What the hobby is becoming

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by conor912

I attended my first show last weekend since 2019 and had some interesting observations. The lion's share of the inventories for the lion's share of the dealers was all within the last 5 years. While that's typically not what I collect, I have found some pockets of interest and spoke to many of these dealers. They were just about all in their 20's and 30's, and extremely nice, helpful, and enthusiastic. I had a nice interaction/conversation with each and every one. The energy in the room was great, someone had music playing, and I had more fun than I have in a long time at a show, even though I only left having only spent 20 bucks.

....then there were a few old guy dealers selling vintage, just sitting there with no one at their tables, arms crossed, looking curmudgeonly and completely unapproachable. In that environment, it was easy to pass them right over. It got me asking myself how on earth they could expect modern collectors to appreciate vintage with outward attitudes like that.

I'm tempted to say the old guy vintage dealers are just bored with it all, but there have been similar complaints practically since shows started 50 years ago. Question: What would you guess the % is between flippers and actual collectors among the younger crowd at recent shows?

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

I'm tempted to say the old guy vintage dealers are just bored with it all, but there have been similar complaints practically since shows started 50 years ago. Question: What would you guess the % is between flippers and actual collectors among the younger crowd at recent shows?

I won’t for one second argue with that. It just seemed more magnified this time. If I ever hit a point where I become “bored with it all”, I’ll sure as hell find something else to do with my weekends.

As to the flippers vs. collectors, I have no idea. My main point was commenting on the show-going experience and not what the attendees intend to do with their purchases.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by conor912

I won’t for one second argue with that. It just seemed more magnified this time. If I ever hit a point where I become “bored with it all”, I’ll sure as hell find something else to do with my weekends.

As to the flippers vs. collectors, I have no idea. My main point was commenting on the show-going experience and not what the attendees intend to do with their purchases.

Agreed, my life's ambition is to limit the amount of time I'm bored as much as possible! Also agree on the excitement of the crowds of younger people at shows, off the charts at Philly. I'm just wondering how long it's going to last?

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

I'm just wondering how long it's going to last?

Until they all default on their credit cards... because cards only go up, so why not borrow against them?

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Until they all default on their credit cards... because cards only go up, so why not borrow against them?

That's why I love debit cards. I cut up all my credit cards in the 70s.

[Snapolit1]

It’s funny, people on this board look at Modern cards are say “isn’t this ridiculous…” and then they go back to debating some obscure back variation of a card from 1905 that is largely of interest to no one.

Just sayin.

It’s all relative.

[Touch'EmAll]

The hobby is supposed to be fun. If true vintage brings you fun, great. If modern brings you fun, great. The hobby is flourishing - albeit with some bumps and bruises along the way. There might never have been more people involved as right now, great for the hobby. If you like to try and flip and it brings you fun, nice. If you want to collect and not sell, nice.

My roots was opening packs as a kid and collecting the then current players. Not much different than today - people opening packs and collecting the now current players.

And vintage does seem to be holding up well in the price department for those of us collecting oldies but goodies, very nice. Sure beats prices tanking and everyone yelling the sky is falling, does it not.

This is an awesome hobby. Of course I collect vintage and have very nice cards that would be tough to part with. I also collect modern raw of players I like - also fun and rewarding. I have even played the accumulate and submit to PSA game that has brought me many hours of enjoyment and fun. I have a few Pokemon cards collected with my kid - another avenue of enjoyment.

So much to like and choose from in the hobby today.

[irv]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

It’s funny, people on this board look at Modern cards are say “isn’t this ridiculous…” and then they go back to debating some obscure back variation of a card from 1905 that is largely of interest to no one.

Just sayin.

It’s all relative.

I agree. If it weren't for the steady stream of new blood into the hobby, whether they collect vintage or modern, the hobby would likely die a slow death.