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Posted By: warshawlaw

It's part of the fun of buying in person, and if done politely, can be remarkably effective. I would guess I saved several hundred dollars at the National just by politely asking for a break.

As far as rudeness goes, I think some folks are missing the point. A dealer can mark 'em and sell 'em for whatever he wants; I don't think anyone is criticizing free enterprise. What ticks me off, though, is a dealer who reacts to a legitimate offer or inquiry like you are spitting on his shoes. Hey, no one forced these guys to come to the show and set up, and no one compels these guys to enter a business that is equal parts merchandise and interpersonal relationship building; they do it willingly and part of the price of doing business is fielding questions from the general public.

We always carp about how the hobby needs to encourage new collectors and kids, yet it is dealers who treat people like crap who drive the newbies from the hobby. If it isn't fun to go to the shows, people won't go. Create enough negativity and our precious cards become expensive pieces of worthless paper.