Today something really awesome happend. I went to Hobby Lobby to see what they had or what I could put together. What I wanted was too expensive, but I talked myself into it. I brought my dad a long too for some handyman tips and he told me to just go ahead and purchase the display cases that I wanted. Well, every other thing was priced 50% off except these, of course. So, I took them to the counter and the lady said, "I'm not sure if these are half off, but I'll just say they are since we've only got a few left." I was amazed. So, I basically got three for less than I would have paid for two at the original cost. How awesome is that!!!! Thanks to God for answering my prayers!!!
when I am browsing over the glass and I "look up" I expect to be asked if I need help. If I dont look up, dont bother me, but the exact second I "look up", you should be looking in my direction. Very common rule in retail O and good luck!
Hey Chris that's good news. I think it was mentioned earlier, but don't jump up from your chair for every customer. You might say "If you have any questions, just let me know." Otherwise the potential buyer may feel pressured.
"I almost never sit down behind the counter." This would be totally acceptable. I should have said: Don't hover around your customers. i.e. - Give them space.
There is a brand new allstate display case on eBay right now. It doesn't have a key for the lock but is BRAND new and you could probably get a key fitted to the lock. Just search the words allstate display case and you'll see it. I bought 2 allstate cases used off eBay about 3 years ago and they work fine. I think I gave about $60 each for them including shipping costs.
Okay...new update...progress is going along well. I went to the flea market here locally this past weekend. Some of the sellers there will be at the show this coming Saturday. I was able to scout out prices while I was there. I didn't feel very good about the idea of buying someone else's stuff and then reselling it the following week. Just seemed kinda wrong to me. My question is about table position for the show. Is it better to be first, last, or somewhere in the middle compared to the entrance of the show. There's only one way in or out. So, let me know your thoughts about which is better. Or, maybe it doesn't really matter. Just let me know. Thanks everyone!
I didn't feel very good about the idea of buying someone else's stuff and then reselling it the following week.
Dude..this is what card shows are FOR!!
What are you going to do if someone walk up to you and offers you a $100 card for say $20? The logical idea is that if you think it will sell...and you have the $20..you buy it. You then put the card right out for people to see....and move it. That's how the business revolves.
You can then discount the card to any level you want....and if it doesn't sell...you can keep it or sell it online.
The name of the game is to flip merchandise...if you're a dealer that is. And the fact that you're setting up at a show..makes you one.....
If you like the show scene and you're going to want to do it again and again..eventually, you're going to have to rebuy material in order to put more stuff on your table. It's the name of the game...don't worry about..be proud!
Here's a few ideas that I don't think have been hit:
- Make sure you do a lap as the other dealers are setting up. Some of the best money-making opportunities will come by flipping cards you bought hours earlier. And if you can't flip them right away, there's always ebay. Get the steals before the public does.
- Price several of your cards (that probably wouldn't sell at reasonable prices) very cheaply. Too cheaply even. If there is perceived value at your table, people will stay longer and dig through your boxes. Example- put a $12 price tag on an 89 UD Griffey. Yeah you're giving it away, but the guy who buys it will also look at the rest of your stuff looking for more bargains. Besides, it probably won't sell at $25. Scatter bargains like this throughout your tables.
- One of my mistakes when I did shows back in the day was I bought too much from showgoers. I couldn't resist buying good cards at half price. Now, it's not so much a problem because you can always resell it on ebay when you get home, or have it graded and resell at a large profit. Don't let the fear of finishing in the red for this particular show scare you from money-making opportunities.
- Don't ask everybody that comes to your table "Is there anything in particular you're looking for?" If there is, they'll ask. This is my biggest pet peeve. It's really annoying whether you're in a clothing store or a baseball card show, or wherever. "Let me know if there's anything I can help you with" is slightly less annoying, but it really doesn't need to be said. It's not like he's going to be asking the security guard how much your cards are. Just let people look without bothering them too much. Otherwise you'll come across as trying too hard and might end up annoying them. An example would be one time when I was looking at something like a Wade Boggs RC because I thought it might grade well. So the dealer thinks this is his opening to show me every Wade Boggs card he has. Then pulls out a 5000 ct. box of Red Sox cards. Just let people look unless they have questions. I can't stress this enough.
- Have fun and don't take it too seriously. One card show isn't going to make or break you.
