People who buy cases: do you notice any distribution trend? I mean, do you tend to get a lot of dupes in a case or do they take pains to keep the rares spread out?
For Rares pre-GoL it was completly random. GoL and after they have been seeding the cases, you will get a uniform distrobution of Commons and Uncommons. I also believe it will be Rare to get duplicate Rares in a case. If you ask on Maxmini's I am sure someone can give you exact breakdowns of each set.
I think getting a case is probably the quickest and most cost effective way of getting boatload of minis. I think I'll probably ending going that route.
I just buy mine at Suncoast when they go on clearance. I like painting my figures so it's not a big or even a medium priority to me. It's like I'm in the mall, I stop by Suncoast to see what's up and if they have some packs on sale, I'll buy 'em.
In the past I've bought them by the pack, averaging one a week. I ordered a few specifics on ebay once, and it worked out fine so I'd do it again if need be. I haven't been buying any D&D minis in the past few months (though I've bought some metal ones from Reaper), so I don't have any Abberations yet, though I'm hoping to get a case at Christmas.
I start by buying a case of each set as it comes out (cept for Abberations just havent yet but I will).
Then I finish off my set from eBay. I try not to buy an individual mini but rather a booster box which list what mini's are in it.
Or buy small lots on eBay to get one or two that I need.
I don't mind getting extras because some I want hordes of the others I will sell.
I am almost finished with GOL and hope to get a case of Abberations for Xmas .
I don't do the trading thing but that is my preference. I think it is just fine to do so and see that many people are happy that way.
Lots and lots and lots of money. Cases off eBay (using many of the sites listed above as guides and actually paying less, but spending centuries researching & bidding), singles off eBay, and most recently, a complete set via d20books.com (where I'll be going for Death Knell).
I can only wonder how puzzled some future archeologist will be when he/she uncovers my trove.