My Burbank Card Show Recap + Galactic Question!

[messier2]

Hi Guys,

Normally I post these in the Baseball forum, but since I have shifted to mostly collecting basketball, I feel it's more appropriate here.

[Apologies for the long read!]

Today is/was my last day at the show (will be heading to Palm Springs all day tomorrow before my flight back home). This was my first Burbank Show...my first mega show since the National. Overall, I was very impressed with most aspects of it. It was well-run...just a few points of improvement I will mention later.

Overall:

Great show! I have been to tons of shows in the last few years and this one is on par with Dallas as the shows with the most positive "vibes" and just people happy and excited to be there. Both the attendees and the dealers!

My observations:

* Prices were much more reasonable compared to previous shows I have been to. The stickers were right on eBay last sales which is a-ok with me. I would say 60% of the dealers had stickers on their cards...which is an improvement!

* Dealers were much more willing to negotiate...10% off here, 15% off there. They were very flexible which I liked. I think they realize that if you want to be a dinosaur with 2021 prices and being firm on them...no one will buy from them!

* Lot of adults, lots of teenagers, a few significant others, and slightly less kids than what I have seen in other shows. Not sure if that's good or bad, but that's what I saw.

* LOTS of card cleaner tables. This is the first time I have seen them at any show I have been to. One even advertised that he was a former PSA grader! They all had brisk business. I would say there were 5-8 overall in both rooms. Personally, I clean my own cards, but that's just me!

* I also loved the wide aisles, great air circulation, the second room was super bright compared to the first, which was pleasant to walk around and even better when looking over raw cards!

* I commented on the baseball forum that bargain boxes were not too many...well Friday and Saturday...they were out in full force! Loved it!

For improvement:

* The parking was crazy. $20 per day no in/out. Thank goodness my hotel was next door so, no worries there. I think people would be ok about the $20 if there was in/out. Something to think about for the future...

* The VIP badges. Now that I have seen the Tag-picture-badges, they look nice. BUT, they should have an option for those that don't have time to wait in line or don't want to...to have a standard VIP badge. That would be nice. I have a mini-collection of VIP badges at home and the disposable wrist band just does not cut it!

That's pretty much it for the needs improvement category.

Here is my question.

Are Revolution Galactic cards no longer in demand? I know that everyone is all about Downtown's, Kaboom's, etc. But, are Galactics pretty much dead in terms of demand?

I ask because I fished this out of bargain bin at $3...I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the galactic background design, the player, and the price. Then, I was thinking about it more and realize...people don't care about them anymore? I even was worried the dealer would realize the mistake and try to back out of the deal, but he didn't flinch an eye!

I know the Mobley hype has died down now that he's hurt...but still...





Looks clean too, so will be added to my next PSA sub!

[drobfan8]

Great write up. Thank you.

Galactics are way down. Especially anything non superstar or an insert.

I'm intrigued to see what happens to them in 3 to 5 years as they dry up

[messier2]

Originally Posted by drobfan8

Great write up. Thank you.

Galactics are way down. Especially anything non superstar or an insert.

I'm intrigued to see what happens to them in 3 to 5 years as they dry up

Thanks!

Good to know on the Galactics. I own a few of them from 2017 and 2018 that I have stashed away...now I'm realizing they may be worthless in a few years!

[ninjabum87]

Thats more than a 3 dollar card. If youre not in the right light its easy to mistake for a base to an untrained eye. They are never gonna be worthless, but thankfully the pump on them ended years ago when pumpers moved to other hits.

That's still probably a 100-200 dollar card I'd assume and someone misplaced it as a base RR insert.

I still like them but I'm generally refusing to pay more than 80-100 bucks for the base non-rc galactics for top guys, probably 50-80 depending on the insert variety. The guys who think non-rc non-Lebron/Steph tier base galactics made 2017/18 onwards are still 400-1000 dollar cards are high on copium and slowly seeing the errors of their ways. Makes me happy to see the same slabs listed for 3+ years at 2k whittled down to 299 and still no takers cause theyre 70 dollar cards.

[messier2]

Originally Posted by ninjabum87

Thats more than a 3 dollar card. If youre not in the right light its easy to mistake for a base to an untrained eye. They are never gonna be worthless, but thankfully the pump on them ended years ago when pumpers moved to other hits.

That's still probably a 100-200 dollar card I'd assume and someone misplaced it as a base RR insert.

I still like them but I'm generally refusing to pay more than 80-100 bucks for the base non-rc galactics for top guys, probably 50-80 depending on the insert variety. The guys who think non-rc non-Lebron/Steph tier base galactics made 2017/18 onwards are still 400-1000 dollar cards are high on copium and slowly seeing the errors of their ways. Makes me happy to see the same slabs listed for 3+ years at 2k whittled down to 299 and still no takers cause theyre 70 dollar cards.

