Everybody says support your LCS, here’s my experience.

[AeroFishOne]

I’ll never understand frequently bad customer service especially from small mom and pop run businesses. One of my old gaming stores had moved locations and had been several years since I went in there. Decided to go check them out. 20 something year old guy behind the counter never greeted me and probably didn’t raise his head as I walked around the store trying to find what I was looking for. Finally asked the guy if they had sealed product and any more singles other than the few in the display case. He rudely stated that that had a computer database in the store that I could look them up. Didn’t ever offer to help me find anything or ask what I was looking for. Went to the computer which had one of those rolling tracks balls. Found a few cards that I needed but It was such a pain to use that I just left and haven’t been back since. My friend had a similar encounter as far as the lack of friendliness. As a business owner I would be furious that my employees were running off customers.

As far as sports, we got a pretty good store in Greensboro. I’m not a big box opener and just collect my team. The owner is always friendly. Normally like to go through and grab some singles before they put the boxes back due to the disease. Just a simple greeting and ask if you need anything goes along way.

[Gatorsmld]

Originally Posted by gmoney328

Haven't really been in since early March (Covid)

Coins, Sportscards and Racing Collectibles
3271 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

A little hike from FWB, as you know, but I have been pleased with them since my initial visit didn't go well. Nice guys and a gal working there.

Decent priced singles, and they give small discounts for cash and bulk purchases. First Saturday of every month is some kind of a group trading thing. I work Saturdays so I haven't gone to that, but they have food and drinks and stuff. Seems like it would be a good time.

Many thanks for this info! Will definitely check them out next time I'm down.

[SkipAway]

My issue is you walk in... ask about a particular player... and they shell up and say "umm I'll take a look in back". Then they show you two of their lowest end cards of that guy... afraid that "dang, if this customer is really chasing XYX 'under the radar young guy' then I should probably keep this."

It's just a poker game of cat and mouse and they don't want to show their cards (pun intended).

Your instincts are right. Listen to them. LCS is not there to help you, because the hobby isn't Local anymore, it's online. They are there to make money, and "hooking up the local shopper" is pretty low on their ways of generating revenue.

And of course they cook the "boxes" they're selling single packs out of. Open, say, 6 packs from a 12 pack box... find one (or more) of the guaranteed hits, maybe another hot card or two that makes it worth their gamble, then sell the rest as single packs knowing there's a good chance there's not a damn thing worth $15 in there (let alone the $34.99 they're selling it for).

[allabtsprt]

Originally Posted by AeroFishOne

I’ll never understand frequently bad customer service especially from small mom and pop run businesses. One of my old gaming stores had moved locations and had been several years since I went in there. Decided to go check them out. 20 something year old guy behind the counter never greeted me and probably didn’t raise his head as I walked around the store trying to find what I was looking for. Finally asked the guy if they had sealed product and any more singles other than the few in the display case. He rudely stated that that had a computer database in the store that I could look them up. Didn’t ever offer to help me find anything or ask what I was looking for. Went to the computer which had one of those rolling tracks balls. Found a few cards that I needed but It was such a pain to use that I just left and haven’t been back since. My friend had a similar encounter as far as the lack of friendliness. As a business owner I would be furious that my employees were running off customers.

As far as sports, we got a pretty good store in Greensboro. I’m not a big box opener and just collect my team. The owner is always friendly. Normally like to go through and grab some singles before they put the boxes back due to the disease. Just a simple greeting and ask if you need anything goes along way.

A lot of the younger generation (not all) have no social skills at all and don't know how to deal with strangers in person. We can partially thank smartphones for that. As for the computer, the same principle applies. Without technology, they are completely lost.

[BraveAtlanta]

Originally Posted by goAuburn

I grew up in Lilburn, although the shows your referencing might've been a bit before my time. Do you remember where they were? I do remember going to the shows at the outlet mall across Pleasant Hill from Gwinnett Place as a kid!

I remember taking Beaver Ruin Rd (funny name) east off the I85 exit for about 15 minutes. It was in a strip mall behind a few fast food restaurants. This was around 1993-1995. It’s been years since I’ve been out that way

[blackbears86]

Originally Posted by fitefanSHO

Go to Don’s in Portland, Maine.

