Dan and Dave: Mystery deck V2

[Don Boyer]

Don't forger the price of the imprinted wax.

I'd never "forger" that.  Who'd want to make a forgery of a price?  Especially of wax? 

If I recall, they did use wax last year as well and I don't think the cost of sealing wax has increased dramatically in the past year, if at all.

I looked at the page about the Mystery Deck from last year, version one just today. I saw that it was simply brown paper and string to tie it. I do not recall their being wax on it at all. But I do not feel that wax and increased shipping fees are worth $4. Just my opinion.

I read through it for the most part today to see if anybody received anything of value. I didn't really see anything that made it extremely worthwhile. I feel as a new collector, I have nothing really to lose by picking up a few. I might get 3 or 4 for shits and giggles and see what I end up with =D

Precisely - this is a great way for a new collector to bulk up the collection a wee bit, with a chance of hitting a real jackpot of a deck.  Not a strong chance, but a chance nonetheless.

I probably would have bought three of these for fun only to notice shipping alone costs me $27.

D&D have been known to have f'd up shipping for international orders.  Try contacting Customer Service and see if they can help - sometimes it's just a software glitch and a company will correct an order for a more reasonable shipping.

[Rob Wright]

OK, but I'm pretty confident that the Jerry's Nuggets are going to be in the minority of that mystery pool, if not in the realm of one, maybe, two available. So I don't think the odds are equal across the decks that they are offering. You know as well as I do putting that particular deck in the marketing photo is done for just one reason.

Yes "A" chance is better than no chance. I still think I would be more interested if you at least got your money back on your Mystery Deck.

Now yes, I'm new to all of this and still learning and in the grand scheme your probably going to be on the up side buying six Mystery Decks, but we're looking at it from a $$ standpoint rather than the actual deck you receive. Right now I'm more comfortable seeing what I'm buying, and as for trade fodder, I think it's easier to toss in that extra deck or two when making your purchase.....ie, picking up a couple extra Exquisite, Legends and JAQK decks for half the cost.

Its a personal preference and I'm sure someone will get a great deck back on ONE Mystery purchase and prove me wrong, but that's OK. Maybe my tune will be different next year, lol

As a fairley new collector myself. There are a whole lot of decks out there I want, that are less than $10. Yea, you might get a really rare deck, but most likely not. won't be taking any chances on this.

[Don Boyer]

The thing of it is that they priced it too high.  $10 for a mystery deck isn't exactly a bargain, especially when some of the decks displayed wouldn't even be considered worth that much.

The Blue Crown had it right with their "Pandrea's Stash" special.  Decks were sold in lots of 3, 6 or 12 and the most expensive per-deck cost was the 3-pack - and it was HALF what Dan and Dave are asking for their "Mystery Decks".  Those were sold out in about 90 minutes - the only thing wrong with that deal was that it went so quickly.

I hear that term, Mystery Decks", and I'm reminded of cafeteria food in grade school - "mystery meat" made frequent menu appearances.  I don't think I'd have paid premium prices for it then, and I see no need to now.  Last year, at $7 a pack I thought I was just about getting my money's worth, but for $10, it's too high.

[Phegget]

Those were sold out in 21 minutes - the only thing wrong with that deal was that it went so quickly.

Fixed.

[Don Boyer]

Those were sold out in 21 minutes - the only thing wrong with that deal was that it went so quickly.

Fixed.

It was fast - but not THAT fast.  I checked in at 12:40 and there were some three-packs still in stock.

[HandSkillz]

As I noted in a different thread, I bought 6 of these and I'll report to the group as soon as I open them.  Yes, $10/pack is steep, but I'm stockpiled on practice decks and several other collectible decks for someone with a relatively new collection.  Here is why I ended up purchasing them:
-I miss the practice of opening a surprise.  I would say most of us may have played some TCG (MTG, etc) or another through the years, and the potential for a rare pull is pretty enticing.
-Getting a variety (hopefully) of decks in one swift purchase without spending the time to browse ebay and many other sites is convenient.
-I don't expect to get Jerry's Nuggets, Fed 52s, etc...but I'm expecting at least ONE of the random decks to warrant excitement.
Do I suggest other people go through with it?  Not at all, it's certainly not for everybody (especially true collectors who could use $60 more wisely and especially if you're not buying in bulk).  If I get 6 Black Rounders I'll obviously never do this again.

