National should be really interesting

[bbsports]

You know, I like hearing some of the comments on this site. I don't say too much too often, but this time, I will make an exception. The card market hasn't changed much since the covid. Many collectors that I know would rather put their investments in cards than in the bank or in stocks. The events happening now won't change too much, except for transportation. Doing pre war cards for many years, I have seen these cards level off, but not taking a dive and that's since the 80'S. As a dealer, I carry a large amount of t206 cards mostly in PSA 6's. I have set up at the last 5 Nationals. I do not send cards to auction houses, so they are available privately or at a few card shows that I do. With the National 5 weeks away, it is not a good idea to throw the National under the bus because of a bad experience or two. In that big room, there are some great cards available and there are some dealers out there that will work with customers so you can get a fair sale. Some dealers will raise their cost a little bit to cover their tables and hotel. Even if you don't buy anything, the National runs drawings and games for the kids. As a collector, you can pick up some advice from a dealer or even a business card. It's a fun 5 days for all.

[Donscards]

Originally Posted by bbsports

You know, I like hearing some of the comments on this site. I don't say too much too often, but this time, I will make an exception. The card market hasn't changed much since the covid. Many collectors that I know would rather put their investments in cards than in the bank or in stocks. The events happening now won't change too much, except for transportation. Doing pre war cards for many years, I have seen these cards level off, but not taking a dive and that's since the 80'S. As a dealer, I carry a large amount of t206 cards mostly in PSA 6's. I have set up at the last 5 Nationals. I do not send cards to auction houses, so they are available privately or at a few card shows that I do. With the National 5 weeks away, it is not a good idea to throw the National under the bus because of a bad experience or two. In that big room, there are some great cards available and there are some dealers out there that will work with customers so you can get a fair sale. Some dealers will raise their cost a little bit to cover their tables and hotel. Even if you don't buy anything, the National runs drawings and games for the kids. As a collector, you can pick up some advice from a dealer or even a business card. It's a fun 5 days for all.

Well said Bill. I know I am excited for the National. I know the economy is rough right now. I expect to have plenty of sales and also bringing plenty of cash to buy. And who knows,maybe Bill will sell me his psa 6 Ty Cobb!!

[Vintageclout]

Originally Posted by Donscards

Well said Bill. I know I am excited for the National. I know the economy is rough right now. I expect to have plenty of sales and also bringing plenty of cash to buy. And who knows,maybe Bill will sell me his psa 6 Ty Cobb!!

Don - tough economy or not, I don’t see auction sales for quality Ruth’s, Cobb’s, Gehrig’s, Mantle’s, etc. suffering one bit. Quality vintage cards & autographs still realizing solid numbers. The beat rolls on!

[Jewish-collector]

Steve or anyone - Let's say a long time collector wants to set up at the National & sell their high end cards. How difficult is it for them to get a table for one time selling at a National ?

[Steve_NY]

1 -- I keep reading comments that vintage is cool -- but I don't agree -- I have been doing this for almost 50 years, and I have not set up at one show thisyear, but my sales are top ten already -- maybe even top 5. So vintage for me is HOT.

Personally, I thought it was that Modern cards have cooled down?

2 -- Only way to get a booth at the National is to be there on Saturday to complete a contract for the following year. Just check on that by calling Megan at the NSCC.

Other way would be to rent space from another seller who wants to cut their costs. Many sellers do that every year. I don't because I use all of my booth for ten showcases and set up other items in the back of my booth -- hopefully out of the reach of thiefs (Yes they are all over every show hoping you get distracted).

Good luck.

Steve_NY

[parkplace33]

Speaking of expenses, do out of state dealers have to get a temporary sales tax id at the National? If so, what is the cost? I thought Chicago required it last National.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Steve or anyone - Let's say a long time collector wants to set up at the National & sell their high end cards. How difficult is it for them to get a table for one time selling at a National ?

Very.

I finally got a booth this year, I was the third to last guy picked among the waiting list or new dealers.

[Jewish-collector]

Mazel Tov Scott beer chug.gif

[Steve_NY]

Once you have your foot in the door, keep getting a booth for the next year to build seniority. I got in with Parsippany and kept my priority building every year so that at this National, I have done 38 of them and only 24 booths have a higher priority than me.

Sad to say, but most of my peers have passed on. Many of them were friends and I remember all of our earlier deals like it was yesterday.

Steve_NY