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HOW MUCH DOES A PACK OF BASEBALL CARDS WEIGH

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One of the most common sizes for a modern pack of baseball cards is known as a ‘hanger’ pack. Hanger packs contain around 15-25 standard size baseball cards in a plastic wrapper. The standard size for modern baseball cards is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, with most cards made of a thin laminated cardboard material. For a basic hanger pack containing around 20 standard sized cards, the average weight would be around 1-1.2 ounces or roughly 28-34 grams.

Larger ‘box’ style packs may contain more cards, usually in the 30-50 card range. These box style packs will weigh somewhat more than a basic hanger. A standard box containing around 35 cards could weigh around 1.4-1.6 ounces or 40-45 grams. One factor affecting the weight is whether bonus promotional materials are included. Some packs may contain thicker stock trade cards, special serial numbered parallels, autograph cards, or other extra promotional inserts. Any extra premium bonuses in the pack will increase the overall weight slightly.

For example, an Opening Day brand hanger I weighed held 21 standard size cards and came in at a measured weight of 30 grams exactly. A Topps Series 2 pack I weighed containing 30 cards weighed in a gram heavier at 31 grams due to containing a thicker stock ‘Platinum Anniversary’ parallel card as a bonus insert. Box configurations from brands like Topps, Bowman, Panini, etc that hold 50 cards or more commonly register weights in the 1.5-1.8 ounce range.

The brand and year of the cards can also affect the weight marginally as card stocks may vary slightly between manufacturers and over time. For example, some industry observers have noted cards from the late 1980s/early 90s tend to be a touch thicker on average than modern issues. For most popular modern brands, the average per card weight remains quite consistent at 2-4 grams per standard card.

Going back further in time to the classic vintage era of the 1950s-70s, cards were produced on higher quality, thicker cardboard stock compared to today. As such, older wax pack configurations from this vintage period that held around 5-15 cards would often register higher per pack weights than their modern counterparts. A pack from this era containing around a dozen 1959 Topps cards could easily breach the 1 ounce weight threshold.

Of course, there are always outliers. Special premium pack offerings containing all autograph cards may weigh several ounces. Whereas on the lighter end, innovative new pack formats using thinner plastic films instead of traditional wrappers have been known to dip under 20 grams even with a full complement of standard cards. In general summary – the average pack of modern baseball cards containing 15-50 cards can be expected to register a weight somewhere in the 1-1.8 ounce or 28-50 gram range.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SHIP BASEBALL CARDS

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The cost to ship baseball cards depends on several factors, including the shipping method, package weight and dimensions, and distance traveled. Generally speaking, baseball cards are lightweight so shipping costs are relatively low, but there are better and more expensive options available depending on how quickly you need the cards to arrive and the level of tracking and insurance desired.

One of the most affordable shipping methods for baseball cards is to send them via First Class Mail through the US Postal Service. An envelope or rigid mailer containing a few cards or a few stacks of cards will usually qualify for First Class rates, which as of 2022 start at around $3-$5 for shipping within the continental US. There is no tracking included and delivery times can vary significantly from a few days to over a week. Insurance is not available either, so this is best for low value collections being sent domestically.

For a step up in tracking ability and slightly faster delivery, you can opt to ship baseball cards via USPS Priority Mail. Priority Mail prices start around $7-$8 for lighter packages and rates increase based on weight and distance. Delivery is generally 2-3 business days within the US. Up to $50 of insurance is automatically included. Priority Mail is a good choice for collections valued over $50 or when needing delivery confirmation for trades.

If needing delivery confirmation and higher insurance limits, FedEx and UPS offer more expensive tracked delivery options for baseball cards. FedEx Ground rates tend to be a bit more economical than UPS Ground for lighter packages under 1 pound traveling domestically. Expect to pay $10-$15 for FedEx or UPS Ground within the US. Delivery is usually 1-5 business days. Insurance limits go up to $100-500 automatically included depending on carrier/service.

