Wifi and Wednesday Dealer Participation at the National?

jhpfunk · July 25, 2007 7:25AM

Yes, I have yet another set of questions about the National next week. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Do you think that most of the dealers that will be selling will be fully stocked and ready to go on Wednesday? If you go on Wednesday (day one?), do you have the best selection or will dealers be amassing their stock as the convention goes on? Will the dealers be less likely to negotiate on Wednesday as opposed to later in the week? Also, is there going to be wifi at the convention hall? I'd like to be able to use a laptop to check vintagcardprices.com before making purchases and trades.

Griffins · July 25, 2007 8:05AM

the last few years they charged for Wifi- and it was really expensive (250. for the week or something like that)
VCP is always set up and if you're a member I"m sure they will allow you access.
Alternately, if you have an iphone you can get access regardless.

ProspectorKing · July 25, 2007 8:10AM

Based on prior years, it seemed like dealers were dealing amongst themselves on wed. some bargains were to be had though. Better deals on sat. and sun. last national, several dealers did not show up on sun and most left by 2pm

fur72 · July 25, 2007 8:34AM

From previous experience, come totally prepared for with what you need. In 2005 I forgot my needs lists and was SOL on my 66 Topps quest, I basically went after some higher end cards I knew i didnt have. What suprised me the most was in a couple instances it seemed like some sellers didnt want to deal with selling a card. I needed a 66 Mantle and when I would ask to look at the card and inquire about the price the dealers basicall dissed me this happened on 3 occasions. Kind of strange. Anyway if you see something unique you like grab it, the card may be gone by Sunday, and always offer less it cant hurt. Hopes this helps.

Cory

jhpfunk · July 25, 2007 9:29AM

Thanks fellas. Do you mean that they charge $$$ for their own internet access? I was referring to wireless internet connection, the same that you'd pick up on your iphone or at a Starbucks. I was hoping to pick up a wifi signal and bring a laptop. It seems like there would be a signal, no?

Griffins · July 25, 2007 10:21AM

No, there is not a unlocked signal. I know dealers have to pay a stupidly high fee for the password for a few days. The National is all about the promoters gouging everyone for their own profits, which is why it'll be in Cleveland and Chicago only for the next few years, and beyond.
As far as Wednesday goes, if you have a dealer pass to get in early it's the best time to go. All the good deals get grabbed pretty quickly, but you have to keep circling around because most set up sometime during that day and new stuff is constantly being put out. Not unusual to see an item on 1 dealers table in the am and then see it on anothers 3 hours later- for double. A major auction house also buys up a lot of stuff for themselves to list.
Go armed with your wantlist and what those items sell for, but don't expect to get most things for anywhere close to what they go for on ebay. I've found most sellers aren't as welling to deal as they used to be, since if they don't sell it at thet National they can always sell it on ebay, consign it to an auction house, or bring it to the next show.

Griffins · July 25, 2007 10:29AM

Just checked with a friend of mine and the wifi access at the show is $1300. for the week. If someone else allows you on theirs they get billed for the extra person- and they are checking all the time.
Better to go pick up an iphone.

edited for spelling.

Cokin75 · July 25, 2007 10:35AM

<< <i> Just checked with a friend of mine and the wifi access at the show is $1300. for the show >>

That may be the most obscene price gouging that I have EVER seen.

Griffins · July 25, 2007 10:40AM

<< <i>That may be the most obscene price gouging that I have EVER seen. >>

Have you seen the autograph prices?

wolfbear · July 25, 2007 11:48AM

Griffins is always waaaay too busy working the room,
or in this case the hall, to ever know what's going on.

Have only been to the last four Nationals,
but in my opinion it is best to be there from Wednesday on till as long as you can be there.

Every day is a good day at the National.
Some of the best buys I've made were on Saturdays
at tables I'd already been to 3 or 4 times before earlier in the week.

The old saying "New merchadise arriving daily" is very appropriate.
Plus it's easy to just miss some of the good stuff your first couple of go arounds ...

mknez · July 25, 2007 12:36PM

Does the show allow re-entry the same day if you leave?

baseballfanatic · July 25, 2007 12:47PM

<< <i>

<< <i> Just checked with a friend of mine and the wifi access at the show is $1300. for the show >>

That may be the most obscene price gouging that I have EVER seen. >>

For 1300 pick up an air card with one years access.
They are already having security problems with the iphones. Easily hackable.....

tedh111 · July 25, 2007 1:04PM

The price of wifi and otehr extars has very little to do with the actual promotors of the national. THe prices all come from the convention center themselves and are standard for every show.

BobbyVCP · July 25, 2007 2:59PM

I am fairly certain if you put a Express Card in your laptop you will have access to the internet, not as fast as DSL but not bad. If you don't have one go to Verizon and you can use it for free for 30 days and return it at no cost except maybe your airtime.

VCP is going to be in Booth # 158 against the wall on your left as you enter the building. We will be there to help with pricing and teaching people how to use the website to its full potential.

Look forward to meeting you all at the show.

Bobby

HalleyGator · July 25, 2007 9:03PM

You guys should all visit Bobby at his VCP table.

If you haven't used his service yet, you are missing out.

It's really easy and extremely helpful.

jhpfunk · July 26, 2007 12:31AM

Solid advice all around.

Wifi and Wednesday Dealer Participation at the National?

Comments