Attending my first card show in years any tips?

Jkorr42084 · 07-22-2016, 12:00 PM

Just getting back into the hobby, and next Saturday I'm attending my first card show in 20 years. I'm bringing about 200 in cash. Looking for any advice than could be beneficial. Thanks in Advance.

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phinzphan1372 · 07-22-2016, 01:45 PM

dont spend all your money on the first table you start at

BostonNut · 07-22-2016, 01:51 PM

Go through the quarter boxes. Never know what you will find.

byronscott4ever · 07-22-2016, 01:59 PM

Take time to look at every table, don't be surprised by the people who won't say a word to you, and ask questions. It never hurts to learn something even about a sport you don't collect in case you later spot a deal that you would have missed otherwise.

HBMC · 07-22-2016, 02:24 PM

Vicks under your nose, just to be sure.

jdin8455 · 07-22-2016, 02:43 PM

Make sure you check every table, but don't get your hopes up as well. The last two shows I've been to, I've walked away without purchasing anything

phinzphan1372 · 07-22-2016, 03:11 PM

also .... price tags are a starting point

xXdirtyjoeXx · 07-22-2016, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBMC

Vicks under your nose, just to be sure.

This is an understatement. Still blows me away at how unhygienic people can be.

Bassplayah101 · 07-22-2016, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBMC

Vicks under your nose, just to be sure.

this is absolutely true.

meandsharon11 · 07-22-2016, 04:06 PM

Take your smartphone and compare prices with eBay. The show will be a little higher since it's in hand, but that will give you a gauge to make sure you aren't getting something over priced. It's a lot easier on lower priced cards to overspend. That's where dealers make their money. It's easier to get more value on a higher priced card at a show cause it's hard for dealers to move them. Cards $50-$75 range is the best value.

pudge27t · 07-22-2016, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phinzphan1372

dont spend all your money on the first table you start at

Lmao! Ain't that the truth!!

Jkorr42084 · 07-22-2016, 04:42 PM

Thank you for the replies it's supposed to be a big show 200+tables in Raleigh NC

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asujbl · 07-22-2016, 04:53 PM

Take a Beckett...

Shows are lame. Doesn't stop me from going but it's a needle in a haystack. eBay has just killed them

MasterPattie · 07-22-2016, 04:57 PM

Be prepared for, "make me an offer", lack of selection, sellers overvaluing their cards, and general rudeness.

Oh, and they smell, too.

NickM · 07-23-2016, 02:37 AM

Figure out what you're really looking for.
If it's just good values, cards in boxes (anywhere from dime boxes to several dollars per card boxes) are where you're most likely to find steals.
If it's a player PC (or several PCs), you do not want to go through boxes unless they are already broken down by player or team. Spend your time looking at displayed cards. 200 tables takes a lot of going through.
If it's filling holes in sets, look for the guys with binders. Those are most often used for set organization.
If it's specific cards you need, make a want list.

Make sure you have plenty of cell phone (or tablet) battery.

beaver1080 · 07-23-2016, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkorr42084

Thank you for the replies it's supposed to be a big show 200+tables in Raleigh NC

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It's a good show, I went to one a few months back. Lots of great dealers. As many said prices will be marked up and are just starting point. Everyone was willing to deal. Most dealers were really friendly, although a few didn't say anything unless you asked them for something. Bring cash, makes it easier to get a better deal. I'll be there on Friday since I work Saturday and sunday.

Jkorr42084 · 07-23-2016, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beaver1080

It's a good show, I went to one a few months back. Lots of great dealers. As many said prices will be marked up and are just starting point. Everyone was willing to deal. Most dealers were really friendly, although a few didn't say anything unless you asked them for something. Bring cash, makes it easier to get a better deal. I'll be there on Friday since I work Saturday and sunday.

Any dealers there to avoid or make sure I visit?

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Grza · 07-23-2016, 04:40 PM

Bring lots of condemns.

