Spending at the 2022 National

[bbcard1]

Originally Posted by Gradedcardman

I have never been to a National where I haven't been able to find good opportunities to buy at reasonable prices. Whether it's T-206, 1952 Topps or shiny. If you don't ask you don't get. Ask for your price, if they give it then get it, if they don't then move to the next table.

I've done ok on lower grade cards. I've done very well digging through the nickel type boxes. One year I ran into a guy who had the office leftovers from Pacific...a lot of blank cards that would be hand numbered as replacements...picked up a lot of my favorites, local players, etc at a nickel or a dime each.

[Foo3112]

I attended in 2019 and again in 2021 - both in Chicago. The National is a lot of fun but I will admit that it wasn't as enjoyable in 2021 and there was a HUGE increase in new collectors, so it was a lot more packed. There were some tables that I wasn't able to see because of so many people all around but on both years, I was able to leave with what I wanted.

I will not be attending in 2022 but will attend again in 2023. Just too much happening in my life outside of cards. Not bad things, simply other things that I have planned and so gathering funds for the show is not a possibility. I knew that since I was attending in 2021 that I would not be making the AC show and I am perfectly okay with that. Plus, I will wait until Chicago as I am not a fan of the AC area, and I don't gamble at casinos.

As for people who will be attending, keep in mind that prices have been on a steady decline since even before the 2021 National so be careful because there's a good chance that whatever you pick up, you would have gotten cheaper if you would have waited a few more months. That could mean saving thousands of dollars.

The experience as a whole is fun and if you are involved in a community such as on the boards, social media or YouTube, you will definitely run into some familiar faces. Go up to people and say hi - see what they are doing after. Perhaps meeting up after for drinks and dinner. Lots of people bring their cards with them to show off their latest acquisitions.

And lastly, yes, cash is king. Safeguard it but also, I don't hear a lot of stories about people pickpocketing. Can it happen, of course. Does it happen as much as people make it seem - not really. If you carry a bag, perhaps put the cash inside and lock the zipper and of course, keep the bag with you and ON YOU at all times. It would really suck for you to put the bag down on a chair and you walk away because you were done eating or whatever and then you suddenly realize that you left your bag behind, and two minutes has passed. Theres a good chance your bag is gone - so don't get caught slipping.

[Snapolit1]

To follow up on above excellent post, yes there are criminals who show up at huge events like this to steal things. if i was a seller I would have a dedicated safety person watching my stuff while I deal with customers. for those visiting, be careful where you put your stuff. i wouldn’t carry expensive cards around for the hell of it. just not worth it. and be careful with your cash. no different than I would tell anyone attending a large convention anywhere.

[Gradedcardman]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

To follow up on above excellent post, yes there are criminals who show up at huge events like this to steal things. if i was a seller I would have a dedicated safety person watching my stuff while I deal with customers. for those visiting, be careful where you put your stuff. i wouldn’t carry expensive cards around for the hell of it. just not worth it. and be careful with your cash. no different than I would tell anyone attending a large convention anywhere.

I would absolutely agree with Steve on this. Last year I saw two groups get arrested for stealing. As far as the cash in hand goes, do all you can to keep it close !!

[Bestdj777]

I’m hoping Dogecoin catches Bitcoin, in which case I’ll be buying like crazy at the National.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

I’m hoping Dogecoin catches Bitcoin, in which case I’ll be buying like crazy at the National.

depending on which direction they catch up, of course.

[Jewish-collector]

Originally Posted by Foo3112

Go up to people and say hi - see what they are doing after. Perhaps meeting up after for drinks and dinner.

So, if I go to the National and if I come up to you to say hi, can we have a couple cold ones ? beer chug.gif

[trambo]

I'll take about the same amount of $$ as I have the past 3 nationals and will look to pick up stuff that I've had a hard time finding otherwise. Some pricing (ok, more than some) will be museum-esque like always but I've been generally happy with the pickups I've gotten each of the past 3.

We'll see what happens this year but my guess is I'll pick up a few things and have a bunch of fun hanging out w/my friends.

[Foo3112]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

So, if I go to the National and if I come up to you to say hi, can we have a couple cold ones ? Attachment 519099

Of course and I will lead the way

Unfortunately this year, I will not be attending. But if you are serious, come find me in Chicago and I’ll buy you a beer.

[commishbob]

I haven’t been to a National since the Arlington and Houston shows of the late 80s/early 90s. I know the current versions are much, much bigger. I have terrible timing. I was in New Jersey last year while the show was going on in Chicago. This year I’ll be in Chicago while the show runs in AC.

[parkplace33]

Its been about a month since I first posted this.. Anyone chance their mind one way or the other?



Saw this in another group and thought NET54ers could weigh in on this topic.

For those going (or thinking about going) to the National, will the current economic uncertainty affect your spending at the National?

Definitely can see two sides to this one. For some, the National is the best there is and they have saved up for it and will spend. But for others, especially this year, maybe they don’t spend as much or maybe they don’t go this year.

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

Its been about a month since I first posted this.. Anyone chance their mind one way or the other?



Saw this in another group and thought NET54ers could weigh in on this topic.

For those going (or thinking about going) to the National, will the current economic uncertainty affect your spending at the National?

Definitely can see two sides to this one. For some, the National is the best there is and they have saved up for it and will spend. But for others, especially this year, maybe they don’t spend as much or maybe they don’t go this year.

My friend will be there ready looking to buy a centered 52 Topps Mantle the best he can get for 150k