Dealer Pet Peeves or "Tricks"

[steve B]

The Christmas racks are just repackaged stuff and even the older ones aren't great for condition. Usually way off center but otherwise nice. I bought one years ago just to have one, either a 58 or 59. It has a high number on the back, so it's not entirely junk. They bring some crazy prices though.

Real rack packs are entirely different.

And to get back on topic


Dealers with no prices on anything - more often than not it won't make me stop and ask, it'll make me keep walking.

The now rare overly attentive dealer. You know those guys- "Oh! an actual customer. Look at these 88 Donruss, they're about to become huge, and lemme look, I have some 87s around here too. Old cards you say? I have these 65 topps, they're near mint except for the creases and juice stains. Tobacco cards?! you mean like those redmen things? they're not in Beckett, and there aren't any nice screwdowns for them so I never bothered........"

Most of the rest has been covered already.

Steve B

[Snapolit1]

First show I went to (White Plains a few years back) some guy gave me the usual seller "let me know if you are interested in seeing anything" line and I responded with the usual potential buyer " . . . ok thanks . .. just looking for now..." Perfectly harmless pleasantries. Or so I thought. He then acted peeved and mumbled loudly "yeah, just just looking . . just looking . . . that's all I hear just looking." Idiot. Yeah, just looking, and not buying from someone who is going to mimic me. In the last year I could have bought and sold his measly table 15 times over on what I've spent on cards, but sorry for wasting your time bud.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by steve B

The Christmas racks are just repackaged stuff and even the older ones aren't great for condition. Usually way off center but otherwise nice. I bought one years ago just to have one, either a 58 or 59. It has a high number on the back, so it's not entirely junk. They bring some crazy prices though.

Real rack packs are entirely different.

And to get back on topic


Dealers with no prices on anything - more often than not it won't make me stop and ask, it'll make me keep walking.

The now rare overly attentive dealer. You know those guys- "Oh! an actual customer. Look at these 88 Donruss, they're about to become huge, and lemme look, I have some 87s around here too. Old cards you say? I have these 65 topps, they're near mint except for the creases and juice stains. Tobacco cards?! you mean like those redmen things? they're not in Beckett, and there aren't any nice screwdowns for them so I never bothered........"

Most of the rest has been covered already.

Steve B

Those of you who've dealt with me at shows gimme some feedback. This is a fine line as I hear all the time "I hate when dealers just sit there and ignore me until I ask a question." Is there a "perfect" approach?

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Those of you who've dealt with me at shows gimme some feedback. This is a fine line as I hear all the time "I hate when dealers just sit there and ignore me until I ask a question." Is there a "perfect" approach?

Really don't know what needs to be said other than "Let me know if I can help you, or if there is something specific you are looking for." Which is what most people say.

Sometimes I stop at table to check something interesting out -- say football cards -- knowing full well I am not buying any. Just something caught my eye. When I tell the seller I don't need help or am not interested in anything, what I'm acutually saying is "no need to waste time on me . . . I'm not buying anything."

[Snapolit1]

For those of you who think shows are nothing but guys trying to rip you off at ridiculous prices . . .well, yeah, there is some of that, but I've had the exact opposite experience. I walked into the last Philly show and found a high grade Gehrig card at a fair price. A card I had been looking for for a while. Was the first table I walked up to and hadn't been in the room 5 minutes. Made my one big purchase for the day. Particularly at the big shows, the dealers I've encountered are a lot more sophisticated and professional, and informed, than some of the guys who set up at the VFW Hall.

[Timbegs]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Those of you who've dealt with me at shows gimme some feedback. This is a fine line as I hear all the time "I hate when dealers just sit there and ignore me until I ask a question." Is there a "perfect" approach?

No. No guaranteed perfect. But I always like an extended hand, your name, and 'How long have you been collecting cards?' I think it's a win win, as a dealer you can assess the client and it's open ended so they can inform you what they like and what they may be looking for or point you in the right direction. I also like when a dealer is really honest - if some card prices are negotiable and others aren't, say so. Clients understand the business, too. Lastly, if you're close, many guys appreciate a free, nice common from the same set - even a single cheap, low value common - as a gesture.

Hope it helps...

[JollyElm]

People at shows have to realize there must be a gentle balance to the two sides of a dealer's table. I'm only a buyer, not a seller, but here's what I would add to the topic...

Buyers:
If I'm at a show, I love finding the dealers I can talk to about the cards I'm interested in, baseball in general, and other fun and friendly things. BUT…there comes a point where I, the buyer, has to realize that these people are here to make money. I can't hog their time and then walk away without purchasing anything, because it makes me feel like I'm ripping them off.

Conclusion: They're here to work and turn a profit. Don't waste too much of their time if you're only a tire kicker. Remember the ones who treat you right, and spend your money with them at the next show when they have something you need. And also realize that a lot of these guys are dead tired from working the room all day. It's exhausting.

Sellers:
Most buyers know what we're looking for. I mean, come on, don't use car salesman tactics on me. If I'm wearing my Mets hat and I'm glancing at your table, please stop pestering me with, "You're a Mets fan?? I got this PSA 9 Cleon Jones rookie. And take a look at this Casey Stengel card when he was the Yankees skipper. What about Tom Seaver? I have a few of his cards that are graded 7's but should be 8's!"…and on and on. And, no, I'm not making that up. There's no way in heck you're going to talk me into buying something based solely on a connection to the hat I'm wearing.

Conclusion: Always, always, always be friendly and inviting, but let people peruse your stuff at their own pace and ask questions when they're ready. If someone is lingering, trying to get your attention, let them know you'll get to them in a second. Courtesy goes a very long way and it usually pays off. If not now at this show, then in the future at some other event. I always seek out those great, gregarious sellers at the shows out here and spend money with them time and time again.