I hear ya! I remember seeing those posts on here about people buying them up and building Galactic sets, etc. Not sure where they are now, but times have changed for sure!

[ninjabum87]

Honestly I mostly stopped posting pics of what I buy that's harder to find now unless I finished a collection cause I don't want to attract pumpers again. I think a lot of others did the same.

I still browse them, but most people are still asking way too much. I remember 2018/19 buying Giannis base galactics for 70 to 80 bucks, it'd be nice to be back there again, or at least around a hundred. You can find other borderline superstars for 30 bucks, 40 bucks base nowadays which seems fine. I just am not gonna spend 400 dollars on one nowadays.

[messier2]

Originally Posted by ninjabum87

Honestly I mostly stopped posting pics of what I buy that's harder to find now unless I finished a collection cause I don't want to attract pumpers again. I think a lot of others did the same.

I still browse them, but most people are still asking way too much. I remember 2018/19 buying Giannis base galactics for 70 to 80 bucks, it'd be nice to be back there again, or at least around a hundred. You can find other borderline superstars for 30 bucks, 40 bucks base nowadays which seems fine. I just am not gonna spend 400 dollars on one nowadays.

Yeah, I remember those days too. That's why I couldn't believe I got this one for only $3. But, now I understand the market is just ice-cold on these and they are not as "cool" as Kaboom's for example!

[ninjabum87]

Originally Posted by messier2

Yeah, I remember those days too. That's why I couldn't believe I got this one for only $3. But, now I understand the market is just ice-cold on these and they are not as "cool" as Kaboom's for example!

Yeah the "kids" these days are into Kabooms and Downtowns as their halos I suppose. I think Downtowns are still being pumped a lot. Way more Downtowns than there are Galactics for sure but it is what it is. I'd prefer it stay over in those since they aren't really my style. Might get one at some point but idk.

Kabooms are fine but the fact they share a background with revolution impact parallels kinda kills it for me. I enjoy the ones where dudes are actually throwing it down, but most of the poses are guys standing there yelling without the ball lol. Not a thousand dollars "cool" to me, especially not when they're so highly printed.

I still think someone accidentally put that in the bargain bin. Absolute worst case sale for something like that with him being hurt is like 20 or 30 bucks I'd think. 100-200 if he had the hype he had a year ago again.

[messier2]

Originally Posted by ninjabum87

Yeah the "kids" these days are into Kabooms and Downtowns as their halos I suppose. I think Downtowns are still being pumped a lot. Way more Downtowns than there are Galactics for sure but it is what it is. I'd prefer it stay over in those since they aren't really my style. Might get one at some point but idk.

Kabooms are fine but the fact they share a background with revolution impact parallels kinda kills it for me. I enjoy the ones where dudes are actually throwing it down, but most of the poses are guys standing there yelling without the ball lol. Not a thousand dollars "cool" to me, especially not when they're so highly printed.

I still think someone accidentally put that in the bargain bin. Absolute worst case sale for something like that with him being hurt is like 20 or 30 bucks I'd think. 100-200 if he had the hype he had a year ago again.

Yeah, you're probably right. I know they are easy to overlook if you don't know what to look for!

I'm just going to grade and hold till next season. He still has his followers and some hype left. He just needs to get it together next season with Spida probably moving along elsewhere!

[KhalDrogo]

The best parallel IMO.

Luka 2018 base BGS 9.5 is down a remarkable ~75% from the high in 2021. Looks like that Mobley went for $35 at auction in the fall. Poor title, but in line with what I would expect when it was selling for about $225 at release.

[Nomad]

Is the card con happening in LA in a couple weeks a serious event, or is it more along the lines of an anime thing?

Sorry, collect-a-con, not the "Conference for Credit Cards & Consumer Credit Media"

[MyckKabongo]

Well, FWIW, I found a Galactic De'Aaron Fox vet card in a dollar box last year. Some guys are dealing with so much volume that they let a lot of stuff slip through the cracks.

[Nomad]

I think the reason it will be difficult for Galactic to go up in price is that the base of Revolution is already reminiscent of a hit. So like there is essentially little difference?

[NotOriginal]

galactic isn't even the best looking parallel

[ninjabum87]

Originally Posted by NotOriginal

galactic isn't even the best looking parallel

To each their own, I will admit that in ambient light and in those led light boxes galactics don't look good really at all whereas cubic/futura/sunburst still pop. They need multiple overhead light sources to really get the wow factor. So i can see where people look at them in the wrong light and go "uh, whats the big deal?"

[Luni]

Cool write up and makes me want to venture out and actually go to some card shows now. As for the Galactic question, that is definitely a steal at $3 but overall the parallel has suffered value wise since its release. The reason is that Panini keeps printing them every year all while increasing production of the products. Being that they are unnumbered, it's all a guess what the actual print run is. The first 2 years are probably right at /15 but it wouldn't surprise me if everything post 2018 is /25+. Combined with the fact that a lot of the better players have 3-5 inserts plus a base card that can be Galactic means there is just a flood of them over the years. LeBron is probably up to at least 40-50 different Galactic cards now so you can imagine that hurts value a bit.

