Robert Morris Show attended....ugh!

lbcoach20

I just got back from the Robert Morris show in Pittsburgh. I've attended this show quite a few times and have really enjoyed it in the past. This year there were 200 tables with a variety of vintage, modern, game used and autos. I really liked the few Clemente tables that show up every year. This year I was pretty underwhelmed in the sense that dealers who had graded were way overpriced. We are talking 2 to 3x VCP prices. A buddy of mine was looking for '55 Bowman football in PSA 8 for his registry. He needed one that last sold for in auction format for $250 and change. The one he found was pretty nice and about 40-60 ss centering. Guess what the dealer was asking? $650! I asked him if he talked about a price. He was so sticker shocked that he didn't even bother. And dealers were asking pretty high prices for raw stuff as well. I understand that anyone can ask whatever they want for their cards.......but come on. I am guessing that many guys and gals will be taking a lot of their inventory home with them. I took a fair amount of cash to come home with some '73's for my set registry or a nice graded HOF card. I spent a total of $20 on six raw commons. And I drove 2 hours each way. I did get to spend time with my family and we did end up going shopping around Pittsburgh. I just hoped that I would have found something to bring home. Plus I usually go to the National every year, but my wife is due when this year's National is so in essence this was my National. Oh well, little bummed and had to vent here. Thanks for the free therapy!

Smuggo

Sounds like there were a few travelling museums there.

hammered

I agree that some show dealers just want to display what they've got. I think some of them are really attached to their cards and if someone's going to pry them out of their hands, they're going to have to really pay for it. If they really wanted to move their inventory, they'd have it on ebay.

MULLINS5

Maybe these are sellers who want to hold onto what they have? I mean, when their good stuff is gone...it's gone.

Nice raw is drying up too...what is left out there dealers factor in grading prices and then price their products accordingly. At least this has been my experience.

lbcoach20

I have to agree with everyone. The dealers are pricing according to graded prices and not raw. And they are appearing to be of the mindset, "You want it, you are going to pay!"

Brick

I was thinking of driving the 3.5 hours both ways today. Now I will just stay home.

MCMLVTopps

You can't eat inventory. At some point sellers are gonna realize the market isn't what it used to be and have to adjust or sit tight. There has to be expenses associated with dealers going to shows, but gouging isn't gonna endear them to anyone, nor find them with many sales.

I know of a couple of websites that have cards I'd like to have, but the prices are beyond outrageous, I'll simply do without. I'm going to the National in August in Baltimore, I suspect prices will also be high, if so, no coin leaves my pocket other than to pay an entrance fee and some lunch, then fly back to Atlanta.

mtcards

The best thing about our economy is that eventually, things that are overpriced will come down and things that arent will sell. On the flip side, if something is in high demand, which its hard to tell if thats the case, someone will eventually pay more, even if it seems overpriced at first. Isnt this what makes the buying and selling of cards so exciting? Something that has really no tangible value, selling for a lot/little cash?

ArchStanton

I'm glad I didn't make the drive.

Griffins

The reality is that prices at shows are considerably higher than on ebay, which is what shows up on vcp.If you're looking for stuff at going prices you're probably not going to be happy buying at a show. If you need a card that rarely shows up, or don't care what it costs, or just need to see a card in hand, shows are great. If you go to talk and meet people you've dealt with online, shows are great. If you want to buy raw and see the card in hand, or build relationships so you get offered items before they get put online or consigned to auction houses, shows are great. What they aren't great for is buying common cards that are offered online regularly- especially things like T206 HOFers, '50's and '60's Mantles, etc.