My First National....
CdnOsfan
Posts: 279 ✭✭✭
A few questions:
Do I have to pay to park or should I use the hotel free shuttle?
Food? The usual trade show overpriced crap?
Do the large dealers generally charge sales tax?
Does the ferris wheel in the IX Center run during the show?
I will be there Saturday (and possibly Friday) can I get through the show reasonably in 1 day from open to close? Trying to do 2 days but might not be in town til Friday night. I am only planning on Brooks Robinson for an autograph so far. Maybe Eddie Murray if I get there for his Appearance Friday.
Is it assembly line autographs or can you snap a quick photo and chat for a minute? I've experienced both at other venues....
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No one goes to the National anymore?
Because it's too crowded.
You can't see everything at the National in one day.
A lot of good questions - don't have all of them.
In recent years, have only gone to 3 Nationals.
If you're staying at a hotel near the show? IMO, why go thru the hassle of parking - I would guess they charge? I'd take the free shuttle they provide.
Food? IMO? Not very good and expensive. I'm usually good for a soft pretzel and drink at 8 bucks or so?
I've never been charged sales tax at the show.
Ferris Wheel? They have one?
If you've never been to a large show? The first one I attended was in Atlanta in '92. Over 900 booths! Overwhelming.
If you stay organized? You can do it in one day. Have a pad and pen so you can mark down the numbers of the booths you might want to return to make a purchase after you've scoped everyone out and found what you like/want.
IMO, you can politely ask if that's their best price? Avoid statements like "I saw it on eBay way cheaper..." Or stuff like that since: 1. they don't care 2. it's expensive to set up 3. they don't care.
Autographs? Might vary. I don't like standing in line so I haven't gotten one in a few decades.
If you're going to do a bit of buying? Helpful things to have? A book bag, small loupe, wantlist and how much you're willing to pay, pad and pen, bring cash, checks and credit/ATM card - I've had some that will take checks but not credit cards - interesting right?
Well, I wish you all the best - check out the BBCEx booth - if you see a "group" hanging around in more like a crowd?
It just might be the CU Guys!
The Ferris wheel was running at the last one. Stone gave a good list of things. Wear comfortable shoes, you'll be walking or standing all day. You could do it in one day if focused on a specific era or limited list. Otherwise I think you need 2 days. If subbing, do the pre-online thing they're offering. That will greatly reduce your time in line. For me, there was a good percentage of dealers that didn't fit my interest but had cool stuff. A quick pit stop to appreciate the odd ball or whatever was all that was necessary before moving on to focus on my want lists. While it's ok to be greedy, be careful. If you see something you want, someone else may want it too. It might be a long ways back before you realize it and it's gone. If you do walk away, get the booth number and look for a large landmark to help you find it quickly. UD, Topps, Panini and BBCE all have high signs that work well as landmarks (though they're all usually in the same area). Bundle where possible for he best deals. Spend time at BBCE booth. They have something for everyone and you'll likely meet a few board members which is always cool putting faces to handles. Most importantly, have fun. Much of what you see there is available online, so if you're investing time and money to be there it's for the experience. Make the most of it.
Good luck and have fun!
This is so true.
I don't have a 39 Williams, a 39 DiMaggio or a Cobb (off shoulder) because I found them early and walked to see what else was available. While I found several others, none matched what I was looking for quality/price-wise. 3-4 years later I'm still without and still regretting.