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2009 Nationals Question.
akuracy503
Posts: 1,923 ✭✭✭
I've never been to a "national" convention and was curious what the benefits are as a baseball card collector, the HOF guests signing is a bright spot but i'm not sold yet.
Is this a great place to purchase vintage cards, prices more competitive than auctions?
It also dawned on me that the midwest seems to be a hot spot for card collectors, any reasoning to this?
Tempted but still contemplatin the plain trip from the west coast.
Feedback appreciated!
Is this a great place to purchase vintage cards, prices more competitive than auctions?
It also dawned on me that the midwest seems to be a hot spot for card collectors, any reasoning to this?
Tempted but still contemplatin the plain trip from the west coast.
Feedback appreciated!
CU Ancient Members badge member.
Collection: https://flickr.com/photos/185200668@N06/albums
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Comments
Talking with dealers and fellow collectors is a blast!
This will be my 7th or 8th National in a row.
I don't collect autos and don't like to stand in lines anyway, so I always skip that part.
The prices usually aren't any better than eBay,
but you get to hold the cards in your hand instead of just looking at scans.
Midwest is a hot spot for card collectors? Maybe because there's nothing else to do there ...
"How about a little fire Scarecrow ?"
While I only buy/trade high dollar vintage, I have found that the last day of the National towards closing is the best time to wheel and deal.
Cash is a definite plus!. I've had very successful dealings with Rosen, Bleam, and a few others using cash as leverage in last minute transactions.
As far as the Midwest being a hot spot? .... I haven't found that to be true .... but maybe it has been for others!
The National is a sportscard lover's paradise .... new or old .... it's a site to behold!
PoppaJ
Art
1957 Topps PSA
1961 Fleer SGC
To me I could care less about the autographs.To me just seeing and finding quality vintage stuff is a turn on for me and only have enough money to come home on when I leave.I usually go to any Midwest National I have time for.I also enjoyed the shows they once had in Willow Grove Pensylvania its a much smaller version of the national but still awesome.Now they have a different Show somewhere in that area however I have never been at any of those.Can anyone give any feedback on the current shows out there?
<< <i>Is it worth buying the VIP admission tickets? >>
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Hi Bob,
I find that if you're planning on attending the entire weekend, and are interested in the 12 free autographs and free parking etc, that comes with the package, then yes the VIP ticket is worth it.
There have only been a few Nationals from which I purchased the VIP package only because they each contained HOF signers of my interest.
If most of the perks listed in this LINK are for you, then I'd say go for it.
Hope this helps somewhat!
PoppaJ
Thanks Poppa!
You said it very well. I'll see you at the National !!!
Now some of the vintage dealers only sell their good stuff at shows or in auctions so you get to see the primo stuff. Also if you a set collector it is the time to find dealers with good stock of commons and fill in your sets.
If you think you going to find those raw PSA 9 and 10 low pop vintage commons, you will be disappointed as most vintage guys that sell nice raw cards price them like they were already graded. I
I don't like standing in lines for autos due to the fact I only have a day or two at the show and it takes that time +more just to see all the dealers there. This year however with all the HOF steelers there I may have to give in.
<< <i>I am still annoyed that the National has not come to Southern California for a while. >>
When it does, I have to go. Never been to one. I'd love it.
<< <i>where will the national be held at next year. i would love for it to be in st louis again. i missed the last one i was in the army then. >>
Next year is in Baltimore in the Inner Harbor area.
I treat the excursion as a mini vacation. After hotel, gas, food, admission, nightlife, etc,... I'm not going to have much money left to spend at the show, but what the hell... I still love everything about the National, particularly the social aspects. I'm driving from the east coast & staying about 15 miles from the expo center. Since I'm driving, I don't have to worry about the hotel's shuttle schedule. And, since I plan a lot of activities in the evenings after the show ends, I really am only at my hotel to crash.
You still can find a few rare dealers that still don't grade their cards. Many only set up at one show a year and it's at the National. Those are the tables to hit first.
Bring lots of cash. You get better deals when paying by cash.
Typically it takes a full two days to see the entire show.
bearabull and ceasarandcleopatra. Both are involved in some sort of fraud in etopps history. In other words, STAY AWAY , at all costs. no matter how good it looks....