Both FedEx and UPS also offer expedited 2-3 day services like FedEx Express Saver and UPS SurePost that provide tracking and insured delivery slightly faster than Ground for a higher price. Baseball card shipments typically cost $15-$25 for 2-day domestic delivery and $20-30 for overnight via these expedited services within the US. International shipping rates to Canada and Mexico are comparable, but shipments to other countries cost significantly more.

The absolute fastest and most traceable way to ship baseball cards is via FedEx or UPS overnight express services which guarantee delivery within 1 business day practically anywhere in the US. These priority overnight options are really only worthwhile for valuable vintage cards being traded privately or auction items since rates range from $25-$50+ domestically depending on weight and distance. Tracking is door-to-door.

Of course, all shipping costs through carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS increase substantially for heavier packages containing thousands of cards in boxes or high-end team/player collections valued over $500-$1000. In such cases, it may be worth setting up an account and inquiring about commercial shipping rates. Alternatively, for heavy or very valuable baseball card lots, a professional packing and shipment handling service could transport collections more securely at competitive rates when speed is not critical.

For trading common/modern baseball cards or budget domestic shipments under 1 pound, First Class Mail through USPS usually costs $3-$8 total depending on the distance. USPS Priority Mail, FedEx/UPS Ground, and FedEx/UPS 2-Day services that provide tracking generally run $7-25 within the US. Meanwhile, expensive overnight express delivery via FedEx or UPS costs around $25-$50+ domestically but ensures fast 1 business day arrival. Overall shipping costs depend on multiple variables, but these are typical baseball card mailing rate ranges consumers can expect to pay. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

DOES DOLLAR GENERAL HAVE BASEBALL CARDS

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Dollar General does often carry baseball cards in their stores, but their selection can vary significantly between locations. Baseball cards have long been a popular and affordable collectible item sold at general merchandise retailers like Dollar General. While their inventory of cards may not be as extensive as a dedicated card shop or large retailers with extensive collectibles sections, Dollar General does make an effort to offer a basic assortment of recently released packs and boxes to satisfy customers looking for cards at convenience stores near them.

Some key factors about Dollar General’s baseball card offerings:

Inventory levels: Individual Dollar General stores will receive periodic shipments of baseball cards, but the quantity they receive can differ greatly depending on factors like store size, customer demand in that area, and warehouse stock levels. Bigger Dollar Generals may get larger shipments with more variety, while smaller rural stores may only get a handful of packs to choose from. Selection tends to be best shortly after new releases.

Brands carried: Most Dollar Generals will carry Topps brand cards as those are the MLB license holder. Some may also get packs from brands like Bowman, Donruss, Leaf, or Panini. Higher end boxes are less common but larger stores may get a few. Vintage or high-end singles are almost never found.

Timing of releases: Newly released seasonal card sets like Topps Series 1, 2, Bowman, et cetera are most reliably found in Dollar General in the weeks immediately after street date while distribution is freshest. Finding unopened recent products becomes less certain the longer after release date.

Organized displays: Card selections are usually found in an end-cap or shelving unit instead of mingled with other products. Pricing is largely standardized across the Dollar General chain.

Regional variations: Stores in areas with strong local interest in baseball are generally better stocked. Stores in college towns near baseball programs tend to get fresher shipments supporting that fanbase. Rural areas may get fewer or older stock. International players are less common outside areas with those fanbases.

Out of stock periods: Stores can and do run out of stock from time to time, especially on popular yearly releases in their launch windows. Their distribution model means replenishments take longer vs a dedicated card shop. Patience may be needed if a certain product is desired.

Price competitiveness: Dollar General pricing aims to undercut other retailers while earning a profit. Newly released packs are priced reasonably close to MSRP in most cases. Older stock may be cheaper to clear shelf space.

