Advice on auctions and shows

[kllrbee]

Hey all,
I have recently decide to "branch out" in my vintage collecting. I was introduced to T206's about a year and half ago and spent most of my energy trying to put together a 520 card set. Before that I dealt in all post war topps stuff, including sets and singles.
I had some fun collecting the 206's but when I got down to around 75 to go, it started just getting boring. I still had cards i needed that I really didnt even want, but wanted to complete the 520.
Anyways, I have decided to keep the Hof's, a few semi stars, and some tougher variations and sell off the rest. And then with the cash I make from the sales, try to tackle Hof's from other issues.
I have come to realize that many of the cards Im shooting for are much harder to find than the 206's.
Most of my buying has come from Ebay or the BST here. I did luck out on a craigslist purchase 1 time, but it was kind of a fluke.
So I have not really had any experience with auction houses and shows, but I feel that Im going to need to familiarize myself with them if I want to pick up some of the cards on my wantlist.

I see guys on here talk all the time about certain auctions, etc. but I never know what they are talking about.

Can u guys school me?

How do I find out a schedule of auctions and shows?
Is there a fee for the auction houses?
Are all the houses somewhat reputable?

Anything u can tell me would be great really as I am not familiar with any of it....haha.
Also, I assume there is probly quite a few links that would give me the info Im looking for, but I am not sure what to type into a search.

Thanks alot guys! I appreciate any help u can give...

[Mikehealer]

Here is a good place to start.

http://www.oldcardboard.com/calendar.asp

[zljones]

I am just like you, I started with Post war but I aminly centered on HOFer rookie cards. Then I drifted to HOF prewar and I love collecting from a variety of sets. When you sit down and browse through your entire collection it is marvelous seeing all the different colors, backgrounds, backsides, frames, different time periods, and even different HOFers from different times. I love being a subset collector.

Might I also recommend sportscardlink. They are the only ones I used so far, but they were fast as hell, great service, great guys, and they accept credit cards!

[glchen]

Most of the auction houses from old cardboard are at least somewhat reputable. There is no fee other than registering. When registering, you often need to give a credit card and references from other auction houses and/or your ebay id.

I actually think unless you're looking for tough and/or expensive cards, ebay is still place with the best prices as long as you don't go for overpriced BINs or bidding wars on auctions. A lot will depend on your budget and how you want to focus your collection. Still, there's nothing like looking through an REA or Legendary auction catalog and seeing all of the neat cards there. Sometimes looking through these auctions will give you a better idea on how you want to proceed w/ your collection.