Would You Rather? Opening Up Stuff Edition

 *takes a sip, sits down for today's latest post on Cards Over Coffee*

Welcome back to another Would You Rather? Today, I wanted to challenge you a bit more.

The game is called, Would You Rather. In this series you will be given two choices and you must make one decision sort of like The Matrix. Each decision you make will also have a problem tied into it and you will have to decide which is the better of the two choices. 

You will also have to live with your decision for the rest of your life...so make the right one.

*takes another sip before starting today's new series*

*sits in the dark alone wearing all black clothing and sunglasses*

*in a deep voice sitting in the dark*Hello Readers, my name is Mattpheus. I am the leader of the sport card universe and can offer you the control of your future.

    

I have two pills to offer you *holds hand out with both pills* that will lead you on your path today. Each pill gives you both an reward and a penalty.

Today, you can take the Red Pill and only buy retail for the rest of your life but guaranteed a hit with every purchase. However, each retail item costs the same as it's hobby counterpart. Retail Packs=Hobby Packs, Blaster Boxes=Hobby Boxes, Mega Boxes=Jumbo Boxes, and etc.

Or you can choose the Blue Pill and buy hobby at retail prices, but never expect a single hit (sort of like retail is now)

  

Make your decision below in the comments.

I will be awaiting your choice with my cup of coffee in the dark.

DISCLAIMER:

Both pills will cause diarrhea, sorry.

*takes a sip before finishing up today's post*

I hope you enjoy this new segment and I hope a lot of you join in on the conversation.

Have a great Friday.

*takes a final sip on today's post*

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

The State Of The Hobby: Hobby Boxes

*first sip to mouth burns the tongue, not a great start to the morning especially since didn't sleep well. at least I am alive for another day. takes another sip more carefully and begins today's #CardsOverCoffee post*

Welcome back to The State Of The Hobby series. 

In the last post, I tackled how the pandemic had changed the face of retail products. That was just the start of the hobby uprising as it not only affected retail products, because it also affected hobby box prices that have now risen to astronomical amounts.

Remember just a couple of years ago when you were able to go to a site like Dave and Adams and find a hobby box of a new product for about $100-$150? Hate to tell you, those days are long gone.

 

Products like the latest Contenders football release used to be $125-$150 for 6 autographs. Pandemic prices have risen them to $700 for the same thing two years ago you could have gotten a third of that. INSAAAANNNEE.

 

It's not just Contenders or football card prices either, it's all hobby box prices for all sports. ALL have at least doubled if not tripled and offer the same thing or less than two years ago. Look at that Playoff football price, that's more like a $100 box.

Even the clearance section, which used to be where my wife used to shop for me for Christmas because you could find hobby boxes marked down for $50 or less has become a joke. Most of the clearance section now is "marked down" retail. Hanger boxes for $20 and a Mega Box for almost $300 is not clearance by any means. The hobby boxes that are on there, don't even bother looking at.

Don't think I am just picking on Dave and Adams here either, this goes for all websites like Blowout, Steel City Collectibles, etc that sell hobby boxes. I chose Dave and Adams since that is where I used to shop.

All of these price changes for the hobby and retail has changed the landscape of the hobby. The "Deep Pockets" still shell out the cash on the hobby and retail boxes while collectors join in on more box breaks, pick up cheap singles and search thrift stores for treasures for their collections since they have been driven away from opening product. 

It's a tough time as collectors to enjoy the hobby we used to, but fortunately most of us can adjust and find new avenues to enjoy the hobby. Sadly some couldn't and have left.

*takes a sip before finishing up today's post. not sure how food will feel on my burned tongue surface especially if I go the toast route but I need breakfast very soon*

The changes in prices has reflected on my hobby as well. I no longer buy hobby boxes nor even ask for any for Christmas. I find an eBay gift card sufficient now as I plug in pieces to my collection instead. Occasionally I will buy a retail box if it's a product that catches my attention or if I just get that pack ripping itch under control.

Even though it kills me on the hobby box part, at least I am still enjoying the hobby.

*takes another sip, maybe scrambled eggs for this morning will work*

Lots of questions I am sending your guys way today,
I am curious in comments if you have bought a hobby box in the last couple of years since the price changes? What's the most you have ever spent on a hobby box? Did you used to open product before the pandemic and what do you do now?

Have a Super Sunday!

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*