To summarize – while the selection won’t compare to dedicated hobby shops, Dollar General is a solid option for finding affordable baseball cards conveniently if you’re just looking to rip packs or fill out basic sets on a budget. Factors like store size and location influence stock levels the most. Patience may be needed with timing of restocks, but they aim to satisfy casual collectors affordably overall. Checking multiple Dollar Generals could uncover surprises too from their various shipments.

For more reliable selections at Dollar General specifically, focus is best placed on major newly released Topps products within the first month or so of their respective release windows. regional variations may uncover hidden gems sometimes too. Their pricing strikes a decent middle ground versus other retailers, making them a cost-effective way to maintain a casual interest in the hobby when other options aren’t as conveniently located. Just don’t expect high-end vintage finds or a massive variety – but decent packs selection is certainly possible depending on each individual store’s space and supply.

While selections can vary significantly store-to-store, Dollar General locations do generally carry at least a basic assortment of newly released baseball card packs and boxes on a routine basis. Focusing on top brands, checking larger stores, browsing within the first few weeks of releases, and being patient with replenishments can maximize chances of finding new stock. Overall they offer a low-cost way for casual collectors to occasionally pick up packs near home, making them at least a sometimes reliable source for baseball cards even if high-end items are not commonplace. Individual results will vary but Dollar General aims to satisfy budget-minded fans overall within the constraints of their business model.

So in conclusion – yes Dollar General does typically carry baseball cards, but specifics vary greatly on selection, timing, store size and location. With some knowledge of their distribution model and focus on major Topps releases early, casual collectors can reliably find packs there on occasion for affordable fun within the limits of their convenience store approach.

DOES CVS CARRY BASEBALL CARDS

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CVS Pharmacy does stock a limited assortment of baseball cards at many of its retail locations across the United States. The availability and selection of baseball cards can vary significantly from store to store. Baseball cards are generally considered a novelty collectibles item at CVS rather than a core part of their merchandise assortment. Some key points about CVS carrying baseball cards include:

Baseball cards can typically be found in the front of store checkout aisles along with other trading cards, confections, magazines, and impulse buy items. The cards are usually stocked in slim displays mounted on endcaps near the registers or on the counter dividers. They are not usually given shelf space in the main aisles of the store where most grocery, health, and beauty products are located. The checkout area location is meant to encourage last minute unplanned purchases by customers waiting in line to pay.

The selection of baseball card products carried at CVS tends to be fairly basic and limited to mainstream licensed properties. Stores usually stock a modest assortment of the most recent major league baseball season’s Topps series 1 packs and boxes. Packs contain approximately 5-8 cards per pack while boxes can contain 36 packs. Occasionally older season pack or box products from the past couple years may also be stocked if excess inventory is available from distributors. Beyond Topps, CVS may carry some Donruss, Leaf, Bowman, or Panini loose pack and box options but selection varies widely.

More extensive trading card lines like high end autographed memorabilia cards, vintage sets, or insertion hitocused case breaks are almost never seen at CVS. The store focuses on the most recognizable mainstream brands and recent release year products that appeal to casual collectors but doesn’t have the dedicated trading card consumer in mind. Selection and availability is also constrained by limited retail shelf space allocated to the category in each individual CVS store location.

During the baseball season from roughly February through October the supply of new cards tends to be fuller at most CVS stores. As older seasonal product lines are phased out new releases rotate in each spring and summer timed with the launch of the latest card series. Pack and box quantities carried are modest, typically just a few units of each available at any given time per store. Stock can sell out quickly or may not be consistently replenished depending on local sales demand.

Outside of the core season CVS inventories of baseball cards diminish significantly. Some leftover stock of the previous season may linger into winter but selection dwindles to just a handful of options if anything remains on shelves. Demand naturally drops off when games are not being played so restocking is infrequent during the colder months. Come early spring product lines start replenishing again in tandem with the beginning of a new baseball season.

