Player Collectors Opinions Needed.

[Kharlamov17]

I have found myself in a two way, or perhaps even a three way situtiation. Looking for assistance from other player collectors.

Thing is, i feel like i have given up on my Miikka Kiprusoff collection. Several products into the 06-07 season and i still haven't picked up a single card. My interest for old Soviet players isn't helping either. I started collecting Miikka in 2004 for the reason that he had few cards at the time, other than that he was my favorite player and had been for several years. Back then it was a nice variety of European issued, game used, nice inserts, parallels and a couple of autographs. Pretty much everything needed for a satisfying collection. Well, ever since, you know what happend, things have been slowing down on my part.

I know many of you think that i am exaggerating. Miikka Kiprusoff has "only" 350-400 cards. But he will have over 500 before the season is over. My problem is that when i started collecting, i obviously had my mind set on 100% (minus 1/1s). I don't tend to start things i don't plan to finish. That's me.

My problem is funding. I'm 17 years old with my mind set on school. 1,5 years 'til i finish High School. I plan on getting a job in the beginning of next year. Need to save for an upcoming (Possible) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tour. Yes, i am crazy.

It's anything but easy to land a couple of difficult ones on one of the NHLs best goaltenders. I have to compete with insane Flames fans and various Finnish collectors. I admit it's a lot more fun to win an auction every once in a while more than, winning every single one. I have many folks on HI aswell Beckett to thank for dealing with and helping me expand my collection.

I haven't planned on collecting forever. The hobby still keeps me busy and i do enjoy it and the people. I guess there are still a couple of years in it for me.

These are the options i had in mind:

1. 1994-05 - 163 different cards of which i only need about 30-35 to hit 100%. Sell all my cards from 2005-06 to fund the missing pieces.

2. 1994-06 - 265 different ones of which i'm missing 96 cards, incl. a bunch of The Cup cards.

3. Sell it all and invest in rare Kharlamov cards instead. They'll keep more value and will be harder to find once the years pass.

I feel like either choice number 1 or 2 is the best option. I've collected him for almost 3 years, doesn't feel right that it's gone to waist. Sure, i'll probably get most if not more money back, but still.

 

[TheGriceBoys]

Vic, I say go option 2 buddy.

I think you'll have seller's remorse if you get rid of it all. You worked too long and hard to give it all up. Just finish off through last year what you can then take a rest for awhile.

But if you do that and stop after 06 you know you'll never be able to catch up again as the proliferation of cards is only getting worse with each passing year.

I stopped my Forsberg collecting as soon as he went to Philly. I am not a Flyers fan and it was a good way to keep my PC intact of him with no Flyers issues. Funny thing is now I can get his cards for half what I used to pay and I am filling holes in my PC. I think he has like 2600+ Av's cards and I have 2334 as of now.. Maybe that will happen with Kipper and you can keep going?

But if this is what you want I say go option # 2 and do it through 06 and be done, don't hedge on the fence, either go all in or be all out there is no half way in this hobby for a player collector.

 

[wingnut888]

I went with option 2 Vic, go for it till the 06 and be done. Take your time also as things tend to drop in price the older they get. You may be able to snag the cup stuff a year or 2 down the road for a lot cheaper than now. Especially if Kipper ever changes teams!!

 

[BigBarracuda]

You and I think very similar, so I thought I should comment. Set a goal that you can reach. I don't mean take the easy way out, but rather something that is achievable.
If you didn't get in on The Cup early, don't try it now.

Enjoy what you have. As mentioned, seller's remorse would definitely hit you if you bailed on Kipper.

Good luck any way you choose

Glenn

 

[lawbick]

I think you have to decide that you don't want all the printed cards, just the ones you really want. Even trading for base cards takes money out of your pocket that you could put towards the nicer patches/short prints etc.

Having made a similar choice, I recommend you decide who you want to the collect, Kharlamov or Kiprusoff, and rather than chasing everything out there, pick and choose. Every once in a while, you'll pay up for a card you really want. You'll also find a bargian now and then, because you are not influenced by "OCD" (no offense to the afflicted).

 

[Kharlamov17]

Thanks for the help fellas. Haven't decided yeat, going to give it some time.

But i am leaning toward option number 1, but will keep my 3 cards from The Cup. Also i will keep my mind open for future purchases of nice Kiprusoff cards.

Lawbick, is OCD, that you buy several of the same card? I've started doing that when it comes to Kharlamov jersey cards...

 

[Kharlamov17]

Anyhow, decided to go with option number 1. Looked over the cards i have from 05-06 and the ones i'm missing. About 15 very difficult ones so i went with option 1.

Already found a buyer for a couple of the best cards. Nice lil' profit in the making.

 

[The Great Zo]

I'm going to buck the trend and actually go against advice I've given in the past -- and say keep your favorites but move on from many of the rest. Your interests seem to have changed in collecting and that's fine I think the Soviet collection is very unique.

 

[lawbick]

Thanks for the help fellas. Haven't decided yeat, going to give it some time.

But i am leaning toward option number 1, but will keep my 3 cards from The Cup. Also i will keep my mind open for future purchases of nice Kiprusoff cards.

Lawbick, is OCD, that you buy several of the same card? I've started doing that when it comes to Kharlamov jersey cards...

Re: OCD --> the term may be overused or misused, but I see "OCD" as applying to those who must have every card. That could be (a) every card ever printed of a player, or (b) every card in the print run of one card of one player. Again, no offense to the afflictced.