boxes of years with most valuable of rookies then keep for 20 years and hopefully end up with someone good that remained good and worth decent cause unopened and is always fun for someone to still be able to open them

[@SalamiCheeks]

If you can afford it, I suggest sp autentic hobby box. They are a little pricey. About $250-300 a box. You’re guaranteed a signed rookie future watch. Just pulled a stutzle future watch last week. One box you’ll get 2-3 autos and they’re on card.

[@PuckMike]

Thanks for the tip. I may do SPA next year, not sure. I did SP Hockey just to introduce myself to that product line and I really liked it, but I know they are not the same. Looking forward to some up the upcoming releases this month. Thanks for watching.

[@robcamp1962]

@@PuckMike I'll go ahead and say the exact OPPOSITE. SPA is WAYYYYYYYY overpriced. It basically doubled in price this year and the QC is beyond awful. Some boxes, yes you get your autos. But I've seen way too many boxes of this ripped where people get ZERO auto boxes. Imagine shelling out $350 and getting zero autos. It's happened way too many times with this years release so I wouldn't trust it. Besides the fact, even if you do hit all your autos, most of them are not worth much. You CAN hit a real banger (the Stutzle being an example) but 19 out of 20 boxes you won't even get HALF your value back. I'd stay away if you're on a budget. Much better stuff to spend your money on. I spent around $400 on this years SPA (so about as much as I'd spend on a box, plus a few extra bucks) on singles. Got 3 patch autos, 2 gold/black autos and 3 "sign of the times" autos that I wanted. For the same money buying a box, I would be lucky to get ONE of those cards. It just doesn't make sense... unless you have unlimited money then sure go crazy lol.

[@PuckMike]

Thanks for the additional perspective. I’d love to try the more “high end” boxes at some point, but it’s too rich for my blood right now. Agree it’s a huge gamble and you could end up with nothing. Planning on buying OPC Platinum hobby this year and I think that’ll be my biggest box purchase so far…so slowly venturing to more expensive territory. I love cards but I have to eat lol. Thanks for sharing and watching.

[@ontheRizw11]

Your not guaranteed one

[@TimLazenbyOfficial]

This speaks to my soul

[@PuckMike]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!

[@NoRdIqUeDiEhArD]

Great idea for a video man!

[@PuckMike]

Thanks man! Definitely had a blast the last year and looking forward to lots more breaks.

[@guerinoantonini7634]

Do you buy into breaks or just buy boxes?

[@PuckMike]

Right now just boxes. Haven't ventured out into breaks but I would assume some value could be had there..albeit with the same or some risk as buying the box yourself. Happy collecting!

[@michaelpaquet9030]

Where do you buy your figurine?

[@PuckMike]

The Crosby one I got on eBay from a seller named bobbleheadhall. I think it was $50 USD or so. Good quality!

[@puckleduck1612]

Collecting is always just been a past time for myself, and have yet to put anything up for sale. I like to go to shows to buy and trade.

[@PuckMike]

That’s awesome. Haven’t been to any trade shows yet. I’m in the US so not as many here I think as in Canada. Who do you collect? Thanks for watching.

[@shawnhunt1262]

@@PuckMike yes it is supposed to be a hobby it use to be an affordable hobby but no longer. U can't even collect the base sets anymore e without spending 500 or more and I like finishing the base I know they are worthless but after I get close to completing it I want to finish it

[@puckleduck1612]

@@PuckMike I collect RC's mostly, I have YG's of close to 70% of the players currently in the league. I also collect the base/inserts of many of the star players. My favorites are Gretzky, Lemieux, Roy, Croz, Ovechkin and Jagr. Oh and McDavid obviously.

[@PuckMike]

Wow that’s awesome! I love the Young Guns. I have a good collection going but nothing close to the 70% you have. Definitely going to buy Nico Daws and Jarvis. Thinking about buying the High Gloss YG for Daws - hoping it brings a bigger return down the line.

[@shawnhunt1262]

I like collecting anything capitals

[@thereverendripps1733]

I personally think retail megas and tins can be productive. Retail hits are possible but there are lots of misses. Mark it! UD 2 2021-22 will go down as one of the best rookie products in years.

[@PuckMike]

S2 definitely has a good lineup. Still considering buying Seider and/or Raymond YGs. Haven’t done too many tins but might try it. Thanks for watching.

[@thereverendripps1733]

@@PuckMike I am always looking for good hockey content as a recent collector/investor. I have 4 Seider and 1 Raymond at PSA, all pulled from fast packs/megas/tins. I don’t break hobby.

[@PuckMike]

That’s awesome. Well then I definitely need to open more tins!

