First Time Going to National Convention (Prices better or Worse than eBay)?

[Jewish-collector]

Here's a beginner's guide to the National:

My advice to first timers is to wear comfortable shoes, carry a large shoulder bag or a pack for your cash, want lists, top loads, plastic cases, and a small box for graded cards. Leave your coat/jacket/sweater in your car. it will be warm at the show. Bring a pen and a notebook to keep track of your purchases and to make a map of dealer booths so you can remember where you saw particular items. Don't pay the listed price for anything. Many times the dealers will offer you a discount before you ask for one. It doesn't hurt to ask for a larger discount that the one that they offer. If you are looking for specific items in specific grades, make a list of the prices that you are willing to pay. It is easy to overpay at the show. If you look hard enough you will find a few bargains, but it may take some time. Bring a small flashlight, a loupe, and a magnifying glass. Bring some $1 bills and $5 bills. It is surprising how many dealers don't have enough change.

When you see a card in a dealers showcase with no price, and you ask the dealer how much he wants for it, usually if he says, "hold on a minute, I'll look it up", you can count on the dealer asking for much more than it is worth. Generally he will be looking for collectors who are willing to overpay, or he really doesn't know how much it is worth and he is "fishing" to see what you will offer. It seems like some of the dealers don't like to acknowledge that you are looking at their cards, and that you may like to buy something from them. They are too busy eating, reading, or sorting their cards to look up and say "hi". It also seems that the dealers who do acknowledge you, talk to you, and ask you questions are the ones who are willing to be flexible on their prices. Some of the dealers are there to sell their cards and turn over their inventory, and some seem to bring the same overpriced cards to show after show.

Also, do get together with other collectors & dealers. It's a great way to put some faces to the names of the Net54 members. People can be quite different face to face than they are on the forum.

You will have a blast at the show even if you don't buy a whole lot. But, most of all, enjoy your experience !!!

[Snapolit1]

Most stuff overpriced. But it’s cool being around your peeps. That’s the bottom line. Don’t look for bargains but you will see cool stuff and meet some nice people.

[swarmee]

I'm worried if he goes that his head will explode.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by swarmee

I'm worried if he goes that his head will explode.

I've definitely set a record with fastest ignore list add today.

[cardsnstuff]

I went to the one in AC and had a blast. I saw the trimmed Wagner, held a Ruth bat, got interviewed by Topps. My kids participated in breaks, got a bunch of free stuff and were going crazy searching/buying out the .10 boxes by the boatload. Agree, some are there to sell and recover their expenses, others are to showcase their inventory. All in all, great time and well worth the admission, especially if your collector. Hopefully, I'll be there too. I heard the net54 dinner was really cool and maybe I'll be able to make it to one. Good Luck, temper your expectations and you will be very surprised.

{Leon, If I can't post other boards feel free to delete this line and everything below}

Below is a really good thread/topic on the blowout boards. Posted every year from April thru August. It contains a lot of info, dealer stories, etc and is a really good read/look through.

https://www.blowoutforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=104

[that T206 Guy]

Originally Posted by swarmee

i'm worried if he goes that his head will explode.

lol

[that T206 Guy]

I sure Hope this is Not Like a Coin Show.

Which it sounds like

For those of you that don't know EVERYTHING is marked Up at Coin Shows.

And Everyone but Me Asks for a Deal.

I Hate the Deal Thing because I don't want to look like a Cheapskate.

At a Coin Show Half the Dealers Assume you Will Ask for a Deal Regardless if you ask or not so I Pick Some Coins and I Get a Discount Without Even Asking.

But Other Dealers just Take your money if you don't ask which I can't stand because I Don't Ask for Deals.

Just List What you want and stick to it.

It is Not Fair to Those of Us that Don't Beg for Deals.

We are Willing to Pay your Price and Don't Pester You but then You Rip Us Off.

Is that How This Show Will be (Like a Coin Show)?

