Buying vintage cards at the National

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by Yoda

After having had my pocket picked at the Nat'l in Cleveland several years, losing about 4k in cash, credit card, passport, drivers license etc., I now carry a money belt securely fastened under my shirt, which if nothing else gives me confidence at the Big Show. I was the perfect target, drooling over a nice E95 Matty, trying to do a deal with the dealer, totally distracted. I would be always aware of my surroundings when talking to a dealer, particularly if someone is just a little too close for comfort. These perps often work in pairs: one distracts and the other picks.

You can rest assured that the Center will be seriously crowded, bumping and shoving is to be expected. You can be certain that thieves, scammers, grifters and hookers will see Chicago as a rich environment. Be on your toes and don't have an experience like mine.

I do not work for either company and get nothing from this, but I use these products. A rare time I will endorse anything without payment.

You can also purchase pickpocket proof pants and jackets. Once you get used to them they become second nature to use. They have side pockets that have an outside zipper. That is pretty easy for a pickpocket to pull up. Inside the pocket is a second pocket that is secured with velcro. That one could not be opened without you feeling it. Inside the main pocket is also a small pocket down the bottom that zips. It is good for hotel keycards, change or Colgan chip coins. They have business and adventure pants. The adventure pants have a small strap that goes across the pocket and buttons on the other side making it impossible to unzip. The back pockets require you to unbutton, unzip then unbutton again. No pickpocket can do that that quickly. The coat is also great. I own three pairs of pants and the jacket. I have worn the pants at The National.

See www.clothingarts.com. They are well worth the price and will have random sales of 10-25% off. Just get on their mailing list.

For bags check out www.travelonbags.com. I used their messenger bag in Paris and felt safe using it. Anti RFID blocking, slash resistant strap and panels. Also, the hooks that attach the strap to the bag lock and the zipper pulls are like caribiners that you hook onto a little ring to keep it closed. I bought my bag through the Macy's site and got 25% off.

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by Michael B

They have business and adventure pants. The adventure pants have a small strap that goes across the pocket and buttons on the other side making it impossible to unzip. The back pockets require you to unbutton, unzip then unbutton again. No pickpocket can do that that quickly.

Sounds pretty theft-proof. I know if I were going to the National I would feel better if I were wearing my big boy adventure pants.

Brian

[Yoda]

Maybe get a debit card from your bank?

[Exhibitman]

Rosemont is to Chicago as New Rochelle is to Harlem, or as Burbank is to South Central Los Angeles. It is a 'burb and not even part of the city.

While casinos are really, really safe, the closest I got to a fistfight in the last 30+ years was in a casino in Las Vegas. I am an early riser and when I am there I like to play craps or blackjack really early. I was walking away from the cage past the bar at the Casino Royale when this drunk older man stepped out of the bar, blocked my way, tapped me on the chest across the logo of my Yankees sweatshirt with his beer can, and drawled in some sort of Southern accent: "Don't come in here with that crap on." Then he looked up at me, realized that I was a good 8" taller and 120# heavier than him, and that his mouth had just written a check his body could not cash, and said: "even if you are about 6'9" and 300#. Uhh, sorry about that." Knowing how intense casino security is, I just walked away. No point in getting my ass kicked by the bouncers just to take a shot at some drunk idiot.

[gonefishin]

I attended a nice card show at Pechanga Casino in Temecula CA last week end. I came across a decent 54 Aaron at a good price that I decided to buy. The dealer and I came to an agreement, and I whipped out my credit card to buy it. No sir, he didn't take credit cards or PayPal. It was either cash, Venmo, Zeille, or a couple of other methods that I'm not familiar with. Not having that much cash, I went to the casino to draw on my credit card - they wanted 7.5% of the total to do the transaction. Needless to say, it didn't work out. My message - be prepared for paying using the latest technology.

Side note: Rene and Casey Nezhoda from "Storage Wars" were there buying cards. He wasn't selling anything. He sat behind a glass display case filled with 100 dollar bills and bought cards all day long! He must have done well, because there was a constant line at his table. I chatted with him and asked if he collected cards, he said but - he would buy anything he can make a dollar from. He and his wife were very nice.