I really pride myself on not often overpaying for cards that I need. The 2015-16 Upper Deck Full Force set was released and contained two Andrew Shaw cards. One was the Blueprint card and the other an autographed (sticker, BLECH!) version.
I refused to pay $3 or $4 for a common card. When you add in shipping fees, that’s what it essentially comes to. There was a copy that hit eBay that had free shipping and I went to almost $2 on it, but someone outbid me.
Finally, a friend opened a box and hit the card I needed. I’ve remained calculated when new cards came out and again, I was smart for waiting.
It’s nice to have friends in the hobby that will help you out.
I need me one of those. Trying to find that around here at a price I am willing to pay, though….