Priced-out of this hobby? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter charitycase
- Start date
louBdub
Full House
Stalk. The. Classifieds.
chipinla
4 of a Kind
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2018
- Messages
- 7,347
- Reaction score
- 21,546
CPC for life.
Ben8257
Royal Flush
I'm just waiting for others to figure out what happens to Cards Molds as they "break in"... it's not pretty. Ut there is another option in the works, they are amazing! I hope some thinking of putting in large orders for cards molds wait and see the new hybrids.
@upNdown , we have the China ceramic Scrub Donkey chips that were about $.25 I think, cards molds at like $.35, the new chips are just over $.40 (but in large quantities) , when I got in on the BrPro ceramic Mario chips they were $.70 which sounds like a lot more... but you are correct, the quality is so much better on those, well worth the extra money! Well I say that until the new ones get made and then we will see!
Wait till these cards molds sets get 25 - 30 uses on them... you fart and they fall all over the place, spin like saucers! We own one set and it is dead mint unused. They are fantastic when new, but try to work them into a rotation If possible. That texture wears down pretty quick!
Anyways @charitycase ... YES many of us are getting priced out! I paid rough$8 - $12 for my Artichoke $4s... we have 173 of them. Was hoping someday of getting to two racks obviously
But now what am I supposed to do against this
And even that was 6 months ago! Paing close to $20 for the RHC $1s and $30 plus for the THC $1s. Have 90 combined now... but even if you have the money only one chip gets listed every 3 - 4 months, and then goes for way more than most of us set collectors are willing to pay! Just sucks!
BUT in January of this year we only had the quarters to this set.
I know mixed sets are not for everyone, myself included but this is easily one of my favorite sets we own, and built the whole thing for less than $5k IN 2022! It can be done, just not easy anymore!
Patience and networking my friend!! There are still chips out there for good prices from resonable sellers! Just have to find them!
@upNdown , we have the China ceramic Scrub Donkey chips that were about $.25 I think, cards molds at like $.35, the new chips are just over $.40 (but in large quantities) , when I got in on the BrPro ceramic Mario chips they were $.70 which sounds like a lot more... but you are correct, the quality is so much better on those, well worth the extra money! Well I say that until the new ones get made and then we will see!
Wait till these cards molds sets get 25 - 30 uses on them... you fart and they fall all over the place, spin like saucers! We own one set and it is dead mint unused. They are fantastic when new, but try to work them into a rotation If possible. That texture wears down pretty quick!
Anyways @charitycase ... YES many of us are getting priced out! I paid rough$8 - $12 for my Artichoke $4s... we have 173 of them. Was hoping someday of getting to two racks obviously
But now what am I supposed to do against this
And even that was 6 months ago! Paing close to $20 for the RHC $1s and $30 plus for the THC $1s. Have 90 combined now... but even if you have the money only one chip gets listed every 3 - 4 months, and then goes for way more than most of us set collectors are willing to pay! Just sucks!
BUT in January of this year we only had the quarters to this set.
I know mixed sets are not for everyone, myself included but this is easily one of my favorite sets we own, and built the whole thing for less than $5k IN 2022! It can be done, just not easy anymore!
Patience and networking my friend!! There are still chips out there for good prices from resonable sellers! Just have to find them!
haven't experienced the cards mold break in yet. Is there information out there on the finish getting rubbed off by wear and tear or something?
Appreciate the update. That’s the first I’ve heard of card molds wearing badly, but I guess I haven’t paid too much attention.
I've had this conversation on a few occasions with some chipper friends the past few months. I'm very, very fortunate to have gotten what I got when I did. I pieced together my CDI cash and tourney sets just before prices for THC Paulsons went wacky. Also got my one NAGB set right before per chip prices went to the double digits.
Starting out from scratch today, there would be no way for me to accumulate what I've been able. If I was starting out today, I'd have way less chips, that's for sure.
