Sharp Elbows necessary in this hobby?

[mintacular]

Hi, this seems to have happened to me a couple times recently and it kind of bothers me. I was at a show and was in the process of making a deal for a largish vintage lot. Well I had the first box set aside that we came to terms on and we were then proceeding to the next "sister" lot. Another guy approaches quickly behind me and is staring at me with his beady eyes, etc. as he sees my one box of vintage cards. Well, he then asks the dealer "Do you sell any other vintage?" and the dealer stops talking to me and tells him that I bought the one box and we were in the process of negotiating for the other one or something to that effect. At this point I kinda look at the guy with a "back off buddy" look and continue with the dealer for the other group of cards. To make a long story short, the situation kind of became uncomfortable and also maybe drove the $ up a bit as the dealer (he sells mostly newer stuff and other items) realized there was other interest in these cards.

Anyways, has this situation ever happened to you? Isn't it poor etiquette to barge in if you are at the table first? Or is that just part of the game? Your thoughts are appreciated...

[Zan]

I usually wait my turn like a civil human being. When I am at a table talking to a dealer and someone else comes by asking for whatever, all the experiences I had were with the dealer telling the new customer to wait, or come back.

It's all about respect. Some people have it, some don't.

[Sterling Sports Auctions]

Sadly to say I have dealt with the same situation. There are the collectors that are out for themselves and don't give a rat's ass about others as long as they are happy with themselves that's all they care about.

I am currently going through a situation where a fellow collector is using my want list to start a part of his collection with zero remorse. Word gets around and people are remembered.

I recently had a card that some wanted and was ready to offer it until I found a past email where he backed out a deal. Needless to say the card was not offered.

I have learned that I would rather keep friends in the hobby than to trample on them. Too many good people in the hobby to let the bad ones get in the way.

Lee

[Wite3]

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

[GrayGhost]

These stories are so true. The only people ruder than ones like that are casino patrons.

[FrankWakefield]

Great story, Joshua. A good lesson.

[Exhibitman]

Not limited to the patrons, unfortunately. In 1991 I am sitting a table at a show when a collector standing at the division between my table and the one next to me asked for a common card. I had it and sold it to him for a few bucks. The dealer next to me--pig man in a mumu--threatened to kick my ass for taking a sale away from him. Nevermind that the guy didn't ask him for the card.

[wonkaticket]

Originally Posted by GrayGhost

These stories are so true. The only people ruder than ones like that are casino patrons.

Scott agree, that's why card shows like this are no longer running....