The 2013 "National" in Chicago

[Jewish-collector]

Here's a beginner's guide to the National:

My advice to first timers is to 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.

Looking forward to seeing you at the National !!!

[Leon]

I moved this from the water cooler section. I sure do appreciate members being careful where they post stuff. So thanks to Steve for that as it was posted in a good spot. I am sure the few members responding already will be joined by others with questions too, is the reason I moved it.
I had lunch yesterday with Heritage and I am hopeful they will be helping sponsor it again. So, I believe there will be a Net54baseball dinner again this year (maybe 11th or so time) and if we do have one it will definitely be on Friday night again. If I were betting I would bet it will be across the street from the National, as always. More details as I get them but I am working on it. I realize I have to nail down a large ballroom very soon. Nothing in writing yet but I am hopeful. It seems everyone has a good time at them even though last year I had to act like an arse and ask folks to be courteous and not have conversations while our speakers were speaking. After I get a few (too many) beers in me I can be a real dic*.

[Rich Klein]

Leon always pulls out a good show

Rich

[tschock]

Originally Posted by Leon

It seems everyone has a good time at them even though last year I had to act like an arse and ask folks to be courteous and not have conversations while our speakers were speaking. After I get a few (too many) beers in me I can be a real dic*.

Please, no need to apologize for this. It's one thing to make the occasional comment/question to a table-mate while someone is speaking. Another thing altogether when I have to listen to someone 2-3 tables away (who is louder than the speaker) droning on-and-on about something unrelated while the guest is speaking. Even if you're not interested, at least have the common courtesy to allow OTHERS to listen.

If people have to be reminded about this, YOU aren't the one acting like an arse.

BTW... last year's Net54 dinner was great. Thanks!

[4815162342]

It will be hard to top last year's speakers. Maybe Peter Calderon will discuss the "White Valley Find" of E105s this year.

[christopher.herman]

My one and only tip for the National:
Be nice to Leon. He has the drink tickets.
~C.

[Big Ben]

I asked the very same questions a couple of years ago when the National was in Chicago. The only thing I will add is bring CASH if you want the best deal.
Good luck and have fun. I very much enjoyed myfirst National in 2011 and look forward to go this year.

[kmac32]

Great show and great location. Also good pizza near by in the form of Giordanos. Would love to go, but will see. Also remember, cash is King for this show.

[Donscards]

I set up last year in Baltimore and the show was outstanding---I am so looking forward to this year in Chicago---The Net 54 dinner was great---food was all you could eat---and nice to have drinks too---The Speakers were the best ever---it was a pleasure to listen to them and the insight they gave us was intriging.--I will be at this years dinner too for sure--I hope to meet Leon this year and thanks for the great time last year. Don

[quinnsryche]

See post #9. A well thought out and delivered post. He is right on the money with every point. A full day is needed to cover the whole show thoroughly. You will need to make more than one trip around to see/absorb everything. My adfvice is a double edged sword, don't buy anything the first time around unless you can't live without it. You will probably see multiples of an item at various prices and conditions unless it's an utter rarity. Those with limited funds have to be careful with their purchases!
Good luck!

[Jantz]

Steve

Some good advice has been offered by others, but I have six more things to add.

6. Come to the Net54 banquet if you can. You'll have a good time. Well thats if you're invited!

5. Don't forget your loupe. Not all dealers sell graded & its a good tool to have available even for viewing graded cards.

4. Make a list of the cards you really want to take home. Knock those cards off your checklist first. I make a "hit list" every year of about 10 cards. If & when I get those cards purchased, then I start buying others for my set. This way you don't get stuck low on cash when you stumble across a nice card you really wanted for your set.

3. Politeness to dealers can go a long way. They are there all week away from their loved ones, standing on their feet all day or sitting in uncomfortable chairs. It has helped me in the past & I've made some great friends because of it.

2. While at the show, if you find a quarter laying on the floor, return it to Leon immediately! Its his Luckey quarter!

1. And since this is your first National, all rookies are only allowed to bring one T-shirt to wear at the show. And you must wear it everyday!

Well on second thought, forget about numbers 1 & 2.

Hope to see you there.

Jantz

[RCMcKenzie]

Long story short. I've been to one National. The 1985 6th annual in Anaheim. I bought a 1975 George Brett vg/e for $2.50 and some Topps cards. It was insanely huge. My brother and I were fist-pumping about the 1975 Topps card as we left.