The way to go is custom clays and ceramics from CPC, BRPRO, and Chinese vendors. I happen to think the cards mold is tacky and would prefer a no mold, smoother ceramic if I go that route, but other people love them and I'm not going to poo poo it.
Part of the fun of chipping is discovering what you like and don't like. There's still value to be had in Chip Room sales, and there are even THC molded Paulsons going for under $3/chip. There's still value in a lot of BCC sets. Just this past weekend an awesome set of Protege's sold for $2.50 per chip with once in a decade denoms made available. There's still value out there if you look hard enough, but yes, the really high shelf stuff (NAGB chips, TRK's, THC casino chips) is limited to the whales nowadays sadly.
Starting out from scratch today, there would be no way for me to accumulate what I've been able. If I was starting out today, I'd have way less chips, that's for sure.
The way to go is custom clays and ceramics from CPC, BRPRO, and Chinese vendors. I happen to think the cards mold is tacky and would prefer a no mold, smoother ceramic if I go that route, but other people love them and I'm not going to poo poo it.
Part of the fun of chipping is discovering what you like and don't like. There's still value to be had in Chip Room sales, and there are even THC molded Paulsons going for under $3/chip. There's still value in a lot of BCC sets. Just this past weekend an awesome set of Protege's sold for $2.50 per chip with once in a decade denoms made available. There's still value out there if you look hard enough, but yes, the really high shelf stuff (NAGB chips, TRK's, THC casino chips) is limited to the whales nowadays sadly.
Mike mac
4 of a Kind
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/hsi-1as-one-rack-available-edited-post.92146/
this ad takes care of $1 chips for a nice mix set! deals are still out there !!!
IMO best $1 chip for the price
this ad takes care of $1 chips for a nice mix set! deals are still out there !!!
IMO best $1 chip for the price
ChipTalker
Flush
I am choosing to be priced out. Yes I can afford it. But I have no desire to spend this much on chips so moving on. I have way more chips than I need anyway which would not stop me from getting more if prices were more reasonable but just kinda turned off from the hobby as is. I did order some cards mold for the fun of it.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2018
- Messages
- 12,457
- Reaction score
- 26,609
- Location
- 129 West 81st Street, Apartment 5B
I was going to have this in my response but thought better of it.
Long story short there’s market prices and friend prices. It used to not be that big of a difference between the two. With prices rising to where they are, that gap between market and friend prices has widened vastly.
As I’ve said in other posts, perception is the most important thing on PCF. It’s the most valuable thing by far, and once you’re in you’re pretty much untouchable moving forward.
Start posting strategically, create a narrative around the chips you’re chasing, join text groups, network.
I only have 2-3 sessions on my cards mold chips - if there's info on them wearing out/down really fast, I'd also love to see it.
CrazyEddie
Full House
If the hobby is collecting multiple sets of the most desirable chips, then yeah, prices have been skyrocketing and it's going to be hard for anyone of modest means to justify continuing to collect those top-tier sets.
However, if the hobby is finding one or a few nice sets that you can appreciate having and enjoy using, then this is as good a time as ever to be in the hobby, because there are more mid-range opportunities than ever before. China clays, a wide variety of ceramics including dirt-cheap cards molds, a continuing influx of casino-used RHC, numerous high-end plastics from group buys, and the advent of milling and murdering and relabeling otherwise uninteresting but readily-available clays, to say nothing of a well-understood and well-exercised CPC design, ordering, and fulfilment process. Even the low end of the hobby is improving; the budget mass-market chips are getting better in quality, design, selection, and availability.
We're seeing a separation in the hobby that wasn't present before. Anyone can have great chips, but only a few can have the very best chips.
CrazyEddie
Full House
The thing is - the Ferraris used to be going for about the same prices as the Toyotas. Those times are past now.
At times I've got to be honest that I do wish I had more funds to get more of these really really nice sets. Primarily TRK sets. Of course there are some of the nice Paulson sets that I'd love to have. TRK sets primarily being Nevada Lodge $5 & $25 racks, Riverside 50c rack, Nevada Club $20s, Nevada Lodge $500 & $1000 racks, stuff like this that many people aren't releasing or if they are they've been possibly sold via PM or something along those lines.
