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Anyone going to the Houston Tristar show?

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts

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    dudedude Posts: 1,454 ✭✭
    Went yesterday. Several dealers like Paul Starks and Paul Sjolen did not set up even though TriStar advertises they are. The TriStar show is definitely on a continuous decline. In fact, I heard they are only doing 4 shows next year: 2 in Houston and 2 in S.F.

    As for me, I did find about 15 cards that I hope will end up on my registry sets but nothing major.

    I did spend a lot of time chatting with dealers and found out alot things going on. So for me its more of a social event rather than a card hunt.
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    RedHeart54RedHeart54 Posts: 2,272 ✭✭✭


    << <i>.... and found out alot things going on >>



    What's the lowdown these days?
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    handymanhandyman Posts: 5,256 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Just got back. Small show.
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    handymanhandyman Posts: 5,256 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I spent 70.00 on gas. 10.00 to park. 20.00 for me and my dad just to get in. A total of 100.00 to get there just from austin. Prices a little high. The only thing I bought was a Hugie Jenings T coupon for 50.00. Ebay from now on....
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    stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    There are less tables than the last show (6 months ago?). Pretty much the same dealers and such... Mostly modern and little vintage (which was overpriced and overgraded).

    I haven't purchased any cards and after browing for a couple of hours, doubt I will image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
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    handymanhandyman Posts: 5,256 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The only deal I wish I had bought there was a 1970 Nolan Ryan #176? PSA 9 for 250.00. The last one sold on ebay went for 420.00
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    stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Went back to the show and picked up autos of Berkman, Oswalt, Biggio, and Pence.

    I don't think Roy lifted his head once and was the first to finish (by a looooooong mile).

    Hunter, on the other hand, took time to talk and shake hands while the reps were trying to rush him.. Very nice and personal guy. I told him how much fun it was to watch him play. The dude is flat out a S.T.U.D.

    Here's my newest addition to my collection. I plan on getting all of my favorite 'Stros to sign and yes, Hunter is up there because I've never seen his energy in an Astros uni. Ever.

    image

    Edited to add FYI: Roy's auto isn't smudged, it's from the flash.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
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    CDsNutsCDsNuts Posts: 10,092
    Jose Cruz had a lot of energy. Bob Watson, not so much.

    Lee
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    << <i>Jose Cruz had a lot of energy. Bob Watson, not so much.

    Lee >>



    Hey--Bob Watson had energy....after finishing off a box of ring-dings.
    Next MONTH? So he's saying that if he wins, the best-case scenario is that he'll be paying for it two weeks after the auction ends?

    Forget blocking him; find out where he lives and go punch him in the nuts. --WalterSobchak 9/12/12



    image


    Looking for Al Hrabosky and any OPC Dave Campbells (the ESPN guy)
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    stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Jose Cruz had a lot of energy. >>



    I loved the Cruz stance; waving the bat like he was attempting to swat a fly. Every Houston little leaguer, including myself, always tried and failed miserably at it.

    His sig will be on the bat too, eventually image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
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    handymanhandyman Posts: 5,256 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Stone where do you live? Im from austin, Down by UT
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    SDSportsFanSDSportsFan Posts: 5,101 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Makes me glad I didn't make the drive. I normally go to Tri-Star's Houston shows (I'm in San Antonio), but for the past several shows, I've ended up buying cards from only Roger Rumsey. Since he's also been coming to Larry Dluhy's shows here in San Antonio (Live Oak), I'll just go to that one (it's next weekend).

    Also, Tri-Star normally has a few athletes signing in Houston that I'm looking to get autographs from. Since this show only has Astros and Heisman Trophy winners, none of which I'm looking for autographs from, I decided to forego it.


    Steve
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    dudedude Posts: 1,454 ✭✭
    <<<< .... and found out alot things going on >>


    What's the lowdown these days?
    >>

    I probably spent more time visiting with old dealer friends that I know chatting about the hobby than finding cards. That pretty much sums up the usefulness of the shows these days. Some of the topics included:

    The vintage pack scam

    Also, I was told that theft at shows in now an epidemic. A dealer told me that unlike his practice was in the past, he now locks every showcased and only deals with one buyer at a time and only unlocks one case at a time. The past 12 months have been particularly bad, and mainly in the eastern part of the country where he has had numerous expensive cards stolen from him. He’s now convinced it’s a well organized scam involving two or more people where someone will call him over to the far end of his multi-table setup and distract him for several minutes while on the opposite end of his area some expensive cards suddenly disappear.

    Then there was lengthy discussions regarding shows and how numerous factors such as raising table costs, higher gas prices and continued poor attendance is making them a thing of the past. A lot of dealers are cutting way back on setting up and as mentioned earlier, even Tri-Star is cutting back on their shows to four a year. One prominent dealer told me that now that he’s discovered the eBay Store phenomenon and eventually only setup for the National.

