1st Card Show Table - How to?

[TurdFerguson]

Yeah, I think the games are pretty much not done around here either. Although, I know of a card shop that has a version of the dice thing but it's 5 dice and they are in a thing that you just turn over, like a tumbler. The catch here is he does this as a bonus when you make a purchase in his store.

[BlackDiam0nd66]

Thanks for all the good ideas. Keep them coming.

I'll probably avoid the games of chance, but I'm definitely going to have a lot of greasy hamburgers at my table. I'm pretty sure that's in the contract. :)

:icon_lol:

Just make sure and smile nice and NO onions

Have a great time!

Peace~
Rima

[meuandthelot]

Great tips so far.

I agree with Rick about pricing especially for your first time. Organization and appearance are keys, along with keeping your cards safe from the diversion guys!!
Although, if you stay involved in the mall scene or shows in general you should have most cards priced in a steno pad or similar.

Even if you don't price individually have them sorted into boxes that you know, say $1 up to $5 up to $10 and then higher end. It will aide in the quick sale.

Good Luck

PS: Going in not expecting to get rich will make the experience worth the price of admission.

Also, the regional player 2/$1 box is what usually pays the table fee's.

[topdawg91129]

Cheap stuff for the kids. Parents remember that.

[gatorboymike]

Having open boxes of packs is a good idea, especially some cheap low-end products that kids can get. But if you're going to do that, and somebody decides to open the packs right in front of you and they score big time, don't get pissed off. That used to happen to me all the time when I was a kid, I'd buy some $2 pack and get a $50 card, and the dealer would try to tell me I owed him MORE money.

One of them especially stands out in my memory...back in 1992, I got these three packs of UD basketball from this guy who looked like a cross between George H. Bush and Keith Richards, and--true story--I found THREE Shaq rookie cards (BV about 30 at the time) stuck together in one. The guy's mind and most likely his pacemaker are blown, and he shouts at me, "What have you done to me, you little sh**?!" And he actually got out from behind his display and tried to snatch the things away. I was about two seconds away from calling security.

I see other people have thrown in colorful anecdotes too, which is good, because I really think they help. Good luck at your show.

[SingleDaddyof2]

...One of them especially stands out in my memory...back in 1992, I got these three packs of UD basketball from this guy who looked like a cross between George H. Bush and Keith Richards, and--true story--I found THREE Shaq rookie cards (BV about 30 at the time) stuck together in one. The guy's mind and most likely his pacemaker are blown, and he shouts at me, "What have you done to me, you little sh**?!" And he actually got out from behind his display and tried to snatch the things away. I was about two seconds away from calling security...

Wow, people like that have no business owning a business. (That almost sounds like something Yogi Berra would say, lol)

[mjbowman]

Some of those dealers are still in the business they Alledgedlly work for SportsCardwarehouse and Triumph

[panthers4ever]

Alright...... Where to start. I do this for a living so I will help you as much as I can

First and For most. A professional Appearence. There is nothing worse than going to a show and seeing a sloppy looking man behind the table. Especially if they smell like smoke!! I am not saying that you have to wear a shirt and Tie but look respectable. I know everyone has days they feel like crap and may not feel like shaving or what not, but you can still look presentable. I like to wear Jerseys. They show you enjoy sports and can strike up some good conversation at your table. If I am not wearing a Jersey I wear a Polo shirt.

Second --- Presentation presentation. Pricing your stuff is great for little stuff going in a box, but make sure your nicer stuff is priced on the back and in nice, scratch free holders. This makes the card look nice to the eye. I used magnetic holders or toploaders in a team bag so the TL doesn't get scratched. When pricing, use a price gun. I hate going to a table and trying to read a dealers sloppily written prices. Also NO BRIGHT COLORS!!! they belong at flea markets and garage sales!! Next is your signs. It goes A LONG WAY to print them on your computer. Your booth will look alot better with nicely printed signs then hand written sharpie signs.

Third --- Variety. Make sure you have something for everyone. Alot of good ideas so far for you to follow with this. I carry everything from Lebron Auto Leterman to base and everything in between.a box with local guys for 50 cents each will go well. Also a $1 box. I have a GU Auto box and a blowout GU/AUTO box so people looking to spend 3-5 bucks don't bother looking at a bunch of Brett Farve GU that are 10-15 a piece.

Forth and I think this was mentioned..... BRING LOTS OF MONEY. Both small for change and Big for buying. I try to go to a show with no less than 2k in my pocket. Ths pretty much ensures you have the capital to pick up any steller deals that walk to your table. Be sure to do some ebay research before you go. I have a blackberry so I can ski[p this step but most people don't have one to be able to look up things on the spot/

fifth and final for now.... HAVE FUN

[sivjosh]

More good stuff. Thanks everyone. Keep it coming.

[panthers4ever]

what show are you doing?