How much do breakers make, cardshop workers vs independents

[mrb842]

I'm curious what guys who break packs and boxes for shops during the day and night on the shops accounts make vs guys who do it on social media for their own brands. Like for example do people who work for the shops get paid hourly plus a percentage of sales from what they break to incentivize them to not just sit there on youtube waiting for people to place orders?

[Blazed]

Originally Posted by mrb842

I'm curious what guys who break packs and boxes for shops during the day and night on the shops accounts make vs guys who do it on social media for their own brands. Like for example do people who work for the shops get paid hourly plus a percentage of sales from what they break to incentivize them to not just sit there on youtube waiting for people to place orders?

Depends, do you want the figures before they went crooked and started re-sealing boxes/cases/packs to open for customers, or after?

[Burkina2008]

Also interested in knowing this...

[jcardstore]

The very top of the top I’m sure make decent money but they’re doing all kinds of other stuff too. Monetizing YouTube, selling other stuff (merch), consignment etc…

Card shop employees are probably getting paid hourly and breaking is just part of their job. I highly doubt they’re getting a percentage.

The other 99% are making little to nothing and most are losing money. Especially “independent” breakers

Of course everyone is gonna come in this thread and tell you how amazing they are and how much they make but I can’t pretty much guarantee almost nobody has actually sat down and audited their books (if they’re even keeping good records).

TLDR; you’re gonna lose money and waste time trying to become a breaker at this point. Too saturated

[JohnnyAppleseed]

Can you imagine gathering a social media following and making a living for scratching off lottery tickets though

[Blazed]

Originally Posted by jcardstore

The very top of the top I’m sure make decent money but they’re doing all kinds of other stuff too. Monetizing YouTube, selling other stuff (merch), consignment etc…

Card shop employees are probably getting paid hourly and breaking is just part of their job. I highly doubt they’re getting a percentage.

The other 99% are making little to nothing and most are losing money. Especially “independent” breakers

Of course everyone is gonna come in this thread and tell you how amazing they are and how much they make but I can’t pretty much guarantee almost nobody has actually sat down and audited their books (if they’re even keeping good records).

TLDR; you’re gonna lose money and waste time trying to become a breaker at this point. Too saturated

Not true. Doesn't matter how saturated a market is, all you have to do is bring something new and standout. You have to start out somewhere so initially you will take losses. Don't look at it as a loss though, look at it as "paying your tuition to the market". So if you can get a following and standout from the other 99% who half-ass it, you can be profitable.

The real question is, is now the time to start? With people pulling back on spending and a lot tapped out of disposable income, it might be better to wait and do some learning while figuring out what the economy is going to do.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by Blazed

Not true. Doesn't matter how saturated a market is, all you have to do is bring something new and standout. You have to start out somewhere so initially you will take losses. Don't look at it as a loss though, look at it as "paying your tuition to the market". So if you can get a following and standout from the other 99% who half-ass it, you can be profitable.

The real question is, is now the time to start? With people pulling back on spending and a lot tapped out of disposable income, it might be better to wait and do some learning while figuring out what the economy is going to do.

No, it is true. The retail fad has died. No more getting retail at MSRP and breaking at 3-5x your cost. That was responsible for the proliferation of group breakers.

Now, you either have a connection for hobby at less than market price or you stand no chance. That’s before you factor in the declining market or Fanatics’ plan to move group breaking in house.

You are better off getting a full time job at Walmart. You’ll make more money, get health insurance, and earn retirement benefits. People always seem to ignore the latter two benefits of a real job when deciding to go full time in the hobby.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

No, it is true. The retail fad has died. No more getting retail at MSRP and breaking at 3-5x your cost. That was responsible for the proliferation of group breakers.

Now, you either have a connection for hobby at less than market price or you stand no chance. That’s before you factor in the declining market or Fanatics’ plan to move group breaking in house.

You are better off getting a full time job at Walmart. You’ll make more money, get health insurance, and earn retirement benefits. People always seem to ignore the latter two benefits of a real job when deciding to go full time in the hobby.

I could see group breaking being a fun side hustle/hobby. Maybe try to find a niche market and attract like-minded participants. Focus only on breaking even and building a following. Have some fun with it. Maybe someday I'll do it.

Group breaking doesn't just have to be about gambling and making money -- it can be a hobby, too -- right?

[Blazed]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

No, it is true. The retail fad has died. No more getting retail at MSRP and breaking at 3-5x your cost. That was responsible for the proliferation of group breakers.

Now, you either have a connection for hobby at less than market price or you stand no chance. That’s before you factor in the declining market or Fanatics’ plan to move group breaking in house.

You are better off getting a full time job at Walmart. You’ll make more money, get health insurance, and earn retirement benefits. People always seem to ignore the latter two benefits of a real job when deciding to go full time in the hobby.