    Of course there was a lot of talk about issues with the national auction houses, some more revealing information regarding a rogue eBay seller of graded cards, the fact that the hobby isn’t better regulated and the dealers perspective on sportscard message boards - that type of stuff.

    Also, I have to laugh at how ridiculous some of the prices of raw cards has gotten for certain dealers. It was bad enough when some were charging SMR prices for ungraded cards, but now I see one dealer now checks the Pop Report on his raw NM-Mint cards, and if the pop is low for a certain card, he will charge as much as $239 for a NM-Mint ‘67 Topps common card! Another sad thing was that I was offered only 25% of Beckett Annual for some gorgeous ’71 Topps Supers and listened to every excuse regarding why they are worthless and a while later I found some in his in his inventory that were not as nice as mine for triple Beckett Annual.

    The night ended by going to an excellent steakhouse Vic & Anthony’s, which is within walking distance of the George R. Brown. It doesn’t get any better than talking about sports cards over a superb filet mignon!
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    stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Vic & Anthony’s >>



    Now that's good eats image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
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    Lothar52Lothar52 Posts: 2,664 ✭✭✭


    << <i>
    Of course there was a lot of talk about issues with the national auction houses, some more revealing information regarding a rogue eBay seller of graded cards, the fact that the hobby isn’t better regulated and the dealers perspective on sportscard message boards - that type of stuff. >>




    TELL ME MORE! TELL ME MORE....TeLL me mORE MORE MORE!!!!
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    stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Here are my only card purchases over the three days image

    Think they are solid 6s and maybe (if the stars are aligned) a 7. Luckily, they weren't priced and the guy threw out $40 for the 3. Needless to say, I didn't think twice image

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
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    CDsNutsCDsNuts Posts: 10,092
    Those are solid- Nice pickup. Although it's kind of sad that you go to this big show and can only buy three cards because everything else sucks or is overpriced or both.

    Lee
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    handymanhandyman Posts: 5,256 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I spent 100.00 to get there and I only bought 1 50.00 card. I had 1500.00 to spend, kinda sad.
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    stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Now that I've had some time to.. um.. reflect, here's my thoughts.

    95% of the cards were modern, which isn't an issue with me. It's my decision to collect vintage and have absolutely nothing against modern collectors. I actually took a long look at a card that was triple signed by Brett, Brooks Robinson, and Schmitty. Numbered 5/20 and was priced at $275 since, according to the dealer, it was really a 1/1 image

    Brett and Brooks were both #5 and Mike was #20... I gave him props on the selling technique but I was going to pass.

    Anyhoo, almost all of the vintage was in rough shape but at mint prices. If the cards were in at least decent shape, price was escalated beyond comprehension. For example, Dealer had a PSA 6 Koufax that was somewhat decently centered. Asking $1,200 and I poop you not image He claimed it was "book" but when asked which one, he got snooty and asked for the card back.

    Which leads me into the dealers. Sigh... There are some really good guys but a few bad apples significantly outweighs it. Last couple of shows I've attended, it's all been the same guys with maybe 1 or 2 new ones.

    I think they should focus more on the autograph line-up and use it as their main draw. We had HOFers, Heisman winners, Texans draft picks and players, and several 'Stros. For me, that's pretty intense and well worth the weekend. Even though I spent a crud load of cash on autos, I was still willing to spend more on cards. They just weren't there image

    Oh well.. Maybe it's just me but that's my take.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
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    CDsNutsCDsNuts Posts: 10,092
    Forget about any wax pre-2000 as well.

    What I want to know is who is going to shows and buying this overpriced crap, thereby justifying these guys spending their weekend and $500 to set up? The only tables I ever see money changing hands at are the ones covered with new wax. The only reason these guys can make money is because they're willing to markup only 10-15% and do quantity instead of the guys markup their singles 75-150% and don't sell a thing.

    Lee
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    elsnortoelsnorto Posts: 2,013


    << <i><<<< .... and found out alot things going on >>


    What's the lowdown these days?
    >>


    Then there was lengthy discussions regarding shows and how numerous factors such as raising table costs, higher gas prices and continued poor attendance is making them a thing of the past. A lot of dealers are cutting way back on setting up and as mentioned earlier, even Tri-Star is cutting back on their shows to four a year. One prominent dealer told me that now that he’s discovered the eBay Store phenomenon and eventually only setup for the National.
    mignon! >>




    Clearly a number of dealers have discovered the eBay Store phenomenon as I increasingly see the same thing in eBay stores that I used to see at shows and what many here have reported seeing at shows as well. That being low grade vintage stuff priced at a high grade premium. It seems many use their eBay stores as a dumping ground hoping for a particularly desparate or uninformed buyer to come along and pay more, often times far more, than they would in a traditional auction format. For what I am buying at least, eBay stores very rarely offer any real bargains and I typically opt to be patient and wait for the item to show up in future auctions instead. I am curious as to what other board members experiences have been in this regard... how many of your eBay purchases come from eBay stores compared to auctions?

