Safeguards at shows

[1954 topps]

Dealers need to take the precautions needed to secure their own investment in their business. Sure security cameras are great but when you only see stuff getting stolen and walking away without the crime being prevented it’s too late. You incurred the loss.

While at the East Coast National last year, a dealer was showing multiple cards to a buyer. Once the buyer left I come by looking through the cases and what do I see sitting on top of one of cases. A 1953 Mantle PSA 6. I couldn’t believe it, I look up at the dealer and he’s two tables down chatting with his buddy. I pick up the card, walk over to him and say hey “ You left this out on your case, I didn’t want someone to walk off with this” His oh shit look on his face said it all. I’m not going to say who’s table it was but let’s just say it was in the basement level… if you are aware and can connect the dots you can likely guess who this was.😬 Sadly this is not the first time this has happened to me at shows.

Please lock your cards back up, pay attention, get off your damn phones, and be vigilant. Your cases should be locked 100% of the time during shows.. At the end of the show each day valuable cards should be going into a safe directly and that safe should be strapped to your wrist until you get to your vehicle. Always have a trusted friend or colleague with you during transport and if you want mace or pepper spray go for it. Protecting your assets are your responsibility and nobody else’s.