I was replying from a side hustle stand point. But if OP was looking at it to be a full time gig, then Khal is correct.

[Harper]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

I could see group breaking being a fun side hustle/hobby. Maybe try to find a niche market and attract like-minded participants. Focus only on breaking even and building a following. Have some fun with it. Maybe someday I'll do it.

Group breaking doesn't just have to be about gambling and making money -- it can be a hobby, too -- right?

I think there are definitely niche options for player breaks that new blood could tap. Many people in the past have been interested in late 90s and early 2000s box breaks. I can’t pay 1000$ to bust a box hunting for my player PC Cards. I don’t really collect other guys.

For example, fleer ultra 97-98. Put thhe Jordan, Kobe, Duncan, mcgrady slots at auction. Sell other player slots at 25$-50$ Depending on status. You’ll probably get some player collectors of guys like Eddie jones, John stark, Ron harper, Rodney rogers, etc who would pay 25$ for the possible hit. Collectors for guys like rodman, pippen, Shaq, Tim hardaway, David Robinson, penny, etc may get 50$. If any of the common players hits a masterpiece/platinum that went unsold that would be profit to breaker.

No one has tried anything like this in at least 10 years. It may flop. But I think there are a lot of old hats that would be really into that model because they have not been able to break stuff from that era for so long. ROI on old boxes are bad at current prices. But it’s only when the ROI on a product is bad or someone has very specific wants (player collector) that breaking makes sense

[jcardstore]

Originally Posted by Blazed

Not true. Doesn't matter how saturated a market is, all you have to do is bring something new and standout. You have to start out somewhere so initially you will take losses. Don't look at it as a loss though, look at it as "paying your tuition to the market". So if you can get a following and standout from the other 99% who half-ass it, you can be profitable.

The real question is, is now the time to start? With people pulling back on spending and a lot tapped out of disposable income, it might be better to wait and do some learning while figuring out what the economy is going to do.

Do you have a personality and months/years time to put into building a brand? The answer is no for almost everybody.

It absolutely matters how saturated a market is, I mean that’s basic economics.

[mrb842]

It was a pretty simple question. Do the guys who break on shops social media accounts get paid extra for it?

[glen87]

Originally Posted by mrb842

It was a pretty simple question. Do the guys who break on shops social media accounts get paid extra for it?

that is probably what they were hired to do

[hermanotarjeta]

Originally Posted by Harper

I think there are definitely niche options for player breaks that new blood could tap. Many people in the past have been interested in late 90s and early 2000s box breaks. I can’t pay 1000$ to bust a box hunting for my player PC Cards. I don’t really collect other guys.

For example, fleer ultra 97-98. Put thhe Jordan, Kobe, Duncan, mcgrady slots at auction. Sell other player slots at 25$-50$ Depending on status. You’ll probably get some player collectors of guys like Eddie jones, John stark, Ron harper, Rodney rogers, etc who would pay 25$ for the possible hit. Collectors for guys like rodman, pippen, Shaq, Tim hardaway, David Robinson, penny, etc may get 50$. If any of the common players hits a masterpiece/platinum that went unsold that would be profit to breaker.

No one has tried anything like this in at least 10 years. It may flop. But I think there are a lot of old hats that would be really into that model because they have not been able to break stuff from that era for so long. ROI on old boxes are bad at current prices. But it’s only when the ROI on a product is bad or someone has very specific wants (player collector) that breaking makes sense

Breaking 90’s boxes would never work because the yields are 10 times worse than current boxes.

The average return for 90’s boxes is around 5-10% at best.

No one is gonna pay $50 for a Shaquille O’Neal spot just to end up with two base ultra singles with gloss missing from the front - it’s basically something you toss away. Prices are too high due to scarcity of boxes and odds are way too long - the worst possible combo.

[duron]

Originally Posted by mrb842

It was a pretty simple question. Do the guys who break on shops social media accounts get paid extra for it?

And it was touched on in post #4. Did you not expect a larger discussion to come out of this?

Harper, I know a few years ago Vintage Breaks used to do a decent amount of 90s breaks, no idea if they’re still at it. Doubtful just because of the prices of those boxes now.
I’ve seen some late 90s / early 00s IG breaks in the past few months but they were all personals, not enough interest to fill spots. Both the breakers and the gamblers have no idea what they’re looking for when those boxes make the odd appearance. They REALLY like it when Kobe base cards come out though.

[Blazed]

Originally Posted by jcardstore

Do you have a personality and months/years time to put into building a brand? The answer is no for almost everybody.

It absolutely matters how saturated a market is, I mean that’s basic economics.

"Saturated markets... basic economics..." If everyone thought like you then we wouldn't have options when we go to do something.

