A guy walks into a card show...

[Snapolit1]

Tony - thoughtful post, and I don't disagree. I think the problem is for prewar collectors eBay and the major AHs have sort of cornered the entire market. When I see a prewar card at your typical small show, it is usually grossly overpriced. The old "1500/750" canard. Often times I discreetly walk away and ring up the same card on eBay and see I can get it for $400. I could set up a table at my local show tomorrow and would be assured I'd have many nice conversations and few if any sales. Most of the time these are just different markets with different consumers. Not always but most of the time. Doesn't, of course, make one better or superior, just the reality of different strokes for different folks.
It could happen, but I don't go to a small show thinking I will get a great opportunity on a nice prewar card. Most of the time I buy something to support the cause, but it's not something I've even that excited about.

[esd10]

The show at the now torn down vets memorial had some nice vintage from baggers sports cards but very expensive and a few other pre war dealers. Most of the time at these shows around me is just a bunch of newer swatches/autos and boxes of over priced in my opinion junk but every once in a while you will find a deal on vintage.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Tony Gordon

From a dealer standpoint, I find it very difficult to acquire pre-war cards at a price where I can make any kind of profit. Post-war, on the other hand, is plentiful at tremendous prices. In addition, the demand for post-war is tenfold when compared to pre-war at the small local shows I attend. My suggestion for pre-war collectors is to set up at your local show with your duplicates and try and generate a local interest. I find it troubling when collectors talk about small shows as some sort of other-worldly corporate entity when these shows are put on by regular folks, your friends and neighbors, with a passion for the hobby and are best served when considered a community. In my opinion, your local card show is your community and it is up to you, both dealers and collectors, to shape it into the form you like.

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Tony - thoughtful post, and I don't disagree. I think the problem is for prewar collectors eBay and the major AHs have sort of cornered the entire market. When I see a prewar card at your typical small show, it is usually grossly overpriced. The old "1500/750" canard. Often times I discreetly walk away and ring up the same card on eBay and see I can get it for $400. I could set up a table at my local show tomorrow and would be assured I'd have many nice conversations and few if any sales. Most of the time these are just different markets with different consumers. Not always but most of the time. Doesn't, of course, make one better or superior, just the reality of different strokes for different folks.
It could happen, but I don't go to a small show thinking I will get a great opportunity on a nice prewar card. Most of the time I buy something to support the cause, but it's not something I've even that excited about.

Now I actually do disagree somewhat. My inventory lists for the same price live and online for the most part, and I accept offers in both locations. I do sell more pre-war stuff on ebay, but I sell more of EVERYTHING on ebay. I sold a '33 Goudey Travis Jackson to a board member at my show as well as a few T206 and T205 out of my $10 and $20 bargain boxes. I do know what you guys are talking about as I have seen dealers who are insanely overpriced, but there are definitely reasonable pre-war live dealers.