Live National Report Thread....

scoobysnacksforyou · #1 08-01-2014, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Only Smoke 4 the Cards

I have been disappointed by the T210 selection. So far I think I've seen around 30 total.

ugh, I was hoping there would be a few more than that. Odds aren't good that there are any of my series 4's to be had then.

mrvster · #2 08-01-2014, 03:03 PM

I was confused about that also

GREAT POSTS! I FEEL Like I'm THERE

SAllen2556 · #3 08-01-2014, 07:34 PM

Just got back from my first ever National. Son and I drove out from Michigan for the day.

There is one overall impression I just can't shake. I happen to be a deer hunter and a once-a-month guys-night-out poker player, and as I walked around with serious cash (for me) in hand ready to spend, I realized that for many of these guys, this is their deer hunting trip/poker night!!!

The purpose for these dealers isn't to sell anything, it's to chat with each other and tell stories! It was actually pretty funny after a while. Of course, some guys were great and would immediately say hi and ask if you needed a price (which was a rare thing to see indeed!) But I suspect that most of these guys would show up once a year and set up their booths regardless of the number of customers. In fact, I suspect some of these guys would just prefer the customers weren't even there! And I can't really blame them - I'd probably be the same way!

And the prices!! Admittedly, there was so much vintage stuff that there could have been great deals and I wouldn't have known, but I was looking to buy Diamond Stars, 34 Goudeys, and finish my '69 Topps set.

One dealer tried to tell me that his '69 Reggie psa 7 was worth $200 more than the going rate for a psa 7. Okay, maybe...but it wasn't, it was off-centered a little just like all the rest. Another wanted $50 for a raw vg '52 George Kell - readily available for around $15. And the few raw Diamond Stars I saw were averaging about double the price on ebay. Graded ones were also about double. I bought exactly 1.

I got the distinct impression that the dealers assumed average customers like me had no clue about prices and so everything, for the most part, was over-priced compared to card target or ebay sold data.

We had fun and saw some amazing stuff, but I came back with way more money than I intended. I think the Sunday afternoon theory might be the best bet for me next time.

And thanks to David Cycleback who literally crawled under a table with a black light to examine an old Babe Ruth photo of mine just to verify its authenticity. Best $10 I spent all day! Super nice guy as well.

Had to take a picture of this little gem:

Big Ben · #4 08-01-2014, 08:35 PM

[QUOTE=SAllen2556;1304882

We had fun and saw some amazing stuff, but I came back with way more money than I intended. I think the Sunday afternoon theory might be the best bet for me next time. [\QUOTE]

I am curious about your Sunday afternoon theory. I have been to the last two Chicago Nationals. Both times on Sunday. I have been able to negotiate with some things, but you also run into dealers packing their merchandise around 1pm.

vintagebaseball · #5 08-01-2014, 09:08 PM

What booth had the Wagner? I missed that

drcy · #6 08-01-2014, 09:37 PM

High point: Meeting all the genuine, friendly collectors and hobbyists out there, including the Net54 board members. Lots of nice people and good conversations.

Low point: The food choices in the exhibition center. In other words, having to eat a hot dog for breakfast.

A lot of the industry/money aspects of the hobby are a turn off to me, but there are a lot of good old fashioned collectors out there.

albrshbr · #7 08-01-2014, 10:21 PM

Well, finished day 3, and didn't pick up much. Spent most of the day looking for a 1962 Fleer football Billy Shaw, found 5 but 4 were the typical way off center and the 5th was pretty beat. I did pick up an E135-type blank back for a good price.

Went to the PSA awards luncheon, and met a few NET54 members there. Nice luncheon and nice gifts. Big news there is that PSA will start giving true numeric grades to the freaks, ghosts, 2 names, etc. that are all the rage now days.

I've got to agree with others, I'm not sure how many of the dealers really want to make sales. It's tough to tear them away from their discussions with each other to show you cards in their cases. I also can't see how some of these guys expect to make any money either. Lots of 80s/90s junk boxes everywhere. Quite a few dealers I haven't seen anyone visit them.

Also agree about the food. First thing in the morning and the coffee stand isn't even open. Actually, it's never been open. Good thing is they have Labatt Blue Light on tap, anyone looking for me there's the possibility I'm taking my break there.

kmac32 · #8 08-01-2014, 10:40 PM

I collect E121-80 yankees and Giants so my "National" was about 3 weeks ago when there were massive numbers of E121-80 cards in Ebay. I picked up 5 cards and seriously doubt if I could have done better at the Cleveland National. Spent about as much as I would have before even stepping in the door at Cleveland without the travel. Been to 3 Nationals before and enjoyed each of them but never had the success that I did on the 3 days on eBay.

Bicem · #9 08-01-2014, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drcy

A lot of the industry/money aspects of the hobby are a turn off to me, but there are a lot of good old fashioned collectors out there.

Well said, agree 100%.

pgellis · #10 08-02-2014, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drcy

High point: Meeting all the genuine, friendly collectors and hobbyists out there, including the Net54 board members. Lots of nice people and good conversations.

Low point: The food choices in the exhibition center. In other words, having to eat a hot dog for breakfast.

A lot of the industry/money aspects of the hobby are a turn off to me, but there are a lot of good old fashioned collectors out there.

When I started reading your post, I saw the phrase "hot dog for breakfast" and thought that was going to be listed under your "high point"

Runscott · #11 08-07-2014, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAllen2556

Just got back from my first ever National. Son and I drove out from Michigan for the day.

......................

We had fun and saw some amazing stuff, but I came back with way more money than I intended. I think the Sunday afternoon theory might be the best bet for me next time.

And thanks to David Cycleback who literally crawled under a table with a black light to examine an old Babe Ruth photo of mine just to verify its authenticity. Best $10 I spent all day! Super nice guy as well.

I have a video of David doing his black light work - I'm sure it will amuse all who see it for years to come. Unfortunately I can't think of any angles that will profit me.

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