Help at the National

[Woodsy]

I need some help at the National because I'm afraid I will be in over my head. I'm going to be there Saturday and looking for advice as to what booths I should go to for cards in the 50's and 60's? A couple of questions I have are:

Will they have prices on their cards?
Are they all competitive or is there a pretty big price difference from booth to booth?
Are there any "good guys" that you like to buy from?

Thanks for any help. Can't wait to see just some amazing stuff!!

[hcv123]

But don't let that intimidate you. The best advice I can give you is to be an "educated consumer". Know as much about the cards you are looking for and the range of prices that they sell for (check ebay - VCP and Card Target before you go). Armed with that information you will make decisions that work well for you regardless of who you are buying from. If you communicate to a seller that you are an educated consumer - ie. "that card has sold routinely on ebay in that grade for $$$ - if you are willing to sell for that, I'm a buyer" or "VCP in a PSA 5 is $$$, I'm interested but at $$$"- you assure yourself that you will not be "taken for a ride". Depending on the integrity of someone who has a vested interest in making a sale is in my humble opinion a bit naive (That said there are a handful out there with that level of integrity - imho). Most of all - have a blast!

[brightair]

Speaking as someone who has only been to a handful of Nationals over the last few years, here are my thoughts:
Being as you will only be there for one day, you will not see it all. It takes me the entire 5 days to feel like I have thoroughly gotten through the room.
Many dealers do not have prices on their stuff, and I generally avoid these dealers until the end (just me, I like to see prices).
There are deals to be had and prices will vary. But if you are under a time restriction, you won't be able to see everything and then decide.
The previous advice is sound - know what you want and are willing to pay. If you find it, go for it. Dress comfortably and enjoy it!
Good luck!

[Taxman]

Check out booth 617 716... Uncle dick has a ton of vintage.

[PM770]

A guy I have bought a lot of stuff from over the years is Jack's Cards. Booth #1025 - by the ferris wheel. Its all raw and always reasonable priced.

[Leon]

I moved this from a BST section to elicit more responses for our board member...Good luck!!