Going to a Card Show: Need Help!

[Keegan]

Hi, this is my first post here a SCF, glad I joined after being a guest for so long.

Here is the deal, I am set to go to a card show tomorrow in London, ON Canada. My question is, I want to add some RC's to my PC.

Here is a list to just to name a few:

- Taylor Hall
- Nazem Kadri
- Phil Kessel
- Dion Phaneuf
- James Reimer
- Luke Schenn

What can I expect to pay for per card, perhaps some with autos, or materials or standard cards.

[NYR_Bacon]

Really depends on what the cards are.
Expect any Hall's too have a massive price tag on them though.

[Keegan]

Really depends on what the cards are.
Expect any Hall's too have a massive price tag on them though.

thank you for the quick reply, and heads up regarding Hall, I kind of assumed that. I'm hoping him being injuried brings his stock down, LOL! Just kidding but I wish.

[scottkoz20]

Welcome to SCF first and foremost.

Now to answer your question, it depends. Depends on what you are looking for. Do you want regular rookie cards (Victory, UD Young Guns, etc) or do you want Autos, GU, etc.

I know how it is in Buffalo with Sabre and Bills cards, and there is a small premium because those are the local teams. I'd expect this to be true for Leaf cards (and possibly Red Wings).

[Keegan]

Welcome to SCF first and foremost.

Now to answer your question, it depends. Depends on what you are looking for. Do you want regular rookie cards (Victory, UD Young Guns, etc) or do you want Autos, GU, etc.

I know how it is in Buffalo with Sabre and Bills cards, and there is a small premium because those are the local teams. I'd expect this to be true for Leaf cards (and possibly Red Wings).

I'd like to get a few autos and GU if i could esp. of Kadri, my hometown Leaf.

and thank you for the welcome.

[RGM81]

Just in case you check this out before you head out to the show....

Sellers will tend to list their cards at half-book value - maybe 75-80% if it's a recently released product or they're aware that the card is surging on venues such as SCF or eBay. Don't be afraid to haggle a bit if it's later in the day, and at the same time never EVER approach the seller with "I can get it for xxx on eBay." They will then have the legitimate right to tell you to go and get it on eBay.

Hall will go for a pretty penny, Reimer's values are surging, and the rest should be a fairly decent price. If you're in the Toronto area, though, expect to pay a bit of a "hometown premium" for them of course as there's going to be plenty of demand for those players.

Have fun!

[StanChad]

Most dealers price their cards by Book Value in Beckett. Some are good though they price their cards close to what they sell on ebay. It all really depends on who you are dealing with. Some will price them at Book Value but sell them for the price you're looking for once you offer. Keep in mind 99% of the dealers there will likely be taking offers on all their cards. But don't go in there expecting to be able to pay what you do on ebay. Unfortunately Beckett creates these overpriced fictional value which makes collectors believe their cards are worth more then they really are. For example a Toews young gun booked at 80 last year and sold for 40. In my opinion a value of a card is something you are willing to pay. Now most people want to pay what everyone is else is paying, so you will not find anyone looking to pay 80$ for a toews young gun. However some book values are close some are just so far off it blows my mind. Basically trading book value is just about the easiest way to get ripped off. The best way to trade it to learn the value on most cards and go from there. That way you can come up with a price you think is fair for a card you want. Sorry for the mini rant it is 6 am here after a long night.

[Keegan]

Thank you to the last few posters for their advice, I'm about to go in the next half hour. I will write about my experiences later today or tomorrow.

[Keegan]

Just got back from the show, was a good experience.

I picked quite a few up for the PC:

- Sidney Crosby ITG card of him playing with Quebec.
- Evgeni Malkin ITG card of him playing in Europe.
- couple of Nazem Kadri RC's.
- Phil Kessel RC.
- Dion Phaneuf RC.
- Phil Kessel UD Ice (in Leafs uniform)
- Score Team Set of Toronto Maple Leafs
- 2 James Reimer RC's.
- Keith Aulie RC.
- AHL ITG cards of Kadri and Colbourne.

Tried to nab a Hall RC but no luck due to discomfort in terms of its pricetag.

[waf]

Just got back from the show, was a good experience.

I picked quite a few up for the PC:

- Sidney Crosby ITG card of him playing with Quebec.
- Evgeni Malkin ITG card of him playing in Europe.
- couple of Nazem Kadri RC's.
- Phil Kessel RC.
- Dion Phaneuf RC.
- Phil Kessel UD Ice (in Leafs uniform)
- Score Team Set of Toronto Maple Leafs
- 2 James Reimer RC's.
- Keith Aulie RC.
- AHL ITG cards of Kadri and Colbourne.

Tried to nab a Hall RC but no luck due to discomfort in terms of its pricetag.

Glad you had a good time and congrats on the pick ups.
Which Reimer RC did you find?

If you ever go to more shows always remember to barter on the prices