How does a new seller get into ANY major card show these days?

[the-illini]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

Thank you for the input, Drew. That has always been the easiest solution. Unfortunately, the show promoters beginning with the National are shutting down that avenue by explicitly disallowing that in the dealer contracts that need to be signed. Dealer costs going up in 2024 is definitely not a plus for me, if it forces others out, will most likely keep me out as well for the same reason. Finances are tighter for me than probably just about anyone else out there looking to set up at a major show.

It is in the contracts that subletting tables is not allowed, but it happens all the time. As previously mentioned, that is your quickest way to getting a decent table at the big shows.

[Peter_Spaeth]

The promoters should still reply to inquiries like Phil's. They can't be that busy, and they certainly aren't that important.

[philliesfan]

I am also trying to get in the Philly show.
No luck so far even though I have done it in the past.

[Exhibitman]

Did you pick up the phone? Might try that. I find that a 20th century approach is sometimes best since emails and the like are really passive in character.

[bcbgcbrcb]

I called first and that’s when I was directed to complete the application online, both Chantilly and Philly did that and I understand that it’s the same people running both. I just messaged Strongsville through their website at the end of last week to follow up on my application there. I don’t recall seeing a telephone contact number online for that one.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

I called first and that’s when I was directed to complete the application online, both Chantilly and Philly did that and I understand that it’s the same people running both. I just messaged Strongsville through their website at the end of last week to follow up on my application there. I don’t recall seeing a telephone contact number online for that one.

It took me years to get into the National, and even after doing three in a row I am not guaranteed a spot 2024 as I didn't make the cut in the lottery.

It took me years to get into Strongsville as well as it is a smaller show.

I know Philly has been sold out and there is a waiting list, but I am surprised you can't get into Chantilly.

Joe Drelich is a member here, maybe reach out to him I think his user name is NCvintage

[maniac_73]

It's pretty much a money loser to display at a show anyways

[Snowman]

Did you tell them what cards you plan to sell? If you have good stuff that's in high demand, you'll generally stand a better chance.

[Kutcher55]

Originally Posted by maniac_73

It's pretty much a money loser to display at a show anyways

I was curious about this myself. There's a good local dealer I know who will go unnamed. He has 5 tables every year at the Shriners, costs almost $2K now, plus you gotta haul all that stuff around, stay at a hotel or crash with a friend in the area, cost of travel of course. This guy said he's lucky to break even, and it strikes me that a lot of these folks are in it mostly for the love of the game. Sure, a select group of people are doing well. You need to turn over a good amount of inventory to make it work. Much more $ efficient to run your business over the intranets, that's for dang sure.

I'm also surprised at how a lot of these dealers aren't really up to speed on modern ways of transferring money. Heard a dealer the other day say he didn't accept paypal or venmo. If you're gonna be slinging 5-figure plus cards at these shows you're gonna risk back problems carrying around that many Ben Franklins. It helps to have electronic means, although I can understand how cash is still preferred for obvious reasons. It's definitely old school at these shows when it comes to vintage. It's not just the cards that are vintage. It's the people and the overall scene.

[the-illini]

Originally Posted by maniac_73

It's pretty much a money loser to display at a show anyways

If you have good stuff and treat customers with respect and show a willingness to interact with them while they look, you will make money.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by maniac_73

It's pretty much a money loser to display at a show anyways

which is why you can't get in as a dealer...