Advice for "The National"

[E93]

Originally Posted by edhans

Good advice so far. I would add that comfortable and supportive footwear is essential.

+1

I would add that it is a good idea to stretch periodically; at least it helps me.
JimB

[Bosox Blair]

Also re grading - the TPGs offer on-site grading. I think the usual is overnight for pickup the next day. The price is relatively high for that type of service, as you might expect. I believe SGC had some "show specials" that made their version of this service a little cheaper than PSA.

However, I think both PSA and SGC had some kind of deal where you could pre-arrange to drop off your grading (especially a large number of cards) at the beginning of the show for pickup at the end of the show (so like 3-day service) for a much lower price.

I contacted SGC customer service the week before the show, and they e-mailed me back with details of such a deal. I did not wind up using that option because I did not have enough cards that needed grading to meet their minimum for this deal.

Cheers,
Blair

[vintagechris]

I have a question regarding buying items at the National. For those that travel, where do you put the items you buy to protect them? It would concern me to just leave them in a hotel room.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Ronnie73]

I've never been to the National either but might try to go this year if my health is good at the time. I would agree that Wednesday would be good to learn the layout of the show but I always wonder about buying on the early previews of any show. Maybe if it was an ultra rare card that can't be bought without years of searching but I feel that most dealers would hold off on giving price breaks since they have the whole show to try to sell their cards at their asking price. When I was into coin shows at the age of 9, I would go to each table many times and make notes of who had what and continue to just look around until I started seeing dealers pack up. Then I would go make my purchases and make deals on lower prices.

[tiger8mush]

For me, most important things to remember (basically repeating what others have said above):

1) Food - pack a full day's worth
2) Backpack - to carry food, purchases, items to sell/grade, checklists, etc
3) Checklist/Wantlist/Pricelist
4) pencil & pad to write stuff down like contacts or offers or table #s to come back to etc
5) comfy footwear
6) deodorant - wow were there some stinky people by 4pm!
7) net54 pin from 2010 Baltimore National!!!!

Have fun Barry!
Rob

[matty6]

I don't have any advice; I've been to one and everything I'd say was already said but I just gotta tell you this story.

I was born and raised in Maryland and am living in Florida now. I'm a school teacher so I'm off for the summer. Naturally the 2012 National was a no-brainier for me. Cal, Brooks, Palmer and F. Robby will all be there. Furthermore, I just got back into vintage stuff within the last few months. My only obstacle was convincing my girlfriend to go with me. I was looking at the celebrities signing and noticed Ron Turcotte and two other triple crown jockeys will be there. My girlfriend used to run a farm of fifty thoroughbreds and her passion is horse racing. She met Secretariot a few years back. So that's how I presented it.

"Hey baby. The national sports collectors convention is in Baltimore this year and Ron Turcotte will be there. I would love to take you there to meet him. Wanna go?"

I thought she was going to come outta her psnts. She asked off from work the next day.

Then today I mentioned the Net54 dinner and that it's free food and beverages. She's all over it!

Moral of the story? Look for the right angle with your women! Can't wait to meet you all!

[Publius]

Originally Posted by E93

+1

I would add that it is a good idea to stretch periodically; at least it helps me.
JimB

I try to do a set of lunges at the end of each aisle, prior to starting the next.

[bijoem]

Originally Posted by Publius

I try to do a set of lunges at the end of each aisle, prior to starting the next.

hahaha

[Peter_Spaeth]

Preparation is vital. A low-fat diet, a B-complex vitamin, probiotics. Cardiovascular training is most important for the rigors you will be facing, but stretching and weights can be beneficial as well. And because it's ultimately a mental and spiritual challenge, daily yoga and meditation.

[Bosox Blair]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Preparation is vital. A low-fat diet, a B-complex vitamin, probiotics. Cardiovascular training is most important for the rigors you will be facing, but stretching and weights can be beneficial as well. And because it's ultimately a mental and spiritual challenge, daily yoga and meditation.

Now I understand why there were so many...ahem...healthy-looking gents at the National.

Leon will be arranging wheatgrass smoothies as the N54 dinner entree....

[oldjudge]

1. Don't build up your hopes if you are looking for scarce cards. There are 1000+ dealer tables but very few with great vintage stuff.

2. Unless you find something that you can't live without and are afraid that it will scooped up by someone else if you leave the table, make note of cards you like, walk the full show, and then decide what you will seriously pursue. The worst thing would be to use up your money early and then find a great card.

3. Negotiate, negotiate------------NEVER PAY WHAT THE DEALER IS ASKING

4. Consider the National as a social event where you may find some cards you need. If you go in with that attitude you will never be disappointed

[E93]

Joe and Peter,
You guys are f#%@ing hilarious.
JimB

[Leon]

Originally Posted by E93

Joe and Peter,
You guys are f#%@ing hilarious.
JimB

Sorry, but I sat here laughing and laughing on that one. The first one, Joe, nailed it....and Peter's follow up was well played too. Thanks everyone. That lightened it up a little.

As Jay said, go there with low to no expectations of finding something you want or need and you will leave happy. Most likely you will find a gem or two. I do have to admit, last year was my worst year ever for getting stuff for my collection. The first day I bought a $40 strip card with an almost perfect wet sheet transfer on it, from a board member,...and nothing for my collection the next 4-5 days. I got a few odds and ends for resale but it too was almost dry. Other years I have done much better. Maybe if I quit talking for long enough to look at tables it would help? It is a great social event though (to me and many others) and I have always thoroughly enjoyed it.