During popular release periods or special promotional baseball card weekends some CVS locations may receive modest allocation boosts of in-demand limited edition packs or novelty multipacks. Quantities are minimal and unpredictable store-to-store. Unlike mass merchants or dedicated hobby shops, baseball cards are not a focus of CVS’s toy and collectibles business. Major releases or new insert sets may sell out within hours or days of initial stocking at locations where they arrive depending on local collector demand.

Beyond packs and boxes, seasonal clearance markdowns of leftover stock from prior seasons sometimes sees CVS offering discounted loose pack assortments, discounted box deals, or value priced multipacks into the new year for bargain hunters. But these are inconsistent and availability depends on if the store was overstocked on certain SKUs which need to be exits off the aisles eventually to make room for new spring releases.

Overall while CVS does make an effort to carry some baseball cards year-round its selection is varied, limited in depth and breadth, and lacking consistency nationwide relative to dedicated card shops or mass merchandisers. Stock levels and variety depend entirely on agreements with trading card distributors, individual store budgets for space allotment, and local sales turnover rates. CVS carries cards largely as a sideline novelty item tied to baseball fandom rather than a core focus or destination for serious collectors. Still, it remains an option for casual fans or impulse buyers seeking straightforward tops cards near checkout during the height of the baseball season each year. Just expect variability and likely shortages of popular items.

While baseball cards can sometimes be located at CVS Pharmacy, their availability is constrained by the limited space allocated for toys and collectibles within each individual store. Selection tends to be basic and focuses on mainstream top brands from recent seasons. Quantities carried per store are usually quite modest. Demand also fluctuates noticeably with the baseball calendar, making winter stock levels low. Overall, CVS includes cards but collectors should consider it a backup option when preferred hobby shops lack sought after products rather than a primary destination for building an extensive collection.

HOW MUCH DOES BASEBALL CARDS GO FOR

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The most obvious factor that determines a baseball card’s value is the player featured on the card. Cards featuring legendary players from years past will naturally sell for more than lesser known players. For example, cards of iconic players like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or recent stars like Mike Trout will always demand higher prices due to their fame and relevance in baseball history. Even cards of non-superstar players can have value depending on other attributes.

The year the card was printed plays a major role. Generally, older cards tend to carry greater value simply due to their scarcity and historical significance. The earliest baseball cards came out in the late 1880s and early 1900s from tobacco companies as promotions. These vintage cards in even moderately preserved condition can be worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands due to their rarity. The true expensive cards are from the 1910s-1950s era before large scale production. Cards from the modern era after the 1980s are less scarce so they require other special traits to have massive value.

Another huge factor is the card’s state of preservation or condition. Card grading companies like PSA, Beckett, SGC, and others have established robust grading scales that evaluate factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality to assign a numerical grade. Only the highest grades of Mint or Near Mint condition classes will hold significant value. Lower graded worn or damaged cards will sell for just a fraction of their potential price. This is why sending valuable cards to be professionally graded is seen as important for authentication and maximum value realization.

Beyond just condition, certain subsets, serial numbers, autographs or memorabilia cards have premiums. Rookie cards, error variations, rare parallel color variations, autographed patches have multipliers. For example, a Mike Trout rookie card in a PSA 10 grade could sell for thousands but an autograph version may fetch over $100,000. Similarly, limited serial numbered refractors could gain premiums over base versions. Cards with autographed pieces of jerseys/bats also hold appeal to collectors.

Relatively modern cards from the late 1980s to 1990s have regained popularity as people who remembered those players and sets from childhood now have money to spend. This resurgence makes complete set builds, star rookies, and achievement/parallel variations potentially valuable. Sets like 1988 Topps, 1992 Leaf, and 1994 Upper Deck are in demand. Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards from these years have seen accelerating prices.

While supply and demand affects short term pricing fluctuations, long term baseball card investments have proven viable historically for professionally graded legendary vintage and rookie cards. As an asset class, price guides track values over decades with certain scarce honed cards appreciating thousands of percentages. With a growing collector base worldwide, if taken care of, valuable cards can be passed down generations and retain purchasing power over decades.

