What makes a great show?

[Rich Klein]

I think it depends what is on the tables. When I Have Roland from Louisiana or Jerry from Richardson or Matt from Austin or Leon from DFW, Roger from Oklahoma. With those five named dealers I can guarantee 20+ excellent tables pretty easily and have a good show for collectors. There are plenty of other good dealers as well who set up in the DFW area so I don't think one can always just say 30 tables is far worse than 50.

I do believe 100 plus tables pretty much guarantees a great show for collectors to find what they need

Rich

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

I think it depends what is on the tables.

I do believe 100 plus tables pretty much guarantees a great show for collectors to find what they need

Rich

If you can assure collectors there's going to be some "good stuff" on the tables--they will come. You must get the word out, however.

To get those good dealers with the "good stuff"---you'll need to assure them you're going to get the word out.

The good stuff costs. Any, and I mean ANY, unreasonable expectations that the dealer must offer his good stuff at rock bottom prices is downright stupid. I understand that prices for the good stuff have spiked to dizzying heights, in some instances. That's why we have VCP, eBay, and our own big mouth to say, "yes, I'll buy it" or "no thanks, that's just too high for me."

For most of the cherished stuff I still have in my collection, I paid at the high or set some record for that item. At the very least, I didn't haggle beyond the first question. However, since I speak from 25 - 30 years ago, that's another thing, monetarily. Regardless, the same modus operandi works the best today; to wit, if you want a good card, you had better prepare to pay a good price.

Otherwise, after a few years, you shan't have much to show for all your hunting, save for a few centered lesser condition graded cards.

Naturally, I have been speaking from the collector's point of view.

Is there anyone willing to share what they as a dealer of "good stuff" want from a show promoter, in order to load up their merchandise, travel to your show, set up, pay hotel and food bills, plus table fees of course, and be there for collectors to look and hopefully buy their wares?

---Brian Powell

[Laxcat]

As a collector:

everything that has been said has been right on. I'll add that KNOWLEDGEABLE dealers make a heck of a difference as well. I prefer to talk to dealer/collectors. I understand the need, yes NEED, for the flippers and the sellers of sealed wax boxes that retail for more than a new car. They are there to help promote the FUTURE of the hobby. I might not get all the hype around it but it is what will fuel the younger generations of collectors, whether I get it or not.

I don't get to make it to that many shows that I don't set up at. If I can't find someone to talk sports/card history or it is overstuffed with Auto'd Jerseys and mass produced pennants, I make a round or two and bail.

I don't want to sound like a collecting snob. Far from it. I collect stuff from all sports and all years. Prewar lacrosse to modern Astros and everything in between.

As a dealer: I grew up in the show promoting business. You name it, I've seen it.

Discounts on multiple tables/booths
Arrange the room so that the autograph lines don't block dealer tables
Some sort of breakfast? Not needed but much appreciated (Thanks Rich)
Promote! Promote! Promote! Set up a mailing list at the entrance. This will be your best resource. Ask other dealers that will be attending your show if they could contact people on their lists as well. Many forums have event calendars. Facebook, Twitter and the likes will help as well.

Lighting is important. Check with the hotel/venue to see if YOU can make any improvements.

A little out there: IF it is a multi day show you might be able to get the hotel, if applicable, to swing a room gratis for a hospitality suite for the dealers to mingle after the show. I would believe the hotel would be more open to this if you could guarantee them X many rooms will be occupied during your show.