Beginners guide for someone attending their first national

[Powell7db]

I have 2 days.

What do I need to know. Best promos, must dos, things like that?

[byronscott4ever]

You can search on here for more info

Be in line early, backpack/comfy shoes, have cash, notepad/phone for notes, keep moving and come back when necessary…

[FBallHobbies]

neck fan (because of last years incident with the AC not working the first couple days), portable phone charger, couple beverages on hand (bottle water, red bull, etc)

[tdbaseballcards]

What are you interested in modern/vintage/mem? What are you looking to buy - high, mid, low? Are you looking to grade or buy boxes for promo packs?

Generally speaking - Comfy shoes, backpack or something to put purchases in, water bottle, and phone battery charger. If you see a good deal, buy it. Most times when you go back it's gone.

[FBallHobbies]

Originally Posted by tdbaseballcards

what are you interested in modern/vintage/mem? What are you looking to buy - high, mid, low? Are you looking to grade or buy boxes for promo packs?

Generally speaking - comfy shoes, backpack or something to put purchases in, water bottle, and phone battery charger. if you see a good deal, buy it. Most times when you go back it's gone.

this right here

[hammerva]

Be respectful of others given the scope of the show:

1. if you are bring your backpack with you, try not to smack people around. It is going to happen regardless but if avoidable try to
2. If you are bring your lunchbox of slabs, try not to drop on a case or stack of cards without asking the dealer for it. Bad enough that we can't see the cards because we have to wait for you to make your transaction.
3. if you feel the need to broadcast everything, just watch where you are going. Chicago wasn't as bad but AC was something trying to maneuver the selfie bros

Also like someone said, a hand towel or washcloth will be vital. Nobody know how good their air conditioning will be. Nobody likes a customer sweating all over their stuff.

[kabenac]

Bring snacks. Bring a business card/a buy list to give to sellers as this show is wonderful for networking. Bring deodorant.

If any of you guys I've traded/bought from over the years will be there let me know. I plan on being there Wed, Thurs and Sunday.

[Pacmeyer]

If flying in, don’t buy a ton of wax expecting to take it aboard sealed. One or two sealed boxes may be okay but keep in mind if the scanners cannot see through an item, like a sealed case that’s wall to wall wax, TSA can ask you to open it.

[asujbl]

You guys make this sound super complicated

I’ll be wearing flip flops and buying a water if I need one. Just an FYI

I also won’t have a backpack but I understand that depending on what you collect and/or are bringing

Just go and have fun

[JustinVerlander07]

Originally Posted by asujbl

You guys make this sound super complicated

I’ll be wearing flip flops and buying a water if I need one. Just an FYI

I also won’t have a backpack but I understand that depending on what you collect and/or are bringing

Just go and have fun

I don't like agreeing with you! But yea, I agree with you.

A backpack is really only necessary depending on what you're buying. For someone like myself who collects more lowend, I'll have one just incase, someone uber rich like asujbl, probably after the finer cards in life won't need one.

[Pacmeyer]

If you are used to going everywhere with a backpack, then stick with it. Frees your hands just don’t keep valuables zipped on the outside where someone could try taking them. A backpack beats carrying all of your purchases in a tote bag which is more likely to be left behind at a table when you’re distracted. Use the free bags to help you pack up when heading home.

[Powell7db]

Should I be getting tickets ahead of time or is at the show fine?

[messier2]

My biggest advice for any card show you go to, especially the National. If you find a card that you like and the price is off by just a bit, just BUY IT! The extra $10 or whatever isn't going to kill you.

More than likely when you walk away and come back later, it is GONE! Or, you don't even know which aisle the dealer was and you waste your time looking for it.

BUY THE CARD, BUY THE CARD...don't walk away because of a few bucks!

[tmoore_25]

Originally Posted by Powell7db

Should I be getting tickets ahead of time or is at the show fine?

At the show is fine. You might pay a couple bucks more but the line for them isn't long from what I've seen in the past.

Originally Posted by messier2

My biggest advice for any card show you go to, especially the National. If you find a card that you like and the price is off by just a bit, just BUY IT! The extra $10 or whatever isn't going to kill you.

More than likely when you walk away and come back later, it is GONE! Or, you don't even know which aisle the dealer was and you waste your time looking for it.

BUY THE CARD, BUY THE CARD...don't walk away because of a few bucks!

I second this. You are probably going to pay a little more but some things should be bought when available. During the last National, I spent the last couple hours looking for one card that I saw earlier but failed to write down the booth number. I never found that card.

[messier2]

More advice as I start planning for my own National adventure:

* Pack some granola bars or something like that. Don't expect quality food at the convention center. Also, lines during peak eating times usually are insane. I usually lunch on these granola bars to keep my energy up and get through the day. Then, I have a very decent dinner (like, decent, decent dinner).

* Dress appropriately. NO, I don't mean dress in a suit and tie. Don't wear flash clothing and jewelry. Believe me, this is no fashion show. Dress down as much as you are comfortable going. You don't want to be a target. Personally, I will be dressing one step up from local bum on the street (no smells of course). Will be packing lots of cards and cash...you will never know it...

* Bring a sturdy backpack. You never know what freebies you will get and not having the right bag will make it difficult to hold everything. Sturdy backpack with lots of zippers are the best.

* If you are a bargain bin hunter, buy a foldable chair on Amazon (like the one you can close up and stuff into your backpack). My back was killing me last year, so this year I am ready!

* Eat before you get there. Breakfast is key and have a decent one so you can last until past lunch time, then eat a light lunch/snack.