I posted over at the US Coins several days ago on my first show . . . perhaps someone has directed you to that already. It is located under "Market Report--First Show Set-Up". Anything else . . just give me a PM and I'd be glad to help . . .
<< <i>Just a quick question...how much change should I be carrying around and what should I have the most of when it comes to that? >>
For a smaller show I'd have a minimum of 25 $1 bills then add another ten or fifteen $5 bills, ten $10 spots, and a couple $20 bills and you should be ok. Don't forget a roll of quarters. I've had some shows where seemingly every customer dropped a twenty while others where everyone had a wad of ones but most shows I did did not require as much change I suggest here. I've had the rare $100 bill show up and the occasional $50. If that happened you would loose the larger bills but still have plenty of small bills to change the most common fives, tens, and twenties. Most ATM's spit out twenties and if your customers are like me, will hit the ATM and get several just before the show. As always, use caution when carrying a wad of cash. I keep a few bucks in the wallet and the rest in my pocket. If some thug wants my wallet he gets a few Georges at best. Some dealers have a cash box but I've always thought that is a target for the clever theif. If you use one which can be handy, keep the big bills in your pocket if your wife lets them get that far.
"One you start thinking you're the best then you might as well quit because you wont get any better" - Dale Earnhardt
If anything is priced under a buck, make sure you bring a roll or two of quarters.
For dollars, I would suggest a total of $100: 30 $1s, 6 $5s, and 4 $10s.
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
I'm sure some of you are getting tired of seeing this post. But, I appreciate everyones help. Here's my question. I do not have enough money to put everything it top loaders. That's just the honest truth. I was thinking about have two separate binders. One for $1 cards and another for $2 cards. Is this a good idea? Then if someone wants one of the cards I'll put it in a penny sleeve for them. This way I save on time, money, and precious top loaders. Just let me know what you think.
"Some dealers have a cash box but I've always thought that is a target for the clever theif. "
///////////////////////////////////////
Keep your folding money in your pocket; and/or, your partner's pocket.
Cash-boxes get legs and walk away.
On the toploaders issue:
Binders with sheets of cards are fine.
If you use penny-savers, you can put the item(s) in a little white envelope before they go into the carry-out bag; a piece of cardboard in the envelope will be a good thing.
Toploaders are not a gift to buyers. They must be factored into the price of everything you sell; you are not losing money by using toploaders on good cards.
Take less change with you, and you will have more money to buy the supplies you need. You can always scrounge change for the first couple of hours, if you have to.
Folks Who Bite Get Bitten. Folks Who Don't Bite Get Eaten.
"I was thinking about have two separate binders. One for $1 cards and another for $2 cards. Is this a good idea?" Yes, that will work. Or, you could even scratch the binders, and place them in separate containers.
While some other posters have mentioned having the 'good looking girl' (not a bad idea), here are a few others...
(1) If you have friends there/ with you - have them on the customer side of the table rifling through your stuff. Someone sees 3 people at your table, THEY will come over to investigate. If you are just sitting there with no customers, they will often walk by you as if you were a leper, assuming you have nothing worth looking at.
(2) If you do grab bags, etc. - put some good stuff in there, especially if there are kids/teens at the show. One kid whooping and hollering will bring 30 people running to YOUR table. ( I had a friend that was quite successful with this, especially when kids come by that you could tell really didn't have much in the way of money. He'd make them an instant winner, the kid was thrilled, and everyone else would come running to his table to see what the excitement was.)
Hate to say it, but it's human nature, which means it's all about excitement. When things slow down, you need to be creative and 'liven things up'.
That yelling dude selling oxycrap on tv may be annoying, but he's made a ton of $$$
Collecting my sports heroes, Roger Staubach and Kirby Puckett.
And the plexiglass idea someone mentioned before was right on, and what I used starting out.
Tape the front edge to the table with duct tape (like a hinge, so you can sit behind the table, lift the plex, and remove any card you want).
Also, put your cheaper stuff in the sides and the best stuff in the middle - someone can still reach into the side and pull a card on the very edge.
Tips are keeping your money safe are important also. Keep it in your front pocket, so you don't have to go through your wallet each time.
Give volume discounts when you have someone buying a 'lot of stuff'. Throw in extras when dealing with kids - if a kid spends $15 on a card, give him one or two extra that aren't worth much to you, but may be to him. Trust me, he'll come to YOUR table first to spend his money at the next show.