Baseball card prices can range anywhere from under $1 for modern common players up to hundreds of thousands or over $1 million for historically significant gems. Their values are determined by a complex interplay between numerous factors like the featured player, the card’s production year, its condition/grade after professional grading, insert set/variations, and market demand forces. With proper handling, top cards make for sound financial keepsakes appreciated by future generations.

WHAT DOES RC MEAN ON BASEBALL CARDS

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Rookie cards commemorate a player’s entry into professional sports and capture the beginning of their career journey. Many players go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers after their rookie seasons, so their rookie card holds significant historical value as documentation of when they first came onto the scene. Completed player collections are considered more valuable when they include the rookie card, so collectors aim to acquire them to have as complete a set as possible for noteworthy athletes.

From an investment standpoint, rookie cards often appreciate the most in value compared to subsequent cards produced of the same player in later seasons. If an athlete winds up having a breakout rookie year and goes on to superstardom or legendary status, their rookie card frequently increases drastically in price since it was produced in the lowest numbers before they became widely known. Scarcity plays a role, as fewer rookie cards are printed during a player’s first season than cards in future seasons once they are an established name.

The design and information presented on a rookie card can also impact its collectibility. Early cards may feature more basic visuals and statistics since not as much was known about a rookie player, giving them a unique historical first impression compared to later refined cards. Errors and anomalies on rookie cards occur less frequently as well and could increase an individual card’s value for serious collectors. Sentimental aspects like a rookie card having the first image and statistics of a favorite player hold intrinsic worth to many collectors.

For baseball in particular, the brand which produces the rookie card matters in terms of prestige and demand. Top sports card manufacturers like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer that hold MLB licenses see their brands carry more cachet to collectors. Having the most widely distributed rookie card from one of these prominent companies increases desirability. Regional or minor league rookie cards that had fewer production runs are also attractive acquisition targets to comprehensive collectors.

Proving the ownership pedigree and authenticity of high-dollar vintage rookie cards is important when trying to maximize their resale value or for authenticating acclaimed collections. Documentation like a PSA or Beckett grading label helps verify condition, centering and that a card is not a forgery to interested buyers. As the original printed items chronicling the dawn of a player’s MLB tenure, baseball rookie cards retain intrinsic nostalgia and are a lynchpin for serious collections because of their historical and potential financial significance decades later if the player enjoyed great success.

When seen on a baseball card, the letters “RC” stand for rookie card and indicate it is documenting an athlete’s first season playing professionally in Major League Baseball. As the earliest trading cards made featuring that ballplayer, rookie cards are enormously important to collectors due to their ability to commemorate the inception of potentially legendary careers. Scarcity, historical value, investment potential and sentimentality all contribute to rookie cards maintaining prestigious positions as highly sought parts of complete baseball sets and long-term collections.

DOES PUBLIX SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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While Publix does not have a dedicated baseball cards section in its stores, the supermarket chain does occasionally stock limited baseball card products on its shelves. The availability of baseball cards at Publix tends to be sporadic and very dependent on individual store managers and local customer demand.

Baseball cards are not considered a core product category or staple item for Publix, so stores are under no obligation from corporate to always have cards in stock. Cards may show up for brief periods around major release dates for new sets or during peak baseball seasons, but then disappear again once initial interest dies down. Typically any baseball cards found at Publix will just be mixed in with other trading cards, collectibles and novelty gift items on an endcap display rather than having their own dedicated shelves or racks.

The types of baseball card products a Publix might have on hand if they do decide to carry some are usually just the most popular mainstream release series from the major card manufacturers like Topps, Upper Deck and Panini. Things like base sets, inserts and value packs of the current year’s flagship traditional cardboard issues are most likely what a store would try first if testing baseball cards. Stores seem less inclined to carry older, vintage cards, super high-end modern parallels and autos, or more specialized sets focusing on a niche player or theme.