[@XChrisMazex]

Threw you a subscribe. As a fellow Pens fan who has also recently gotten back into card collecting after a 25-30 year hiatus, it took some some adjusting to things. Didn't have eBay back when I was really collecting before so usually had to go to expos or card shops to sell anything. I'm curious, though, if you've touched Upper Deck ePack and COMC at all, and if so, your thoughts on them?

[@PuckMike]

Hey thanks for the sub! Always good to see a fellow pens fan on here. I've only done the free e-pack for signing up but want to get into it more. Seems pretty cool but looks like the odds for each product are specific to the ePacks so something to be aware of. I don't think I'll get into them too much since I open cards for the channel but who knows. I guess an e-pack video break could work:). I can see their value, like eliminating having too many base cards hanging around in your attic that are worth nothing (I take loads of cards to Goodwill every now and then and give some to friends with kids). If you're just getting back into the hobby I wouldn't try to sell with COMC until you decide if selling is one of the facets of the hobby you want to focus on. But even then, I'd still give it some time just because of the logistical work it takes to send cards in. But overall, I see the value as a seller. Yeah COMC takes a cut, but they can get away with higher prices bc of their brand. Buyers know they're prices are usually higher and tend to be "OK" with it in my experience. Keep me posted on your journey and welcome back to the hobby! Happy Collecting!

[@Sandman60077]

People who want base cards are just gonna buy packs, they're not gonna by them off ebay for $1 a piece.

[@PuckMike]

Yeah I could see that for sure. Unless they wanted a specific card then they’d probably go the eBay route. Thanks for watching. Happy collecting!

[@johndavidson8223]

Just started collecting unopened boxes of certain players rookie years

[@PuckMike]

Nice! That'll be fun to open down the road/try to sell/or just hold onto - whatever you choose! Happy collecting..

[@pensfan_traders8734]

Love the video I disagree with the lose retail packs I’ve pulled byfeild stuzle zegras yg’s from lose shoppers packs but I guess not everyone will have that luck

[@PuckMike]

That's awesome! Yeah it's definitely hit or miss - guess it depends on if the loose pack was a true random box break:). I have the wax box and Boombox coming this week so looking forward to opening those packs. Thanks for watching..

[@HanCholo112]

Prices for boxes are insane and the resell value just isnt there.

[@PuckMike]

I agree prices are insane. I haven't even opened any of series 2 hockey because it's way too expensive. Only way to get any profit in terms of resell value is to flip cards/lots from ebay or some other source. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@anthonyjohnston1618]

my local shop sells 2023-24 series 2 hobby boxes for 375$CAD tax in, that's wayyy to much for what it is, I just bought the top 12 rookies (minus bedard) for maybe 200$ max, how does that make sense? to actually pull that it would be at least 5 hobby boxes and still not guaranteed, they better not do that next year!

[@kw9377]

I came back after 10 years off.. probably because of Covid. Prices of boxes went up so much.. started with breaks and then buying boxes.. regret for sure, it’s addicting but u lose a lot of money fast

[@PuckMike]

Yeah you definitely need to set limits for yourself for sure. Being ok with not having to open every product is essential. I still haven't touched hobby boxes of the more high end stuff like SP Authentic or Premier or The Cup.

[@AngeCollects]

Nice video mike , I’m new here

[@PuckMike]

Hey thanks for watching!

[@adamomediagroup3986]

I grew up with hockey, I love hockey cards but there’s little to no value in a lot of these boxes. Imagine spending $400 on a box to get a patch card that’s not worn or a sticker auto.

[@PuckMike]

Thanks so much for sharing. It can definitely be a big gamble depending on the product you buy. Part of the reason why I still can't justify buying Black Diamond or SPA:). Some decent quality/affordable products on the "low end" side so you don't have to break the bank to be a collector. Thanks for watching!

[@sugibear123]

I will make money on a ov ygs psa 10

[@PuckMike]

Nice. Wish I was collecting during the ovi/crosby rookie years! Happy collecting.

[@shawnhunt1262]

The one thing I have learned and that is. It's a rip off

[@PuckMike]

Ha can’t completely disagree, especially with some of the “high end” more expensive products that aren’t really that great. Even some of the low-end products have increasingly less cards/autos (like AHL Hockey). Still some decent products out there but some aren’t worth it in my opinion. Thanks for watching..

[@shawnhunt1262]

@@PuckMike well if I can get the right offer. And I say that with a straight face I will be dumping my collection

[@PuckMike]

Nice. Good luck.

[@shawnhunt1262]

@@PuckMike well I hope I can get the right offer but I'm sure I would just get laughed at the same way I do when I hear what some people are paying for used cardboard