Here is my take on the current private signing market. Back in the 80s and 90s, dealers and walk up customers paid the exact same price for autographs from card show signers. Now with private signings and wholesale pricing, the promoter makes a big chunk of money from retail customers and the dealers/wholesalers get a deal. I have seen some wholesale prices there are 1/3 the retail price that is being asked from the regular joe at some private signings this year. It is insane how much money these guys are making off of us. Also, when the dealers are paying 1/3-1/2 of the retail price, they can price things rather cheap once things hit the secondary market. It’s like buying a new car. The minute you pay retail pricing on an item, you’re never gonna be anywhere close to making your money back if you ever want to sell.
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