How to Build an Old Baseball Card Set

Building Your Vintage Set

• 1

  Decide what older baseball card set you want to build. Sets that feature scarce cards will require more work and expense. Consider vintage cards you already own. If you own one or more key cards from a particular year and brand, you have the makings of a set.

• 2

  Obtain a checklist of all the cards in the set. You can do this through some card collecting Web sites. A good one is keymancollectibles.com, which features free printable complete checklists for 1951-2009 Topps sets and many other brands and years. Print the checklist for your set.

• 3

  Take an inventory of your personal collection. Gather all of the cards you own from that set. Cross them off the checklist and store them in a safe spot.

• 4

  Now you have a complete list of the cards you need to finish your set. Make several copies of your list. Mail or e-mail them to dealers and major collectors. Take your list to local card shops. Remember, too, to include your name, phone number and e-mail address with the list.

• 5

  When you hear from dealers and collectors who have the cards you want, check a price guide for the current market value of the cards. Then offer 70 to 80 percent of the card's market value. Most dealers sell cards for less than market value. Increase your offer if a dealer declines your initial offer.

• 6

  Based on your finances, you might take a year or longer to complete the set. Ask dealers and collectors if they would be willing to hold the cards until you can pay for them. Many will agree to this. It is especially true for common cards that are in lesser demand.

• 7

  After completing the set, store the cards in numerical order. Your work is done.