Went to my first show....

mreuter

Well, I went to my first show last week (Sioux Falls, S.D.) it was the one I had asked for information on about a month ago. Advertised as 40 tables, 32 of them turned out to be Nascar and Hot Wheels which kind of put a damper on it. I did find some Rice and Young cards for my player collections, one dealer even sold me Rice and Young base for .10 apiece and the inserts were really reasonable, very happy with him, the other guys were 25-50% of book, which wasn't all that bad either. I wish it would have been a two day show, after spending four hours going through Rice and Young cards and checking them against my want list, most of the day was gone. I would have liked a second day to go through the $.25 and $1 boxes to just look for some good deals. One thing that surprised me was that neither one of the two card stores in Sioux Falls were set up at the show.

Stone193

Sorry to hear there weren't more card tables.

I hope you eventually get to a larger show.

I think the largest I have gone to had 900 tables.

Two days is barely enough time!

When you go to a larger show - my recommendation:

1. have a plan of attack - a list of the vendors is usually on-line with a floor layout
2. getting autos e.g. - is more time consuming than you will ever believe!
3. carry a writing pad/pen to keep track of any tables you want to return
4. budget your time and don't spend too much time at any one table
5. don't buy from the first table you see - better/cheaper may be just around the corner
6. a small shoulder tote bag isn't a bad idea if you plan on buying - many vendors don't even have bags

Just some quick thoughts
mike

Susquehanna

Just to piggy-back on Mike's # 5, always make one circuit of a card show without making a purchase. While you're making that circuit remember which tables focus on your collection interests. These tables often have what you are interested in under the table or in a container behind the table. On your second circuit talk to each who caught your eye about your interests, they usually are easily to talk to. If nothing else they can be an invaluable link to those who can contribute to your collection in one way or another. If not, enjoy the scenery and the joy of collecting cards.

Nick

Stone193

Good point Nick

That's what I was alluding to when I said don't buy from the first guy who has what you are looking for.

Second and also of help - when the show first opens - some guys like to give deals to "break the ice" - some are superstitious and feel it gives them good luck I believe.

Also, at the end of the show, a lot of guys will cut deals - especially if the show has been slow!

mike

mreuter

Wow 900 tables, my head would have exploded. One thing I found is that I definitely need a laptop, flipping through 300 pages in a three ring binder to see if I had certain cards took way too much time.