The Wax Pack Buying Guide

The Wax Pack Buying Guide
By: coolonlineguy
Buying unopened wax or cello packs can be very fun and exciting. It also can be confusing at times if you are just getting into the game. The most frequently asked question I receive is "How do I know If the pack is unopened?" Well, you should be aware that there are scammers in this industry but alot of honest vendors as well. Not everyone is out for a fast buck, but an informed buyer is a happy buyer!
Below is a quick guide on how to identify a good unopened wax or cello pack and tips on buying them on okay.
Learning The Basics
Check all the corners. Each corner of the pack should be folded neatly just like a gift wrapped package.
Check the factory roller seal on the back. The roller seal is approximatley 1 3/4 inches wide and looks like a dull streak across the back. This is what seals the two back flaps of the wax pack. Sometimes it's very hard to see but in time you will get used to these subtle details.
Most wax packs have a stick of bubble gum inserted in them but there have been times that the gum was not inserted for some strange factory mess up. So don't panic if the pack is properly sealed and is missing the gum. These "miswraps" are possible but rare. That also goes for the amount of cards in them, sometimes they can be short a card or two.
Cello packs are a little harder to open and reseal but not impossible. Get familiar with cello pack wrapping and the quality of the cello plastic itself in order to really spot a reseal. Cello pack corners are folded very similar to wax packs except the cello packs are heat sealed not wax sealed. Just a note, 1960's Topps Baseball cello packs do not contain bubble gum, if it does be cautious.
Buying Wax Packs
okay is a great place to buy unopened wax and cello. Get familiar with the seller, and ask questions. Good sellers will respond quickly and will be happy to help. You can usually get a feel for the sellers professionalismand honesty by his or her response.
Read, read, and read the item description and seller'spolicy before buying or bidding. A good seller will post a picture of the product they are selling. Look for the payment methods accepted by the seller. Paypal is a great paymentoption and offers buyer protection. Read PayPal's protection policy on their website for all the details.
Unopened memorabilia is begeing harder and harder to find as time goes by. Each vintage pack that gets damaged or opened by someone's curiosity increases the value of existing unopened packs dramatically.
What to buy?
"So, which wax packs should I collect?" Well, anything unopened has value. But vintage is what's hot. 1987 and earlier. Newer packs are o.k too depending onwhich rookies may be in them, but older wax and cello is the hardest to find and will give you a better return on your investment. Look for non-sports as well. Topps and Donruss produced great T.V, movie, and political picture card themes that are very hot and rare. Take a look around okay and get a feel of what is being bought and sold. Remember to stick with what you know and what you like, because chances are there are other collectors out there with similar interests.
The mystery behind an unopened wax packs is what makes them so much fun and valuable.
Happy pack buying!
Check out my current auctions and "but it now"items for great unopened packs and other great memorabilia.
My Items For Sale Click Here!