A general question because I haven't attended any shows in years. Do they sell and am I better off buying bubble mailers, card savers and top loaders at shows to save the high shipping costs of ordering through ebay or web sites?
Mike, you will be able to find all kinds of supplies there. Just like anything, shop around at the different tables. I've found at that show that the prices can be quite different from different vendors. If you're buying in bulk, you can usually get a pretty good discount. There is usually a table on the West corner (near where the autograph guests are) where you can find anything you need. They are nice to deal with and have given me a discount. Hope this helps. Tom
From my experience at the Chicago show last November, most things are overpriced. If you are looking for really high end stuff (52 T mantle/mays, ruth goudeys, etc) they are grossly overpriced especially from our friends at 707sportscards. I had a really hard time finding other not-so-high end stuff as well. I was looking for a 1962 Topps Gaylord Perry and a 1971 Topps Bert Blyleven graded or raw, I didn't care. I went to almost every table and didn't find much. I found one raw Perry for $80 that would probably go for $35 on Ebay. When I asked one table for those 2 cards the guy told me those are really rare and never surface too often. Later that day I went home and bought a nice Blyleven graded PSA 7 for $17.38 with shipping off of Ebay. Also, don't forget about the $11 to park and $10 to get into the show.
true, but I never go empty handed. But yea, if your looking for certain raw singles it may be tough. Levi does negotiate. This guy has the collection from heaven so he sits on it until you need it. He may be high, but he really has a TON of stuff to oogle over. Supplies are dirt cheap, but prob not cheap enough to make up for parking and admission costs unless your buying other stuff. And don't forget PSA is there to avoid shipping costs to them since you can drop off, and don't forget the auto guests you can see across the way. I always think its worth it just to actually see some of these guys with my own eyes. Even if they are about 75 feet away.
But yea, negotiation is paramount. haggle, leave and come back again at the end of the day. most people work with you.
Comments
Wick
Enjoy collecting vintage baseball cards, memorabilia and autos
GG
Mike
Late 60's and early to mid 70's non-sports
Late 60's and early to mid 70's non-sports
I thought Stan "The Man" was dead.
Glad to see I thought wrong.
And by the way, in case you were wondering, Abe Vigoda is still alive too.
But yea, negotiation is paramount. haggle, leave and come back again at the end of the day. most people work with you.
GG