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by that T206 Guy

I sure Hope this is Not Like a Coin Show.

Which it sounds like

For those of you that don't know EVERYTHING is marked Up at Coin Shows.

And Everyone but Me Asks for a Deal.

I Hate the Deal Thing because I don't want to look like a Cheapskate.

At a Coin Show Half the Dealers Assume you Will Ask for a Deal Regardless if you ask or not so I Pick Some Coins and I Get a Discount Without Even Asking.

But Other Dealers just Take your money if you don't ask which I can't stand because I Don't Ask for Deals.

Just List What you want and stick to it.

It is Not Fair to Those of Us that Don't Beg for Deals.

We are Willing to Pay your Price and Don't Pester You but then You Rip Us Off.

Is that How This Show Will be (Like a Coin Show)?

No guts, no glory!!

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by that T206 Guy

I sure Hope this is Not Like a Coin Show.

Which it sounds like

For those of you that don't know EVERYTHING is marked Up at Coin Shows.

And Everyone but Me Asks for a Deal.

I Hate the Deal Thing because I don't want to look like a Cheapskate.

At a Coin Show Half the Dealers Assume you Will Ask for a Deal Regardless if you ask or not so I Pick Some Coins and I Get a Discount Without Even Asking.

But Other Dealers just Take your money if you don't ask which I can't stand because I Don't Ask for Deals.

Just List What you want and stick to it.

It is Not Fair to Those of Us that Don't Beg for Deals.

We are Willing to Pay your Price and Don't Pester You but then You Rip Us Off.

Is that How This Show Will be (Like a Coin Show)?

Locally; I usually give a better deal to those that don't say anything. The ones that are more aggressive end up not buying much from me. But that's just me.

[bobbyw8469]

I have never been, but the only reason I would remotely think about going is to get auto's. I am 100% sure the prices can not compete with Ebay/Auction Houses even with a 20% BP.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Most stuff overpriced. But it’s cool being around your peeps. That’s the bottom line. Don’t look for bargains but you will see cool stuff and meet some nice people.

Somehow I doubt that the OP is one of my peeps, but I could be wrong.

[that T206 Guy]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Here's a beginner's guide to the National:

My advice to first timers is to wear comfortable shoes, carry a large shoulder bag or a pack for your cash, want lists, top loads, plastic cases, and a small box for graded cards. Leave your coat/jacket/sweater in your car. it will be warm at the show. Bring a pen and a notebook to keep track of your purchases and to make a map of dealer booths so you can remember where you saw particular items. Don't pay the listed price for anything. Many times the dealers will offer you a discount before you ask for one. It doesn't hurt to ask for a larger discount that the one that they offer. If you are looking for specific items in specific grades, make a list of the prices that you are willing to pay. It is easy to overpay at the show. If you look hard enough you will find a few bargains, but it may take some time. Bring a small flashlight, a loupe, and a magnifying glass. Bring some $1 bills and $5 bills. It is surprising how many dealers don't have enough change.

When you see a card in a dealers showcase with no price, and you ask the dealer how much he wants for it, usually if he says, "hold on a minute, I'll look it up", you can count on the dealer asking for much more than it is worth. Generally he will be looking for collectors who are willing to overpay, or he really doesn't know how much it is worth and he is "fishing" to see what you will offer. It seems like some of the dealers don't like to acknowledge that you are looking at their cards, and that you may like to buy something from them. They are too busy eating, reading, or sorting their cards to look up and say "hi". It also seems that the dealers who do acknowledge you, talk to you, and ask you questions are the ones who are willing to be flexible on their prices. Some of the dealers are there to sell their cards and turn over their inventory, and some seem to bring the same overpriced cards to show after show.

Also, do get together with other collectors & dealers. It's a great way to put some faces to the names of the Net54 members. People can be quite different face to face than they are on the forum.

You will have a blast at the show even if you don't buy a whole lot. But, most of all, enjoy your experience !!!

Great Tips.

Thanks