WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRADING CARD PRODUCTS?Updated a year ago

Trading cards come in a variety of forms for a number of popular licenses and sports. Here’s a breakdown of some of the different kinds of products you’ll find in the trading card world:

1. Single Packs: These are the basic unit of trading cards, usually containing a small, set number of cards. Packs can vary in the number of cards they contain based on the sport, brand, and product line.

2. Blaster Boxes: These are smaller boxes that typically contain a set number of packs and sometimes offer exclusive parallels or inserts that aren’t available in standard packs. They’re a popular choice for casual collectors due to their relatively lower price point compared to other formats.

3. Hobby Boxes: Aimed at more serious collectors, hobby boxes usually contain more packs than blaster boxes and offer better odds for finding rare cards, like autographs or memorabilia cards. These boxes are typically distributed through specialty shops and online dealers.

4. Retail Boxes: Similar to hobby boxes but distributed through mass-market retailers. They often have different odds for rare cards and may include exclusive content not found in hobby boxes. When talking about trading card games these are called Booster Boxes.

5. Fat Packs: Also known as rack packs or jumbo packs, these are larger than standard packs and contain more cards. They offer a cost-effective way of building a base set and sometimes include exclusive cards not found in other packages.

6. Mega Boxes: Larger than blaster boxes, these often contain several packs and exclusive card sets or parallels. They're priced between blaster and hobby boxes and are sometimes targeted at specific retail outlets.

7. Tins and Collectible Sets: These are specialty products that include cards and come in a reusable tin or box, often featuring popular players or themes. These are particularly appealing as gifts and to younger collectors.

Each type of trading card product offers different advantages, whether it’s the excitement of potentially finding a rare card in a hobby box or the guarantee of a complete set. The choice of product often depends on the collector's goals, budget, and the level of involvement they have in the hobby.