There are other clay chips besides Paulsons. Some cost the same, others can be markedly more or less expensive.
There are other casino grade chips besides clay. Some cost the same, others can be more (rarely) or less expensive.
I agree with @BGinGA , though. If, in the medium- to long-term, if you FULLY EXPECT to upgrade, then starting with new China Clays is just a loss waiting to be realized. Better to use the cheapest chips you can (yes, even official casino weight sluggers or the least expensive Super Diamonds) for now (at the minimum quantities you'll need), save some more money, and buy something later that you'll keep forever (or likely keep it's value if you decide to sell/trade).
Nobody is trying (nor should they be trying) to shame anybody. But there are some truths about relative resale value of certain kinds of chips, backed up by evidence from multiple transactions on this very forum. And yes, I too have lost money by buying China Clays and then selling them fairly quickly after figuring they weren't what I really wanted.
There are other casino grade chips besides clay. Some cost the same, others can be more (rarely) or less expensive.
I agree with @BGinGA , though. If, in the medium- to long-term, if you FULLY EXPECT to upgrade, then starting with new China Clays is just a loss waiting to be realized. Better to use the cheapest chips you can (yes, even official casino weight sluggers or the least expensive Super Diamonds) for now (at the minimum quantities you'll need), save some more money, and buy something later that you'll keep forever (or likely keep it's value if you decide to sell/trade).
Nobody is trying (nor should they be trying) to shame anybody. But there are some truths about relative resale value of certain kinds of chips, backed up by evidence from multiple transactions on this very forum. And yes, I too have lost money by buying China Clays and then selling them fairly quickly after figuring they weren't what I really wanted.