I was at show in the mid-late '80s in the San Fernando Valley and there was a dealer who always looked out for me (and his valued customers). He used to walk around with me and talk to other dealers and pretty much taught me show etiquette. I remember distinctly walking up to a table with him in which another collector was talking to the dealer about a card and there was another card in the case that I was dying to get ('34 Goudey Wide Pen). My dealer friend told me to wait patiently. Finally, when the other customer was done, I approached the table only to see the card was gone and sold to the previous customer. I explained to the dealer what happened and he said, no worries, he had another and because I was patient and showed respect, he would give it to me at a substantial discount. This made a great impression on me as a teenager. I now never barge in and always wait patiently. If I miss a card, no big deal, another will often come around.
BTW, I am still friendly with that dealer (although there really has not been a show in Los Angeles in a long time) 20 years later and he still tries to put aside stuff for me even though I see him only about once a year now!! It pays to be respectful.
Joshua
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