What can I expect at the National?

RonBurgundy · July 16, 2006 11:28PM

I am attending the National for the first time ever next week. What can I expect when I get there, especially in terms of finding vintage raw cards, pricing, etc.?

Thanks,

Ron

Griffins · July 16, 2006 11:35PM

Don't expect Ebay pricing- that is the disappointment I hear the most, the price are all higher than ebay.
Do expect to see a lot of cards you never saw before, or have only seen in auction catalogs. You'll also see an enormous about of pure junk- parts look like Sanford and Son's front yard. Expect a lot of complaining from dealers about lack of buyers, lack of walk in deals, too many kids, and autographs taking money away from the dealers. Expect to get your leg humped if you walk past table #1 carrying anything that could hold cards.
There has been tons of pre War the last 2 years and I don't expect it to be any different. But the quality of the raw stuff keeps getting worse as anything decent makes it way into holders.
I think there is a sneak preview again Wednesday nite, this is your best chance at any decent deals. A lot of the good stuff is bought up by auction houses and dealers before the doors open, and then resold.

RonBurgundy · July 16, 2006 11:38PM

Thanks for the input........it was recommended to me that when I hear the inevitable shout from Table #1 as I walk in carrying a large briefcase, that I shout back, "I have mint 1952 Topps high numbers that belonged to my grandfather", and then run as fast as I can.

Stay classy,

Ron

TNP777 · July 17, 2006 12:04AM

<< Expect to get your leg humped if you walk past table #1 carrying anything that could hold cards. >>

lostdart58 · July 17, 2006 12:06AM

<< Thanks for the input........it was recommended to me that when I hear the inevitable shout from Table #1 as I walk in carrying a large briefcase, that I shout back, "I have mint 1952 Topps high numbers that belonged to my grandfather", and then run as fast as I can.
>>

Perhaps..........but said shouter will tell you that they ain't worth much and offer you a pittence for them.

Griffins · July 17, 2006 12:41AM

One tip-
take a small pad of paper so you can jot down booth numbers when you see something you might come back to. It's very easy to never find it again otherwise, or spend time thinking your in the wrong place only to realize it has been sold.

MajorDanby · July 17, 2006 2:08AM

<< "I have mint 1952 Topps high numbers that belonged to my grandfather", and then run as fast as I can. >>

give him the bird while you're at it.

Stone193 · July 17, 2006 2:17AM

Hi Ron

I'm not going this year but will guess that there will be about 8-900 tables!

So here are a few suggestions that I have from my experience:

And BTW, I agree that bargains will be harder to find - but keep an eye out - they are there.

1. dress comfortably - ya never know what the temp is gonna be like and comfortable shoes is a must!

2. have some kind of tote bag if you plan to buy or go for handouts/freebies.

3. have a pad and pen - for writing down booth numbers that you definitely want a return visit for buying.

4. recommend a "once over" the entire floor before buying - that way you guard against an impulsive purchase that you will most definitely find cheaper somewhere else! Maybe?

5. bring your own magnifier and a cheap common card to compare - if you are gonna buy raw - I find that's the easiest way to quickly measure a card.

6. bring a copy of beckett and perhaps SMR or have a "Wantlist" with the values to compare with what is being sold.

7. don't be shocked when guys ask for more than ebay!

8. if available - get a copy of the layout in advance - they will also provide a list of vendors in case you have some favorites.

9. I recommend you not get caught up in the corporate booths too long - eats up a lot of time - kind of creeps up on you.

10. getting autos eats up a lot of time! be ready for long lines.

Good luck
I wish I were going.
mike

carew4me · July 17, 2006 3:31AM

Think big, think positive.
Never show any sign of weakness.

Always go for the throat. Buy low, sell high.
Fear, that's the other guy's problem.

Nothing can prepare you for the unbridled
carnage you are about to witness.

The Super Bowl, the World Series.

Pressure? Here it's kill or be killed.
Make no friends and take no prisoners.

One minute you're up half a million,
the next, boom.

Your kids don't go to college
and you've lost your Bentley.

A761506 · July 17, 2006 3:55AM

If you find a card that you have been seeking for a long time and hasn't shown up on eBay any time you can remember, buy it on the spot even if you pay a little premium for it - if you have been looking for it for a while, other people have been also.

Anything you can find easily on eBay do not buy at the show, it'll be cheaper on eBay 90% of the time.

Backpacks are much easier to carry around than briefcases or hand bags. I carry around a box of semi-rigid holders - if you buy a card in a top loader or soft-sleeve, you'll want to put it in a semi-rigid and throw out the top-loader or sleeve so the card doesn't get damaged.

Have at least $5-10K (or more) in cash on you so you can pull the trigger immediately on any deal. Assuming you're not going there looking for 1981 Fleer commons or other crap like that, plan on spending money and coming home with decent stuff... the trip needs to be justified.

I disagree with scouting the room before buying - it takes an entire day just to look at every booth - be aggressive - buy immediately if you want it - it may not be there if you come back. Do not plan on revisiting tables, it takes a lot of time, and you're going to be exhausted by the end of the day from all the walking and being on your feet all day.

I also carry a digital camera so I can take pictures of cards I've never seen before and probably will never see again. Mastro will have the significant items of their upcoming auction on display. A few other auction houses will probably do the same. PSA will display the PSA 8 Wagner and a few other significant cards and registry sets - it's nice to have pictures of some of this stuff.