I'll be on the moon if I get one of these: Jerry's (lol), Feds, v1-v3 S&M, Octopus Could Palm, Game of Death, Misc goods

I'll be extremely happy with the order if I get one of these: Imps, Split Spades, Ultimate Deck, Virtuoso, Fraggle Rock

What do I actually expect to get: Dealers or Rounders, White Lions, Bruce Lee Deck, Ultimate or October DD deck, Arrco of some Sort, v6 or a S&M reprint :-/

Wish me luck!
-B

[BiggerDee]

They have to have a lot of less than $10 value decks to make a profit. If they sold 1000 decks for $10/each, and 900 of them were worth $10, 20 were worth $10, 50 were worth $20, 10 were worth $30, 10 were worth $40, 9 were worth $40+, and one was worth $300+, they would lose their shirts and be out of business in a hurry. You're taking a chance. If you bought a $10 raffle ticket for a deck of JNuggs, you'd either win the deck, or lose $10. Here, at least you'll recoup $2, maybe more. It's the same principle, just you at least get something, instead of all or nothing. They will make a lot of money on this promo, but they have to so that they can cover expenses, employees, warehousing and materials, and then still turn a profit. Would I buy a $10 ticket for the chance at a deck of JNuggs? Sure. Would I buy a mystery deck(s) on the longshot that I would get the Nuggets, but knowing that I's still at least get something, instead of nothing? Yes.If you don't like the promo, that's fine, you don't have to buy, but understaning what's going on helps a lot. Someone will "win" and get the JNuggs, you just have to decide if you're fine with that risk based on what you want to spend. Like every contest says in the small print "Many will enter, few will win".

Although I mention JNuggs in my points above, I know notice that they aren't on the deck list (I saw the DOTM pic and accidentally combined the two), the principle is the same. Bottom line is that they have to come out ahead to stay in business.

[flyers3003]

They have to have a lot of less than $10 value decks to make a profit.

This is only true if the current value of these decks is what they paid to acquire them.  I suspect that in most cases, certainly the case for their own decks, they paid significantly less than what they are worth now.  As long as they acquired most of these decks for less than $10, they are still making a profit.  Just not nearly as much as they could.

[Anthony]

As I noted in a different thread, I bought 6 of these and I'll report to the group as soon as I open them.  Yes, $10/pack is steep, but I'm stockpiled on practice decks and several other collectible decks for someone with a relatively new collection.  Here is why I ended up purchasing them:
-I miss the practice of opening a surprise.  I would say most of us may have played some TCG (MTG, etc) or another through the years, and the potential for a rare pull is pretty enticing.
-Getting a variety (hopefully) of decks in one swift purchase without spending the time to browse ebay and many other sites is convenient.
-I don't expect to get Jerry's Nuggets, Fed 52s, etc...but I'm expecting at least ONE of the random decks to warrant excitement.
Do I suggest other people go through with it?  Not at all, it's certainly not for everybody (especially true collectors who could use $60 more wisely and especially if you're not buying in bulk).  If I get 6 Black Rounders I'll obviously never do this again.

I'll be on the moon if I get one of these: Jerry's (lol), Feds, v1-v3 S&M, Octopus Could Palm, Game of Death, Misc goods

I'll be extremely happy with the order if I get one of these: Imps, Split Spades, Ultimate Deck, Virtuoso, Fraggle Rock

What do I actually expect to get: Dealers or Rounders, White Lions, Bruce Lee Deck, Ultimate or October DD deck, Arrco of some Sort, v6 or a S&M reprint :-/

Wish me luck!
-B

I'm very curious as to what this holds for you HandSkillz, I truly hope you do well 

[HandSkillz]

I'm very curious as to what this holds for you HandSkillz, I truly hope you do well 

Thanks Sparkz, I really appreciate it!

[Don Boyer]

If I get 6 Black Rounders I'll obviously never do this again.

Then you have nothing to fear.  They never carry Ellusionist decks for these things... 

The only "competitor" decks they carry other than some of the smaller independents are David Blaine, CARC and T11.  They're friendly with T11, and along with David Blaine they are members of the CARC Board of Directors.

I'll be on the moon if I get one of these: Jerry's (lol), Feds, v1-v3 S&M, Octopus Could Palm, Game of Death, Misc goods

I'll be extremely happy with the order if I get one of these: Imps, Split Spades, Ultimate Deck, Virtuoso, Fraggle Rock

What do I actually expect to get: Dealers or Rounders, White Lions, Bruce Lee Deck, Ultimate or October DD deck, Arrco of some Sort, v6 or a S&M reprint :-/

Wish me luck!
-B

Your best shot is ending up with still-available D&D decks - Fulton's October, Bruce Lee, Steamboats, Bicycle New Fan Backs, S&M v7 decks other than Carbon.  Next likeliest would be still-available or recent T11 and CARC decks.

