Tips for New Card Show Vendors?

[FrankToronto]

Since we started The Toronto Card Show back in 2006, it has always been in the back of my mind to prepare a list of tips for new card show vendors to give them a leg up on what can be a rather overwhelming first time setting up at a card show. I'm hoping I'll be able to get around to doing this soon and perhaps SCFers can help me.

I'm also considering implementing a Young Vendor Start-Up Program to encourage more collectors under 40 to set up at card shows. So this "guide" may help them out as well.

So if you've setup at a card show before, what tips based on your experience would you give to a new card show dealer?

As a collector attending a card show, from your perspective (keeping in mind that all collectors have different perspectives), what tips would you give a dealer setting up at a show for the first time?

[pwaldo]

Always mark your cards with prices. Or if you have cards in boxes ($5 box, $1 box) etc. that's fine too. But if I walk past a booth and they have cards with no prices more than likely I won't even bother to stop and look.

[FanOfSpeed08]

neat organized presentation
prices clearly marked
ability to make change on all bills
bins organized and marked accordingly
business cards are a plus as well being able to accept credit card if you deal in a lot of high end
remain professional when dealing, surprising that i even have to say that. but i do

[dudical]

When setting up a table, if possible, include prices. It helps

[jogesc2]

Always mark your cards with prices. Or if you have cards in boxes ($5 box, $1 box) etc. that's fine too. But if I walk past a booth and they have cards with no prices more than likely I won't even bother to stop and look.

+1

[FrankToronto]

Great advice! Keep it coming!

Thinking of implementing a Young Vendor Start-up Program to help new and young vendors out.

[Mike Bray]

Get some type of display cases to put your better cards in . Dont just pile up stacks randomly on a table . You can get wooden cases for $20- 40 each or more durable metal ones for $100 or so , and if the show doesnt provide table coverings - bring your own. Decent boxes to display your lower $$ cards in - dont use the 15 year old shoeboxes that are discolored and half crushed . A couple hundred $$ will go a long way getting you set up .

[RGM81]

Bring a decent array of everything without trying to focus too much on high-end cards - while they make a great visual splash and bring people over, if you don't have anything smaller that will be of equal value you may not end up making a lot of sales.

Bring a notebook to take down any requests/contact information - obviously you can't bring everything to every show, but if you've got a batch of a particular set that's at home and a prospective buyer asks about it, you'll know to bring it next time and can hopefully make a deal. Likewise, a buyer may not have the $$$ on hand at the show itself but may be able to work out a deal in the interim.

Be open to trade offers. We know that you've got table fees and gas and all that to cover, but if you're willing to work a swap with people they're usually willing to trade up and in your favour as they're mindful of these facts. If you don't want to trade at the show, this is where that notebook can come in handy.

Be flexible and willing to negotiate on pricing. You're of course not obligated to take any offer that comes along, and you definitely have the right to tell the guy that leads his negotiation with "I can get this on eBay for...." to go get said card(s) on eBay, but if a guy comes along and wants to make a deal sometimes that extra five bucks off the sticker price can make all the difference. Plus, the buyer will be more inclined to come back and visit you at the next show.

Be welcoming and communicative. There's anywhere from 10-100 other tables depending on the size of the show you're at, and if you want to hook people in and get some of their money, it's a lot tougher to do that if you've got your back turned or you're standing aloof with your arms crossed. I may shoot the breeze with you for a few minutes while browsing your table, and it can lead to larger transactions and deals outside the show.

Don't be afraid to crack a joke, but make sure it's not a sensitive area. If I'm strolling along in my Habs jersey/shirt, and they got bombed last night, going for the jugular about having to cancel the parade for another year may be just a little too far. A casual "rough night last night" quip will suffice, and then you can proceed to show me some latest Canadiens additions that I may want to buy from you to ease my suffering.

[sjw241]

Know what you have available. If someone asks if you have a certain Gretzky card on hand and you say you don't know or you dont have it they will obviously leave, but when you find that card after they have left your table it could be tough to find them, or they may have found it at another dealer. I say this from experience when I was a rookie dealer at the shows :(
Make it fun for the kids. I had a stack of reprint Gretzky rookies that I got for next to nothing. One show I gave a little guy one, he was over the moon! His dad ended up spending $250 at my table.
Also, I agree with everything else posted above. Prices are a must. Don't play the make an offer game. they are your cards, name a price. But be ready to negotiate. Everyone loves to get a deal!

[egghead529]

I've never done a show as a vendor, but Paypal makes this little credit card reader that plugs into your phone. A couple of other companies make them too (square is one). They're free to get and it Charges the same fee (I think, believe it's 2.7%) paypal normally does but let's someone pay right there with their credit card. Seems like a no brainer for a rookie dealer to me!!