Query about prices at the National?

bobbyw8469

Hello all. I have never been to the National or any of the big card shows. I was just curious, if one were to go, would the prices of the graded card be comparable to VCP average, could I get them BELOW VCP average, or is it just a bunch of overpriced dealers like yepbg and 707 there???

MBMiller25

Bobby, Combination of all the above you will find at the National. I have done very well each of the last two National's buying cards at below VCP. Some examples off the top of my head: PSA 9 Walter Payton RC for $400 (they were selling for $600ish) PSA 7 dead centered Jim Brown RC for $450 ($600) and a 58 Clemente PSA 7 YL for $400 (sold it on the BST board for $550 to a EBAY dealer who then flipped it for $650 on EBAY via BIN). There are also the dealers that almost seem to be set up at the National to show there cards off, rather than sell and they are WAY overpriced. I wouldn't put Levi (707) into that group.

You should really try and get to a National, The show in Bmore this year would be a good one, because its fairly close to you in Raliegh.

itzagoner

this is too broad of a question to warrant a pat answer......without even having attended a National for almost 20 years, i could tell you that there will always be "overpriced" dealers at any show, grumbly, sweaty, irritable, and downright nasty ones, too......but, with a show as large as a National Convention, i could virtually guarantee that anyone willing to invest some time and effort would be rewarded with a GOOD dealer/client experience.....the fact that the show lasts 4 or 5 days makes the task a little easier, although i'm certain the best deals will be had by those who view the prize nuggets before Average Joe gets to see them.

if you see inflated, ridiculous prices from dealers on eBay, what's to stop them from doing the same thing for the 4-day bombardment of real human contact?

Carew29

***** Y E S ******

KbKards

An average VCP price implies there were sales above and below the average price. Most of the sales will be from Ebay so if you're looking to stock up your Ebay store with cards you can buy at below VCP average then there will be more opportunities for you on Ebay then the National. Dealers and collectors who list cards on Ebay and set up at the National will be able to sell you cards cheaper at the show than on Ebay. That's good if you're buying as a collector but if you're just looking to stock up on hot inventory at below wholesale prices then you'll have a hard time finding this conveniently all laid out and waiting for you table after table at the show.

Stone193

I agree - no "pat" answer.

My experience - really early on and late in the show - I have gotten good deals. Everyone likes breaking the ice and doesn't want to haul all their stuff back home at the end - if the show is slower than expected - some will deal also.

If I'm gonna spend some nice money with one guy - they're more likely to deal - but I believe it has to be realistic - no one wants to 'give' their stuff away.

Good luck - hope ya find a deal!

divecchia

For me, I just love looking at the cards and memorabilia in person. If I get a good deal that is just a bonus.

To answer your question it is as a few others have said, it's a combination of both. There are a lot of overpriced items, but if you dig a little some good deals can be had.

Donato

lbcoach20

I've been to many Nationals......and everyone is correct. Look around, best early and late in the show. I get better deals from small time dealers as they just want to make their table fees and a little extra. You can find deals. But the higher end stuff really doesn't sell cheaply as most dealers know what they can get on eBay. But you never know. I really love walking the floor and conversing with other collectors and dealers. That is what is the best part of a show. Good luck and let us know how you do!