Best of luck, and keep us posted!

[HandSkillz]

If I get 6 Black Rounders I'll obviously never do this again.

Then you have nothing to fear.  They never carry Ellusionist decks for these things... 

The only "competitor" decks they carry other than some of the smaller independents are David Blaine, CARC and T11.  They're friendly with T11, and along with David Blaine they are members of the CARC Board of Directors.

I'll be on the moon if I get one of these: Jerry's (lol), Feds, v1-v3 S&M, Octopus Could Palm, Game of Death, Misc goods

I'll be extremely happy with the order if I get one of these: Imps, Split Spades, Ultimate Deck, Virtuoso, Fraggle Rock

What do I actually expect to get: Dealers or Rounders, White Lions, Bruce Lee Deck, Ultimate or October DD deck, Arrco of some Sort, v6 or a S&M reprint :-/

Wish me luck!
-B

Your best shot is ending up with still-available D&D decks - Fulton's October, Bruce Lee, Steamboats, Bicycle New Fan Backs, S&M v7 decks other than Carbon.  Next likeliest would be still-available or recent T11 and CARC decks.

Best of luck, and keep us posted!

Ahh, i thought that anything for sale on their art of play site was possible.  I agree about what I'm likely to get though, I would actually be surprised if I didn't get a Bruce Lee Deck.

[10ofclubs]

They have to have a lot of less than $10 value decks to make a profit.

This is only true if the current value of these decks is what they paid to acquire them.  I suspect that in most cases, certainly the case for their own decks, they paid significantly less than what they are worth now.  As long as they acquired most of these decks for less than $10, they are still making a profit.  Just not nearly as much as they could.

When figuring how much profit they gain from this deal, you have to also consider how many people will be making a purchase. I'm sure a majority of you guys know more about business and economics than I do, but I have to think that while raising the price will gain more revenue per deck, you'd also be lowering the number of buyers. For example, I bought a brick of these mystery decks last year when they were only seven dollars, but due to the price increase I won't be buying any this time round. And from what I'm hearing, several others are in the same boat.
Now that may be partly attributed to the results we got last year (I got four of the same deck I already had and hated) but I think it'd be ludicrous to say that the price increase has nothing to do with it.

Just a thought that occurred to me and I didn't see anyone else mention it. Hopefully I got it across well enough.

[BiggerDee]

They have to have a lot of less than $10 value decks to make a profit.

This is only true if the current value of these decks is what they paid to acquire them.  I suspect that in most cases, certainly the case for their own decks, they paid significantly less than what they are worth now.  As long as they acquired most of these decks for less than $10, they are still making a profit.  Just not nearly as much as they could.

When figuring how much profit they gain from this deal, you have to also consider how many people will be making a purchase. I'm sure a majority of you guys know more about business and economics than I do, but I have to think that while raising the price will gain more revenue per deck, you'd also be lowering the number of buyers. For example, I bought a brick of these mystery decks last year when they were only seven dollars, but due to the price increase I won't be buying any this time round. And from what I'm hearing, several others are in the same boat.
Now that may be partly attributed to the results we got last year (I got four of the same deck I already had and hated) but I think it'd be ludicrous to say that the price increase has nothing to do with it.

Just a thought that occurred to me and I didn't see anyone else mention it. Hopefully I got it across well enough.

Very true, well stated.

[HandSkillz]

So exciting, the box is here!


Alright, really cool seals, cool brown wrapping!


Whomp Whomp Whomp Whoooomp.  Denim, Eco, 2 Smoke Reprints, Bruce Lee, and Fulton's clip joints.  That's a whopping $53.70 worth of cards for $60 + shipping.  Never again

[Anthony]

That's to bad, I can't believe you got duplicates though   

[HandSkillz]

That's to bad, I can't believe you got duplicates though   

Also upon closer inspection (you can see in the pic), several of the tuck boxes came damaged. Rough luck.

[MrMollusk]

Oooooogh. That sucks, man.

I think you should ask D&D if you can return them anyway, or at least exchange them for another mystery deck. The fact that they're a "wild card" deal doesn't excuse them from the damage. I mean, it would be one thing if you just didn't like the decks, but they're damaged!

