This is what it's all about

[fishacura]

I am just getting back into the hobby after years away. Have read a lot about buying from retail stores due to packsearchers but sometimes I can't help myself and like to pick something up. Saw a $20 retail box of Bowman Platinum (8 packs - 4 cards each) so I picked it up. Pulled a Mike Trout auto. Would have NEVER expected to get much of anything and to find that at a Target made me feel great. I mean it's only a $30 card but hey, it's that feeling of pulling something that takes me back to being 10 years old. Anyway, just thought I'd share.

[WCTYSON]

Do not get pulled into buying retail. The good hits are few and far between.

[autorook]

Stick to hobby boxes even if you have to save up for them.

[ripandlist]

Best bet for big hits is your LCS, and the more you buy the better deals they give. Good luck and welcome back!

[Coug46n2]

Nice hit on the Trout, I've been really happy with retail blasters of platinum, way better odds at autos. Yet I do completely agree with everyone else, Hobby is the only way to go. Retail is like going to Vegas, fun, but don't expect to hit the jackpot.

[fishacura]

Yeah I hear all of you. Problem is I have no local shops near me and sometimes want to pick up a pack or two for the kids. I have been buying hobby online and then just pulling a couple packs out from time to time but it's nice to get an impromptu purchase at an actual store...

[benshobbies]

Originally Posted by autorook

Stick to hobby boxes even if you have to save up for them.

I used to spend my entire paycheck on blaster boxes and retail packs. However, I found that if I can get better cards, and more cards if I wait a week. Take a $20.00 blaster. You can save that $20.00, and the $20.00 from next week's blaster. You now have $40.00 and can buy a hobby box of most any low-end product this year. Save a little more and you can get a nice mid-end box. Its helped me do better business, and is really a better way of doing it. If there isn't a hobby store, you can use Blowoutcards.

[fishacura]

Originally Posted by benshobbies

I used to spend my entire paycheck on blaster boxes and retail packs. However, I found that if I can get better cards, and more cards if I wait a week. Take a $20.00 blaster. You can save that $20.00, and the $20.00 from next week's blaster. You now have $40.00 and can buy a hobby box of most any low-end product this year. Save a little more and you can get a nice mid-end box. Its helped me do better business, and is really a better way of doing it. If there isn't a hobby store, you can use Blowoutcards.

That's exactly what I do most of the time and also do use blowout....prices always seem the best (although I have noticed recently they seem to be getting out of synch with say Dave and Adam's for example...not sure why...hope it's temporary 'cause I love blowout)