Beyond just physical baseball cards though, Publix does have a couple other tangential baseball-related items they might stock that card collectors could potentially be interested in. Boxes of packs of the sticker and bubblegum baseball card variants Topps produces continue to be a relatively standard offering year-round for the store, even if the standard cardboard variants are not always there. Publix also may have baseball memorabilia like autographed photos, balls or bats mixed in with their general collectibles area from time to time. And many Publix do carry various sports-themed trading card magazines, which often feature baseball previews, checklists and price guides that fans also enjoy.

Factors influencing whether a specific Publix supermarket will carry baseball cards on any given day include demands from local customers as expressed to store management. Stores in areas with especially strong baseball fan bases and collector communities may be more inclined to try keeping at least a basic assortment in stock compared to locations in regions with less interest. The store size and available shelf space also plays a role, as larger supermarkets generally have more flexibility to experiment with nontraditional product categories like cards versus smaller Publix markets with tight inventory constraints.

Individual buyers for each store also have some control over what specialty items get ordered, so if a particular manager is a baseball fan themselves, they may be more inclined to try periodically stocking cards. Current in-store promotions and competitor product assortments can factor in as well, like around the official release dates for new licensing sets if a store wants some presence. Ultimately it comes down to whether the store leadership feels there is viable return on inventory investment to allocate scarce shelf space to cards versus other potential products.

Other customer-facing factors could determine baseball card availability too, like ongoing sales performance once a Publix does start carrying the items. Stores that see the cards consistently turning over and bringing in extra revenue may be more apt to keep them around versus taking a risk on lesser moving product that just collects dust. User feedback and requests expressed to Publix staff also play a role, so if local shoppers vocally say they appreciate having access to cards, that notification could convince reluctant stores to make more space.

On the rare occasions when baseball cards are present on Publix shelves, pricing is usually set around MSRP levels for products wherever possible according to corporate guidelines. Value packs and bundles tend to be slightly marked up, while low-volume specialty subsets may receive notable discounts to help them sell quicker. Taxes apply to cards as with all other Publix goods dependent on local rates. Unfortunately online order, pre-order and custom card break services typically offered by hobby shops are not available through the supermarket chain, only whatever stock they have on-hand in-stores.

While Publix is primarily known as a supermarket rather than hobby specialty store, it does make occasional efforts to satisfy casual collectors by carrying select baseball card items dependent on store-by-store conditions. Local fan demand seems to be one of the biggest influences on availability, so shoppers’ direct feedback can help encourage reluctant locations. But dedicated card shop product selection, services and dependability are still best sought from local game and collectibles retailers rather than relying on Publix as a primary baseball cards source.

DOES MICHAELS HAVE BASEBALL CARDS

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Michael’s is an arts and crafts retail store with over 1,200 locations across the United States and Canada. While its primary product focus is on arts, crafts, framing, floral, seasonal decor, and other creative pursuits, many Michael’s stores do carry a limited selection of trading cards including baseball cards.

Baseball cards can be found in the same areas of Michael’s stores where other trading cards are merchandised, which is typically near the front of the store close to the checkout registers. The baseball card selection tends to be fairly small, usually confined to a few short shelves or peg board displays, but it offers the casual collector a convenient place to occasionally browse cards when making other purchases at Michael’s.

The types of baseball cards stocked vary between Michael’s locations but generally include some of the more popular modern and vintage sets from the past few decades. Common ones that show up include packs and boxes of current year base sets from Topps, Upper Deck, and other major sports card manufacturers. Michael’s may also have some loose packs or singles boxes of slightly older mainstream sets from the 2000s on back. More premium sets from within the last 5-10 years are less common but sometimes stores will have a few specialty products as well.

