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

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

I have never been, but the only reason I would remotely think about going is to get auto's. I am 100% sure the prices can not compete with Ebay/Auction Houses even with a 20% BP.

Robert, I'm amazed that you can be 100% sure about something you've never experienced!

A number of the dealers at the National also sell on eBay. I've noticed that some of them have their cards priced at the show the same as their eBay BIN prices. Since they won't be paying eBay commissions, I have found most of them to be receptive to reducing their show prices to reflect this, when asked politely.

[bounce]

Originally Posted by ValKehl

Robert, I'm amazed that you can be 100% sure about something you've never experienced!

A number of the dealers at the National also sell on eBay. I've noticed that some of them have their cards priced at the show the same as their eBay BIN prices. Since they won't be paying eBay commissions, I have found most of them to be receptive to reducing their show prices to reflect this, when asked politely.

+1

In the last three years of going to the National, for the cards I ended up buying I only paid the original asking price one time.

Every other time, I was able to get involved in a conversation with a friendly person, we did some price comparisons to eBay and VCP and got to a number we were both happy with.

It's not begging, it's just the way the game is usually played.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by ValKehl

Robert, I'm amazed that you can be 100% sure about something you've never experienced!

A number of the dealers at the National also sell on eBay. I've noticed that some of them have their cards priced at the show the same as their eBay BIN prices. Since they won't be paying eBay commissions, I have found most of them to be receptive to reducing their show prices to reflect this, when asked politely.

I know what you say is true Val, but it always amazes me. My total overhead on an ebay sales is roughly 15%. My total overhead on a show sale is MUCH higher. I have to cover the cost of, Gas, Hotel, Table Rent, Meals and other incidentals. Even at my best show ever that totaled a LOT more than 15%.

[swarmee]

Once you've paid all those expenses, they're a sunk cost, right? So would you rather make a sale or not?

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by swarmee

Once you've paid all those expenses, they're a sunk cost, right? So would you rather make a sale or not?

Of course, but I'm not giving away cards at a show in comparison with my ebay sales. I'll take a loss on a show before I start taking beatings on cards that I know I can sell at a profit using another method. And trust me, my many customers on here will assure you I am not a museum!

[Rich Klein]

Some sellers also use the National as a way to reduce extra inventory at reduced prices (show rates). I know I purchased cards from several tables that way last year and all those prices were very reasonable and gave me room for profit.

Everyone's method is different so there is not set rule about EBay pricing vs show pricing. And with the sales tax ruling yesterday, show pricing may even be closer as EBay pricing may just have jumped 10 percent for some sellers.

Rich

[that T206 Guy]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Some sellers also use the National as a way to reduce extra inventory at reduced prices (show rates). I know I purchased cards from several tables that way last year and all those prices were very reasonable and gave me room for profit.

Everyone's method is different so there is not set rule about EBay pricing vs show pricing. And with the sales tax ruling yesterday, show pricing may even be closer as EBay pricing may just have jumped 10 percent for some sellers.

Rich

I saw on the News that this will not affect eBay Sellers.

It will affect large sites like Walmart.com or Best Buy.com

That is what the News Said Anyways.

Just Big Business.

Small Business would not be affected.

[BosseFieldBoy]

Originally Posted by that T206 Guy

I saw on the News that this will not affect eBay Sellers.

It will affect large sites like Walmart.com or Best Buy.com

That is what the News Said Anyways.

Just Big Business.

Small Business would not be affected.

I hope you’re right about smaller sellers.

There are 45 states (I think) with some kind of sales tax. I’m sure that most are focused on high volume sellers, but I don’t know the specifics for exemptions in each state. At this point, I have no idea whether there will be an impact on smaller sellers, although it seems like a me it would be an administrative nightmare to try to enforce sales tax about t small, out of state sellers.

[timzcardz]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

I know what you say is true Val, but it always amazes me. My total overhead on an ebay sales is roughly 15%. My total overhead on a show sale is MUCH higher. I have to cover the cost of, Gas, Hotel, Table Rent, Meals and other incidentals. Even at my best show ever that totaled a LOT more than 15%.

Great!

Now that I've thought about the cost of my gas, hotel, meals and other incidentals, the 20% buyers premium of an auction house seems like a bargain!