Does allowing card trading at card shows (or retail stores) promote or hinder sales?

travrosty · #1 04-01-2013, 08:21 PM

it's harder to trade now with card grading mucking it all up. in the old days you could trade a 1954 topps of joe blow for a 1955 topps john q public straight up if they were worth approximately the same in excellent/near mint condition and both parties would be happy.

now if one is an 8 and the other an 8.5 even though they look the same condition wise, the guy with the higher card will demand more in trade for his card even though the guy with the 8 card thinks an even up trade is fair because they both look the same, so they won't come to an agreement because just the half grade difference means hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars!

hangman62 · #2 04-01-2013, 08:35 PM

I recall back in 80s...a few shows would set aside a large table or area for trading....havent seen that in a long long time now.

Id love the idea..as Ive always been a big card swapping guy..but somehow I dont think it would sit well with dealers who often pay big money for tables at these shows.. only to see collectors happily having fun swapping cards and not spending money at their tables

deadballfreaK · #3 04-01-2013, 08:39 PM

I'm hardly a businessman. but I think more people through the door = more sales.

jimm · #4 04-01-2013, 09:53 PM

It's where our hobby's roots are, and any positive that can bring in more people (buyers) is a good thing.

cobblove · #5 04-01-2013, 09:57 PM

I think you can only ask the guy paying the rent.

Exhibitman · #6 04-02-2013, 08:56 AM

I love the idea and I will discuss it for our culver city show on may 18.

tschock · #7 04-02-2013, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I love the idea and I will discuss it for our culver city show on may 18.

Adam,

I proposed this idea to the current promoter of the local North Carolina shows last year and he is open to the idea. He only bought/took over the franchise from the previous, long-time promoter last year and didn't want to "rock the boat" until he was a bit more established as the current promoter.

glynparson · #8 04-03-2013, 02:28 AM

And kept to trading but we all know it would evolve into selling to each other. Plus dealers do pay a fee to set up and part of the set up fee is for the ability to acquire material and I think this may hinder there ability to acquire new inventory, which in many cases is the number one reason dealers do shows.

Leon · #9 04-02-2013, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobblove

I think you can only ask the guy paying the rent.

If I were having a show I would definitely do something like a "trade" section and let folks have at it. Any time we can facilitate collectors having fun is good for the hobby in the long run. Even if I were just setting up at a show I would feel the same way. For the dealers saying it takes money from them, a quick look at their tables will probably find a lot of museum pieces (ie...not selling). Just one person's opinion.

Jewish-collector · #10 04-02-2013, 10:22 AM

There should have one table at the Net54 dinner just for trading.

Leon · #11 04-02-2013, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

There should have one table at the Net54 dinner just for trading.

Done. If guys/girls want to bring some cards I will make sure there is a trading table set aside just for that.

View Poll Results: Does allowing card trading at card shows (or retail stores) promote or hinder sales?
It would have a positive impact as it might increase sales.	82	67.21%
It would have a negative impact as it would reduce sales.	15	12.30%
There would be no net effect to sellers (positive or negative).	25	20.49%
Voters: 122. You may not vote on this poll

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