Valley Forge Show this weekend

[morgan118]

I will be skipping the show as well. Last one was disappointing to say the least and there have been too many shows in a 6 week span. Now there won't be one for 3 months I believe. In any case I certainly hope Hunt Auctions is impacted by the poor attendance enough to reduce the table costs so some of the dealers who no longer setup, come back. I'm sure most of the members here know what this show used to be and I am not talking 15years ago either, more like 4 in Fort Washington.

It will probably never be like that again but unless Hunt does something to reduce costs I fear this show may become like White Plains and only locals will attend. I would much rather buy at shows than on E-Bay but based on what I am starting to find at this show ie. an abundance of VG - EX raw cards or insanely priced graded items that are out of touch with market pricing, my expenses are becoming more than my purchases so I'll sit this one out. Good luck to all that do attend however.

[Jewish-collector]

I, too, unfortunately am going to have to pass on the show this time around. Maybe next time. I have to say that I'm thrilled that the Friday hours were expanded as I used to drive up & back that same day and I always felt rushed.

I have been going to this show on a regular basis since the mid 1990's and have even attended a few shows back when it was in the old motor lodge in the 1980's.

It's too bad it has gone downhill. Outside of the National, this had been known as the very best show around. The fact that it moved initially to Reading before its new location didn't help. But, I think a more valid reason for the decline could be that Hunt Auctions is not really a show promoter.

A show has different purposes for the different types of collectors. Some collectors (like the guys on signingshotline.com) are mainly interested in the in-person autograph signings, so they don't care what dealers are setting up and what they are bringing to sell. There are, of course, the "shiny stuff" collectors, who don't care about the autograph signings nor vintage. The members of Net54 are, obviously, interested in vintage cards & memorabilia, so again it doesn't matter who is signing.

I think Mr. Hunt has decided that the autograph signings are more important, so therefore a lot of the national dealers have stopped setting up because a lot of collectors of vintage cards were not attending. There may be other reasons, but that's a large part for it. If they truly want it like the old days, they would have to put much less emphasis on the autograph signings to try to get the vintage dealers back. Perhaps they could try having a live Hunt auction one evening during that weekend.

Alan

[Clark7781]

I plan on attending on Saturday. Look for a 35 year old, over weight guy dragging a blonde ten year old daughter, a brunette nine year old daughter, and a six year old son with glasses around with him, threatening to end their iPod playing days if they don't stop fooling around.

[Rich Klein]

About UD who Hunt is working with and how I believe (IMHO) how that is affecting this trade show

Rich

[Buythatcard]

Still my favorite show. Just love being around all those baseball cards plus I just love to get away for the night. I go straight to my favorite seller and spend most of my money with him. If he decides to close shop, then I might not attend anymore.

[bh3443]

I just want to wish everyone a successful show. Some of my local friends are driving down to set up and buy. I was invited (they always ask me to go), but I'm too sick to travel.
So, everyone have fun, make money, add to your collections and please post your items bought on the Dec pick up thread. The pick up thread is one of my favorites!
Enjoy our hobby and speak of our group of great people on net54 with pride.
Don't be shy to tell everyone that our community is the best!
Regards,
Bill Hedin

[tedzan]

PAUL

Looking forward to seeing you again. I will be set-up at this show with a stock of over 400 - T206 cards to select from.

See me at Booth # 408.

Best regards,

TED Z

[glynparson]

I have other commitments so I will not be setting up thistime, but I am on my way down right now.

[curch]

Just got back from the show. Some really great stuff, but I think for the most part over priced. Better deals on ebay. But that seems to be the norm anymore at any show. I think the biggest problem I had was many dealers wouldn't even look at me. Maybe because I am a young guy they don't think I have money to spend? I am a nice guy and easy to talk with and came with money to spend. My biggest hunt was the 52 Mantle. A dealer there had 10 of them. I looked, hung around, and no response. He was too busy on the cell phone and the computer. After going to his table 3 times, I just gave up. I got no response from 90% of the tables. I felt almost like the dealers were to good to be bothered. All in all, nice show with a lot of cool items, but it seemed more like a mesuem than a place to buy.

Joe

[bcbgcbrcb]

Joe:

I have found the same thing often times at shows. I also have walked away from dealer tables given that scenario unless it is an item that I am really dying for...........