Official What I got at the National Thread

[gorillaz]

Show what you've got/pulled so far!

[Sweetness34]

I walked around for 4 hrs today, ended up just getting supplies. There was way too much vintage + a lot of sellers were firm on their overpriced cards

[DalliLlama11]

Originally Posted by Sweetness34

I walked around for 4 hrs today, ended up just getting supplies. There was way too much vintage + a lot of sellers were firm on their overpriced cards

Thats how I've felt the first two days. Not sure it is even worth really going the rest of the time. I was so excited for my first National and have been very underwhelmed. I overpaid on about 2 cards (b.c they never technically never popped up, just the parallels of them and they are lower #d so not sure if I'd see them again), then got two okay deals; then some little things. Can't find anything on my list of like 40 cards, too much vintage, and not enough organization by most dealers. I'm all for sitting down, pulling up a chair and running through rows of cards, but I am not going to sit for hours looking through boxes when you can't even organize them by sports. Most of the people that have organized them at least got some money from me. People that didn't organize, I'll look through about a row and say forget it. There is some cool stuff to see, like the Ruth bat and stuff, but realistically, doesn't interest me. Its coo and all from a history standpoint, but I personally rather have more modern cards haha. It's feeling less like a show and more like a museum since I just basically walk past and see stuff, but can't actually buy. Up to this point, I've enjoyed the Fanatics Authentic show more than the National, and that had a good amount of vintage too. Maybe I just had my expectations too high, or this is a down year. I hope its the latter, but going to suck waiting two years to hope for a good National since no way I am going to NJ next year if this is a possibility of the show.

Edit: I guess I should put what I got since its the purpose of the thread haha. I got a 2013 NT Century Materials Matt Ryan Patch Auto 3/5.
2013 R&S Slideshow Marquise Goodwin Non-Auto
2013 R&S Marquise Goodwin Auto /49
2004? Deangelo Hall Contenders Auto
2014 Chrome 4000 Yard Club Matt Ryan Auto 15/15
2013 National Treasures Marquise Goodwin Double Jersey and Ball 88/99
2012 National Treasures BGS 9.5 Virtuoso Michael Turner Auto 33/50
2013 National Treasures Dwyane Wade Springfield Bound Auto /49
Panini Signatures Dwyane Wade Film Cell /15
I got an Anthony Rizzo Auto from the Fanatics Authentic Giveaway Cards
Lots of Ebay 1/1s in the lot.
Then from COMC got the $3 off shipping.

[sjim8660]

If anyone finds any nice Emmitt Smith autos hit me up before nationals are over, let me know what it is and a price and I would be glad to swing some paypal. I am especially looking for dual on card autos with Dorsett and Sanders.

[lisu]

Originally Posted by DalliLlama11

Thats how I've felt the first two days. Not sure it is even worth really going the rest of the time. I was so excited for my first National and have been very underwhelmed. I overpaid on about 2 cards (b.c they never technically never popped up, just the parallels of them and they are lower #d so not sure if I'd see them again), then got two okay deals; then some little things. Can't find anything on my list of like 40 cards, too much vintage, and not enough organization by most dealers. I'm all for sitting down, pulling up a chair and running through rows of cards, but I am not going to sit for hours looking through boxes when you can't even organize them by sports. Most of the people that have organized them at least got some money from me. People that didn't organize, I'll look through about a row and say forget it. There is some cool stuff to see, like the Ruth bat and stuff, but realistically, doesn't interest me. Its coo and all from a history standpoint, but I personally rather have more modern cards haha. It's feeling less like a show and more like a museum since I just basically walk past and see stuff, but can't actually buy. Up to this point, I've enjoyed the Fanatics Authentic show more than the National, and that had a good amount of vintage too. Maybe I just had my expectations too high, or this is a down year. I hope its the latter, but going to suck waiting two years to hope for a good National since no way I am going to NJ next year if this is a possibility of the show.

