First Time Going to National Convention (Prices better or Worse than eBay)?

ValKehl · #1 06-21-2018, 04:41 PM

Steve, I say this in all sincerity. If you consider yourself a serious vintage card collector, and I sense that you do, then you absolutely, positively must attend at least one National in your lifetime. As I see it, this is the only way you will get ALL of your questions answered to your satisfaction. And, besides, you will really enjoy the experience - I guarantee it! I note that you are in Michigan, and with most of the Nationals these years being held in Cleveland and Chicago, I assume you won't have nearly as long a journey to make as most other collectors do. FYI, I have attended 15-20 Nationals, and I still look forward to attending them like a kid looks forward to going to a toy store.

ALR-bishop · #2 06-21-2018, 04:45 PM

Bring cash

jfkheat · #3 06-21-2018, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Bring cash

Yes, lots of cash. Bring more than you plan to spend. In Chicago the ATMs in the lobby ran out of cash Saturday. Some dealers will let you pay with Paypal.
James

quitcrab · #4 06-21-2018, 05:43 PM

Stop by and see my friend John Goodman for great deals on t206 cards. He will be set up. Tell him Scott from Long Island sent you .

Johnny630 · #5 06-21-2018, 05:55 PM

T206 Guy

Just wing it ! Don’t do any further research on what to expect at the National. I believe it’s counter productive. Just show up, walk around, talk to guy’s, feel them out, learn as much as possible. If it looks to good to be true, 98% of the time it is. Above all else have fun :-) I have the most fun with zero preparation, I don’t want this to feel like work hahah.

Jewish-collector · #6 06-21-2018, 07:19 PM

Here's a beginner's guide to the National:

My advice to first timers is to wear comfortable shoes, carry a large shoulder bag or a pack for your cash, want lists, top loads, plastic cases, and a small box for graded cards. Leave your coat/jacket/sweater in your car. it will be warm at the show. Bring a pen and a notebook to keep track of your purchases and to make a map of dealer booths so you can remember where you saw particular items. Don't pay the listed price for anything. Many times the dealers will offer you a discount before you ask for one. It doesn't hurt to ask for a larger discount that the one that they offer. If you are looking for specific items in specific grades, make a list of the prices that you are willing to pay. It is easy to overpay at the show. If you look hard enough you will find a few bargains, but it may take some time. Bring a small flashlight, a loupe, and a magnifying glass. Bring some $1 bills and $5 bills. It is surprising how many dealers don't have enough change.

When you see a card in a dealers showcase with no price, and you ask the dealer how much he wants for it, usually if he says, "hold on a minute, I'll look it up", you can count on the dealer asking for much more than it is worth. Generally he will be looking for collectors who are willing to overpay, or he really doesn't know how much it is worth and he is "fishing" to see what you will offer. It seems like some of the dealers don't like to acknowledge that you are looking at their cards, and that you may like to buy something from them. They are too busy eating, reading, or sorting their cards to look up and say "hi". It also seems that the dealers who do acknowledge you, talk to you, and ask you questions are the ones who are willing to be flexible on their prices. Some of the dealers are there to sell their cards and turn over their inventory, and some seem to bring the same overpriced cards to show after show.

Also, do get together with other collectors & dealers. It's a great way to put some faces to the names of the Net54 members. People can be quite different face to face than they are on the forum.

You will have a blast at the show even if you don't buy a whole lot. But, most of all, enjoy your experience !!!

Snapolit1 · #7 06-21-2018, 07:25 PM

Most stuff overpriced. But it’s cool being around your peeps. That’s the bottom line. Don’t look for bargains but you will see cool stuff and meet some nice people.

that T206 Guy · #8 06-21-2018, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Here's a beginner's guide to the National:

My advice to first timers is to wear comfortable shoes, carry a large shoulder bag or a pack for your cash, want lists, top loads, plastic cases, and a small box for graded cards. Leave your coat/jacket/sweater in your car. it will be warm at the show. Bring a pen and a notebook to keep track of your purchases and to make a map of dealer booths so you can remember where you saw particular items. Don't pay the listed price for anything. Many times the dealers will offer you a discount before you ask for one. It doesn't hurt to ask for a larger discount that the one that they offer. If you are looking for specific items in specific grades, make a list of the prices that you are willing to pay. It is easy to overpay at the show. If you look hard enough you will find a few bargains, but it may take some time. Bring a small flashlight, a loupe, and a magnifying glass. Bring some $1 bills and $5 bills. It is surprising how many dealers don't have enough change.

When you see a card in a dealers showcase with no price, and you ask the dealer how much he wants for it, usually if he says, "hold on a minute, I'll look it up", you can count on the dealer asking for much more than it is worth. Generally he will be looking for collectors who are willing to overpay, or he really doesn't know how much it is worth and he is "fishing" to see what you will offer. It seems like some of the dealers don't like to acknowledge that you are looking at their cards, and that you may like to buy something from them. They are too busy eating, reading, or sorting their cards to look up and say "hi". It also seems that the dealers who do acknowledge you, talk to you, and ask you questions are the ones who are willing to be flexible on their prices. Some of the dealers are there to sell their cards and turn over their inventory, and some seem to bring the same overpriced cards to show after show.

Also, do get together with other collectors & dealers. It's a great way to put some faces to the names of the Net54 members. People can be quite different face to face than they are on the forum.

You will have a blast at the show even if you don't buy a whole lot. But, most of all, enjoy your experience !!!

Great Tips.

Thanks

that T206 Guy · #9 06-21-2018, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quitcrab

Stop by and see my friend John Goodman for great deals on t206 cards. He will be set up. Tell him Scott from Long Island sent you .

I have seen him in some Videos.

I will stop by his Booth For Sure.

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