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Old 07-16-2007, 07:00 PM
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Default Can someone provide me with a "beginner's guide" to the National?

Posted By: Rick McQuillan

I have been to two Nationals in last 4 years. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it this year. At the National 4 years ago I arrived on Thursday with a lot of vintage cards to sell and I sold every item within an hour at great prices. I found several dealers that had great deals on lower grade goudey's, diamond stars, T205's, and other vintage, so I went home with some great items. The dealers weren't busy, so I could ask questions, check out the card, and look at everything.

I was excited to go again last year, but I went on Saturday. I took another good size lot of cards and memorabilia, but I didn't sell much of it. The dealers weren't interested, and the offers that I received were extremeley low so I took most of it back to my car. As far as buying, the prices were high, many dealers didn't want to offer discounts, and the tables and aisles were so crowded that I couldn't get to some of the tables to look at the cards. The dealers were so busy selling that they didn't have time to look at the items that I was selling. I found a few good items, but overall it was disappointing.

My advice to first timers is mainly the same as some of the earlier people who responded. Wear comfortable shoes, carry a large shoulder bag or a pack for your cash, want lists, top loads, plastic cases, and a small box for graded cards. Leave your coat/jacket/sweater in your car. it will be warm at the show. Bring a pen and a notebook to keep track of your purchases and to make a map of dealer booths so you can remember where you saw particular items. Don't pay the listed price for anything. Many times the dealers will offer you a discount before you ask for one. It doesn't hurt to ask for a larger discount that the one that they offer. If you are looking for specific items in specific grades, make a list of the prices that you are willing to pay. It is easy to overpay at the show. If you look hard enough you will find a few bargains, but it may take some time. Bring a small flashlight,a loupe, and a magnifying glass. Bring some $1 bills and $5 bills. It is surprising how many dealers don't have enough change.

When you see a card in a dealers showcase with no price, and you ask the dealer how much he wants for it, usually if he says, "hold on a minute, I'll look it up", you can count on the dealer asking for much more than it is worth. Generally he will be looking for suckers who are willing to overpay, or he really doesn't know how much it is worth and he is "fishing" to see what you will offer. It seems like some of the dealers don't like to acknowledge that you are looking at their cards, and that you may like to buy something from them. They are too busy eating, reading, or sorting their cards to look up and say "hi". It also seems that the dealers who do acknowledge you, talk to you, and ask you questions are the ones who are willing to be flexible on their prices. Some of the dealers are there to sell their cards and turn over their inventory, and some seem to bring the same overpriced crap to show after show.

You will have a blast at the show even if you don't buy anything. The variety and quality of the cards is amazing. See you next year in Chicago.

Rick

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