I still like Galactics personally and in hand they definitely are way cooler than the base cards. It's all preference whether someone likes a different parallel better like Lava, Cubic, etc... but I think Galactic still comes out on top for a classy look. Actually some of the more recent Tmall/Asia exclusive parallels like Holo Gold/Silver are very cool too.

[Nomad]

Then again, without the 40-50 Galactic parallels, collectors wouldn't have a turf to keep them busy the rest of their lives. Imagine a super collection of a player's Galactics with multiple stage lights in place, adjusted at different angles each day. A fully evolving collection.

[tjforce]

Originally Posted by messier2

Hi Guys,

Normally I post these in the Baseball forum, but since I have shifted to mostly collecting basketball, I feel it's more appropriate here.

[Apologies for the long read!]

Today is/was my last day at the show (will be heading to Palm Springs all day tomorrow before my flight back home). This was my first Burbank Show...my first mega show since the National. Overall, I was very impressed with most aspects of it. It was well-run...just a few points of improvement I will mention later.

Overall:

Great show! I have been to tons of shows in the last few years and this one is on par with Dallas as the shows with the most positive "vibes" and just people happy and excited to be there. Both the attendees and the dealers!

My observations:

* Prices were much more reasonable compared to previous shows I have been to. The stickers were right on eBay last sales which is a-ok with me. I would say 60% of the dealers had stickers on their cards...which is an improvement!

* Dealers were much more willing to negotiate...10% off here, 15% off there. They were very flexible which I liked. I think they realize that if you want to be a dinosaur with 2021 prices and being firm on them...no one will buy from them!

* Lot of adults, lots of teenagers, a few significant others, and slightly less kids than what I have seen in other shows. Not sure if that's good or bad, but that's what I saw.

* LOTS of card cleaner tables. This is the first time I have seen them at any show I have been to. One even advertised that he was a former PSA grader! They all had brisk business. I would say there were 5-8 overall in both rooms. Personally, I clean my own cards, but that's just me!

* I also loved the wide aisles, great air circulation, the second room was super bright compared to the first, which was pleasant to walk around and even better when looking over raw cards!

* I commented on the baseball forum that bargain boxes were not too many...well Friday and Saturday...they were out in full force! Loved it!

For improvement:

* The parking was crazy. $20 per day no in/out. Thank goodness my hotel was next door so, no worries there. I think people would be ok about the $20 if there was in/out. Something to think about for the future...

* The VIP badges. Now that I have seen the Tag-picture-badges, they look nice. BUT, they should have an option for those that don't have time to wait in line or don't want to...to have a standard VIP badge. That would be nice. I have a mini-collection of VIP badges at home and the disposable wrist band just does not cut it!

That's pretty much it for the needs improvement category.

Here is my question.

Are Revolution Galactic cards no longer in demand? I know that everyone is all about Downtown's, Kaboom's, etc. But, are Galactics pretty much dead in terms of demand?

I ask because I fished this out of bargain bin at $3...I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the galactic background design, the player, and the price. Then, I was thinking about it more and realize...people don't care about them anymore? I even was worried the dealer would realize the mistake and try to back out of the deal, but he didn't flinch an eye!

I know the Mobley hype has died down now that he's hurt...but still...





Looks clean too, so will be added to my next PSA sub!

A couple things:

-Mobley is healthy again and has played the last 7 games before the all star break. He's been playing the best ball of his career, averaging 17/11/3 on 25 mins a game, with an offensive rating of 136. He's shooting 64% and is 8-13 from 3. If the Cavs ever decide to feature him, he could look very good very quickly.

-The seller probably didnt realize it was a Galactic.

-First year Galactics are going well. I've gotten low 5 figure offers on both my 2015 LeBron and 2015 Giannis Galactics, but turned them down because I'm more interested in keeping them long term. Along with pumping them out year after year, the other major problem is that Panini has increased the print run. Probably 50-100 of them each year, now, where there was about 15 year 1.

Thanks for your take at the show. I wanted to make it down there but 90 mins was still a long haul. One of these days I'll make it out there and I hope to run into you there.

[Bosoxfan5990]

Even with Panini producing multiple years of Galactics, there will be only ~10 years of Galactics by the time Panini loses the licenses.

As you mentioned, availability will likely dry up at some point, and they will be a chase for the next generation.

[boxbuster7]

$20 for parking in ontario - that is wild

[mizzoujohn]

Card cleaning- what’s with this? Never heard of it. Is this a modern card phenomenon?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[boxbuster7]

Originally Posted by mizzoujohn

Card cleaning- what’s with this? Never heard of it. Is this a modern card phenomenon?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kind of a gray area but I'd think psa would consider it altering...Only problem is they're too stupid to ever catch it.