Paulson sets could be Dunes uncirculated set, Sundance Set, Claim Stakes, Silver Star sets and the list goes on.
These are chips that not only myself, but A LOT of people would love to have. I would say as a younger guy in the hobby that in some cases I am priced out. Do I think that's a bad thing? No, not necessarily. In some cases I actually enjoy seeing the sets pop up and in some cases having the chance to bid on them even if I don't end up winning. Even getting to play with chips like this doesn't make me seem like I'm priced out. I have seen some BEAUTIFUL chips in the time that I've been in the hobby. Both in person and just online. Racks, Barrels and singles. Some of that stuff I've had to buy right on the spot to make sure that I was able to have something like that in my collection. I've been very lucky to obtain the chips that I have and I'm grateful every single day for what I do have. There's things that I can't let go right now. Sure the money that's there would be nice to have, but when would I have the chance to possibly own another one?
I know there are many people from across all ranges of income, all ranges from life, all ranges of age & the list could go on. We are all in different places in life. Some of us are doing extremely well have the opportunities to get some of the worlds best chips in their hands, collections and more. There are also people that are maybe starting on their chip collection journey, have maybe come out of something rough, hard times or what it may be. There's time to get some of these chips and there's no rush in my mind. If you take things slow, let's say save money to get a set that you've been wanting to get then anything is possible. If you're dedicated to this hobby then you'll be able to complete something on your dream list. No matter how long it takes, how much money or what it may be it is possible... Some have spent YEARS building racks buying singles and have finally completed them this year. I know there are so many more that are still doing that.
I'll leave my tangent at this. There are sets for all kinds of price ranges. The most expensive sets you see on the forum or market are there because they have crazy colors, they are rare, they are hard to get, they have shaped inlays, the most insane edge spots whatever it is. Those sets are out there. Then, there are also the sets that look great for a 1/4 of the cost that are the exact same chips that the most expensive sets are. Paulsons are Paulsons. I know that people love leaded chips, but those tend to go for more. If you don't have that type of money there is no reason to worry about not being able to get them at the moment. Same thing goes for TRKs. I know everyone wants to have bricks in their hands, but at times it's nice to play with something cheaper. Especially if you're playing with people that might be rough on chips. Buy something cheap, something that you won't mind getting banged up. Leaded sets that are expensive are (in my opinion) bought to be played with and almost like a museum piece. I really appreciate people that buy more expensive chips to play with them. That's why they were created, that's why they are bought. Play with those chips, use them and make them worth your money/time.
Paulson sets could be Dunes uncirculated set, Sundance Set, Claim Stakes, Silver Star sets and the list goes on.
These are chips that not only myself, but A LOT of people would love to have. I would say as a younger guy in the hobby that in some cases I am priced out. Do I think that's a bad thing? No, not necessarily. In some cases I actually enjoy seeing the sets pop up and in some cases having the chance to bid on them even if I don't end up winning. Even getting to play with chips like this doesn't make me seem like I'm priced out. I have seen some BEAUTIFUL chips in the time that I've been in the hobby. Both in person and just online. Racks, Barrels and singles. Some of that stuff I've had to buy right on the spot to make sure that I was able to have something like that in my collection. I've been very lucky to obtain the chips that I have and I'm grateful every single day for what I do have. There's things that I can't let go right now. Sure the money that's there would be nice to have, but when would I have the chance to possibly own another one?
I know there are many people from across all ranges of income, all ranges from life, all ranges of age & the list could go on. We are all in different places in life. Some of us are doing extremely well have the opportunities to get some of the worlds best chips in their hands, collections and more. There are also people that are maybe starting on their chip collection journey, have maybe come out of something rough, hard times or what it may be. There's time to get some of these chips and there's no rush in my mind. If you take things slow, let's say save money to get a set that you've been wanting to get then anything is possible. If you're dedicated to this hobby then you'll be able to complete something on your dream list. No matter how long it takes, how much money or what it may be it is possible... Some have spent YEARS building racks buying singles and have finally completed them this year. I know there are so many more that are still doing that.
