Notes from the National

conor912 · #1 08-02-2013, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOF Auto Rookies

Is pretty neat to experience, but does nothing for those who don't collect T-cards, 50's sets and some type/oddities cards. Otherwise, some of these cards are just unreal, wish I found more for my focus, but was nice to see some of the cards I'm going to win in the Huggins auction

I have never been to a National, but from what I hear, I imagine it to be like a museum....you go and see a bunch of stuff you could never afford and then find yourself in the gift shop buying a bunch of crap just so you can say you didn't go home empty handed.

Rich Klein · #2 08-02-2013, 07:36 AM

but I met someone named Chris Browne yesterday, is that our man?

HOF Auto Rookies · #3 08-02-2013, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conor912

I have never been to a National, but from what I hear, I imagine it to be like a museum....you go and see a bunch of stuff you could never afford and then find yourself in the gift shop buying a bunch of crap just so you can say you didn't go home empty handed.

A lot of museum quality pieces, but also a ton of affordable extremely cool pieces as well. It's an insanely large card show lol

g_vezina_c55 · #4 08-02-2013, 12:08 PM

Anyone saw any dealer at the Nats who have a graded 4 or 5 goudey lajoie for sale ?
thanks

milkit1 · #5 08-02-2013, 12:57 PM

I pretty much came out empty handed thanks to a LOT of dealers who can't be bothered to put price tags on their cards or handle more then one customer at a time. Whats even better is when you ask a price and they spend 10 mins "looking it up" and then are annoyed that your turning down their overpriced cards. I thought putting prices on cards was something that was established years ago as basic protocol to get people to BUY your cards?

brass_rat · #6 08-02-2013, 01:56 PM

Holy smokes, if only I could figure out how to attach a photo from my (android) phone...Ken Kendrick has a bunch of his cards on display at the Memory Lane booth, including the T206 Plank (psa 8), Young portrait and Cobb bat off, both psa 9, and a psa 10 '52 Topps Mantle.

People seem very upbeat today...and since it's only Friday, the dealers don't smell that bad yet. Wait until Sunday.

Prices are show prices...not marked and the initial quote is really high to anchor people...frustrating to say the least.

Have a good one,
Steve

HOF Auto Rookies · #7 08-02-2013, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkit1

I pretty much came out empty handed thanks to a LOT of dealers who can't be bothered to put price tags on their cards or handle more then one customer at a time. Whats even better is when you ask a price and they spend 10 mins "looking it up" and then are annoyed that your turning down their overpriced cards. I thought putting prices on cards was something that was established years ago as basic protocol to get people to BUY your cards?

Yep, most I've talked with are complete a-holes. I'm looking for high grade or high dollar cards, and they pretty much write me off or don't spend two seconds with me to barter because I'm just a kid

Matthew H · #8 08-02-2013, 02:42 PM

Does anyone have any photos of the Cambridge find? I'd love to see that.

margoaepi · #9 08-02-2013, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOF Auto Rookies

Yep, most I've talked with are complete a-holes. I'm looking for high grade or high dollar cards, and they pretty much write me off or don't spend two seconds with me to barter because I'm just a kid

Had the same experience last year. What was most shocking to me was that I spent a few grand with two different dealers, and neither one of them asked me for any contact information. Terrible business sense.

whitehse · #10 08-02-2013, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOF Auto Rookies

Yep, most I've talked with are complete a-holes. I'm looking for high grade or high dollar cards, and they pretty much write me off or don't spend two seconds with me to barter because I'm just a kid

Brent, there are some good guys out there but you are right, many cannot be bothered with people. I was there yesterday and honestly I got so ticked off at some of the dealers that I let it ruin the experience for me. This is my 12th National and I think the dealers have gotten worse. My faith was restored when I when I visited a booth to add some nice '72's to my set and the deal (LJ Sands or JL Sands...cannot remember which) could not be nicer and gave me a great deal on the cards I pulled. It is because of him that I am going back tomorrow and spending more money with him alone. Don't let those a-hole dealers ruin the experience for you. There are good ones out there.

HOF Auto Rookies · #11 08-02-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitehse

Brent, there are some good guys out there but you are right, many cannot be bothered with people. I was there yesterday and honestly I got so ticked off at some of the dealers that I let it ruin the experience for me. This is my 12th National and I think the dealers have gotten worse. My faith was restored when I when I visited a booth to add some nice '72's to my set and the deal (LJ Sands or JL Sands...cannot remember which) could not be nicer and gave me a great deal on the cards I pulled. It is because of him that I am going back tomorrow and spending more money with him alone. Don't let those a-hole dealers ruin the experience for you. There are good ones out there.

Well said, I have met more great dealers than bad and were very fun in speaking with.

the 'stache · #12 08-03-2013, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOF Auto Rookies

Yep, most I've talked with are complete a-holes. I'm looking for high grade or high dollar cards, and they pretty much write me off or don't spend two seconds with me to barter because I'm just a kid

Next time they do this, tell them "it's too bad you treated me so poorly. I might just be a kid in your eyes, but little did you know I'm the lone benefactor of the Niederman oil fortune. When I turn 21, I stand to inherit $465 million. In the mean time, I have an allowance of $25,000 a month, and I was really looking forward to buying some rare baseball cards today. I guess I'll have to spend this $50,000 somewhere else."

CW · #13 08-03-2013, 08:49 PM

Great report, Andrew! Thanks for posting the pictures, too!

Texxxx · #14 08-03-2013, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOF Auto Rookies

Yep, most I've talked with are complete a-holes. I'm looking for high grade or high dollar cards, and they pretty much write me off or don't spend two seconds with me to barter because I'm just a kid

My son went to the National. He's 20 and he told me he had some of the same experiences the first day. He said he would try dressing up and see if that helped. He said it was like night and day. For some reason everyone started talking to him and dealing with him. Just not me since I didn't get to go.

tbob · #15 08-04-2013, 12:13 AM

Today was my last day and it ended with a bang. The news was sad early with the theft of the 2 1952 Mantles, 1 1951 Bowman Mantle and the binder of cards. I'll say it again: install surveillance cameras and get some security!!!! I hope they catch these cretins.
Oh we'll, the better news was I got to meet for the first time in person Bruce Babcock and David McDonald whom I have known through competitive bidding and from the 54 Board for many years. I also got to hang out with Jayson Miller and meet many other 54ers for the first time. The social side of the National, to me, is the greatest highlight.
Near the end of the day I stumbled across a red E94 Honus Wagner for my collection. Coupled with the dark green Moore E94 Zach Rice found for me, I am down to needing only 6 more E94s to complete the master set of 180 E94s. It's been a long journey but I'm getting close!
A couple of highlights from the last 24 hours included Josh Evan's speech about his adventures with Charlie Sheen and Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez at the bar in the Hilton where I am staying.
As my friend David McDonald would say 'Aloha' to the National and I hope to see everyone in Cleveland next year.

Gmrson · #16 08-04-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkit1

I pretty much came out empty handed thanks to a LOT of dealers who can't be bothered to put price tags on their cards or handle more then one customer at a time. Whats even better is when you ask a price and they spend 10 mins "looking it up" and then are annoyed that your turning down their overpriced cards. I thought putting prices on cards was something that was established years ago as basic protocol to get people to BUY your cards?

While I picked up a lot of stuff and had a blast, I too agree this was a bit of a problem. I had one dealer who was having issues connecting to the internet with their Ipad, so just said the card "would be about" $300. I just said I would check back, but didn't. There were plenty of dealers with their cards mark and found myself spending more with them because I could pick several and negotiate what I wanted to pay quickly.

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