Sports card show question

[Archimedes]

I’m planning to attend my first sports card show this weekend in Philly. Are these events just a place to pick up singles or is wax available also? Do prices tend to be good? Or expensive since there’s a bunch of guys all trying to buy the same stuff? Thanks!


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[Bowman1951]

I've seen some great deals on sealed boxes at shows and some not so great, just like anywhere....you'll really need to shop around. Don't just jump at something at the first table you see, really check out everything and THEN make purchasing decision.

[keenejd]

but you risk the stuff at the first table being gone by the time you're back around.

[Big35Hurt]

Prices can be all over the board, but you should probably be able to find some wax. Be prepared to smell a lot of body odor.

[jbrown36836]

Be prepared to smell a lot of body odor.

This is unfortunately 100% accurate.

[jdhaugh11]

Some dealers will sell stuff dirt cheap and others will be overpriced.
If you know what you are buying, you will know if it is a good deal or not.
Once in awhile you will find something that you never thought you would find.

You might have to dig for a good amount of time, but in the end it can be fun and worth the time.

I think there is a balance between online and in person at a show, both have pros and cons.

[13goyankees13]

If it's a big enough show you should find some good deals. For things like cards under $1 that are expensive to ship or ungraded vintage where it helps to examine the card in person, there is a huge advantage to card shows over ebay. For other stuff you might see some good deals from people looking to get rid of stuff but for the most part, sellers are charging a premium to cover their costs and hoping you'll pay it to get the card today.

If it's a big enough show there will be some wax but most booths don't have any or just have junk wax era boxes. You might find some good deals on a bit older stuff people are tired of sitting on but don't expect to find anything new for less than you could get it online.

The worst is sellers who advertise x% off Beckett or don't list prices and when you ask tell you x% off Beckett. If I hear that, I'll say thanks and walk away unless there's something rare I really want.

[trask7]

I walk to show first and then start looking at price once something catches my eye. I was at a show this weekend that had a lot of wax and very over priced. I found a small table and a guy had on box of 3018 Bowman’s best for $60. Look around and try to negotiate.

[Big35Hurt]

I walk to show first and then start looking at price once something catches my eye. I was at a show this weekend that had a lot of wax and very over priced. I found a small table and a guy had on box of 3018 Bowman’s best for $60. Look around and try to negotiate.

That's probably a good deal considering how inflation will affect prices over the next 1000 years.

[Brewers3]

I walk to show first and then start looking at price once something catches my eye. I was at a show this weekend that had a lot of wax and very over priced. I found a small table and a guy had on box of 3018 Bowman’s best for $60. Look around and try to negotiate.

Oh my now that’s some time travel ish right there.

[WHyFLy]

Sports Card Shows are an excellent way to shop around, meet fellow collectors, and possibly find steals. I set up at shows as a dealer and frequent many other shows around me as a buyer/trader. Make sure you bring some stuff with you as there are always guys there looking to trade and buy.

Wax can be found at decent prices, but don't expect to get something for an insane deal. Always be willing to negotiate too, don't feel pressured that you have to pay the sticker price for a card. Offer up a price and the worst case scenario is that the dealer turns you down (Just be fair though on the price).

Last show I went too, I found a Topps Chrome Blue Refractor Ronald Acuna Auto for $200. You never know what you will come across!

Last thing! BRING Cash with you, most dealers should have paypal, but many people who set up also only deal with cash! So bring some cash with you along with your paypal. Generally like to bring about $200-300 cash along with my paypal to local shows.

[wharfrat7624]

I am going to the Philly show this weekend as well. You will find that approx 75% of the dealers will sell vintage but you can find current hobby boxes. There is one dealer, can’t remember the name, who tends to be cheaper than the rest on hobby boxes. I remember buying two hobby boxes of 2018 THH for $124 at the December show.


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[jewcer2k5]

Go in there with specific wants and knowledge of what they are worth. If you just go looking randomly you will most likely be overwhelmed. Based on your location I assume the Philly show this weekend, I can tell you some folks to deal with there if you want.

[Neal]

I’m planning to attend my first sports card show this weekend in Philly. Are these events just a place to pick up singles or is wax available also? Do prices tend to be good? Or expensive since there’s a bunch of guys all trying to buy the same stuff? Thanks!


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Not a lot of girls there …

Philly show is solid. I hope to be there on Sunday

[Irish1351]

Philly Show has Steel City Collectibles which is the "big name" wax dealer, but there are other dealers there that sell wax. It is mostly vintage, but there are a decent amount of modern dealers. Prices tend to be marked up, but there are some deals to be had. I'm sure the tables aren't cheap there!

[notfast]

I'll be there Friday and Saturday. PM me if you want to stop by our booth. Tons of modern stuff if thats your cup of tea

[DaRitz]

Hit or miss.

Some guys try to take advantage of the fact you're not comparing them to 15 other identical cards on ebay and try to make an extra 10-15%.

Other guys (the bigger ones who sell a lot) know that they're better off taking a 10% haircut on what they can get from ebay. No returns, and cash-in-hand is a huge plus.

I usually avoid the guys who look like they're trying to sell their PC and focus on the guys with a professional set-up. That's not a perfect system, but you have to narrow it down somehow! And that should work if you're looking for boxes/cases. You want the guys who bought it by the case from a distributor, not the guy who bought two boxes on Blowout and need to flip it for a $20 profit.

Also, negotiate the price. Once that's settled, ask for a cash discount.

[Archimedes]

Philly Show has Steel City Collectibles which is the "big name" wax dealer, but there are other dealers there that sell wax. It is mostly vintage, but there are a decent amount of modern dealers. Prices tend to be marked up, but there are some deals to be had. I'm sure the tables aren't cheap there!

Is SSC just going to sell their wax for the same price as on their site?