I'll leave my tangent at this. There are sets for all kinds of price ranges. The most expensive sets you see on the forum or market are there because they have crazy colors, they are rare, they are hard to get, they have shaped inlays, the most insane edge spots whatever it is. Those sets are out there. Then, there are also the sets that look great for a 1/4 of the cost that are the exact same chips that the most expensive sets are. Paulsons are Paulsons. I know that people love leaded chips, but those tend to go for more. If you don't have that type of money there is no reason to worry about not being able to get them at the moment. Same thing goes for TRKs. I know everyone wants to have bricks in their hands, but at times it's nice to play with something cheaper. Especially if you're playing with people that might be rough on chips. Buy something cheap, something that you won't mind getting banged up. Leaded sets that are expensive are (in my opinion) bought to be played with and almost like a museum piece. I really appreciate people that buy more expensive chips to play with them. That's why they were created, that's why they are bought. Play with those chips, use them and make them worth your money/time.
Last edited:
Well now that you say that…
DIBS ON ALL!!!
Verbal is binding!
In that case I have 3k Pharaoh's for sale for $35k.
Thank you SIR!
buffalojim
Royal Flush
FOUL! Can't use the same gif twice in a week. This time you get a warning
Also, just go past page 1 of the classifieds sometimes.
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/1-220-grand-victoria-primary.92082/
Under $1 for small denom chips. Also Horseshoe Cincy’s are still under $1/chip for low denoms.
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/presidents’-day-weekend-sale.51696/
Chips are harder to find but definitely still doable. As a chipper, try not to limit yourself to only the PCF Classifieds either (please don’t ban me @Tommy) . While all of us, as chippers, place premium value on chips, the whole world does not. I’m certain there are chips out there that folks are willing to let go for less than what people are asking here.
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/1-220-grand-victoria-primary.92082/
Under $1 for small denom chips. Also Horseshoe Cincy’s are still under $1/chip for low denoms.
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/presidents’-day-weekend-sale.51696/
Chips are harder to find but definitely still doable. As a chipper, try not to limit yourself to only the PCF Classifieds either (please don’t ban me @Tommy
) . While all of us, as chippers, place premium value on chips, the whole world does not. I’m certain there are chips out there that folks are willing to let go for less than what people are asking here.
louBdub
Full House
Verbal is binding!
In that case I have 3k Pharaoh's for sale for $35k.
Thank you SIR!
LeLe
4 of a Kind
Bottom-line is that Poker Collections are a Luxury Hobby. Very often, I choose to struck with my budget and be out-priced for the chips that I want even if I can afford them.
The Grand Indiana is a very good example, it been way over hyped and thus the over priced resale of the set.
Do we like it to get to get them at TCR pricing? Sure we do but those are limited esp in a High Demand Low Supply market in this hobby.
Do I need to get them at over hyped over priced resale price? We always have the choice to say no, there is always other chips to pursue after.
I knew there are Chippers that only collected Clay Chips but with so many options out there now, there really nothing wrong in trying out other options or be more creative by not going after the bandwagon all the time.
The Grand Indiana is a very good example, it been way over hyped and thus the over priced resale of the set.
Do we like it to get to get them at TCR pricing? Sure we do but those are limited esp in a High Demand Low Supply market in this hobby.
Do I need to get them at over hyped over priced resale price? We always have the choice to say no, there is always other chips to pursue after.
I knew there are Chippers that only collected Clay Chips but with so many options out there now, there really nothing wrong in trying out other options or be more creative by not going after the bandwagon all the time.
chipinla
4 of a Kind
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2018
- Messages
- 7,347
- Reaction score
- 21,546
CPC FOR LIFE
jrs146
Straight
I think I got in a little too late to build a quality THC set. I’m just not willing to pay the prices for them… and that’s ok. I got into chipping a year ago and I’ve taken full advantage of RHC sets and Cards Mold sets. Somehow I’ve still managed to spend a lot of money, but I’ve been able to buy provably 10,000 chips combined. I’d never be able to do that with todays prices for THC sets. Overall though I really like what I’ve collected.