Bassplayah101 · 07-23-2016, 05:12 PM

Some really good opinions here, and several that I follow as well.
use ebay on your phone, dont spend any money until youve walked the entire floor, take notepad and pen to make notes of who has the cards youre looking for, note prices, and haggle, haggle, haggle.
Pit dealers against one another that have the same cards your looking for in order to get the lowest price.
When talking to dealers, dont always tip your hand, but also let them know youre not a fool, and "know" what youre buying, so people dont try to take advantage, because it does happen.
also, not everyone is a d|ck.. but some are. Simply dont buy from them.
Perhaps, most important.. talk to people.. make friends and contacts.

Stifle · 07-23-2016, 05:35 PM

Before leaving a dealers table, ask the dealer if he has additional cards/boxes that he has not set out yet or cards that were picked up. If a dealer has cards that you are interested in but couldn't bring to the show then exchange emails / phone numbers. Good luck at the show !
Doug

IronMonkey415 · 07-23-2016, 07:45 PM

You guys are saying there are a lot of smelly SOB at cards show?

HBMC · 07-23-2016, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronMonkey415

You guys are saying there are a lot of smelly SOB at cards show?

Flop sweat and the heat this time of year is a lethal combo.

Bassplayah101 · 07-23-2016, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBMC

Flop sweat

oh man, LOL..

iluvfish2 · 07-23-2016, 09:43 PM

How did it go?

Quote:

Originally Posted by phinzphan1372

dont spend all your money on the first table you start at

hey this is where I generally setup I'm offended by that statement. I will say scan the room and then once you've made your rounds go back for a 2nd look. One I think you'll see more than you did the first time, but it will also give you a chance to judge prices around the room.

But dont be afraid to ask questions either. I wouldnt necessarly ask someone who has all vintage is he has any 2015 Chrome Blue refractors?? But if there's someone or something you are looking for - most dealers have an idea where it may or may not be. Saves you a lot of time maybe not effort, but easy way to start up a conversation as well.

beaver1080 · 07-23-2016, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkorr42084

Any dealers there to avoid or make sure I visit?

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Honestly I'd give them all a shot. Not everyone looks for the same stuff so I wouldn't say avoid any of them. That being said there were a few that had crazy high prices but again most just used them as a starting price. For example one guy in particular had cards listed at like $20 plus that sold for $2-3 on ebay. I almost walked away but he gave great deals so it was worth taking time to look and check back. If you end up going Friday lmk

07-22-2016, 12:00 PM	#1
Jkorr42084 Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Where I lay My head is home Posts: 66 JonKOrr	Attending my first card show in years any tips? Just getting back into the hobby, and next Saturday I'm attending my first card show in 20 years. I'm bringing about 200 in cash. Looking for any advice than could be beneficial. Thanks in Advance. Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

07-22-2016, 01:51 PM	#3
BostonNut Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 61,890	Go through the quarter boxes. Never know what you will find. __________________ "It's true that whenever rectal issues come to mind thoughts of you aren't far behind" - HairySas September 4, 2025 "GD it. I am a doofus." - majestik101 October 16, 2025 “This is the baseball section, NN ” - Bosoxfan5990 November 25, 2025

07-22-2016, 02:24 PM	#5
HBMC Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Missouri Posts: 16,396 hogsboysmavscards	Vicks under your nose, just to be sure. __________________ I PC: Dallas Cowboys Arkansas Razorbacks StL Cards KC Chiefs Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin PC'er

07-22-2016, 04:06 PM	#10
meandsharon11 Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Texas Posts: 5,169	Take your smartphone and compare prices with eBay. The show will be a little higher since it's in hand, but that will give you a gauge to make sure you aren't getting something over priced. It's a lot easier on lower priced cards to overspend. That's where dealers make their money. It's easier to get more value on a higher priced card at a show cause it's hard for dealers to move them. Cards $50-$75 range is the best value. __________________ https://www.flickr.com/photos/196644596@N08/albums

