First Time Going to National Convention (Prices better or Worse than eBay)?

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Once you've paid all those expenses, they're a sunk cost, right? So would you rather make a sale or not?

Of course, but I'm not giving away cards at a show in comparison with my ebay sales. I'll take a loss on a show before I start taking beatings on cards that I know I can sell at a profit using another method. And trust me, my many customers on here will assure you I am not a museum!

[Rich Klein]

Some sellers also use the National as a way to reduce extra inventory at reduced prices (show rates). I know I purchased cards from several tables that way last year and all those prices were very reasonable and gave me room for profit.

Everyone's method is different so there is not set rule about EBay pricing vs show pricing. And with the sales tax ruling yesterday, show pricing may even be closer as EBay pricing may just have jumped 10 percent for some sellers.

Rich

[that T206 Guy]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Some sellers also use the National as a way to reduce extra inventory at reduced prices (show rates). I know I purchased cards from several tables that way last year and all those prices were very reasonable and gave me room for profit.

Everyone's method is different so there is not set rule about EBay pricing vs show pricing. And with the sales tax ruling yesterday, show pricing may even be closer as EBay pricing may just have jumped 10 percent for some sellers.

Rich

I saw on the News that this will not affect eBay Sellers.

It will affect large sites like Walmart.com or Best Buy.com

That is what the News Said Anyways.

Just Big Business.

Small Business would not be affected.

[BosseFieldBoy]

Originally Posted by that T206 Guy

I saw on the News that this will not affect eBay Sellers.

It will affect large sites like Walmart.com or Best Buy.com

That is what the News Said Anyways.

Just Big Business.

Small Business would not be affected.

I hope you’re right about smaller sellers.

There are 45 states (I think) with some kind of sales tax. I’m sure that most are focused on high volume sellers, but I don’t know the specifics for exemptions in each state. At this point, I have no idea whether there will be an impact on smaller sellers, although it seems like a me it would be an administrative nightmare to try to enforce sales tax about t small, out of state sellers.

[Rich Klein]

I don't think the government is going to go after everyone who finds a small lot of cards and puts them up for sale. But the people who break heavily and sell on EBay or use EBay for a large portion of their business I would wager might just hear from our government.

You better believe if it comes down to the final decision, EBay will turn over the sales history of their biggest sellers to the government and pay pal will as well for those sales not done through Ebay.

It's just like a friend of mine in the Chicago area used to say. Do your two garage sales a year and no one will bother year. Hit that third sale and you will have to account for all 3 sales and get all the licenses do the business part, etc.

Rich

[polakoff]

Just wanted to weigh in as a small time dealer.

I price all my cards at or sometimes below ebay. I sell mostly (95%) raw vintage, with the bulk of my cards being $5 and under. I price my cards for the National the same as I do for any show, because as a collector I'd be going to the National anyway whether I sold or not, therefore my only extra expense is my table. Since I share a table, it isn't too expensive, and I make that up on volume over what I'd do at a regular local show. I also give bulk discounts.

I found in Atlantic City (didn't go last year) that there were a lot of dealers who do the same as me -- and also a lot who mark their stuff up to exorbitant prices. To the original poster, I'd just say, there's so much stuff there that you'll find everything in every price range.

[that T206 Guy]

Originally Posted by polakoff

Just wanted to weigh in as a small time dealer.

I price all my cards at or sometimes below ebay. I sell mostly (95%) raw vintage, with the bulk of my cards being $5 and under. I price my cards for the National the same as I do for any show, because as a collector I'd be going to the National anyway whether I sold or not, therefore my only extra expense is my table. Since I share a table, it isn't too expensive, and I make that up on volume over what I'd do at a regular local show. I also give bulk discounts.

I found in Atlantic City (didn't go last year) that there were a lot of dealers who do the same as me -- and also a lot who mark their stuff up to exorbitant prices. To the original poster, I'd just say, there's so much stuff there that you'll find everything in every price range.

How do I find your table at the National Convention.

What is your Business Name?

[polakoff]

DP Sports Cards. Not listed on the dealer listing since I’m sharing space with someone but I’ll be set up at either 1324 or 1328 with Tony’s Sports Cards and Photos. I do bulk discounts but on top of that I will offer 5% off over $50 and 10% off over $100 for net54 or OBC members who mention their affiliation.

[Leon]

Thanks for offering a discount to our members!!
As for prices at the National, as has been said, they will be all over the place. The last several years I haven't looked as much as I was socializing more than anything but deals can be found if you look hard enough. Good luck.

Originally Posted by polakoff

DP Sports Cards. Not listed on the dealer listing since I’m sharing space with someone but I’ll be set up at either 1324 or 1328 with Tony’s Sports Cards and Photos. I do bulk discounts but on top of that I will offer 5% off over $50 and 10% off over $100 for net54 or OBC members who mention their affiliation.

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by Leon

Thanks for offering a discount to our members!!
As for prices at the National, as has been said, they will be all over the place. The last several years I haven't looked as much as I was socializing more than anything but deals can be found if you look hard enough. Good luck.

Yes, I imagine this to be true. Like going to a flea market, or community yard sale. Would love to go one year. Maybe when I retire.

[jasonc]

This will be my first National. Will there will be a 2018 Dealers roll call thread? Interested to see what will be available and where?

[tcalca24]

I would love to know some of the booth numbers of forum members. I would love to give my business to people who have offered me advice and great feedback. Maybe a separate thread. Ted