I've set up a booth at 38 Nationals, and for some reason, I still look forward to the annual event. Over the years, I set up at over 1,000 shows, but now I just set up once a year at the National.
Many of us "old-time dealers" put alot of thought into setting up for the show. We want to showcase what collectors want to see and maybe buy. I actually started preparing last week for the big event.
I have watched the market on recent modern cards, but don't expect to find anything newer than from 1975 at my booth. In fact, I have prepared a display that showcases the early 1900s to the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The National is definitely the premier sports collector show of the year. Where can you find that number of booths (including corporate sponsors) at any other show?
BUT I always hear the same buzz every year that there are so many over-priced collectibles. Just pass those sellers by and look for the rest of us who are always willing to negotiate. In fact, every item in my booth is now priced for sale with a price stated on it and negotiations can get you a sale at around 85 to 90 percent of my for sale price.
Although, I do get insulted when someone offers me 30 to 50 percent of my for sale price. That usually signals an end to our negotiations.
If you come to the show, just have fun, and get to see all of the booths if you can. It's not very difficult to systematically keep track of which booths you have visited, and possibly want to return to.
Enjoy.
Steve
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