    Snorto~
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    RonBurgundyRonBurgundy Posts: 5,491 ✭✭✭
    I attended and came away with some decent stuff, although I had to work for it. Among them were the following:

    '57 Topps Contest Card that has a great shot at a 7 - bought at less than a 6 price.
    '61 Topps Warren Spahn All Star - great shot at an 8, bought at less than a 7 price.
    Some really nice '62 and '71 Topps commons
    Some really nice '57 and '67 Topps cards bought from Kyle Boetel, that are probably overpriced but they were simply gorgeous and I didn't buy that many. If a couple turn out to be 9's - and that has happened from Kyle's lots before - it'll more than work out for me.
    Eddie George signature on my Buckeye Heisman winner helmet.

    Lots of thoughts about the above comments from other attendees:

    1) No doubt the show is smaller. The autograph lineup was not that great, thus traffic is smaller and the number of dealers is smaller. Tri Star does a horrible job of scheduling this show (right before Sportsfest in Chicago) and I'm willing to bet this show does not exist within 2-3 years. Sjolin and Stark were not there because of Sportsfest next week.

    2) I can confirm the dealer talk about cutting back on shows and doing Ebay stores instead. This is sad. While some of this can be attributed to bad show promotion, the Ebay effect, high gas prices, blah blah blah......some of it goes back on the dealers themselves........used to be if dealers wanted a show they'd get together, plan one, and promote it. Now all they do is sit back and complain (in some cases, rightfully so).

    3) A lot of comments above deal with dealer complaining about auction houses, theft, etc. etc. Again, a lot of these issues can be traced back to dealers themselves. If they truly love the hobby, do something about it. Clean up your own house and don't whine to me. If they don't care that much other than to complain, that is sad.

    4) Yes, raw card prices are high. It's been that way for 15-20 years and isn't going to change.

    5) The thing that tires me out the most is when you try to sell something and a dealer badmouths your stuff. I took some nice graded vintage with me, more out of curiosity to see what I'd be offered than anything else. It was a mixture of 50's and 60's stars, minors, even a couple of low pops, all 7's and 8's with one 9. Here's what I heard most of the time: "eh, there's a print dot here that might trouble somebody.....the centering on this one makes it a low end 8.......I've got tons of these.......blah blah blah and on and on and on, all the while they're thinking they want the cards, they're just badmouthing them to try and drive down my asking price. NOTE TO DEALERS: STOP THIS CRAP. DEAL PROFESSIONALLY WITH PEOPLE AND YOU'LL GET RESPECT IN RETURN. JUST SAY WHAT % YOU'RE WILLING TO PAY AND WE'LL GO FROM THERE. I did have one dealer tell me up front what he was willing to pay and it worked for me. Good grief, how hard is it for all or even the majority to do that?





    Ron





    Ron Burgundy

    Buying Vintage, all sports.
    Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
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    CDsNutsCDsNuts Posts: 10,092
    The only thing difference between dealers at shows now and dealers at shows 15 years ago is that now they're not making any money. Collectors have become smarter because of internet trading and won't allow themselves to be taken by a guy trying to rip them off.

    Lee
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    dudedude Posts: 1,454 ✭✭
    <<
    <<
    Of course there was a lot of talk about issues with the national auction houses, some more revealing information regarding a rogue eBay seller of graded cards, the fact that the hobby isn’t better regulated and the dealers perspective on sportscard message boards - that type of stuff. >>




    TELL ME MORE! TELL ME MORE....TeLL me mORE MORE MORE!!!!
    >>


    Several of the auction house issues were at one time or another mentioned on this board, but were deleted, so there is no point in sabotaging this thread with those topics.

    The same goes for this rogue eBay seller, but it was interesting to note that some before and after scans of cards are now surfacing that look very incriminating if they are the same card, but the question is, can it be proved they are the same card? Some dealers picked up on this guy quite a while ago, several months before it came up on this board, and it's really difficult to nail him dead to rights.

    There was a good discussion about policing the hobby. The good guys are in effect helpless because no one wants to be a whistle blower and risk the headache of litigation, unjustified retaliation, and harrassment. That's the issue in a nutshell.

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    MorgothMorgoth Posts: 3,950 ✭✭✭
    Dan thanks for the comments. I hope for the hobby's sake that someone starts to reign in some of these issues. I deal with a few dealers now just because I can't trust some. I want to trust everyone but when you look around at what's going on it's kinda scary. I just hope we don't end up with another WIWAG situation.
    Currently completing the following registry sets: Cardinal HOF's, 1961 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1972 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, 1980 Pittsburgh Pirates Team, Bill Mazeroski Master & Basic Sets, Roberto Clemente Master & Basic Sets, Willie Stargell Master & Basic Sets and Terry Bradshaw Basic Set
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