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Posted By: tbob

Dress comfortably with comfortable shoes (think I'm kidding? Ever been to a National?), keep your wallet in your front pocket, make arrangements to have lunch or supper with buddies later and look and shop with a vengance. You HAVE to have a wantlist or at least a list of what you already have, especially on large sets that are about halfway completed. Instead of ogling the Playmate of the Year who is signing autographs, ask the goofy looking dealer with the pot belly if he has any caramel cards which aren't displayed. Budget your time, don't screw around checking out PSA 9 1956 Mantles if you collect pre-war. At the end of the day, review your purchases, make sure and log in your new acquisitions to prevent buying the same card again (it happens). Adam makes a good point about making sure those cards go safely in to hard holders, too many times great cards are sabotaged by our own accidental mishandling. Scott makes a good point about pulling the trigger when you have the chance. Yes there have been a few times I have kicked myself when I found a better condition same card later for a better price but I always felt better about that than missing out on a card I really needed because I thought someone out there might have a better one.
Take a day off. For me, it will be Friday (kid's get in free day). After Wednesday night and all day Thursday, I'll be ready to relax, see the Cubs, and hit the 54 Dinner. Back to business Saturday and checking out desperate sellers early Sunday.
Be focused, but most of all, have fun...