This is exactly why things have gone up in price and I'm sure why more people are feeling "priced out".
If the gif fits, you must acquit!FOUL! Can't use the same gif twice in a week. This time you get a warning
LeLe
4 of a Kind
That is so true.
I am a new Chipper who are way too late into the chipping hobby, and there's now a tall (cash) wall to overcome if I want to collect all the nice and pretty chips out there.
Being overseas and no access to PPFF is just making the things worse.
Going slow and do focusing only on 1 set at a time is what I doing now. It took me way over 6 months to find a small playable PCA set and additional few months to find those add-on without paying too much premium for them to make it completed.
But the process of finding/scouting them are also the joys of collection.
Last edited:
You are doing it correctly @LeLe unlike many others here. When you focus on YOUR PRIZE and not someone else’s, you accomplish great things in this hobby.
When you waste your time, money and energy on things that don’t ultimately speak to you, you just end up with a pile of NOTHING ACCOMPLISHED.
I was fortunate to get in on the ground floor of ONE of my sets. I also didn’t know at that time I’d transition into this great hobby, was purely coincidental. The other sets with the exception of InPlays were started way after the train left the station.
FOCUS IS THE NAME OF THE GAME! TAKE IT TO THE BANK!
Great post @LeLe, you get it and I found your post refreshing to read.
Congratulations on your set.
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2018
- Messages
- 12,457
- Reaction score
- 26,609
- Location
- 129 West 81st Street, Apartment 5B
@charitycase we came in around the same time, within months of eachother. Everyone’s experience is subjective and unique.
Incoming Ben Book:
In my first 8-10 months I ran through tens of thousands (very literally) of CPS and China Clays and roulettes. Then there was the Matsui set, Royals set, and BJ set. CPC custom set, BCC Mardi Gras and BCC Hotstamps. Starbursts, Roadhouse, LCOs, Tonks (not a full set), Aransas and Outposts.
I was easily averaging the purchase of 3 sets a month, chip sets were flying in and out of this house.
I have no idea what it was like before my time, but I came in during an absolute dead period, most auctions saw 1-3 bidders - and I was always one of them. I look back at that time with disgust for my lack of knowledge but also fondly - I’m glad I got to experience something like that at all.
In my few years here, with an educated guess I would say that I’ve net lost around $7500-8500 in chipping exchanges - that’s not including taking “market prices” into consideration.
But more to your point of today. Well, as of just a couple days ago, I was down to a Cards Mold set and my incomplete Hot Stamps.
I then added a new project in my Aransas & under $2 a chip.
Mint Paris THC sets at cost. And even after I screwed myself, we have solid chippers and professional harvesters who can grab some for nominal charge.
Indiana Grands - I would have passed on these if they weren’t my home casino. But as it is, I picked up a set. Even after getting screwed out of the desirable chips, with some help from locals and trades, I’ll probably get what I wanted (sans my fav, secondary $100) for $4k. Maybe $3 a chip?
Added a 1500+ BCC limit set for $1 a chip.
So in the last month, I’ve purchased THCs, RHC, BCCs - all ranging from $1-$3 a chip.
Most are forever sets to me, I’m happy to pay those prices.
Will I ever find someone to give up their yellow $5 hotstamps or beautiful $5 reds these days? Almost certainly not, but at least it gives me something to look for forever.
Curious as to your adventure. What was it like for you? What do you have today? Any recent purchases?
(BCC limit will be here tomorrow)
Incoming Ben Book:
In my first 8-10 months I ran through tens of thousands (very literally) of CPS and China Clays and roulettes. Then there was the Matsui set, Royals set, and BJ set. CPC custom set, BCC Mardi Gras and BCC Hotstamps. Starbursts, Roadhouse, LCOs, Tonks (not a full set), Aransas and Outposts.
