How much would it cost these days to have a "Nationals Worthy" booth?

[Fred]

These days it would only take a few cards to hit the $250K level. I guess $100K of cards isn't that much inventory for a huge show like the National.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

There will definitely be dealers there with less than 6 figure inventories.

[JollyElm]

This is reminiscent of a chat I had with a dealer at a show recently.
He told me that all of his graded cards (standard Topps-era stuff) were bought by him personally at shows and whatnot (basically at market prices).
So, he basically has to way overcharge on everything (and hope 'knowledgeable' collectors still bite) just to turn a profit.

My point being, whatever amount of money a person pays to stock a 'Nationals Worthy' booth, he has to somehow make sure he buys everything at a serious discount.
There too many other options for collectors at such a large show to be successful with overly-stupid pricing.

[Snapolit1]

I'd be curious to hear from some of the dealers here what the number is they figure they need to hit in sales just for the trip to be a break even. Travel, rental space, paying for help, meals, etc.

Obviously different for the AH guys, who are there to drum up publicity and interest.

[Jewish-collector]

Not sure of the answer, but a really good idea I suggest is for a long time collector (who wants to sell their entire collection) to set up at a National to sell it all. They will do great, especially if they have unusual material. Oh hell yeah. beer chug.gif

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Not sure of the answer, but a really good idea I suggest is for a long time collector (who wants to sell their entire collection) to set up at a National to sell it all. They will do great, especially if they have unusual material. Oh hell yeah. Attachment 667766

Isn't there a long waiting list of dealers who want to get a spot at The National? I don't think a collector could just get a spot to sell at.

[Jewish-collector]

I meant get on the waiting list.

[Fred]

Just curious - how much does it cost for a table at the National? I can figure out the rest (approximate travel costs, hotel, food). Edited to add - if any dealers want to provide their break even number, please do so. Maybe next time the buyer may have a better clue that there is a cost of doing business at the show.

Another question - an assumption is that most dealers drive to the show because flying would require relinquishing card inventory to the airlines baggage handlers (oh yeah, let's do that...)
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[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Fred

Just curious - how much does it cost for a table at the National? I can figure out the rest (approximate travel costs, hotel, food). Edited to add - if any dealers want to provide their break even number, please do so. Maybe next time the buyer may have a better clue that there is a cost of doing business at the show.

Another question - an assumption is that most dealers drive to the show because flying would require relinquishing card inventory to the airlines baggage handlers (oh yeah, let's do that...)
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Yes do not do that. Just mail them to the Motel 6 you are staying at because I hear low rent motels take good care of high end cards mailed to them.

Too soon?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I'd be curious to hear from some of the dealers here what the number is they figure they need to hit in sales just for the trip to be a break even. Travel, rental space, paying for help, meals, etc.

Obviously different for the AH guys, who are there to drum up publicity and interest.

I don't know the magic number but I have to think if a dealer sets up, with all of the associated expenses, from Wed-Sun....with lots of variables, there might be around 3500 in total cost...

So, anything in profit over that, depending if you count your time as a cost, would be that break even point. I think it could be a 1 card sale or 100 cards sold....When I set up, I just looked at the profit I made, not how many sales. Everyone does it differently.

I voted 50k-100k because it could be done on that, but you might not have higher end sales.
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[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Leon

I don't know the magic number but I have to think if a dealer sets up, with all of the associated expenses, from Wed-Sun....with lots of variables, there might be around 3500 in total cost...

So, anything in profit over that, depending if you count your time as a cost, would be that break even point. I think it could be a 1 card sale or 100 cards sold....When I set up, I just looked at the profit I made, not how many sales. Everyone does it differently.

I voted 50k-100k because it could be done on that, but you might not have higher end sales.
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Leon's number of $3500 is pretty much dead on. I've talked to enough dealers and done enough math to know his figure is accurate.

Now remember that $3500 only covers expenses and not the cost of your goods sold. So, you probably need to take in $8-10K at the minimum to make your week worthwhile. And using that you see about 10 percent of the value of the inventory as a guide, then I would say a minimum of 80-100K of items brought with you to make the weekend worthwhle.

Now, some dealers still treat the NSCC as a vacation week *yes that number is dwindling* and if the show is part of a vacation, then you might be satisfied with a different number taken in.

Regards
Rich

[Yoda]

I will be interested in vintage card pricing reports. I expect there will be sticker shock even worse than expected.

[notfast]

If a dealer is only ending up with $3500 in sales over the entire week, they need to give up their spot and not take up space.

That number is probably accurate to break even for a single 10x10/10x15 booth with one person working, lives within a tank of gas driving distance, eating ramen and staying at the motel 6 20 miles away…if they dont value their time.


These events have gotten so big and costly. The average “simple set up” booth is going to need to make 5 figures to feel like it was a good week. That goes up exponentially when you scale up these booths that make up the majority of the show.

[Snapolit1]

Very interesting. Thanks Rich and Leon.

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Leon's number of $3500 is pretty much dead on. I've talked to enough dealers and done enough math to know his figure is accurate.

Now remember that $3500 only covers expenses and not the cost of your goods sold. So, you probably need to take in $8-10K at the minimum to make your week worthwhile. And using that you see about 10 percent of the value of the inventory as a guide, then I would say a minimum of 80-100K of items brought with you to make the weekend worthwhle.

Now, some dealers still treat the NSCC as a vacation week *yes that number is dwindling* and if the show is part of a vacation, then you might be satisfied with a different number taken in.

Regards
Rich