In terms of vintage cards, most Michael’s just have a small grab bag style box of various stray older cards that have been pulled out of collections over the years. The condition and value of these eclectic vintage singles varies wildly. On rare occasion, some Michael’s may have a short box of intact wax packs from the 1980s or early 90s but that is not a regular staple. Very high-end vintage graded cards or complete vintage sets will not be found except as unique one-off consignment items on occasion.

Pricing on the baseball cards at Michael’s aims to be fair without undercutting the dedicated card shops. New sealed packs are priced close to MSRP while loose packs usually carry around a 25-50 cent markup. Individual vintage cards are priced in the $1-5 range on average depending on the player and condition, which is reasonable as a casual browsing price point. Larger dollar vintage lots may be sold as well.

As this is not one of Michael’s primary product categories, their baseball card selection and supply is dependent on warehouse shipments and vendor partnerships. Availability can fluctuate more than dedicated card/comic shops. As a crafts/hobby store rather than card shop, there are no sports memorabilia cases, card grading services, or additional card-related amenities offered in-store. Customer service knowledge on cards specifically may be limited.

For the casual collector just looking to browse a small but curated selection while out shopping, or grab an impulse pack of the latest base set for a relatively fair price, Michael’s can provide a convenient spot. Their card sections are worth a quick look for a general browse if passing by, just do not expect a large stock of options or focus on serving hardcore collectors like the dedicated card specialty shops offer. So in summary – yes most Michael’s do stock a limited selection of baseball cards, but it is small and intended more for occasional casual browsing than true card collecting needs.

HOW DOES TOPPS MAKE BASEBALL CARDS

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The process of making baseball cards at Topps begins early each year in preparation for the upcoming season. Topps works to secure licensing agreements with Major League Baseball, the players association, and individual MLB teams to obtain the rights to use player names, stats, photos and team logos on their baseball cards. Securing these licenses is crucial as it allows Topps to legally produce cards featuring current professional baseball players and content.

Once the licenses are in place, Topps designers and artists get to work on concepting the designs for the upcoming year’s card sets. They decide on visual themes, styling, photography looks and builds cardboard mockups. Topps has various standard card sets they produce each year like Series 1, Series 2, Topps Chrome, etc. but they also come up with new promotional subsets and parallels. The designs are reviewed and refined until final proofs are approved.

Beginning in January, Topps photographers start traveling to MLB spring training sites to photograph players against blue skies for the base card photos. Individual portrait sessions are scheduled where players pose in uniform with a neutral expression. Additional action shots are also taken of players swinging, throwing, or fielding during drills and games. Sometimes stock photos from the previous season are also utilized.

In February and March, Topps works with MLB teams and players to arrange special photo shoots if needed for hitters or autograph parallels. 3D hologram variants also require unique photography. Topps coordinates closely with teams to ensure maximum player participation. Television footage and archive photos from the previous season are also reviewed for potential retro cards or highlights cards looking back on notable moments.

Once photography is complete, the high resolution digital photos are touched up as needed in Photoshop by Topps design artists. Distracting background elements may be removed and clean ups like dust or glare fixes are made. The photos are then color corrected to match the overall look of the set design being created. Photo selections and layouts are programmed into the card template designs.

In March, Topps begins printing short run proofs of the card designs using the photos and layouts on actual cardstock. These proofs are thoroughly reviewed by Topps staff, MLB, and the MLBPA to approve everything is correctly represented and meets quality standards. Any needed changes to photos, text, colors or designs are then implemented.

By April, Topps starts the commercial printing process on the millions of cards needed for the official releases. Card stock paper is sourced from third party paper mills. The card designs are digitally printed onto the paper using large format inkjet or offset lithography presses. Multiple foil elements, autographs, and parallels require additional specialized printing steps. Quality control ensures correct registration and colors during the print runs.

In May, the finished printed cards are carefully cut, sorted, and bundled by Topps operators into individual pack distributions as well as box breakdowns. Additional memorabilia cards, autographs, and hits are carefully inserted during this process. Everything is double checked against the checklist to ensure accuracy.