07-22-2016, 04:53 PM	#13
asujbl Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 63,432 ohiosundevils	Take a Beckett... Shows are lame. Doesn't stop me from going but it's a needle in a haystack. eBay has just killed them __________________ https://ohiosundevils.smugmug.com/ Browns/Cavs/Tribe/Buckeyes/Jackets/Devils TheFrenzy - “Blowout ain't a place for normies”

07-22-2016, 01:45 PM	#2
phinzphan1372 Banned Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Outlaw Nation, RI 401 Posts: 3,522	dont spend all your money on the first table you start at

07-22-2016, 01:59 PM	#4
byronscott4ever Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 11,423	Take time to look at every table, don't be surprised by the people who won't say a word to you, and ask questions. It never hurts to learn something even about a sport you don't collect in case you later spot a deal that you would have missed otherwise.

07-22-2016, 02:43 PM	#6
jdin8455 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Hampstead MD Posts: 2,638 jdin8455	Make sure you check every table, but don't get your hopes up as well. The last two shows I've been to, I've walked away without purchasing anything

07-22-2016, 03:11 PM	#7
phinzphan1372 Banned Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Outlaw Nation, RI 401 Posts: 3,522	also .... price tags are a starting point

07-22-2016, 04:42 PM	#12
Jkorr42084 Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Where I lay My head is home Posts: 66 JonKOrr	Thank you for the replies it's supposed to be a big show 200+tables in Raleigh NC Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

07-22-2016, 04:57 PM	#14
MasterPattie Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8,750	Be prepared for, "make me an offer", lack of selection, sellers overvaluing their cards, and general rudeness. Oh, and they smell, too.

07-23-2016, 02:37 AM	#15
NickM Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 12,353	Figure out what you're really looking for. If it's just good values, cards in boxes (anywhere from dime boxes to several dollars per card boxes) are where you're most likely to find steals. If it's a player PC (or several PCs), you do not want to go through boxes unless they are already broken down by player or team. Spend your time looking at displayed cards. 200 tables takes a lot of going through. If it's filling holes in sets, look for the guys with binders. Those are most often used for set organization. If it's specific cards you need, make a want list. Make sure you have plenty of cell phone (or tablet) battery. __________________ 1st superfractor hit by RK Collectibles. 2014 Bowman Chrome Mini BB Chris Kohler. "What do we want?" "Time travel." "And when do we want it?" "It's irrelevant."

07-23-2016, 04:40 PM	#18
Grza Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Seattle Posts: 4,604 grza63mnr	Bring lots of condemns.

07-23-2016, 05:12 PM	#19
Bassplayah101 Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: 1 Patriot Place Posts: 7,993	Some really good opinions here, and several that I follow as well. use ebay on your phone, dont spend any money until youve walked the entire floor, take notepad and pen to make notes of who has the cards youre looking for, note prices, and haggle, haggle, haggle. Pit dealers against one another that have the same cards your looking for in order to get the lowest price. When talking to dealers, dont always tip your hand, but also let them know youre not a fool, and "know" what youre buying, so people dont try to take advantage, because it does happen. also, not everyone is a d\|ck.. but some are. Simply dont buy from them. Perhaps, most important.. talk to people.. make friends and contacts. Last edited by Bassplayah101; 07-23-2016 at 05:18 PM.

07-23-2016, 05:35 PM	#20
Stifle Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: I've met great collectors throughout MI and N. Indiana / CHI. Posts: 9,474 Stifle	Before leaving a dealers table, ask the dealer if he has additional cards/boxes that he has not set out yet or cards that were picked up. If a dealer has cards that you are interested in but couldn't bring to the show then exchange emails / phone numbers. Good luck at the show ! Doug

07-23-2016, 07:45 PM	#21
IronMonkey415 Banned Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 44,118 ironmonkeyfromsf	You guys are saying there are a lot of smelly SOB at cards show?