All I have are the round and square pans, 6", 8", 10", 12", 14" and 16". I also have the soccer ball pan (which I never use) and the small ball pan (which I do use). I like shaping my cakes into the shape I need, so I don't want to go buy a bunch of pans that I might only use once. I'm happy with just the basics.
Good luck.
Samantha
I'd recommend having good sheet cake pans and good round pans to start with. Depends on how involved you plan on getting. I have round and square and oval but purchased several at an estate sale pretty cheap. Be careful renting the character pans for cakes to sell. You have to be careful selling the copyrighted ones.
If you have Michael's and Hobby Lobby watch for their sales and you can get some good buys. I started collecting the character pans and have over 100 but I seldom use them. Use them mostly for the family.
diane
Check ebay, the have all kinds of character pans, you can even get them in lots. They also have square , round, all types. Some are used, some new, but you can usually get a great deal on them.
Welcome!!!!!! 
Most definately round pans 6-14 and a 9x13. The way I have built up my collection is to wait for sales or a request. Most wedding cakes are 6x10x14, so start with that at least. You can get the larger pans if you want later, and it does add up...... LOL Same with the half sheet 12x18 pan. Watch for sales or request. I got the petal pan set on ebay for a great price. Happy decorating!!!!!! You can PM me if you have questions.
~~God Bless, Donna
Definitely round pans 6" - 8" - 9" - 10" - 12" - 14".
Square pans 8" - 10" - 12" - 14"
Oval set (4 pans)
Rectangle pans 9"x13" - 12"x18"
And do check ebay OFTEN. The pans are always showing there, new & used. The used most often are at TERRIFIC bargains. Just keep an eye on shipping costs. Most are fair but there are those sellers who make money on shipping. Pass them, unless you got the pans super cheap, and wait for another.
Good luck and always have fun decorating!!!!
I'm with the others here.
Get the round set, oval set, square set, rectangulaire set, and so on
When you have those, you can do absolutely anything. And yes check on Ebay. I've checked for those pans for a few months and finally got 7 sets, for the price of three!!! Now that's a bargain!!!! And look for yardsales also. Sometimes you get great finds for a few bucks.....
And don't forget to have fun!!!!
I am new to all this too. I have every set that wilton has..The round,square,heart, petal and sheet set. I have a few character pans to. I got most of mine on ebay cheap..
I prefer Magic Line for the square pans. I seem to get a more defined square edge.
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