Box quality, an OCD-driven hunt for that perfect, glossy finish.

Even if you claim you don't care about box quality, you do. Presented the option, which box do you take? The crushed, creased, drawn on, over-stickered heap or the glossy, hot off the press from the factory work of art?

Do you take milk that's about to expire, or do you pull from the back?

Do you buy the candy bar that's been callously crushed into bits, or the perfectly whole one?

The shampoo bottle that looks like it's filled more to the top than the next?

I am the latter, in every case. If you're in this business, you're probably also trying to get the most for your money.

"But LFoW, the box doesn't matter, as long as the bags inside are sealed!"

Well, not exactly. While I should point out that it is true that the value of your set won't really suffer because of your box condition (unless it's been through the seven hells), to say it doesn't matter is ignorance.

Look at it from your buyers perspective: Why would I pay $120.00 for your set when this other guy has the same set at the same price and his box is prime shape?

That small factor, one you insisted played no role in the value of your set, just lost you the sale to someone else.

While having a perfect box doesn't matter to some sellers, again put yourself in the buyer's shoes; it isn't about you. Some buyers want to display their sets, or their boxes. Some want to encase them in plastic or get them graded. Some even resell the boxes aftwer building the set to recoup a little cost. Any way you slice it, the box matters to these types of people, so it should matter to you.

On the flip side, buying a set with a damaged box has one very important advantage to consider: Some retailers will discount your product.

This will instantly change the game for you, as you can afford to go lower than your competitors and make the same profit.

fAside from that, and maybe not having to worry as much about keeping the box in good shape, there's no real reason to not hunt out the best box possible.

One last tip: Some retailers like Walmart or Target will occaisionally allow you to exchange an item for an identical item, sometimes without even asking for an ID. I have done this to get slightly better boxes before. YMMV.

So find that gloss, heat gun those stickers, and seal it up in a waterproof, airproof bag. your next buyer wants an AFA 9+!