First-timer at National - advice, must do, don't miss?

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by JackR

Do NOT spend all of your money on the first cool thing you see
!

Yeah...I think I'll struggle with this.

[pawpawdiv9]

Originally Posted by Fballguy

Yeah...I think I'll struggle with this.

Dont worry, thats why the wife is coming with you

[1954 topps]

1) Print a map of the floorplan, take a picture of the card that interests you. Type notes in your phone with table number and negotiated price. Once you walk the show go back to your favorites and pull out your wallet.

2) Bring a fully charged back up battery charger for your phone to recharge as you won't have access to an outlet. Also everyone is on their phone at the same time so your phone is constantly seeking out a signal and it'll die faster than normal. Makes sure it's fully charged before you arrive.

3) Don't bring a rolling suitcase of cards to sell or trade please, don't be that guy everyone has to walk around or try not to trip over. You look ridiculous and it's just not considerate of others. Bring those suitcases to trade night.

4) Walk the floor quickly if your looking for something particular. Go in with clear intention of what you're seeking. If your not focused you will constantly be distracted and waste time. If you're looking for graded vintage you can skip 60-70% of the tables easily.

5) I have a small european traveler backpack with zippers facing your back so no exposed zippers can be opened, everything is nice and secure. Have a storage container for your cards, penny sleeves, top loaders, whatever you need. Also, snacks and drinks are critical. Don't waste time and money on concessions, your there for the cards!

6) Cash. No matter your budget, keep it secure. You worked hard for it.

7) Know your comps before negotiating, walk away from the table if you need to do some research, then double back. Knowledge is power, use it to your advantage. Also, if you need to overpay slightly and it's a hard to find card you better pay up or somebody else will.

8) Nobody wants to be hungover the next day at the National. You want to be on top of your game and have fun. Keep the alcohol intake reasonable unless it's your last day there, if that's the case, then by all means, throw another back.

9) If your able to make the Wednesday sneak peek and Thursday first full day of the show that's when you want to be there. Sure you'll get better deals on Sunday...once everything's been picked through by 10's of thousands of people but if you want to see the good stuff get there early in the show.

10) Be polite to the dealers, there's a lot of not so nice people they're going to be interacting with, these are very long days for them, and are often busy non-stop. Wait your turn, be polite, don't scoff at their prices. If they won't budge on price, say thank you and move on. Respect goes a long way.

[Bobbycee]

Originally Posted by 1954 topps

1) Print a map of the floorplan, take a picture of the card that interests you. Type notes in your phone with table number and negotiated price. Once you walk the show go back to your favorites and pull out your wallet.

2) Bring a fully charged back up battery charger for your phone to recharge as you won't have access to an outlet. Also everyone is on their phone at the same time so your phone is constantly seeking out a signal and it'll die faster than normal. Makes sure it's fully charged before you arrive.

3) Don't bring a rolling suitcase of cards to sell or trade please, don't be that guy everyone has to walk around or try not to trip over. You look ridiculous and it's just not considerate of others. Bring those suitcases to trade night.

4) Walk the floor quickly if your looking for something particular. Go in with clear intention of what you're seeking. If your not focused you will constantly be distracted and waste time. If you're looking for graded vintage you can skip 60-70% of the tables easily.

5) I have a small european traveler backpack with zippers facing your back so no exposed zippers can be opened, everything is nice and secure. Have a storage container for your cards, penny sleeves, top loaders, whatever you need. Also, snacks and drinks are critical. Don't waste time and money on concessions, your there for the cards!

6) Cash. No matter your budget, keep it secure. You worked hard for it.

7) Know your comps before negotiating, walk away from the table if you need to do some research, then double back. Knowledge is power, use it to your advantage. Also, if you need to overpay slightly and it's a hard to find card you better pay up or somebody else will.

8) Nobody wants to be hungover the next day at the National. You want to be on top of your game and have fun. Keep the alcohol intake reasonable unless it's your last day there, if that's the case, then by all means, throw another back.

9) If your able to make the Wednesday sneak peek and Thursday first full day of the show that's when you want to be there. Sure you'll get better deals on Sunday...once everything's been picked through by 10's of thousands of people but if you want to see the good stuff get there early in the show.

