What makes a great show?

[Rich Klein]

It's not as easy you think with grading companies to get them to come.

I have open invites to various Dallas based companies to set up and I get them infrequently. And Usually, if I think it would be a draw to have them, we give them or reduced the tables rate so they can promote their appearance on their web sites and via their emails.

I'm sure each one has different variables as reasons to attend

As for getting the word out - I did mention that was the promoter's job along the way

As for "wannabe" dealers -- some of them may not have much cards but use their tables to buy -- I don't have a problem with letting people in to sell cards as you never know. I had a person call me earlier this year -- turned out he was an Iraq war vet and had a complete Desert Shield set (The 1991 Topps version) and a bunch of extra singles and he walked out with more than 2K.

But if you saw his display, you never would have thought he had that much good stuff. Sometimes, it's better to be surprised and as a promoter, one of my jobs is to ensure the tables get sold/filled.

Rich

[Jewish-collector]

Some collectors want only dealers with vintage, some collectors want only shiny stuff, etc,... Just get as many dealers as you can to satisfy everyone's interests.

A good many Autograph guests from a variety of sports. But, have the area organized and maybe somewhat away from the dealer tables. But, minimize all the over abundant of announcements that so and so is only appearing for another hour and now accepting tickets 1 to 50, etc,...

A good food area with reasonable prices and plenty of tables/chairs.

Long show hours on at least one day (ie Fri 3 pm - 8 pm)

Reasonable admission fees.

Free and plenty of parking.

A table of flyers with upcoming shows, auctions, etc,...

[Snapolit1]

At least one day with extended hours. Yes, great idea. Def. good for those where work is not cooperating.

[bravos4evr]

A dealer section that features a cross section of vintage and modern and all price points to maximize the buyer's options. An autograph guest or two that isn't ridiculously expensive. (Darryl Strawberry just signed nearby for $30, but I saw at another place 60 miles away it was $60, something tells me the dealer overcharged the 2nd signing)

But mostly, what others have said, the logistics stuff (parking, food, crowd flow) are handled and well thought out.

Man, really it all comes down to having good dealers and good stuff at a good venue that is well planned.

[skelly]

I think it is a mistake only looking for "serious" dealers. As long as the "weekend warrior" dealers are going to bring something interesting, even if it is just a bunch of seventies stuff... I say they should be welcome. As a collector that goes to the big shows, I've already met / seen all the dealers that do the Valley Forge Show & White Plains. Sometimes the "part time" dealers are much more interested in selling. Often other dealers are pleased as well, as they will buy wholesale from them at the end of the show.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by skelly

I think it is a mistake only looking for "serious" dealers. As long as the "weekend warrior" dealers are going to bring something interesting, even if it is just a bunch of seventies stuff... I say they should be welcome. As a collector that goes to the big shows, I've already met / seen all the dealers that do the Valley Forge Show & White Plains. Sometimes the "part time" dealers are much more interested in selling. Often other dealers are pleased as well, as they will buy wholesale from them at the end of the show.

Surprisingly you can sometimes buy some good material from these motivated new table holders. In fact it can be cheaper to buy their stuff than to buy it from a walk in or somebody who has gotten their hands on a price guide and has no idea of the true value of the material. If you pay too much for your material you as a dealer will own it for a long time.