Question about Card Shows... Do I or Don't I?

[rksnascards]

I stopped doing Card Shows about 5 years ago, but decided to start back up. Did my first in years last weekend and was amazed to see how many Dollar Boxes had cards that were NOT in top loaders, just in penny sleeves. Now I have a quarter box and do not put those cards in top loaders, only in penny sleeves, but the cards in my dollar box are in top loaders.

My question... if you are a seller at a show, do you have a dollar box(es) and if so, do you put them in top loaders?

...and if you are a buyer, does the dollar box discourage you if the cards are not in top loaders?

Thanks for the input!

[pwaldo]

About 10 years ago it was standard for 50 cent boxes and above to be in top loaders. I remember even seeing some quarter and dime boxes having basically new top loaders. That obviously is different now but I would expect and do put dollar cards and above in top loaders. That should be standard but if the cards are such a great deal and even a steal at that price I don't really care what they are protected in. I can always buy supplies later.

[doniceage]

I do not have the time to put small boxes together as of now. I do take time to put a 3200 count box of game used and auto's out for $2 all in top loaders. I sometimes come down to a 1.50 if they buy a bunch but not many folks are selling game used and stuff for a dollar anymore. I think the main thing from keeping folks from setting up at cardshows like us is the table fee. One reason I do my local show every month as I get a table for $35 for the one day show. Most table fees for shows are not cheap and keep most of the guys and gals who just enjoy the hobby to set up to unload some of their stuff.

p.s. Next time you set up take a shot of your table set up?
@rksnascards
DOn

[rksnascards]

About 10 years ago it was standard for 50 cent boxes and above to be in top loaders. I remember even seeing some quarter and dime boxes having basically new top loaders. That obviously is different now but I would expect and do put dollar cards and above in top loaders. That should be standard but if the cards are such a great deal and even a steal at that price I don't really care what they are protected in. I can always buy supplies later.

I'll remember to take a picture next show and post it up. The LCS is a small venue, basically using desk as tables, so I think $25 is steal. Especially since he allowed some of us to use a couple tables without charging us and has already said no charge for December.

Our local Mall use to have card shows several times a year but the cost to set up was crazy. $85 per table, with a minimum of 3 tables. And honestly they called it a 3 day show, but you had to set up at 8 p.m. on Friday night (with the Mall closing at 10). Tear down was Sunday at 1. Mall opened at 10 all 3 days.

[doniceage]

I'll remember to take a picture next show and post it up. The LCS is a small venue, basically using desk as tables, so I think $25 is steal. Especially since he allowed some of us to use a couple tables without charging us and has already said no charge for December.

Our local Mall use to have card shows several times a year but the cost to set up was crazy. $85 per table, with a minimum of 3 tables. And honestly they called it a 3 day show, but you had to set up at 8 p.m. on Friday night (with the Mall closing at 10). Tear down was Sunday at 1. Mall opened at 10 all 3 days.

That definitely not something you should have called a 3 day show LOL. $25 is a great price as it allows just collectors to set up and try to move some inventory for some dollars. Look forward to seeing what your set up looks like.


DON

[mailministry]

I would appreciate to have dollar cards in top loaders, but maybe that is just my personal preference.
On the topic of malls charging a lot to set up, it would be in the best interest of the malls to charge less and have more dealers.
This would encourage more collectors to come, and also to shop at the stores in the mall.
Just my thoughts.

[rksnascards]

I would appreciate to have dollar cards in top loaders, but maybe that is just my personal preference.
On the topic of malls charging a lot to set up, it would be in the best interest of the malls to charge less and have more dealers.
This would encourage more collectors to come, and also to shop at the stores in the mall.
Just my thoughts.

I agree with the "charge less and have more dealers". But our money hungry mall took it upon themselves to charge way more than the average vendor could pay. The result... a couple years back stores in the mall started closing up. Went there last week to do a little Christmas shopping and there were a handful of shops open with about 2/3 of the spaces empty.

They do have craft shows a few times a year, but even those vendors complain about the cost of setting up. a 10' X 10' area is $125. Those are 1 day shows.

[doniceage]

I agree with the "charge less and have more dealers". But our money hungry mall took it upon themselves to charge way more than the average vendor could pay. The result... a couple years back stores in the mall started closing up. Went there last week to do a little Christmas shopping and there were a handful of shops open with about 2/3 of the spaces empty.

They do have craft shows a few times a year, but even those vendors complain about the cost of setting up. a 10' X 10' area is $125. Those are 1 day shows.

Why do you not look into calling hotels and renting a room out. Could look at schools, vfw hall, church, etc for a lower cost for all concerned. Definitely be cheaper option out there and more folks would be willing to set up.

don

[rksnascards]

Why do you not look into calling hotels and renting a room out. Could look at schools, vfw hall, church, etc for a lower cost for all concerned. Definitely be cheaper option out there and more folks would be willing to set up.

don

great idea. actually I am in talks with our Church about using their area (chairs are removable) and they allow the local summer outside market use the Church every Friday!

[doniceage]

great idea. actually I am in talks with our Church about using their area (chairs are removable) and they allow the local summer outside market use the Church every Friday!

Hope it all works out for you.

don