What is a “Break”?
A box break is an event in which a box(es), case(s), and/or pack(s) of cards are divided up among collectors who purchase the right to receive them as part of a random drawing. The events are promoted as providing an opportunity for baseball card and sports memorabilia fanatics to obtain valuable cards at an affordable price.
Breaks can be performed by team, player, division, or many other creative distinctions.
Here’s a great explanation provided by Cardboard Connection
What is a “Rip & Ship”?
A Rip & Ship is an event where a collector buys unopened cards, watches the seller “rip” (open) them, and then the seller mails the cards to the collector.
Rip & ships are attractive to collectors for many reason. First, rather than leaving their home, the collector has the ability to choose among many types of cards and have them opened immediately. No searching local Target or Walmart stores to find cards. No waiting for unopened cards to arrive in the mail. The buyer gets the satisfaction of seeing their cards ripped and then the enjoyment of seeing them again when they arrive in the mail.
There’s also often a great community around rip & ships where other collectors can comment on your rips as they occur.