Edit: I guess I should put what I got since its the purpose of the thread haha. I got a 2013 NT Century Materials Matt Ryan Patch Auto 3/5.
2013 R&S Slideshow Marquise Goodwin Non-Auto
2013 R&S Marquise Goodwin Auto /49
2004? Deangelo Hall Contenders Auto
2014 Chrome 4000 Yard Club Matt Ryan Auto 15/15
2013 National Treasures Marquise Goodwin Double Jersey and Ball 88/99
2012 National Treasures BGS 9.5 Virtuoso Michael Turner Auto 33/50
2013 National Treasures Dwyane Wade Springfield Bound Auto /49
Panini Signatures Dwyane Wade Film Cell /15
I got an Anthony Rizzo Auto from the Fanatics Authentic Giveaway Cards
Lots of Ebay 1/1s in the lot.
Then from COMC got the $3 off shipping.

ah, you bought the Ryan 15/15 from me - but I wasn't there. Hope
you enjoy it!

[lisu]

Here are my pickups:

BGS 9.5 NT RPA Blake Bortles /99
BGS 9.5/9 RPA Derek Carr /99
NT RPA Bridgewater /99 (it graded a 9.5)
5x BGS 9.5/10 Contenders Nick Foles
BGS 9.5/10 Contenders Manziel
BGS 9.5/10 Topps Chrome Ref Auto Manziel
Gold NT RPA Davante Adams
3x BGS 9.5 2014 Bowman Chrome Tyler Beede Auto

Probably a lot of other cards but I'll figure it out when I'm back from the National!

[sportscards0513]

Originally Posted by lisu

Here are my pickups:

BGS 9.5 NT RPA Blake Bortles /99
BGS 9.5/9 RPA Derek Carr /99
NT RPA Bridgewater /99 (it graded a 9.5)
5x BGS 9.5/10 Contenders Nick Foles
BGS 9.5/10 Contenders Manziel
BGS 9.5/10 Topps Chrome Ref Auto Manziel
Gold NT RPA Davante Adams
3x BGS 9.5 2014 Bowman Chrome Tyler Beede Auto

Probably a lot of other cards but I'll figure it out when I'm back from the National!

That is quite a haul.

[Lockdown32]

That's one thing you have to be ready for. Cards are overpriced at a lot of these shows. They aren't going to be like what is on ebay. People have a lot more overhead setting up at the National especially. I do think some dealers will work with you on price though. Just have to haggle a little.

Originally Posted by Sweetness34

I walked around for 4 hrs today, ended up just getting supplies. There was way too much vintage + a lot of sellers were firm on their overpriced cards

Originally Posted by DalliLlama11

Thats how I've felt the first two days. Not sure it is even worth really going the rest of the time. I was so excited for my first National and have been very underwhelmed. I overpaid on about 2 cards (b.c they never technically never popped up, just the parallels of them and they are lower #d so not sure if I'd see them again), then got two okay deals; then some little things. Can't find anything on my list of like 40 cards, too much vintage, and not enough organization by most dealers. I'm all for sitting down, pulling up a chair and running through rows of cards, but I am not going to sit for hours looking through boxes when you can't even organize them by sports. Most of the people that have organized them at least got some money from me. People that didn't organize, I'll look through about a row and say forget it. There is some cool stuff to see, like the Ruth bat and stuff, but realistically, doesn't interest me. Its coo and all from a history standpoint, but I personally rather have more modern cards haha. It's feeling less like a show and more like a museum since I just basically walk past and see stuff, but can't actually buy. Up to this point, I've enjoyed the Fanatics Authentic show more than the National, and that had a good amount of vintage too. Maybe I just had my expectations too high, or this is a down year. I hope its the latter, but going to suck waiting two years to hope for a good National since no way I am going to NJ next year if this is a possibility of the show.

Edit: I guess I should put what I got since its the purpose of the thread haha. I got a 2013 NT Century Materials Matt Ryan Patch Auto 3/5.
2013 R&S Slideshow Marquise Goodwin Non-Auto
2013 R&S Marquise Goodwin Auto /49
2004? Deangelo Hall Contenders Auto
2014 Chrome 4000 Yard Club Matt Ryan Auto 15/15
2013 National Treasures Marquise Goodwin Double Jersey and Ball 88/99
2012 National Treasures BGS 9.5 Virtuoso Michael Turner Auto 33/50
2013 National Treasures Dwyane Wade Springfield Bound Auto /49
Panini Signatures Dwyane Wade Film Cell /15
I got an Anthony Rizzo Auto from the Fanatics Authentic Giveaway Cards
Lots of Ebay 1/1s in the lot.
Then from COMC got the $3 off shipping.

