National Sports Card Convention

orioles93

Hey just wondering how the National sports card convention is. Its actually close to me this year and i think im going to go. Never been there, and im just wondering how prices are at the dealer stands and what not. Is there good deals to be had?

Probstein123

I would say YES !!
worthwhile to attend

cwazzy

I would highly recommend it. Prices are generally higher than eBay but there are some deals to be had. But you will see stuff you didn't even know existed. I have every intention of going every year from here on out.

EAsports

<< <i>Its actually close to me this year >>





<< <i>Never been there >>



Seems like a no-brainer to me.

I think it's something that every collector should do in their lifetime.

YogiBerraFan

The National is a must if it is available to you. Ignore those that call it Nationals

CollectorAtWork

I've never been to a National, but from what I've read/heard, it's like this. Don't expect to get deals here. Expect ebay BIN-like prices where everything is signficantly overpriced for 99% of what you see. However, if you are looking for rare or not often seen cards, you have a better chance seeing them here as there are many dealers who don't use ebay, who show their cards here. It's a chance to see (and touch) the cards before you buy them which is better than ebay. Most people say the best part of National is the comraderie of meeting fellow collectors. If you do go, you can meet fellow hobbyists such as those on the board here. PSA has an annual luncheon during National where you can meet other collectors. Another board, net54, also has a get together which is well attended. Some of the big auction houses such as Heritage and Legendary hold live auctions where they sell very high end items.

cadets68

<< <i>The National is a must if it is available to you. Ignore those that call it Nationals >>



+1

Smuggo

Made the last 11. One of the highlights of my year after family vacations and the annual pilgrimage to Braves Spring Training.
Lots of fun, your first one can be overwhelming. Take a notepad and if you see something you think you might want to come back for - write down the table location bc it's a big zoo.
As mentioned above, if you collect quality or vintage don't expect a deal. Most of the museum curators from ebay will be there and the prices will be the same or worse.

Wear comfortable shoes and pack a lunch. The food for sale at the venue is usually very expensive and very bad. My .02.
Hope you can make it.

CharleyBrown

Any recommendations on how early to book a hotel?

orioles93

Does anyone there usually buy things at they're stands? Would it be worth it to take stuff that I'm looking to get rid of? And does PSA do on site grading there?

Stooge

For sure GO!

Here is a tid bit of info for what its worth:

Eat before you go, as the prices for food is really expensive.
Wear good comfy walking shoes, as you will be putting on a few miles of walking.
Bring alot of cash if you intend on buying.
I brought a suitcase on wheels. Some bring a small dolley to carry alot of cards in like cases or boxes.
I have bad knees and a bad ankle so a couple of tylenol sure do help too.
And a note pad to write things down on for notes.

anything else, I'm sure others will chime in on.

Paul.

jivan

bring your uncle !!!!

Hoosierguy

Made my reservation about 4 weeks ago.You have until the end of July to cancel if you dont go.I went through the the national website to get the corporate rate.Decent price and parking rates.This will be my first national.

alnavman

is the National in Baltimore this year???? I know it moved from Cleveland where I live and won't be back until next year if I remember correctly.....any recommendations on hotels in Baltimore near the National site??? only been there once while driving from DC to Atlantic City and that was to see a game at Camden Yards enroute. We didn't stay overnight.....al.

mrmint23

<< <i>Any recommendations on how early to book a hotel? >>



Wait until the last minute and use Priceline...Also you can fly into Baltimore airport and take the transit system to the show...Stay in the innerharbor area....If you can afford it stay at the Hotel across from the convention center...Baltimore is awesome...everything is centrally located and you can catch a game if they are in town or just go tour the stadium. Must go!!

brianwintersfan

Me and the Mrs went to Chicago earlier this year and it was a lot of fun. It was my first time and it is something to experience if you love this kind of stuff. I took along a backpack and a couple of storage boxes to hold all my goodies.

leathtech

went this past year... it was fun to walk around add see "the largest sports card museum" in person - There for sure is a lot to see but I passed on buying.

ThoseBackPages

Go for sure if you can. there really is nothing like it. it's like going to the baseball card hall of fame.

Sure the prices may be higher, but you are getting to SEE the card in hand and judge for yourself vs online viewing.

What i really like about going to the national is going for "bigger" card purchases. it's easier to hand a dealer a few
grand in cash and leave with the cards then to send a few grand online and WAIT for the cards to arrive in the mail! lol

thedutymon

Afternoon,

Went to my first two years ago in Baltimore, will try and never miss it again. Did Chicago last year, hope to hook up with the same guys as I did last year and more! Take my 14 year old Son, and he loves it, does a signing, buys lots of Steelers stuff.
Those that say there are lots of High priced stuff are right, BUUUTTTTTT if you spend time and are willing to walk the miles you can find Good stuff at reasonable prices. I even found some Non Sports for my own sets and bought stuff I've since flipped for 3-4 times what I paid for it. Found several Hi Priced Dealers that you see on line to avoid, and made sure not to give Crook Cards a dime! If the Dealer pulls out a Beckett, we aren't doing any business!
Did some trading, even traded a High Dollar Card to Peter Lalos of Champs & Bums, which I would have never been able to come to a deal with, without standing Face to Face.
I'll be there with my 15 year old boy this year most likely Weds afternoon thru Fri/Sat.
Join the net54 board and do their Dinner, even my 14 year old had a good time at it.

YeeHaha

Neil

sam1952

the national is really great. I went in 1991 and 1996. at the 91 show i remember seeing a couple dealers that had raw T206 honus wagners in low condtion. I also remember at the 91 show seeing 86 fleer basketball packs at $85.00 dollars a pack. those were the days.

orioles93

Does PSA do on the spot grading there?

prthd

<< <i>Does PSA do on the spot grading there? >>



Yes they do. Well they did when i attended a few years back.

orioles93

Is it typically the same price as if you were to send them in through the mail? And how long does it normally take?