Spending at the 2022 National

[Belfast1933]

I'm thinking of attending for 2 days, Thursday and Friday... unless others feel there is an advantage to being there on Saturday? (prefer to miss the uber big crowds over the weekend itself)

To the original question, I am approaching it like a visit to a very cool museum... except all of the works of art are for sale! My onw plan is to have a bit of a budget and just buy opportunistically (probably more fun items to accompany my card displays in my "Card Cave" more so than cards themselves.)

So, does Thursday/Friday seem like a good 2-day plan? Thanks all

Jeff

[Snapolit1]

Thurs. - Friday an excellent plan. Will still be crowded of course, but I am sure Saturday much more crowded, particularly on the autograph front.

Only day I'd really try to avoid is Sunday, as people start packing up at different times.

Originally Posted by Belfast1933

I'm thinking of attending for 2 days, Thursday and Friday... unless others feel there is an advantage to being there on Saturday? (prefer to miss the uber big crowds over the weekend itself)

To the original question, I am approaching it like a visit to a very cool museum... except all of the works of art are for sale! My onw plan is to have a bit of a budget and just buy opportunistically (probably more fun items to accompany my card displays in my "Card Cave" more so than cards themselves.)

So, does Thursday/Friday seem like a good 2-day plan? Thanks all

Jeff

[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Thurs. - Friday and excellent plan. Will still be crowded of course, but I am sure Saturday much more crowded, particularly on the autograph front.

Only day I'd really try to avoid is Sunday, as people start packing up at different times.

Great... thanks for confirming.

Might look to pick up odds/ends like vintage equipment (an old catchers mask would look cool) vs. cards themselves.

I've discovered that I'm such a persnickity buyer of my cards that I prefer to take my time, obsess over the condition and pull the trigger slowly - not exactly well suited for a big-time show like this!

Maybe see some of you there.

Jeff

[mrreality68]

looking forward to this years Nationals.

Be good to see and meet many of the members of the forum

looking forward to seeing what is out their. Have no expectations to buy anything to do the expectations on the prices being at a premium but will still be happy to just explore the booths and also to meet some of the vendors.

Also effecting buys of course are auctions between now and then and what might catch my eye and wallet

[Gradedcardman]

I have never been to a National where I haven't been able to find good opportunities to buy at reasonable prices. Whether it's T-206, 1952 Topps or shiny. If you don't ask you don't get. Ask for your price, if they give it then get it, if they don't then move to the next table.

[bbcard1]

Originally Posted by Gradedcardman

I have never been to a National where I haven't been able to find good opportunities to buy at reasonable prices. Whether it's T-206, 1952 Topps or shiny. If you don't ask you don't get. Ask for your price, if they give it then get it, if they don't then move to the next table.

I've done ok on lower grade cards. I've done very well digging through the nickel type boxes. One year I ran into a guy who had the office leftovers from Pacific...a lot of blank cards that would be hand numbered as replacements...picked up a lot of my favorites, local players, etc at a nickel or a dime each.

[Foo3112]

I attended in 2019 and again in 2021 - both in Chicago. The National is a lot of fun but I will admit that it wasn't as enjoyable in 2021 and there was a HUGE increase in new collectors, so it was a lot more packed. There were some tables that I wasn't able to see because of so many people all around but on both years, I was able to leave with what I wanted.

I will not be attending in 2022 but will attend again in 2023. Just too much happening in my life outside of cards. Not bad things, simply other things that I have planned and so gathering funds for the show is not a possibility. I knew that since I was attending in 2021 that I would not be making the AC show and I am perfectly okay with that. Plus, I will wait until Chicago as I am not a fan of the AC area, and I don't gamble at casinos.

As for people who will be attending, keep in mind that prices have been on a steady decline since even before the 2021 National so be careful because there's a good chance that whatever you pick up, you would have gotten cheaper if you would have waited a few more months. That could mean saving thousands of dollars.

The experience as a whole is fun and if you are involved in a community such as on the boards, social media or YouTube, you will definitely run into some familiar faces. Go up to people and say hi - see what they are doing after. Perhaps meeting up after for drinks and dinner. Lots of people bring their cards with them to show off their latest acquisitions.

And lastly, yes, cash is king. Safeguard it but also, I don't hear a lot of stories about people pickpocketing. Can it happen, of course. Does it happen as much as people make it seem - not really. If you carry a bag, perhaps put the cash inside and lock the zipper and of course, keep the bag with you and ON YOU at all times. It would really suck for you to put the bag down on a chair and you walk away because you were done eating or whatever and then you suddenly realize that you left your bag behind, and two minutes has passed. Theres a good chance your bag is gone - so don't get caught slipping.

[Snapolit1]

To follow up on above excellent post, yes there are criminals who show up at huge events like this to steal things. if i was a seller I would have a dedicated safety person watching my stuff while I deal with customers. for those visiting, be careful where you put your stuff. i wouldn’t carry expensive cards around for the hell of it. just not worth it. and be careful with your cash. no different than I would tell anyone attending a large convention anywhere.

[Jewish-collector]

Originally Posted by Foo3112

Go up to people and say hi - see what they are doing after. Perhaps meeting up after for drinks and dinner.

So, if I go to the National and if I come up to you to say hi, can we have a couple cold ones ? beer chug.gif