Going to my 1st National this year

[nolemmings]

One thing I have found over the years is that I now go for the fellowship more than the material, although it is a great eye-candy experience. When I first attended, I took x dollars and was hell-bent on spending all of it or it wasn't considered a worthwhile show. I found myself buying stuff I had no intention of buying, sometimes stuff I didn't even know much about, after my list of must haves either were unavailable or were too grossly overpriced. Then about the first Baltimore National I decided to just take in the area and the hobby friends I'd met online and had a great time-- Orioles game, great food, cool pier nearby, etc. Since then it's more about the experience for me than the cards. And don't be shy. I wouldn't know 95% of these guys if they came up and spit on me in the street (I get that a lot) but after an introduction or two it becomes pretty easy to mingle, even if you don't chase the same stuff as the next guy. Throw in the bar get togethers after show hours and voila.

You almost certainly will be disappointed by the pricing--many things you see on ebay regularly will be marked up from what you thought was a ghastly BIN price. Dickering is expected--each side can always say no. I have found that Sunday, the last day of the show, will garner some better deals, although many dealers have packed up by then so you run that risk (I've asked some on Saturday if/when they're leaving early if I think I might want to make a final run at them). I've even found a card at a dealer' table that wasn't there earlier because he just bought it from a walk-in (actually a board member here)-- he flipped it to me for a good price for both of us. My advice--be patient.

Finally and most important- Comfortable shoes are an absolute requirement.

[OldEnglishD]

More great advice - thanks!

I'll hold off drinking until the Net54 get together. It'll lessen (not eliminate) the probability of me spending stupid at the show, and get me to maybe glad hand a few members. I'm more of a introvert, so we'll see how that goes!


So what everyone is saying, is don't wear these -

[jiw98]

Dave those bright yellow shoes will be perfect. Other than the color they look just like the shoes my great uncle wore while gardening.
My son and I have talked about going to the National before, but have never made it. Maybe this will be the year. Thanks for the advice from everyone.

[Jobu]

Another National question: Are all the dealers generally set up from the opening bell on Wednesday? I am thinking about driving down for Wednesday but also really want to attend the dinner on Friday night and am wondering whether I ought to make two trips or just plan on Friday.

Thanks all.

[drcy]

They will be set up from the start. There's an official/scheduled moving in your stuff period for dealers the morning before the show opens to the public. Dealers literally drive and unload their cars full of stuff into the showroom, and that can only be done before the convention opens and the public is milling around. So the dealers will be there and set up from the get go.

[OldEnglishD]

As we inch towards the National, another question came to mind...

I see now that PSA and SGC will be at the show for on site grading/encapsulation. Are there significant disadvantages to doing this? Seems like I could save on shipping - at lease the shipping TO the companies.

Thoughts/experiences?

Thanks, Dave

[Steve_NY]

As a seller setting up a booth at the National, my comments are as follow:

-- if it is rare and you want to buy it at this show, consider either paying the price or open negotiations. I have seen it over and over again. Someone comes back in 15 to 20 minutes, and it's gone.

-- if it is not rare, shop around. Even if you don't buy it, you are likely to find another one. It may be at a higher price, but it can be found again.

If I find something at another booth, I always negotiate, especially if I want it and I know I'll never see another one in my lifetime.

Wear comfortable shoes. I bought ones that have that memory foam. They make your feet feel better all day.

Also, carry a small notebook to jot down booth numbers, what you saw there, and the price. That way, you can keep track of what you really want to buy.

Stop by and say hello. In most cases, I will give you a substantial savings on most items I have for sale. Where I will be more stubborn is with items I just picked up specifically for this National. I need to break even on those items before I start discounting them.

I am at booth 1110P six booths in the door.

Just enjoy yourself and have fun.

Steve Sabow

[tonyo]

Originally Posted by OldEnglishD

As we inch towards the National, another question came to mind...

I see now that PSA and SGC will be at the show for on site grading/encapsulation. Are there significant disadvantages to doing this? Seems like I could save on shipping - at lease the shipping TO the companies.

Thoughts/experiences?

Thanks, Dave

I just found out I'll be able to attend. Wondering the same thing as Dave....

Is it a good idea to get cards graded on site, how does it work, etc?