National trading, bring it or not
 

As I get ready for the National, I wonder if I should bring anything that might be of interest to others.
I'm looking for: Cracker Jacks, 1933 Geo. C. Miller, 1938 Goudey, R326 Flip movies, 1958 Hires Test, 1968 Topps 3D, tough LA Dodger regionals, oddball 1930's cards.
I have dups in most of the above sets as well as an M101-2 J. Jackson, M116 Cobb (blue), Plow Boy Kling, butterfingers, 1930 Blue Ribbon Malt Cubs/White Sox (with backing) and others.
I don't want to lug a bunch of stuff around just in case. So I won't bring anything if nobody responds. Looking to set up some possible trades in person at show, not a BST thing on Net 54 main page. Look forward to seeing everyone.

trade
 

Back in the day.... many big shows would set aside a few large tables for traders..unfortunately sometimes those tables became " plopping grounds " for sweaty overweight collectors who sat there and drank their Mountain Dew with soggy French fry's

Sweaty overweight collectors plopping down.... Yummy!!

I don't see a lot of trading going on at the National but that doesn't mean it can't happen. I bet a lot, if not most, dealers would listen to a trade deal. I would but I haven't seen a lot of collectors doing it.

I've tried. Most are too busy to entertain a trade, but I'm sure they would for a nice iconic card. That being said, I've always found it tough to play "low book for yours, High book for mine" when looking at their prices. They usually check sold prices on your card, but not on their own! I'd bring a couple you think would be the best trade bait, but not too much, as it gets tough to carry all your trade items and new pick ups.


Let us know how it goes

Their tables aren't free. They are there to make a profit, not give you full price for your cards against theirs. At the 2015 National, I was able to trade my extra t205s for ones I needed. I thought it was a very fair deal considering his expenses. I also bought more cards from him because he was easy to deal with.

Trading
 

I normally bring some cards to sell to the dealers. It seems that on Thursday, the place is packed and it can be difficult to get close to a table to look at cards, so many of the dealers are too busy too busy to trade or to look at customers cards that are for sale. I remember that when I went to Chicago a couple of years ago, there were a few tables that were packed all day long, and I went back to those tables several times, but I couldn't get close enough to check out their cards. However, on Friday, the crowd was much thinner, I could access all of the tables, and the dealers had more time on their hands to look at collections.

I haven't been there on the weekends, but I would guess that Saturday is busy and Sunday it would be easier to approach the dealers.

If you are working on a trade, be prepared to be interrupted several times so the dealer can take care of his customers who want to make a purchase.

Rick

Rich, I do have Cracker Jacks and I will take trade at times, but needless to say, I have to get a edge due to costs, etc. I have around 50 CJ's. Stop by my booth 954. Thanks, Don

I am taking about 8 duplicate graded T205 cards to hopefully offer 2 of my cards for 1 I am looking for. Also considering taking my W 572 collection and seeing if I can move it for something high end. It is in a binder so easy to carry.

trades
 

I am primarily a collector, not a full-time dealer, and as such would be interested in trading as long as it helped my own collection. So I would say, bring stuff, and bring it by Table 447. It certainly can't hurt to ask-

As far as when to look for trades, the least busy times are probably the last two hours of the day.

Tim

I am setting up with Tim and I too would welcome discussing trades with anyone who stops by. I made a couple of trades last year with people who came to our table. If you make a fair offer for both sides, it can definitely happen.

I trade every year. One great way to do it is to go into the cafeteria just off the show floor and grab a booth. Just don't eat any of their swill...

National
 

Will they have mountain dew and soggy fries available ?

that and lots of sweaty, fat collectors :) Can't wait....

I hope the fries aren't soggy from the sweat. LOL

Re: National trading, bring it or not
 

I don't mind trading to change my inventory around, but it's often difficult when the customer is asking for full retail or more. As others have mentioned, it's tough to crack a $4K nut by trading book for book.