I need advice from veterans of the National Convention

Dune

I am going to the National to buy PSA graded cards to fill in the holes in my San Francisco Giants sets (I'm taking around $3k). A lot of the card I need are lower-priced commons. Never having gone to the National, I have no idea what to expect. Will I be able to find lots of '60s and '70s PSA commons there (looking for PSA 8 primarily)? Will prices be more in line with SMR or VCP? And, most important, is there any buying and/or general National advise you can give me?
Thanks,
Dune

mccardguy1

I am sure you will find many commons that are PSA graded at the National but many dealers have limited space so they may not bring those items with them or they may be hidden under their tables. Make sure you ask the dealers and if they dont have them at the show at least get their contact information so you can work out a deal later on.

What you might want to consider is buying the commons ungraded as there will be a HUGE amount of quality, ungraded commons there and submit them yourself. I have found this the best plan of action in the past. I know I have sat for many hours pouring over commons boxes and finding very nice cards that easily grade an 8 and paying a decent price for them (and usually getting a quantity discount for buying so many). I have then submitted to PSA when there is a grading special. You will more than likely fill many more holes in your collection this way and it will probably be cheaper in the long run. This is just a thought for you to consider!!

Good luck at the show.

Beck6

You might consider calling many of the larger vendors before going to the National and sending them wantlists. It will save you time and they can pull your cards and you can assure they will have them.

mrmint23

Call Uncle Dick and tell him Kirk sent you to him.
Uncle Dicks Cards

Dune

Thanks for the input. I like the grading idea. It is something I will explore.

Any suggestions on which large dealers to contact?

And I will call Uncle Dick, thanks.

mrmint23

The great thing about UD is he will have binders in order by year. He normally has 10-20 people at his booth looking to complete sets. Great Guy

mccardguy1

<< <i>The great thing about UD is he will have binders in order by year. He normally has 10-20 people at his booth looking to complete sets. Great Guy >>



I agree as I have purchased from UD a number of times. There are also a number of smaller dealers that only do the National who bring tons of commons. Bring a good pair of shoes, a clear copy of your want list and some patience and you will find more of what your looking for if you look for quality raw commons. Of course, the idea of calling ahead to dealers is an excellent thought as well.

Dune

Any other thoughts?

TransparentGum79

I second shopping with Uncle Dick. He is fair and has quite a selection of raw. Deals are few and far between otherwise.

californiacards3

I have bought from Uncle Dick in the past. For the most part his stuff is not PSA 8 worthy. I bought from him for the second time recently in Raleigh.

I agree lots of prime material get there early on Wed and peruse and be nice to the dealers.

Lots of fun and great raw cards to be found

Barry

AC000000

<< <i>Any other thoughts? >>



On the National web site, there is a page listing the dealers who will be setting up at the show.

http://www.nsccshow.com/

You could either start looking to see if these dealers have websites to view what they sell and their inventory, or use the PSA dealer listings to see if they will be at the National and if they have the cards you need.