Mark prices on all that you can. Experienced buyers KNOW what stuff 'books' for - I don't have 5 minutes to kill with you looking through Beckett to tell me what it books for, or quote your price as 'beckett high' for something that every dealer there has on his table . I also don't want to be like a 3 year old having to ask ' how much is that', 'how much is that', 'how much is that', etc.
Also, pay attention to what is going on, especially with more valuable stuff. Don't get carried away and let some guy have 12 cards out at one time, especially while you are dealing with multiple customers. It's your stuff - be nice, but stay in control. Jewelry stores don't let you have 12 rings out a time, ya' know what I mean?
And, HAVE FUN !!!!!
Collecting my sports heroes, Roger Staubach and Kirby Puckett.
Comments
Today something really awesome happend. I went to Hobby Lobby to see what they had or what I could put together. What I wanted was too expensive, but I talked myself into it. I brought my dad a long too for some handyman tips and he told me to just go ahead and purchase the display cases that I wanted. Well, every other thing was priced 50% off except these, of course. So, I took them to the counter and the lady said, "I'm not sure if these are half off, but I'll just say they are since we've only got a few left." I was amazed. So, I basically got three for less than I would have paid for two at the original cost. How awesome is that!!!! Thanks to God for answering my prayers!!!
<< <i> It's totally natural to be nervous for the first time. Just relax >>
thats what i told jenny after school in the 7th grade..
I wish you all the best - and I hope you have a good day!
mike
earlier, but don't jump up from your chair for every customer. You
might say "If you have any questions, just let me know." Otherwise
the potential buyer may feel pressured.
BTW: Cubby=Cub Fan
you can always dump the cases w/o losing money.
I forgot to metion:
I almost never sit down behind the counter.
I always say, "If you have questions, please ask."
totally acceptable. I should have said: Don't hover around
your customers. i.e. - Give them space.
BTW: Cubby=Cub Fan
You a dog, Perry
BTW: Cubby=Cub Fan
My question is about table position for the show. Is it better to be first, last, or somewhere in the middle compared to the entrance of the show. There's only one way in or out. So, let me know your thoughts about which is better. Or, maybe it doesn't really matter. Just let me know. Thanks everyone!
////////////////////////////////////
I wanna be there; by the "one way in or out."
At large shows, there is a reason that some spots
cost more than others. It is because they are worth it.
Corners are good. Some people like to be near the
snack stand, I prefer not to be.
This thread on the coin forum might give you
some more inspiration.
The thread title is:
"Market Report---First Show Set-Up (Long)"
Dude..this is what card shows are FOR!!
What are you going to do if someone walk up to you and offers you a $100 card for say $20?
The logical idea is that if you think it will sell...and you have the $20..you buy it. You then put the card right out for people to see....and move it. That's how the business revolves.
You can then discount the card to any level you want....and if it doesn't sell...you can keep it or sell it online.
The name of the game is to flip merchandise...if you're a dealer that is. And the fact that you're setting up at a show..makes you one.....
If you like the show scene and you're going to want to do it again and again..eventually, you're going to have to rebuy material in order to put more stuff on your table. It's the name of the game...don't worry about..be proud!
- Make sure you do a lap as the other dealers are setting up. Some of the best money-making opportunities will come by flipping cards you bought hours earlier. And if you can't flip them right away, there's always ebay. Get the steals before the public does.
- Price several of your cards (that probably wouldn't sell at reasonable prices) very cheaply. Too cheaply even. If there is perceived value at your table, people will stay longer and dig through your boxes. Example- put a $12 price tag on an 89 UD Griffey. Yeah you're giving it away, but the guy who buys it will also look at the rest of your stuff looking for more bargains. Besides, it probably won't sell at $25. Scatter bargains like this throughout your tables.
- One of my mistakes when I did shows back in the day was I bought too much from showgoers. I couldn't resist buying good cards at half price. Now, it's not so much a problem because you can always resell it on ebay when you get home, or have it graded and resell at a large profit. Don't let the fear of finishing in the red for this particular show scare you from money-making opportunities.