* When looking through bargain bins, and you find a sweet card/steal. Always put the card face DOWN. You don't want others to see the card and start sneaking into your card row and messing everything up. Remember, if you find good cards, keep it to yourself and stay chill when paying the dealer (no need to rub it in!).

* Bring a power bank. That's right, you will be using your phone A LOT, don't run out of juice! Perhaps 2 power banks is good to have!

* I am planning to get to PSA first thing on Wednesday. I am fine waiting in the long line so I can get my subs in. They say the cheapest option is done by "end of show", but most likely if you get it in early, you may get it by Saturday at the latest.

* Don't flash your cash. I know it's tempting and people are bringing tons of it. Remember, there is always someone watching you...keep your cash close to you. Place your cash in different pockets/envelopes. One pocket for big bills another for small bills, etc. This way if you unfortunately lose one, you don't lose them all. Beware of pickpockets.

* Take periodic breaks. Find a seat, the floor, the comfy carpet. Whatever it is, pace yourself. You will NOT get through the whole show in one day. Maybe 2-3 days, maybe. Relax, enjoy and give your body some rest when needed. Bring a water bottle to fill up during the day.

[messier2]

Happy to answer any questions from any newbies!

[notfast]

Originally Posted by messier2

More advice as I start planning for my own National adventure:

* Pack some granola bars or something like that. Don't expect quality food at the convention center. Also, lines during peak eating times usually are insane. I usually lunch on these granola bars to keep my energy up and get through the day. Then, I have a very decent dinner (like, decent, decent dinner).

* Dress appropriately. NO, I don't mean dress in a suit and tie. Don't wear flash clothing and jewelry. Believe me, this is no fashion show. Dress down as much as you are comfortable going. You don't want to be a target. Personally, I will be dressing one step up from local bum on the street (no smells of course). Will be packing lots of cards and cash...you will never know it...

* Bring a sturdy backpack. You never know what freebies you will get and not having the right bag will make it difficult to hold everything. Sturdy backpack with lots of zippers are the best.

* If you are a bargain bin hunter, buy a foldable chair on Amazon (like the one you can close up and stuff into your backpack). My back was killing me last year, so this year I am ready!

* Eat before you get there. Breakfast is key and have a decent one so you can last until past lunch time, then eat a light lunch/snack.

* When looking through bargain bins, and you find a sweet card/steal. Always put the card face DOWN. You don't want others to see the card and start sneaking into your card row and messing everything up. Remember, if you find good cards, keep it to yourself and stay chill when paying the dealer (no need to rub it in!).

* Bring a power bank. That's right, you will be using your phone A LOT, don't run out of juice! Perhaps 2 power banks is good to have!

* I am planning to get to PSA first thing on Wednesday. I am fine waiting in the long line so I can get my subs in. They say the cheapest option is done by "end of show", but most likely if you get it in early, you may get it by Saturday at the latest.

* Don't flash your cash. I know it's tempting and people are bringing tons of it. Remember, there is always someone watching you...keep your cash close to you. Place your cash in different pockets/envelopes. One pocket for big bills another for small bills, etc. This way if you unfortunately lose one, you don't lose them all. Beware of pickpockets.

* Take periodic breaks. Find a seat, the floor, the comfy carpet. Whatever it is, pace yourself. You will NOT get through the whole show in one day. Maybe 2-3 days, maybe. Relax, enjoy and give your body some rest when needed. Bring a water bottle to fill up during the day.

I think all of this is great advice.

Overall, just be aware of your surroundings. Be courteous of others and be aware of the space you’re in and moving to.

[byronscott4ever]

Also, you do you….

There’s no right or wrong way to spend your time …some people want to sit and watch breaks, or watch the stage or get autographs, or look at auction pieces, or just look at certain cards.

[asujbl]

You guys are super prepared

I won’t be doing any of this

Why is everyone using their phone so much?

[scotthenrichs]

Originally Posted by messier2

* If you are a bargain bin hunter, buy a foldable chair on Amazon (like the one you can close up and stuff into your backpack). My back was killing me last year, so this year I am ready!

As someone that's been to a dozen Nationals now, I've thought of doing this as chairs are always such a premium, but I don't want some big camping chair or something that is a pain to pack away every time I get up from a table. Anyone got a chair/stool they recommend?

[scotthenrichs]

Originally Posted by asujbl

Why is everyone using their phone so much?

Checking comps on eBay, I'm assuming. Maybe checking their want list or a checklist for a set they're trying to complete.

[messier2]

Originally Posted by scotthenrichs

As someone that's been to a dozen Nationals now, I've thought of doing this as chairs are always such a premium, but I don't want some big camping chair or something that is a pain to pack away every time I get up from a table. Anyone got a chair/stool they recommend?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BRC...b_b_asin_title

[asujbl]

Originally Posted by scotthenrichs

Checking comps on eBay, I'm assuming. Maybe checking their want list or a checklist for a set they're trying to complete.

Enough that you lose your entire battery?

You guys are committed

Respect

[scotthenrichs]

Originally Posted by messier2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BRC...b_b_asin_title

Ha, thanks, that's a bizarre looking thing. I was thinking people were getting little camp stools and stuff, never thought of something like that before.

[scotthenrichs]

Originally Posted by asujbl

Enough that you lose your entire battery?

You guys are committed

Respect

if the Wifi is weak like in Chicago in the past, it can drain your phone battery pretty quickly by afternoon. I never drained the whole thing, but it was enough I wanted my Anker powerbank on my phone by the time I needed directions to go out for dinner.