10) Be polite to the dealers, there's a lot of not so nice people they're going to be interacting with, these are very long days for them, and are often busy non-stop. Wait your turn, be polite, don't scoff at their prices. If they won't budge on price, say thank you and move on. Respect goes a long way.

This is spot on & well thought out. I only wish I knew in advance what dealers had what I was looking for (That elusive Cobb Bat off, Demmitt, & O'Hara).

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by 1954 topps

1) Print a map of the floorplan, take a picture of the card that interests you. Type notes in your phone with table number and negotiated price. Once you walk the show go back to your favorites and pull out your wallet.

2) Bring a fully charged back up battery charger for your phone to recharge as you won't have access to an outlet. Also everyone is on their phone at the same time so your phone is constantly seeking out a signal and it'll die faster than normal. Makes sure it's fully charged before you arrive.

3) Don't bring a rolling suitcase of cards to sell or trade please, don't be that guy everyone has to walk around or try not to trip over. You look ridiculous and it's just not considerate of others. Bring those suitcases to trade night.

4) Walk the floor quickly if your looking for something particular. Go in with clear intention of what you're seeking. If your not focused you will constantly be distracted and waste time. If you're looking for graded vintage you can skip 60-70% of the tables easily.

5) I have a small european traveler backpack with zippers facing your back so no exposed zippers can be opened, everything is nice and secure. Have a storage container for your cards, penny sleeves, top loaders, whatever you need. Also, snacks and drinks are critical. Don't waste time and money on concessions, your there for the cards!

6) Cash. No matter your budget, keep it secure. You worked hard for it.

7) Know your comps before negotiating, walk away from the table if you need to do some research, then double back. Knowledge is power, use it to your advantage. Also, if you need to overpay slightly and it's a hard to find card you better pay up or somebody else will.

8) Nobody wants to be hungover the next day at the National. You want to be on top of your game and have fun. Keep the alcohol intake reasonable unless it's your last day there, if that's the case, then by all means, throw another back.

9) If your able to make the Wednesday sneak peek and Thursday first full day of the show that's when you want to be there. Sure you'll get better deals on Sunday...once everything's been picked through by 10's of thousands of people but if you want to see the good stuff get there early in the show.

10) Be polite to the dealers, there's a lot of not so nice people they're going to be interacting with, these are very long days for them, and are often busy non-stop. Wait your turn, be polite, don't scoff at their prices. If they won't budge on price, say thank you and move on. Respect goes a long way.

This is a great list. Unfortunately, I'll be the guy carrying around a stack of pennants in rigid plastic holders. Not the most nimble cargo so I apologize in advance if I poke anyone in the eye or nuts.

[Jewish-collector]

Here's my beginner's guide to the National, specifically for ones looking for vintage cards:

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 suckers 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 crap to show after show.

You will have a blast at the show even if you don't buy that much. The variety and quality of the cards is amazing.

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[Jobu]

Not only comfy shoes, but in the past I have bought Dr Sholes inserts - I think last time I actually bought two pairs and doubled up on them.

[rjackson44]

Im going with 5 k ,,once its gone im gone ,what i dont have today i dont need tomorrow 😎😎

[Fballguy]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Dont worry, thats why the wife is coming with you

Ha! My first national and I was granted three nights on my own! No training wheels or guardrails. They'll make a movie of my adventures called "National Alone" starring Macaulay Culkin.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

Dont worry, thats why the wife is coming with you

Oh man, If I did that for anything the complaining about my spending would start at the ticket window. Maybe even the Uber ride to the show...

There's a great reason my son goes to anything like this with me, lol. I will be out this year, but we may make a go of Rosemont for the adventure.

[Rich Klein]

the biggest regret I read about on these boards is people seeing a white whale item, especially if at a fair price, and then noting it only to find out it was sold 10 minutes later.

If it is 1960's commons you can take your sweet time but if it is the one off pre-War item and is fair you should buy it immediately.

So that rule about noting a table booth is usually right but not always

Rich