[twisty571]

Originally Posted by Lockdown32

That's one thing you have to be ready for. Cards are overpriced at a lot of these shows. They aren't going to be like what is on ebay. People have a lot more overhead setting up at the National especially. I do think some dealers will work with you on price though. Just have to haggle a little.

Something I have noticed at big shows which I don't frequent much is the more you buy the better you get treated. You can get nice deals if you buy a big lot.

[coreydean]

Just got back from going. About 70% vintage.

I'd like to echo someone else's comment...most non-vintage dealers, beyond their showcases, just stuck out boxes and boxes of cards priced at $1, $2, $5 $10 etc. with no rhyme or reason other than separated by sport. I kept thinking, if they took the time to at least sort by team, they might sell more as there has to be others like me that quickly give up. Box after box after box after box after table after table after table after table of unsorted football, basketball and baseball cards gets daunting fairly quickly. Maybe it isn't worth the time for them to do it? I dunno. These boxes are mostly junk GU and autos so I get it, but this seems like the kinda stuff team collector's would want or more apt to purchase, so maybe sort that junk and sell that worthless stuff lol. I did try and buy from or thank the few dealers that did have stuff sorted.

The showcases were mostly autos, game used and top RC's. (not much in the way of awesome '90's inserts) So much graded stuff. Some amazing cards. Prices were inflated, but that is part and parcel of them having to pay for the tables (I heard $1,200 - $1,500 based on the type of set up you wanted) and travel expenses. I knew going in it was going to be ebay + pricing. In which case, I don't think it really mattered as most seemed more interested in buying rather than selling.

It was busy today. Saturday will be am absolute madhouse. Eat before you go, the concession prices are nuts. Stood in line behind a guy that paid $8.50 for two of the saddest looking hot dogs I have ever seen lol.

Chicago got me good...brutal traffic, toll charges!

I wound up buying 4 cards.

Final tally: $47 spent on cards, around $40 in Illinois tollway charges ($20 each way..coming and going), $60 in gas, $13 in parking and $22 to get in. Yikes!

It was a fine experience, pretty neat....to try once. I'm staying home next time. Unless I hit the lottery in the next year, then I'll be back.

.

[chris43]

This is most likely why I'll never attend. Yes, I understand that the dealers have to make up for the cost of the show and overhead. But in all honesty I'm a buyer and I simply do not care about any of that! I mean why should I pay "Dealer A" $500 for a card when I can buy that same card on Ebay for $400?

[Semifan1]

So by the 4th we should see a flood of cards back on Ebay?

[deltapi1049]

Originally Posted by sjim8660

If anyone finds any nice Emmitt Smith autos hit me up before nationals are over, let me know what it is and a price and I would be glad to swing some paypal. I am especially looking for dual on card autos with Dorsett and Sanders.

I dont think they sell sports memorabilia at dance/cheer-leading competitions.

Maybe at the national convention, they might.

[joan1173]

Originally Posted by coreydean

Just got back from going. About 70% vintage.

I'd like to echo someone else's comment...most non-vintage dealers, beyond their showcases, just stuck out boxes and boxes of cards priced at $1, $2, $5 $10 etc. with no rhyme or reason other than separated by sport. I kept thinking, if they took the time to at least sort by team, they might sell more as there has to be others like me that quickly give up. Box after box after box after box after table after table after table after table of unsorted football, basketball and baseball cards gets daunting fairly quickly. Maybe it isn't worth the time for them to do it? I dunno. These boxes are mostly junk GU and autos so I get it, but this seems like the kinda stuff team collector's would want or more apt to purchase, so maybe sort that junk and sell that worthless stuff lol. I did try and buy from or thank the few dealers that did have stuff sorted.

The showcases were mostly autos, game used and top RC's. (not much in the way of awesome '90's inserts) So much graded stuff. Some amazing cards. Prices were inflated, but that is part and parcel of them having to pay for the tables (I heard $1,200 - $1,500 based on the type of set up you wanted) and travel expenses. I knew going in it was going to be ebay + pricing. In which case, I don't think it really mattered as most seemed more interested in buying rather than selling.

It was busy today. Saturday will be am absolute madhouse. Eat before you go, the concession prices are nuts. Stood in line behind a guy that paid $8.50 for two of the saddest looking hot dogs I have ever seen lol.

Chicago got me good...brutal traffic, toll charges!