Also, it looks like things aren't much better for the people commenting on D&D's site.

I can't imagine how you could write a positive review if you got 3 duplicates of the Skull and crossbones deck.

[Don Boyer]

Oooooogh. That sucks, man.

I think you should ask D&D if you can return them anyway, or at least exchange them for another mystery deck. The fact that they're a "wild card" deal doesn't excuse them from the damage. I mean, it would be one thing if you just didn't like the decks, but they're damaged!

Also, it looks like things aren't much better for the people commenting on D&D's site.

I can't imagine how you could write a positive review if you got 3 duplicates of the Skull and crossbones deck.

I said much the same in another topic.  If you receive damaged decks, they should be willing to replace them.

You can never go by their comments.  They vet them, letting nothing slip that negative - I have yet to see so much as one negative review.  That "I got three of a deck I don't like" guy still gave the deal five stars - I'm betting he's a loyal fanboy and wants to see his name on their site.  Wouldn't be the first time I've seen something like that.

I remember when D&D were paying people reward points for their reviews.  They were inundated with some really vacuous reviews, in many cases from people who couldn't possibly own the product yet because it just came out that day.  I don't know if they're continuing that program or not, since I rarely buy from them these days.  They do have a great magic library, but I have more magic than I know what to do with at the present.

[John B.]

Oooooogh. That sucks, man.

I think you should ask D&D if you can return them anyway, or at least exchange them for another mystery deck. The fact that they're a "wild card" deal doesn't excuse them from the damage. I mean, it would be one thing if you just didn't like the decks, but they're damaged!

Also, it looks like things aren't much better for the people commenting on D&D's site.

I can't imagine how you could write a positive review if you got 3 duplicates of the Skull and crossbones deck.

I said much the same in another topic.  If you receive damaged decks, they should be willing to replace them.

You can never go by their comments.  They vet them, letting nothing slip that negative - I have yet to see so much as one negative review.  That "I got three of a deck I don't like" guy still gave the deal five stars - I'm betting he's a loyal fanboy and wants to see his name on their site.  Wouldn't be the first time I've seen something like that.

I remember when D&D were paying people reward points for their reviews.  They were inundated with some really vacuous reviews, in many cases from people who couldn't possibly own the product yet because it just came out that day.  I don't know if they're continuing that program or not, since I rarely buy from them these days.  They do have a great magic library, but I have more magic than I know what to do with at the present.

If you don't know what to do with it, send it my way. Personally this is why I dont do mystery decks. I mean I am all for a surprise but when you get damaged goods, and duplicates its just not worth it.

[yoel]

Against my better judgement I sadly purchased 6 Mystery decks...Heres what I got..

1 - Fulton October
1 - Babel
2 - Aristocrats
2 - Vintage Plaids

I think the Buck Twins are full of crap personally.  They have a lot of nerve giving decks that they currently sell for lower prices.  Aristocrats currently sell on their website for $4.95 and the Vintage Plaids sell for $6.95.  Those decks should have never been included.  Don't get me wrong they are both excellent cards but the mystery deck is a complete scam.  Im happy that I at least got the Octobers despite the fact that I don't really care for the deck all that much. 

In general the D&D shopping experience is pretty terrible.  Their shipping is terribly slow and overpriced! The reviews are obviously pre screened. There are no poor or even mediocre reviews let through for buyers to see.  Even if people don't like the product they bribe you with a $1.00 credit to leave a good review.  The only reason that I purchased the decks is because I had "bucks" with them and figured I'd give it a go.  I would have obviously been better off saving my "bucks."

[walther]

I also took a chance on a half Dozen:

2 Fulton October (Big Surprise)
1 Bee - Brown Squeezers
1 Titan (White)
1 Smoke & Mirror V4 (no seal)
1 Smoke & Mirror V5
at least the S&M decks were original and not the reprints and I didn't already have the Bee or Titan deck. So I guess all in all it wasn't too bad of a deal.

[Fanofyankees13]

I bought ONE of these out of curiosity. I'm sure I'll end up with something pretty underwhelming. Should arrive on Monday. I'll post what I get.

[Alchemy8905]

I bought one out of curiosity, ended up getting Fulton's October.

[CrankUP]

I still love Dan and Dave...but I've always had the feeling that they are trying to turn their name into the "Abercrombie and Fitch" of the cardistry/magic world.