I was easily averaging the purchase of 3 sets a month, chip sets were flying in and out of this house.
I have no idea what it was like before my time, but I came in during an absolute dead period, most auctions saw 1-3 bidders - and I was always one of them. I look back at that time with disgust for my lack of knowledge
but also fondly - I’m glad I got to experience something like that at all.In my few years here, with an educated guess I would say that I’ve net lost around $7500-8500 in chipping exchanges - that’s not including taking “market prices” into consideration.
But more to your point of today. Well, as of just a couple days ago, I was down to a Cards Mold set and my incomplete Hot Stamps.
I then added a new project in my Aransas & under $2 a chip.
Mint Paris THC sets at cost. And even after I screwed myself, we have solid chippers and professional harvesters who can grab some for nominal charge.
Indiana Grands - I would have passed on these if they weren’t my home casino. But as it is, I picked up a set. Even after getting screwed out of the desirable chips, with some help from locals and trades, I’ll probably get what I wanted (sans my fav, secondary $100) for $4k. Maybe $3 a chip?
Added a 1500+ BCC limit set for $1 a chip.
So in the last month, I’ve purchased THCs, RHC, BCCs - all ranging from $1-$3 a chip.
Most are forever sets to me, I’m happy to pay those prices.
Will I ever find someone to give up their yellow $5 hotstamps or beautiful $5 reds these days? Almost certainly not, but at least it gives me something to look for forever.
Curious as to your adventure. What was it like for you? What do you have today? Any recent purchases?
(BCC limit will be here tomorrow)
Last edited:
This brought a smile to my face. That's what it's all about right there.@charitycase we came in around the same time, within months of eachother. Everyone’s experience is subjective and unique.
Incoming Ben Book:
In my first 8-10 months I ran through tens of thousands (very literally) of CPS and China Clays and roulettes. Then there was the Matsui set, Royals set, and BJ set. CPC custom set, BCC Mardi Gras and BCC Hotstamps. Starbursts, Roadhouse, LCOs, Tonks (not a full set), Aransas and Outposts.
I was easily averaging the purchase of 3 sets a month, chip sets were flying in and out of this house.
I have no idea what it was like before my time, but I came in during an absolute dead period, most auctions saw 1-3 bidders - and I was always one of them. I look back at that time with disgust for my lack of knowledge
In my few years here, with an educated guess I would say that I’m probably around - $7500 to -$8500 in chipping exchanges.
But more to your point of today. Well, as of just a couple days ago, I was down to a Cards Mold set and my incomplete Hot Stamps.
I then added a new project in my Aransas & under $2 a chip.
Mint Paris THC sets at cost. And even after I screwed myself, we have solid chippers and professional harvesters who can grab some for nominal charge.
Indiana Grands - I would have passed on these if they weren’t my home casino. But as it is, I picked up a set. Even after getting screwed out of the desirable chips, with some help from locals and trades, I’ll probably get what I wanted (sans my fav, secondary $100) for $4k. Maybe $3 a chip?
Added a 1500+ BCC limit set for $1 a chip.
So in the last month, I’ve purchased THCs, RHC, BCCs - all ranging from $1-$3 a chip.
Most are forever sets to me, I’m happy to pay those prices.
Will I ever find someone to give up their yellow $5 hotstamps or beautiful $5 reds these days? Almost certainly not, but at least it gives me something to look for forever.
Curious as to your adventure. What was it like for you? What do you have today? Any recent purchases?
(BCC limit will be here tomorrow)
View attachment 947997
Custom CPC are now in mainstream contention when compared to the rise in price of fully playable RHC and THC sets. And the Abbiati GB chips are even less cost, once thought almost unthinkable.
Create an account or login to comment
You must be a member in order to leave a comment
Create account
Create an account and join our community. It's easy!
Log in
Already have an account? Log in here.