Have fun

RonBurgundy · July 17, 2006 4:58AM

These are great thoughts.....keep 'em coming. While generally I like to scout out tables in advance and then come back, I am looking for a few things in particular that I will buy on the spot if I see it and is not ridiculously priced.

Question: does anyone really come to the National with nice vintage stuff in hand that they intend to sell? I'm talking attendees here, not dealers.

Stay classy,

Ron

67standup · July 17, 2006 5:11AM

Camera, pen and paper...great ideas. Oh, and I'll try not to forget to stuff the $10G in my backpack.

Stone193 · July 17, 2006 5:48AM

<< These are great thoughts.....keep 'em coming. While generally I like to scout out tables in advance and then come back, I am looking for a few things in particular that I will buy on the spot if I see it and is not ridiculously priced.

Question: does anyone really come to the National with nice vintage stuff in hand that they intend to sell? I'm talking attendees here, not dealers.

Stay classy,

Ron >>

Yes Ron.

But, I didn't see any bargains.

E.g. there was a guy from Colo. I believe - Kurtz or Kirk's cards? He had a great lot of vintage but his prices were nothing to sneeze at.

Now, if you plan to purchase a lot of stuff? I would ask them if they are willing discount for a larger purchase? Or something like that.

Bill Goodwin used to bring a lot of good vintage to shows e.g. - now? He seems to showcase graded.

mike

A761506 · July 17, 2006 5:59AM

I've talked to some attendees who had stuff before... generally, if they are looking to sell it to a dealer, they would be happy to sell it (or trade it depending on what you have) to you... dealers don't like people who do this, but if a guy is showing a dealer some cards that are of interest to you, just mention to the guy that you may be interested (if the dealer isn't)... hang around for the guy to finish up whatever business he's transacting with the dealer and then go to an outside table and see what there is.

fur72 · July 17, 2006 9:38AM

One mistake I made was bring your want lists, all of them, I REPEAT DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITH OUT IT. I found some decent deals at last years National.

1. Paying $20 or less for mid to late 80's wax boxes. It seemed like a steal without the $10 shipping charge! Plus ripping is just plain fun!

2. Grab the $99 VIP ticket if you are going to be there for a couple days. With all the freebies such as exclusive sets, free autographs and what not you more than make up the price. Plus you get an off the floor lounge to hang in with free refreshments (soda) and food (Pizza and Hamburgers)

3. If you are getting free autos from the VIP package bring something to have them sign The autographs are free but the 8X10 photos are not. Suddenly those free autographs add up to about $15 - 20 bucks a piece. My advice is to buy a baseball.

4. Shop around. If you are looking for raw I found prices vary big time. The best people I found to deal with were The Batters Box out of Spring Texas. I dont know if they are going but they had the best in variety and prices on raw 60's cards.

5. Bring a large shopping bag. You will have so much free swag you wont know what to do with it all.

6. Stop by the Upper Deck booth to get a free picture, its pretty cool!

7. Pick me up a free Upper Deck T-shirt size XXL.

envoy98 · July 17, 2006 10:07AM

<< Expect to get your leg humped if you walk past table #1 carrying anything that could hold cards. >>

If I didn't know exactly who you were talking about, it wouldn't be nearly as funny! That is classic!

Alan is the king of the "leg humping" when it comes to walk-ins with shoe boxes...

Here's a tip, walk in with an old cigar box labeled 1952 topps and see how long you can hit him with a stick before he finally backs off.

alnavman · July 17, 2006 10:16AM

scout the floor, if you see a card you like buy it because it may not be there if you go back later. Or you can make a note where you saw the card, scout the floor looking for a better price or better condition card and then go back if you don't find one. I've done both ways and had some success but also lost out by not buying a card....first and foremost JUST ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!!!! The first time I went to a National it was amazing....and if you have young kids take them with you at least for one day....you can go back by yourself the next day...they will love it also!!

ToppsCo1lector · July 17, 2006 10:42AM

This is my buylist. I'll happily pay anyone for these; whether in raw form or graded. Buy these low, as Mulder has had the worst season so far in his major league career this season, so if you see them the dealer wants to practically give them away!

1999 Bowman Chrome 2000 ROY Favorites ROY7 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman Chrome 2000 ROY Favorites Refractors ROY7 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman Chrome Gold 355 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractors 355 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman Chrome International 355 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman Chrome International Refractors 355 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman Chrome Refractors 355 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman Gold 355 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman International 355 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman's Best Atomic Refractors 164 Mark Mulder
1999 Bowman's Best Refractors 164 Mark Mulder
1999 Topps Gallery 144 Mark Mulder APP NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gallery Player's Private Issue 144 Mark Mulder APP NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gallery Press Plates 144 Mark Mulder APP NM-MT Own 1 N/A N/A N/A
1999 Topps Gold Label Class 1 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gold Label Class 1 Black 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gold Label Class 1 Red 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gold Label Class 2 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gold Label Class 2 Black 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gold Label Class 2 Red 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gold Label Class 3 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gold Label Class 3 Black 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Gold Label Class 3 Red 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 N/A N/A N/A
1999 Topps Gold Label One to One 97 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 N/A N/A N/A
1999 Topps Stars 45 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Stars Foil 45 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Stars One Star 45 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Stars One Star Foil 45 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Stars Two Star 45 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!
1999 Topps Stars Two Star Foil 45 Mark Mulder NM-MT Own 1 Subscribe Now!

Now I'm mainly hoping somebody will be able to find the rarer Mulder rookies. If anyone is going and would even ask around for me I'd be more than appreciative.

What can I expect at the National?

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