I wound up buying 4 cards.

Final tally: $47 spent on cards, around $40 in Illinois tollway charges ($20 each way..coming and going), $60 in gas, $13 in parking and $22 to get in. Yikes!

It was a fine experience, pretty neat....to try once. I'm staying home next time. Unless I hit the lottery in the next year, then I'll be back.

.

Would not say it is 70% vintage, that is a bit overboard... Probably 50% Vintage, 35% 90s-Present, 10% Oddball stuff/Wax Dealers/, then of course the Card Companies and Group Breakers pavilion.

So far for me, it has been a decent show.... I have got plenty of awesome deals, you just have to not be afraid to negotiate. The Cleveland venue was 5 times better, I don't care for the Rosemont at all... As stated earlier, the concessions are terrible, there is no seating around the outskirts of the show floor. Can't beat the food in Chicago though!

[trixstar]

I'm so glad I don't go to these things. I get so frustrated at local card shows that are 1/1000th the size of this with all the vintage and book value crap. I can't fathom spending the money on travel and time to go through that.

[deltapi1049]

Originally Posted by trixstar

I'm so glad I don't go to these things. I get so frustrated at local card shows that are 1/1000th the size of this with all the vintage and book value crap. I can't fathom spending the money on travel and time to go through that.

If you are a modern collector, the only reason to go to the show is to hang out with people. Period. If you live near the show its a bit different, but not worth the travel if you are planning to go and find amazing deals that arent available anywhere else.

If you go for the giveaways, its easier to buy them off eBay and forget the plane ticket/hotel/food. Cost of this show is prohibitive. The companies are good sales people, and lure people in.

Funny enough, many of the dealers have eBay stores anyways, and you can probably get it cheaper there.

[phinzphan1372]

Couldnt get the time off work this year .... went to ohio last year and seems there were tons more vintage than modern.... but I still had no problems finding enough stuff to spend money on....lol

[DalliLlama11]

Originally Posted by Lockdown32

That's one thing you have to be ready for. Cards are overpriced at a lot of these shows. They aren't going to be like what is on ebay. People have a lot more overhead setting up at the National especially. I do think some dealers will work with you on price though. Just have to haggle a little.

Thats why you shouldnt be setting up if you are using your ebay cards to cover the cost. You can post them on ebay take the hit and still come out ahead. For instance, my guy. Its better for him to sell on Ebay for $80 and get $70 back than it is for him to sell fpr $100 and 50% of that or more go to covering cost (guy had about 30 cards). The idea, at least in my mind is to use the "junk" to try to offset cost. They dont want to take the time to list those on Ebay so you set them up at a show to sell because its easier and will help pay for the trip. This is why people that organize them do better. They have to know there is literally 0 reason to buy in person aside from impatience if they are overpricing. In person is more money and no protection. Or they can get it cheaper on Ebay with protection, its an easy choice. The only things I have grabbed are things I dont see or havent seen online because I refuse to pay $100 or $50 for a card that I can buy for $80 or $40 right in front of their face. Overpricing those cards is just going to make them eat more cost of the trip seeing as more people know this and will not buy at their ridiculous prices. I would think that selling a card for $10 less than their Ebay price is better than not selling it at all, but who knows.

[marinocollector]

If anyone ends up with the Marino National special cards, hit me up.

[OKCThunder35]

Driving back right now will post my recap when I get home

[powerinme86]

Originally Posted by chris43

This is most likely why I'll never attend. Yes, I understand that the dealers have to make up for the cost of the show and overhead. But in all honesty I'm a buyer and I simply do not care about any of that! I mean why should I pay "Dealer A" $500 for a card when I can buy that same card on Ebay for $400?

because you are paying for the connivance. Just like why should you pay more at the grocery store then going to the source...because you are paying for the connivance. And some cards you see there may never be on ebay

[wagoss122]

Originally Posted by powerinme86

because you are paying for the connivance. Just like why should you pay more at the grocery store then going to the source...because you are paying for the connivance. And some cards you see there may never be on ebay

[phinzphan1372]

I lied .... This is what I'm getting from the Nationals ... A few buddies broke a bunch of boxes and I got all the phins!

[88horsepower]

Connivance Store?

[lisu]

To add to my haul, i got a NT RPA black Aaron Murray 5/5 in a group break today!