National show in Cleveland...graded card deals, rare finds or both?

jhpfunk

I was thinking about going to the national show in Cleveland this August. I figure a lot of you will. Just wondering about the vibe of the show. Is it mostly graded cards? Are there good deals to be had or is it more of a showcase of the finest stuff at high prices? Will the dealers be bringing deep collections or will it be mostly be current stars and HOFers? When would the best time be to go...first day, last day, earlier vs later in the day etc? I go to a few of the better shows in the Detroit area and rarely are there dealers who have graded cards. There's one or two guys who have interesting stuff (albeit with prices higher than Ebay), but that's about it. It's mostly dealers selling raw cards who talk down on graded cards/graded card companies and a few other dealers who have a smattering of non gem and off brand graded modern cards. Let me know what you think. Am I better off staying home and watching what comes up on Ebay?

Caricon

If you can go, I would just go. That way you can just judge for yourself. I went a few years ago and had a nice time. Stand in lines
for the free things from different companies. Get to see cool cards, balls, and other memorabilia. Meet up with some friends from here
that are going. As in cards, I saw everything from old to new, graded and raw when I went. Even if your not going to buy anything,
just a nice afternoon out.

fiveniner

Well worth attending.I have attended Nationals in Chicago,Cleveland twice and St Louis was never dissapointed.Lots of hard to find cards and Memorabilia.Found some nice deals at all of them.Hopefully I get back to Cleveland this year again.

goose3

I plan on attending it since it's only a bit over an hour away.

MS70Dreams

I'll be there. Its about a 3 1/2 hour drive for me so I am gonna stay a night or two. Hopefully I can catch an Indians game but I havnt checked their schedule yet.

Mike

BigDaddyBowman

I live about 10 minutes from where the show is, so I have gone every time it is has been in Cleveland. For those of you who have never attended the national...it is quite an experience. Several times, I have ended up not buying anything due to prices.....but it is like a museum visit....you'll find just about anything there to look at and appreciate. The problem I have had with the national is that the prices are almost always inflated....but the positive is that if there is any item that you are seeking, you will probably find it there.


For any out of towners who need help or advice with the Cleveland Area....let me know. Glad to help.

-Ryan

BigDaddyBowman

A forum member get together would be cool...maybe something can be planned closer to August.

handyman

The last national I went to I was only looking for good deals. I found a 1/2 full wax box of 1973 Topps Baseball all series packs and they dealer only wanted 45.00 per pack. They were 100% authentic as I showed them to Mark Murphy at the show. Well I walked around with my box looking for more deals and a dealer offered me 110.00 per pack. Only 2 hrs after buying the box from another dealer. Ended up doing well at the show. I also bought wax packs of 1963 Topps football 5cent 160.00, 1968 Topps football 85.00, 1972 Football packs 35.00 and a few others. All graded 8-9s by GAI. That was 3 years ago though.

RipublicaninMass

I would think the prices would be high, but there might be an ungraded or rare find to be had. Judging from the shows around here everything graded is 2X what you could buy on ebay, but you get that dealer who has a raw vintage that looks nice but is not graded, or a recent purchase he puts out for sale that day. You have to remember the dalers scour other dealers tables well before the doors are open.