Card Interest Down? Not at the National.

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Crowded is not necessarily the same thing as lots of card sales. My limited anecdotal evidence is that cards that friends were looking for for me were insanely overpriced.

Peter, in the past, I would agree with you But from what I have seen, guys spent and got pick ups, so maybe they worked deals from the prices? or maybe they just accepted the price.

[Steve_NY]

Another dealer viewpoint -- at booth 800 eight booths in the main entrance.

Second best National of 40!!! Post sales could jump it to number one of 40. I am 100% vintage pre -1975. Business was brisk and I didn't get to eat most days until 2 P.M. or later.

What was hot? Everything vintage -- which sport or non sport? -- just everything!!!

My display was so good that I drew a diagram so I can repeat the set up next year. Every day, hundreds of customers told me I had the best display at the show and spent hours staring at my packs. I displayed raw unopened wax packs from 1933 to 1970 - and I blew many minds with my 1935 National Chicle and every year Goudey packs and my rare Parkhurst and Topps Hockey packs. They didn't sell because they were not graded but I did sell some pack rarities that pushed my sales almost to my best show ever -- and I have done 40 Nationals and literally over 1,000 shows (I even ran over 300 shows).

I suspected that the pre show noise was just that. I really would like to see everyone come to next year's National in Chicago, but I am sure that many Net 54ers will not come and say that the hobby is dead or everything will be too expensive or something similar.

You can't imagine how many Net 54ers came and introduced themselves to me, and often spent money at my booth. Also, many more Canadians came and spent money.

My take on the high prices? Everyone who buys from me wants a discount of 10-20 percent off. I never sell anything at the price I have on the item. If I priced my vintage cards too low, I will still be held to a 10-20 percent further reduction. Yes, most of what I sell (except for my packs) was bought in the 70s and 80s, but replacing that stock is almost impossible. I would prefer to let someone else enjoy my cards but don't want to give it away. Fair is fair. Also I am very happy that everyone did well!! We all deserve it.

Steve

[jimtodd]

The IX center has hosted a ton of events over the years, and the Cleveland local news said this was the most people they had ever seen attend an event there.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Steve_NY

Another dealer viewpoint -- at booth 800 eight booths in the main entrance.

Second best National of 40!!! Post sales could jump it to number one of 40. I am 100% vintage pre -1975. Business was brisk and I didn't get to eat most days until 2 P.M. or later.

What was hot? Everything vintage -- which sport or non sport? -- just everything!!!

My display was so good that I drew a diagram so I can repeat the set up next year. Every day, hundreds of customers told me I had the best display at the show and spent hours staring at my packs. I displayed raw unopened wax packs from 1933 to 1970 - and I blew many minds with my 1935 National Chicle and every year Goudey packs and my rare Parkhurst and Topps Hockey packs. They didn't sell because they were not graded but I did sell some pack rarities that pushed my sales almost to my best show ever -- and I have done 40 Nationals and literally over 1,000 shows (I even ran over 300 shows).

I suspected that the pre show noise was just that. I really would like to see everyone come to next year's National in Chicago, but I am sure that many Net 54ers will not come and say that the hobby is dead or everything will be too expensive or something similar.

You can't imagine how many Net 54ers came and introduced themselves to me, and often spent money at my booth. Also, many more Canadians came and spent money.

My take on the high prices? Everyone who buys from me wants a discount of 10-20 percent off. I never sell anything at the price I have on the item. If I priced my vintage cards too low, I will still be held to a 10-20 percent further reduction. Yes, most of what I sell (except for my packs) was bought in the 70s and 80s, but replacing that stock is almost impossible. I would prefer to let someone else enjoy my cards but don't want to give it away. Fair is fair. Also I am very happy that everyone did well!! We all deserve it.

Steve

I didn't have time to stop and chat but I enjoyed walking by your booth a number of times on my way elsewhere. I was at the other end of the 800 aisle. Your stuff was absolutely mind-blowing