Card Show Question??

[Dumb Bald Guy]

ok, i have been collecting for a bit, but i have never been to a card show.
how does it work, is there actual trading involved, or is it more of a buy/ sell atmosphere?
And any tips so i dont look like a fool would be appreciated. thanks
Brendan

[NiteWolf777]

it generally depends on the size of the show your going to, i.e., how many tables/dealers are setting up. obviously most dealers/shop owners that set up are gonna be looking to sell unless they can buy/trade at rates heavily in their favor. Larger shows will give ya a better selection and most likely a better bargain, smaller shows are less hectic, might even find people willing to trade. hope this helps

[doniceage]

What was said above by Nitewolf is correct. Will add these points though.

1) Buying is the preferred trust me for most.

2) Don't ever settle for the first deal they offer as most dealers will bargain

3) The more the buy the better deal you should get. Say you buy 2
cards ask for a buck off each or if more buck or whatever amount on
the deal.

4) Can you tell us where the show is going to be etc? As above the size
and etc. will help.

5) Take with you something to take notes

A) at smaller shows there will be more collectors than dealers possibly.
They will be more than willing to trade than bigger deals without hitting
ya for a big difference in the trade being in their favor. So if you know
what they collect the next time you go you can take those players.
Thus pick up some cards that they could use and work out some trades
just like you do here.

B) Take a note of what the dealer has and what he is asking for on his
Cards that won't trade. Thus if he is selling a lot of regional stuff or if
you talk to them they might have collectors that look for such and such.
Again if you can pick things up like cards like that which he knows he
can flip quickly he might be willing to trade to you without the deal being
so much in his favor or perhaps even steven.


6) Another suggestion I would make and strongly suggest stroll thru
the whole show before buying anything. Especially, if it is a large
show there is nothing worse than overpaying for a card. As more than
likely the card will not be gone. Also, if you have a budget it good to
decide where all your dollars are going to go before you buy at the first
couple tables then see that WHITE WHALE you really want but you blew
all your cash.

P.S. Ask some more questions nothing is stupid as it all about learning. If you can take some pic's and let us know how it was (pick ups, new friends, etc.)

DON

[Dumb Bald Guy]

I really appreciate the advice. I am guessing it is going to be a decent size show. its being held at the NY State Fair Grounds in Syracuse.
Here is the Description from the site.

Collectorfest Sports Memorabilia Show John Deere Horticulture Building Admission: $4.00, Ages 10 and under free
Hours: 10:00am-4:00pm
Phone Number: 607-753-8580
"COLLECTORSFEST" shows are the biggest shows in upstate New York and consist of Sports Memorabilia, Race Memorabilia, Sports and Non-Sports Cards, Autographs, Beanie Babies, Comics, Starting Line Up, Toys, and a whole lot more. These shows usually have up to 200 vendor tables with vendors from all over the Northeast and Canada. Appearing at this show will be New York Yankee Third Base Coach Larry Bowa from 11:00am-1:00pm.

[Dumb Bald Guy]

Well that was a great time. only got to spend about 2 hours there. i took my 6yr old step daughter and she started geting a bit rammy after the 1.5 hour car ride and 2 hours of cards...lol cant blame her.
I was surprised at the ammount of people there. mostly i just walked around looking at all the tables set up. i know enough to know that i dont know alot about football and baseball so i shyed away a bit from buying.
i really enjoyed the learning experience.
i bought some supplies, spent 7 bucks on stealth base cards for my sets, spent 20 on 5 packs of Bowman Chrome Football, got nada from them. i also spent 20 bucks total on these.




I was hoping to find a couple of boxes of stealth hobby and did so.
I am going to post them on the Racing box break board, but i did rather well.
getting a Richard Petty Platinum Signings.
All in all a great day. looking forward to another one.
thanks again for the advice, i certainly tried to put it to use.
Brendan

[doniceage]

Brendan,
If ya get a chance and go again let me know and perhaps if you want we can talk to Mike and send out a notice of this show. LMK and we can post it in the EVENT FORUMS and send out a invite for members to attend from teh area. These are the things that make trading special as you meet another collector from the area and then get to meet in person. As you learned something this time perhaps the guy or gal knows some connections and can teach you a thing or two. Or perhaps the situation will be reversed and you can help them with the ins and outs as you get more of a being a veteran of the show.

P.S. As the best thing is knowing people at the show as it makes it more personable and fun as you spend time actually chatting with people you hope to build a friendship (and some last for YEARS).

D
O
N

[Dumb Bald Guy]

Theres a show down near philly in march. i am going to try to make it, but with the lil one coming i am not sure. i will get the info on it and post it. maybe i can get hagansp out to learn me about those football cards..lol

[Dumb Bald Guy]

heres the link for the show.

Philly Show

Dates are March 2-4

[doniceage]

I will post that in the event forums now. Thanks.

DO
N