Part 3 continues the “priced out” conversation with Jeremy and Mike Zier, joined midway by Karvin Cheung (creator of Exquisite, The Cup, National Treasures, and more) and later Chris McGill of Card Ladder. What starts as a collector’s reality check on wax prices evolves into a roundtable on distribution, licensing, breakers, and the overall state of the hobby. From $12.9M grails to $800 wax boxes, this discussion spans both ends of the spectrum, and asks whether regular collectors can still find their lane.

Highlights

Collector angst: returns shrinking while wax prices soar

Breaking then vs. breaking now, does it still offer value?

Carvin on licensing, distribution, and why the ecosystem fuels high prices

Chris McGill connects rising wax costs to broader inflation and everyday life

Is “don’t open it” the only way to push wax prices down?

The tension between million-dollar grails and collectors just wanting affordable packs

Discipline, budgets, and staying grounded in today’s market

If you want straight talk on wax costs, the breaking economy, and the state of the hobby from both collectors and industry insiders, this episode is for you. And don’t forget, watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive conversations with hobby voices at every level.

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