Looking for Sports Card Show Guidance

[SyrNy1960]

I will be going to my first Sports Card Show in more than 20 years; this month in Virginia Beach, VA.

Back in the 70's, 80's, and early 90's, I knew all of the local card shop owners and most of the card show dealers, so it was easy to bargain on prices and get some really good deals. Also, cards back then weren't as expensive as they are today, so it was easy to bargain on price. Back then, it was about collecting. Today, it's about the all-mighty dollar; which makes me clueless how things work at card shows these days.

I've seen a lot of post on multiple sites stating what jerks many of the card show dealers are; overpriced and won't budge on prices.

What is realistic and what should I expect when trying to bargain on price?

I'm sure if it's a popular and a highly in-demand card, not much room to bargain, if at all.

Thanks,

Tony "A Fish Out of Water"

[bobbyw8469]

Some dealers price stuff realistically. Some don't budge. I suggest sticking with the realistic ones. In this day and age, it is easy to see comps.

[Metsfan0507]

Jumping on this thread to ask a follow up question: what kind of payment is typically expected by vendors? Do they take credit cards/venmo/paypal, or is cash king? Are there sometimes cash discounts?

[Lobo Aullando]

Cash is always king, but I've paid by all those methods. Of course, it depends on the dealer, but enough of them want to make as many transactions as possible that most of them will take different ways. They will usually tack on 3% for credit, though.

Originally Posted by Metsfan0507

Jumping on this thread to ask a follow up question: what kind of payment is typically expected by vendors? Do they take credit cards/venmo/paypal, or is cash king? Are there sometimes cash discounts?

[parkplace33]

I have a few rules of cards shows:

1. Cash is king. While dealers may make exceptions for higher dollar cards, you need to bring cash.

2. You don't have to buy anything. I have seen many a collector get to a show, see nothing they want/prices too high and then settle and have to buy something.

3. Ask dealers if they have anything else (besides what is on the table). Dealers can't display everything and may keep some stuff under the table/in boxes.

4. If you see an item that you want and it is a fair price, buy it immediately. Don't get into the "circle back" mentality. It may not be there when you return.

5. Remember that dealers are selling cards. If you think a dealers prices are too high, no problem, move along. But don't get into a disagreement over prices. Never ask this question "why are you asking x price".

[boysblue]

2. You don't have to buy anything. I have seen many a collector get to a show, see nothing they want/prices too high and then settle and have to buy something.


^^^^^^^ This is good advice.

And I recommend the polite and respectful approach. Good luck and, most of all, enjoy the show.

[timzcardz]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

4. If you see an item that you want and it is a fair price, buy it immediately. Don't get into the "circle back" mentality. It may not be there when you return.

On the flip side, the "circle back" mentality can save you a lot of money.

Don't ask how I know.

[Jewish-collector]

If a dealer (for a card for sale) says in a mean tone, "Let me see what I have into it", you respond to them, "I don't care what the the hell you have into it" beer chug.gif

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

Some dealers price stuff realistically. Some don't budge. I suggest sticking with the realistic ones. In this day and age, it is easy to see comps.

Yeah, just make sure you are looking at Ebay SOLD prices and not crazy ass eBay ASKING prices. Usually a big difference.