From May through the season, Topps distributes the cards through licensing and retail partners to stores worldwide for fans to enjoy. Insert cards are also sent to rewards program members. Throughout the season, Topps monitors players and creates additional special release cards and sets focusing on accomplishments, milestones or new players. By capturing the excitement of each season, Topps ensures baseball cards remain an integral part of the national pastime.

DOES FIVE BELOW SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Yes, Five Below does sell baseball cards at their retail stores. Five Below is a chain of discount stores primarily located across the United States that offers a wide variety of products that are all priced at $5 or less. While their product assortment consists largely of toys, games, candy, electronics, and other gift items targeted towards teenagers and young adults, they do carry a selection of sports and hobby merchandise as well, including baseball cards.

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible item for decades, especially among young baseball fans. Five Below recognizes that baseball cards appeal to both children and adults who enjoy collecting, trading, and staying engaged with their favorite MLB players and teams. By stocking baseball cards priced accessibly at $5 or less per pack, Five Below is able to tap into this market of casual and avid baseball card collectors. Their stores give customers a convenient local retail option for purchasing new baseball card packs and boxes without having to go to a specialized hobby shop or card store.

Five Below aims to have a rotating selection of the most popular and in-demand baseball card products from the top licensing brands. Common brands of baseball cards found at Five Below include Topps, Bowman, Donruss, Panini, Leaf, and Stadium Club. Customers will typically find both trading card packs as well as complete set boxes available from the current and previous season’s Major League Baseball license. For example, in 2022 customers could purchase 2022 Topps Series 1 packs or 2021 Topps Update box at Five Below stores. During the baseball off-season, they may focus more on offerings from the previous year.

While the selection varies slightly by store location and time of year, customers can generally expect to find a wide range at Five Below including:

Baseball trading card packs containing approximately 8-12 cards priced around $1-3 per pack

Boxes containing 30-50 trading card packs for around $5

Premium box sets containing insert cards, memorabilia cards, autographs for $5

Vintage and retro reprint sets from the 1980s-2000s for $5 per pack

Collectors boxes of 100-250 card complete team or player sets for $5

Five Below aims to carry the most in-demand rookie cards, star players, parallels, and inserts within these products at an accessible price point. Having a place to purchase these current baseball cards helps fuel the collecting hobby for kids and adults on a budget.

Since space is limited within their small-box retail format, Five Below needs to balance stocking baseball cards with other popular toys, games, media, and merchandise. As such, their selection may not be as vast or specialized as a local card shop. For the casual collector looking for the latest packs, boxes, or sets from the major brands at a great value price, Five Below is a reliable retail chains to check regularly. Their product is also consistently well-organized and stored securely behind the checkout counters.

Five Below’s baseball card offerings are also perfect for last-minute gifts for the young baseball fan or player in someone’s life. Need a $5 or under present for a birthday party? A pack or two of cards from their favorite team would make for an inexpensive indulgence. Holidays also see Five Below promote “baseball card gift packs” containing an assortment of packs, stickers, and other small team items ideally priced for stocking stuffers.

While their selection may not satisfy every collecting need, Five Below is a mainstream retailer helping further grow interest in the baseball card hobby by making recent product accessible at everyday low prices. Casual collectors,gift-givers, and kids saving their allowance will continue finding value in checking their local Five Below locations for the latest baseball cards drops. With product regularly changing out, it rewards repeat stop for the chance at discovering something new to add to your collections. Five Below’s model of $5 and under pricing ensures the baseball card category remains an affordable indulgence for fans of all ages.

Yes Five Below stores across the United States do reliably stock baseball cards among their product assortments aimed towards teenagers and young adults. While selections may vary slightly by location, customers can typically find the most popular packs, boxes, and sets from Topps, Bowman, Donruss and more brands priced accessibly for $5 or less. Five Below helps fuel interest in the baseball card hobby through making recent licensing more discoverable and affordable to casual collectors of all budgets.