Live National Report Thread....

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by scoobysnacksforyou

Can't wait to get there tomorrow. Anyone see many t210's floating around? Or anyone know of anything fun going on Saturday night? Going solo and don't feel like sitting around the hotel all evening.

I have been disappointed by the T210 selection. So far I think I've seen around 30 total.

[scoobysnacksforyou]

Originally Posted by I Only Smoke 4 the Cards

I have been disappointed by the T210 selection. So far I think I've seen around 30 total.

ugh, I was hoping there would be a few more than that. Odds aren't good that there are any of my series 4's to be had then.

[mrvster]

I was confused about that also


GREAT POSTS! I FEEL Like I'm THERE

[SAllen2556]

Just got back from my first ever National. Son and I drove out from Michigan for the day.

There is one overall impression I just can't shake. I happen to be a deer hunter and a once-a-month guys-night-out poker player, and as I walked around with serious cash (for me) in hand ready to spend, I realized that for many of these guys, this is their deer hunting trip/poker night!!!

The purpose for these dealers isn't to sell anything, it's to chat with each other and tell stories! It was actually pretty funny after a while. Of course, some guys were great and would immediately say hi and ask if you needed a price (which was a rare thing to see indeed!) But I suspect that most of these guys would show up once a year and set up their booths regardless of the number of customers. In fact, I suspect some of these guys would just prefer the customers weren't even there! And I can't really blame them - I'd probably be the same way!

And the prices!! Admittedly, there was so much vintage stuff that there could have been great deals and I wouldn't have known, but I was looking to buy Diamond Stars, 34 Goudeys, and finish my '69 Topps set.

One dealer tried to tell me that his '69 Reggie psa 7 was worth $200 more than the going rate for a psa 7. Okay, maybe...but it wasn't, it was off-centered a little just like all the rest. Another wanted $50 for a raw vg '52 George Kell - readily available for around $15. And the few raw Diamond Stars I saw were averaging about double the price on ebay. Graded ones were also about double. I bought exactly 1.

I got the distinct impression that the dealers assumed average customers like me had no clue about prices and so everything, for the most part, was over-priced compared to card target or ebay sold data.

We had fun and saw some amazing stuff, but I came back with way more money than I intended. I think the Sunday afternoon theory might be the best bet for me next time.

And thanks to David Cycleback who literally crawled under a table with a black light to examine an old Babe Ruth photo of mine just to verify its authenticity. Best $10 I spent all day! Super nice guy as well.

Had to take a picture of this little gem:

[Big Ben]

[QUOTE=SAllen2556;1304882

We had fun and saw some amazing stuff, but I came back with way more money than I intended. I think the Sunday afternoon theory might be the best bet for me next time. [\QUOTE]


I am curious about your Sunday afternoon theory. I have been to the last two Chicago Nationals. Both times on Sunday. I have been able to negotiate with some things, but you also run into dealers packing their merchandise around 1pm.

[vintagebaseball]

What booth had the Wagner? I missed that

[drcy]

High point: Meeting all the genuine, friendly collectors and hobbyists out there, including the Net54 board members. Lots of nice people and good conversations.

Low point: The food choices in the exhibition center. In other words, having to eat a hot dog for breakfast.

A lot of the industry/money aspects of the hobby are a turn off to me, but there are a lot of good old fashioned collectors out there.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by SAllen2556

Just got back from my first ever National. Son and I drove out from Michigan for the day.

......................

We had fun and saw some amazing stuff, but I came back with way more money than I intended. I think the Sunday afternoon theory might be the best bet for me next time.

And thanks to David Cycleback who literally crawled under a table with a black light to examine an old Babe Ruth photo of mine just to verify its authenticity. Best $10 I spent all day! Super nice guy as well.

I have a video of David doing his black light work - I'm sure it will amuse all who see it for years to come. Unfortunately I can't think of any angles that will profit me.