- Don't ask everybody that comes to your table "Is there anything in particular you're looking for?" If there is, they'll ask. This is my biggest pet peeve. It's really annoying whether you're in a clothing store or a baseball card show, or wherever. "Let me know if there's anything I can help you with" is slightly less annoying, but it really doesn't need to be said. It's not like he's going to be asking the security guard how much your cards are. Just let people look without bothering them too much. Otherwise you'll come across as trying too hard and might end up annoying them. An example would be one time when I was looking at something like a Wade Boggs RC because I thought it might grade well. So the dealer thinks this is his opening to show me every Wade Boggs card he has. Then pulls out a 5000 ct. box of Red Sox cards. Just let people look unless they have questions. I can't stress this enough.
- Have fun and don't take it too seriously. One card show isn't going to make or break you.
Lee
Drunner
<< <i>Just a quick question...how much change should I be carrying around and what should I have the most of when it comes to that? >>
For a smaller show I'd have a minimum of 25 $1 bills then add another ten or fifteen $5 bills, ten $10 spots, and a couple $20 bills and you should be ok. Don't forget a roll of quarters. I've had some shows where seemingly every customer dropped a twenty while others where everyone had a wad of ones but most shows I did did not require as much change I suggest here. I've had the rare $100 bill show up and the occasional $50. If that happened you would loose the larger bills but still have plenty of small bills to change the most common fives, tens, and twenties. Most ATM's spit out twenties and if your customers are like me, will hit the ATM and get several just before the show. As always, use caution when carrying a wad of cash. I keep a few bucks in the wallet and the rest in my pocket. If some thug wants my wallet he gets a few Georges at best. Some dealers have a cash box but I've always thought that is a target for the clever theif. If you use one which can be handy, keep the big bills in your pocket if your wife lets them get that far.
For dollars, I would suggest a total of $100: 30 $1s, 6 $5s, and 4 $10s.
Thanks!
///////////////////////////////////////
Keep your folding money in your pocket; and/or, your partner's pocket.
Cash-boxes get legs and walk away.
On the toploaders issue:
Binders with sheets of cards are fine.
If you use penny-savers, you can put the item(s) in a little white envelope
before they go into the carry-out bag; a piece of cardboard in the envelope
will be a good thing.
Toploaders are not a gift to buyers. They must be factored into the price
of everything you sell; you are not losing money by using toploaders on
good cards.
Take less change with you, and you will have more money to buy the
supplies you need. You can always scrounge change for the first couple
of hours, if you have to.
and another for $2 cards. Is this a good idea?" Yes, that will work.
Or, you could even scratch the binders, and place them in separate
containers.
BTW: Cubby=Cub Fan
(1) If you have friends there/ with you - have them on the customer side of the table rifling through your stuff. Someone sees 3 people at your table, THEY will come over to investigate. If you are just sitting there with no customers, they will often walk by you as if you were a leper, assuming you have nothing worth looking at.
(2) If you do grab bags, etc. - put some good stuff in there, especially if there are kids/teens at the show. One kid whooping and hollering will bring 30 people running to YOUR table. ( I had a friend that was quite successful with this, especially when kids come by that you could tell really didn't have much in the way of money. He'd make them an instant winner, the kid was thrilled, and everyone else would come running to his table to see what the excitement was.)
Hate to say it, but it's human nature, which means it's all about excitement. When things slow down, you need to be creative and 'liven things up'.
That yelling dude selling oxycrap on tv may be annoying, but he's made a ton of $$$
Tape the front edge to the table with duct tape (like a hinge, so you can sit behind the table, lift the plex, and remove any card you want).
Also, put your cheaper stuff in the sides and the best stuff in the middle - someone can still reach into the side and pull a card on the very edge.
Tips are keeping your money safe are important also. Keep it in your front pocket, so you don't have to go through your wallet each time.
Give volume discounts when you have someone buying a 'lot of stuff'. Throw in extras when dealing with kids - if a kid spends $15 on a card, give him one or two extra that aren't worth much to you, but may be to him. Trust me, he'll come to YOUR table first to spend his money at the next show.
Mark prices on all that you can. Experienced buyers KNOW what stuff 'books' for - I don't have 5 minutes to kill with you looking through Beckett to tell me what it books for, or quote your price as 'beckett high' for something that every dealer there has on his table . I also don't want to be like a 3 year old having to ask ' how much is that', 'how much is that', 'how much is that', etc.
Also, pay attention to what is going on, especially with more valuable stuff. Don't get carried away and let some guy have 12 cards out at one time, especially while you are dealing with multiple customers. It's your stuff - be nice, but stay in control. Jewelry stores don't let you have 12 rings out a time, ya' know what I mean?
And, HAVE FUN !!!!!