First show on Sat., final advice?

BobS · September 20, 2007 9:49PM

Well, the time has come for me to pull on the old greasy tee-shirt and set up for the first time selling at a show here in Columbus. I know I've posted a lot about this venture, and have taken everyones comments to heart when planning for it.

I'm selling nothing but 60's-80's un-opened boxes, packs, etc. Raw and graded. We get a 6' table, and I'm going to bring a 3'x3' table to put behind the 6-footer.

I have a 2'x3' tabletop display case, which will display the graded material I have for sale. The rest of the table space will have boxes and packs, neatly organized by sport and year. I've printed off a few tabletop fliers that have all of the inventory listed, possible RC's one could pull, and prices.

I'm going to bring a chair, brown lunch sacks, calculator, pen/pad, windex, paper towels, cash, and scissors (in case anyone wnats to rip open a graded pack).

So...any last words?

P.S. I WONT be wearing a greasy tee-shirt, I'm well groomed, and I wont be eating at the table.

bobsbbcards · September 20, 2007 10:15PM

<< <i>I WONT be wearing a greasy tee-shirt, I'm well groomed, and I wont be eating at the table. >>

So you'll be very easy to spot.

Good luck and have a great time!!

milbroco · September 20, 2007 10:26PM

Don't forget to bring coin change and plenty of singles. Nothing is worse than losing a sale because you don't have the proper change to give back.

Other things you may want to bring are scotch tape, price lables, and larger plastic bags for buyers with more than a small purchadse or just to offer a passerby who might need one. A simple kind offer may lead to a potential sale. If I can think of anything else, I will reply to this thread or send you a pm.

BEST OF LUCK!

Bob

bifff257 · September 20, 2007 10:42PM

<< <i>So...any last words? >>

If you get bored don't start ripping your inventory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck

BobS · September 20, 2007 10:43PM

Oh my god, I am an idiot.

I don't know why, but I decided to check my outlook calendar and "discovered" the show is NEXT Saturday. Awe crap!!!!

Goodsport40 · September 20, 2007 11:04PM

Please take some pics of your table setup to post here. From your posts, I think you will do well and have a lot of fun! Good luck.

Robert

muchuckwagon · September 20, 2007 11:14PM

My guess is traffic....at least for sports cards....will be slow at the Vets this weekend.

It will be interesting to hear how well you do....I think I saw an earlier post that mentioned you were only going to be there Saturday and not Sunday. I wonder what time the OSU football game starts....that will have a significant impact on traffic at the show on Saturday.

You might consider having at least penny sleeves and maybe some free toploaders for customers who decide to open packs.

Good luck!

BobS · September 21, 2007 12:16AM

chuck -

I made a mistake. The show is next weekend.

Buc's game is at 3:30 this Sat, but it's a night game next Sat. Traffic should be good next weekend.

GOODLIEU · September 21, 2007 12:21AM

You might want to take along some extra cash as you never know at these shows who is going to walk up to your table and what their going to pull out of their bag that they found in the attic at Grandpa's old house. Good Luck at the show.

diamondman · September 21, 2007 1:33AM

watch out for those sticky fingered customers, that can always ruin a show real quick. sometimes seen traveling in groups of 2 to 4 with one buying and the others helping their self.

BobS · September 21, 2007 1:41AM

Lieu - Cash is on the list at the top of the post. I doubt anyone is going to come in with anything I'd be interested in to sell (packs, boxes, etc.), but I have noticed in the past some decent sets/singles being offered to various dealers.

Diamond - That is my biggest concern, especially since I'm setting up alone. I'm thinking of bringing a baseball bat and putting a sign on it reading "theft deterent device".

dizzle · September 21, 2007 1:55AM

make sure to get a big mac and when a customer asks a question take a bite so your mouth is full of food when you reply
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J/K..have fun and good luck!

milbroco · September 21, 2007 1:56AM

Not sure how you will be packing but I use large tupperware containers to pack my cards. It helps if it end up a rainy day so your cardboard boxes don't get wet. I also use a handtruck to bring in several at a time to minimize leaving you cards alone. I had a handtruck that was able to convert to sort of like a flatbed. I was able to make everything in 1 trip. I think I got it at Sears for about $60.00. (I needed it since I did A LOT of shows in the 1980's to 1990's.
Best Of Luck......again!
Bob

Stone193 · September 21, 2007 4:12AM

<< <i>Don't forget to bring coin change and plenty of singles. Nothing is worse than losing a sale because you don't have the proper change to give back.

Other things you may want to bring are scotch tape, price lables, and larger plastic bags for buyers with more than a small purchadse or just to offer a passerby who might need one. A simple kind offer may lead to a potential sale. If I can think of anything else, I will reply to this thread or send you a pm.

BEST OF LUCK!

Bob >>

Some very good advice Bob.

RipublicaninMass · September 21, 2007 4:16AM

my friend has a big sign "free ride in a police car.....if caught stealin" : g/l at the show!

flatfoot816 · September 22, 2007 5:16AM

for the raw packs---

if you bought the boxes and packs from a reputable dealer like BBCE, bring the original invoiie to show any prospective buyers that the stuff was indeed purchased from a good person...always good to show pedigree on raw packs

Bosox1976 · September 22, 2007 9:56AM

Hope you sell out completely!

First show on Sat., final advice?

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