Table Dealers at Local Shows

[Snapolit1]

Crazy thing about posting silly book values is this isn't 1975 .... I can call VCP up on my phone in a minute. I will allow room for some puffery as we call it in law school contracts class, but feed me some heavy duty BS and I'm done looking at your stuff.

[kevinlenane]

I agree the book values thing just irritates me - its like pricing something at 999.99. Its such a dumb trick and it is insulting just to see it - but that was such a minor issue compared to all the puffery and attitude I was getting. This kind of attitude is clearly helping them feel kind of "big-time" but it is just so transparent and detrimental to not only their business but the hobby as a whole. I also agree on the point of pricing and the fact that is so much HIGHER than Ebay. I actually went to the show because I wanted to support the small guys and I guess I knew things would be a little on the high side but it really should be the reverse.

There were definitely a few awesome exceptions including one guy who had a low grade 54 Bowman Ted that I almost bought. We shot the shit and told stories about various cards and shared some cool experiences about unopened vintage wax so that was fun but I had to wade through a sea of jerks to find that guy and a few others. Next time i go to an area show Im going to find this guy and buy from him.

I actually wound up in one case buying two cards for $700-$800 that were definitely overpriced (a low grade Ted Red-Man and a mid grade Ted 1950 Bowman) but I bought them from one of the three guys that actually stooped so low as to be friendly. I also felt like I wanted to help him out bc I had overheard him telling another dealer he hadn't done a single sale all day. Anyway, I guess I just wish the shows were more fun and everyone could be personable and helpful. I did have a BLAST talking with those few sellers who were helpful and clearly having fun so I suppose i can just find "my guys" the next time I go.

[bnorth]

We have not had a card show anywhere close for so long I wouldn't even mind putting up with some jerks just to go to a local show.

This eBay price comparison is one of my pet peeves. eBay is a garage sale at best. There is no way a real dealer that pays taxes and fees can compare with some want to be dealer selling out of his parents basement who pays absolutely no fees, taxes, or the ton of other costs that go with running a real business. End of rant.

[kevinlenane]

I guess i agree with your Ebay rant - ive come to expect it in smaller shows- but ALL these dealers also sell on Ebay so it shouldnt be miles off like it is. It kind of feels like they have specific card show inventory that they bring in ungraded and jack up so you couldn't comparison shop if you wanted to.

However I should make it a point that NONE of this is what truly bothered me about the show - its just the attitude that just kills the joy for me and its entirely unnecessary. Im happy and willing to pay a small premium for an enjoyable personal experience but its a trade i dont often get. For the record I spent an hour and 45 minutes on various trains from Brooklyn to get there so

[Bruinsfan94]

Yea I don't understand dealers with poor customer service. I've literally overpaid to buy cards from dealers who are pleasant to deal with. I'd rather support them.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by kevinlenane

I guess i agree with your Ebay rant - ive come to expect it in smaller shows- but ALL these dealers also sell on Ebay so it shouldnt be miles off like it is. It kind of feels like they have specific card show inventory that they bring in ungraded and jack up so you couldn't comparison shop if you wanted to.

However I should make it a point that NONE of this is what truly bothered me about the show - its just the attitude that just kills the joy for me and its entirely unnecessary. Im happy and willing to pay a small premium for an enjoyable personal experience but its a trade i dont often get. For the record I spent an hour and 45 minutes on various trains from Brooklyn to get there so

Maybe they are there to buy for their ebay business. Does seem that people selling their goods to a dealer would rather deal with someone who isn't sucking lemons all the time.

I've noticed it too, but have become resigned to the fact that certain dealers are just sour pusses. I'm usually too busy at my table to play games. If you are slack at the big shows you will have a lot of theft, you have some even if you are vigilant. Stick with the guys you are comfortable with, but you will find that at times the guys with the bad attitude have cards you will need. Just keep your cool and deal with them.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by bnorth

We have not had a card show anywhere close for so long I wouldn't even mind putting up with some jerks just to go to a local show.

This eBay price comparison is one of my pet peeves. eBay is a garage sale at best. There is no way a real dealer that pays taxes and fees can compare with some want to be dealer selling out of his parents basement who pays absolutely no fees, taxes, or the ton of other costs that go with running a real business. End of rant.

Back when I was a "want to be" dealer I always priced my stuff just like a real dealer would. Even at the flea market. If the guy in a shop a mile away can get $10 why shouldn't I?

And buying cards for an inventory costs the part timers just as much, maybe more.

The only reason to underprice stuff is if you want to show a low selling price when you try to buy stuff. And that's a losing game.

I also see loads if stuff on Ebay that's more than it is other places. I did fairly well buying stuff from dealers and reselling it on Ebay when I was more active and there were more dealers. (Same for buying stuff at and selling it at a different show, although I usually bought stuff to keep.)

Steve B

[Laxcat]

Yall should just come down to Texas. We, for the most part, are quite pleasant to deal with.

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Laxcat

Yall should just come down to Texas. We, for the most part, are quite pleasant to deal with.

+!

[mechanicalman]

I was at the Chicago show last weekend and, for the most part, had a very pleasant experience. There are some guys like William (forgot his last name) from Indiana who is very fair to deal with and very accommodating. Jeff from Card Country has actually become someone I'd call a friend - he's incredibly nice, fair, and has great cards. There was only one dealer who wouldn't give me the time of day, which is sad, as I went there specifically to buy a four-figure card he had listed on eBay. Even as I visited his large booth twice, he didn't acknowledge me once, so I walked away without buying. Sometimes the "stuff" isn't worth the hassle.