The key is to take your time, which is easier preached than practiced for all of us. "Get samples" is always the correct mantra.
What I have found and what I believe I witness from many veteran chippers is that Paulsons are the best way to start if you want to jump right in with the best quality. As you go you will start better learning the chipping intricacies (denominations, colors, inserts, progression, flow, themes, inlays, personal preferences, etc.). It is at that point you can take what you have learned and will be better suited and prepared to make your own custom set through CPC. Besides a few specific sets, you are not going to be able to have the resale value that Paulsons have, so that needs to be taken into consideration if that could be an issue for you. However, the set should last your whole life unless you are throwing them against a wall, is your own set, and is fun/unique.
Personally, I finished the core of my two Paulson sets, know exactly what I want in my next chip/set, and am currently in the early stages of a custom CPC Cali-color cash set. From what I gather, many take the same path. Not to mention, Paulsons going up in price now make CPCs even more cost-effective than they previously were.
Summation: Take your time, browse, and get samples.