What is a set break meaning in trading cards?

[kensgiftshop]

@870earl 

From what I understand, you pay for a certain player or team from a package and you get what is in that package.

You might get 1 or 2 cards or none.

[870earl]

I'm sorry, but I still don't understand. When I look at a card for sale or auction and the description says set break, duuhh !!

[870earl]

Thanks for trying to help my dumb ass !!

[kensgiftshop · Accepted solution]

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@870earl wrote:

I'm sorry, but I still don't understand. When I look at a card for sale or auction and the description says set break, duuhh !!

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Lets say a seller has a box of cards, not knowing exactly what is in the box and they do auctions for a break (or whatever they call it).

They have 1 auction for Tom Brady cards from the package, the winner gets all the Tom Brady cards in the package, if there is any. If there isn't any, I think the buyer is out of luck.

[shipscript]

@870earl 

Yes, the process is a bit bizarre, but now common in the trading card world. Here are three random listings that explain, within the description, how the process works, when a selection of boxes will be opened on video.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134266730663

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295257823826

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265922552858

There may be some listings where the word "break" is used to indicate the card was taken from a set and is sold as a single. So check the description if clarification is needed. But generally, a true "break" is listed in the "trading card box and case breaks" category. A single card would be listed in the "trading card singles" category.

[870earl]

If that post has a number, for example # 47, does that mean he is gambling on getting a # 47 in that case break ?  Does the pic show the # 47 I suppose?

[870earl]

Thank you that also helped.

[870earl]

Thanks Ken !!