Anyone who starts a business has to spend time building the brand. Period. Next fact, you ready? Everyone has more time than they think. But we currently live in an entitlement world where everyone wants it now. It doesn't work like that.

If you want to take a shot a being a breaker, go for it. Backyardbreaks (I know) just got into the game recently, they weren't an OG in the breaking world but they came in with fresh new personalities and ideas. No matter how much people hate them, they're making bank.

Does that mean the OP will succeed? No. Does it mean he will fail? No. There's obviously risk involved, just like there's risk involved working a 9-5. So before the OP just goes and opens up a breaker business he should be doing research and decide if the risk vs. reward is there and if he's willing to take a loss if it doesn't pan out.

jcardstore is just making noise, you have to tune the noise out.

[jcardstore]

I guess telling it like it is, is just “making noise” nowadays

People can’t handle the cold hard truth but hey, that’s their problem.

[Blazed]

Originally Posted by jcardstore

I guess telling it like it is, is just “making noise” nowadays

People can’t handle the cold hard truth but hey, that’s their problem.

Now you're speaking facts and the cold hard truth huh? This dude. Notice how he glossed over a new comer making bank in a saturated market because it didn't fit his agenda.

There's also new comers every day in saturated markets in all sectors. Do they all succeed, no. Do they all fail, no. It's all about building a brand and getting a following, you know, things people don't have time to do in between watching netflix and posting on message boards, right jcard?

Good day.

[jcardstore]

Originally Posted by Blazed

Now you're speaking facts and the cold hard truth huh? This dude. Notice how he glossed over a new comer making bank in a saturated market because it didn't fit his agenda.

There's also new comers every day in saturated markets in all sectors. Do they all succeed, no. Do they all fail, no. It's all about building a brand and getting a following, you know, things people don't have time to do in between watching netflix and posting on message boards, right jcard?

Good day.

Quote me where I said every new market participant failed. I’ll wait

I’m sorry that you’re a money losing flipper and nobody breaker but don’t take out your anger on everyone else

Wendy’s is hiring, I’m sure they have a spot for you

[badkarma318]

Originally Posted by duron

I know a few years ago Vintage Breaks used to do a decent amount of 90s breaks, no idea if they’re still at it. Doubtful just because of the prices of those boxes now.

Vintage Breaks is still trying to recover from the "Ya dip, Daniel?" debacle.

[hermanotarjeta]

It’s the breaker dilemma - open packs on camera with thousands of men watching you for $10/hour or flip burgers for $17/hour with benefits?

Most breakers choose the former, cause they don’t like to eat what they prepare.

[Blazed]

Originally Posted by jcardstore

Quote me where I said every new market participant failed. I’ll wait

I’m sorry that you’re a money losing flipper and nobody breaker but don’t take out your anger on everyone else

Wendy’s is hiring, I’m sure they have a spot for you

Wow... are you ok bro...? why so emotional? Sorry I hurt your feelings. I'm not a flipper or breaker, nor do I need a job, but I love all the assumptions you made.

I see why all the good posters left that could handle have a discussion with out getting all emotional and in their feelings.

[duron]

Originally Posted by badkarma318

Vintage Breaks is still trying to recover from the "Ya dip, Daniel?" debacle.

I know, but even prior to The Great Pandemic Pumpening, I was only aware of them and Allstarcasebreaks on youtube doing that era of boxes somewhat consistently. Can't really think of anyone else.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by Blazed

"Saturated markets... basic economics..." If everyone thought like you then we wouldn't have options when we go to do something.

Anyone who starts a business has to spend time building the brand. Period. Next fact, you ready? Everyone has more time than they think. But we currently live in an entitlement world where everyone wants it now. It doesn't work like that.

If you want to take a shot a being a breaker, go for it. Backyardbreaks (I know) just got into the game recently, they weren't an OG in the breaking world but they came in with fresh new personalities and ideas. No matter how much people hate them, they're making bank.

Does that mean the OP will succeed? No. Does it mean he will fail? No. There's obviously risk involved, just like there's risk involved working a 9-5. So before the OP just goes and opens up a breaker business he should be doing research and decide if the risk vs. reward is there and if he's willing to take a loss if it doesn't pan out.

jcardstore is just making noise, you have to tune the noise out.

And I can be a millionaire tomorrow with the right stock options plays.

Using a clear outlier as a supportive example is bad, bad, bad. And is backdoor breaker operating as a full time business or a side hustle?

[jcardstore]

Originally Posted by Blazed

Wow... are you ok bro...? why so emotional? Sorry I hurt your feelings. I'm not a flipper or breaker, nor do I need a job, but I love all the assumptions you made.

I see why all the good posters left that could handle have a discussion with out getting all emotional and in their feelings.

Every one of your posts on here is defending flippers, scumbags, and price gougers or saying how you’ve made 3000% flipping on eBay