Nicest LCS operator in the world.

Great shop too.

awesome shop!

[djolley86]

Our best shop in Charlotte is great. Very personable, great service, and prices that beat all of the ridiculous online prices from the big guys.

There are a few other competitors in the area, but most are either uninformed/not very friendly, or have ridiculous pricing.

[WallyatJCCards]

Originally Posted by Toppsdude

Every single time the owner is sitting by a computer, not 10’ from me and doesn’t even look up from it, because he’s doing a live break.

If you ever find yourself in WI - stop by, I'll not only look up from my computer, I might even talk to you and offer a free beverage. Heck, we may even get into a 2 hour discussion about 1993 Finest Baseball. :-)

[chezball]

All for suporting LCS but if you need this when walking in, that's a no for me.

[Toppsdude]

Originally Posted by WallyatJCCards

If you ever find yourself in WI - stop by, I'll not only look up from my computer, I might even talk to you and offer a free beverage. Heck, we may even get into a 2 hour discussion about 1993 Finest Baseball. :-)

Yes sir, if I’m up there, would definitely stop by! Thanks!

[atlcast]

On Deck Sportscards in Lawrenceville Ga is great

[AeroFishOne]

Originally Posted by djolley86

Our best shop in Charlotte is great. Very personable, great service, and prices that beat all of the ridiculous online prices from the big guys.

There are a few other competitors in the area, but most are either uninformed/not very friendly, or have ridiculous pricing.

What’s the best store in Charlotte, in case I head down that way again sometime.

[djolley86]

Originally Posted by AeroFishOne

What’s the best store in Charlotte, in case I head down that way again sometime.

AAA Collectibles in Matthews. Excellent prices, selection, and service. They have been here in our market since the early 90s. Go check them out!

[CoachMiller1981]

Originally Posted by WallyatJCCards

If you ever find yourself in WI - stop by, I'll not only look up from my computer, I might even talk to you and offer a free beverage. Heck, we may even get into a 2 hour discussion about 1993 Finest Baseball. :-)

Next time my cousin has an AAU Tournament in Milwaukee I will have to stop in. I live in Freeport, Illinois about 100 miles away from there. I haven't been into a local shop since I lived in Houston. I moved from Houston to Northern Illinois 7 years ago.

[Cavaliercards]

Originally Posted by SkipAway

My issue is you walk in... ask about a particular player... and they shell up and say "umm I'll take a look in back". Then they show you two of their lowest end cards of that guy... afraid that "dang, if this customer is really chasing XYX 'under the radar young guy' then I should probably keep this."

It's just a poker game of cat and mouse and they don't want to show their cards (pun intended).

Your instincts are right. Listen to them. LCS is not there to help you, because the hobby isn't Local anymore, it's online. They are there to make money, and "hooking up the local shopper" is pretty low on their ways of generating revenue.

And of course they cook the "boxes" they're selling single packs out of. Open, say, 6 packs from a 12 pack box... find one (or more) of the guaranteed hits, maybe another hot card or two that makes it worth their gamble, then sell the rest as single packs knowing there's a good chance there's not a damn thing worth $15 in there (let alone the $34.99 they're selling it for).

Too much wrong in this, but will just let it go.

[ga5150]

I think the one you described is this—. It was a decent sized show that ran every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday in an old remodeled grocery store at the location you described from around 1990 to 1993. It was at the intersection of Highway 29 and Beaver Ruin Road directly behind the Wendy’s. They had grown enough that they were bringing in decent autograph guests occasionally, lots of Braves a few Falcons and Hawks. I remember waiting in lines to get Tom Glavine Steve Avery and others there.

Originally Posted by BraveAtlanta

I remember taking Beaver Ruin Rd (funny name) east off the I85 exit for about 15 minutes. It was in a strip mall behind a few fast food restaurants. This was around 1993-1995. It’s been years since I’ve been out that way

[jlzinck]

My LCS is the opposite. Has no online presence. Will spend the whole time talking to you. He really has no wax except for blasters and an occasional hobby box or 2.

[japes3]

I would have to say there are more and more duds out there. If it doesn't feel right don't go back. Its just like a restaurant. If I have a bad meal or a bad time, I don't go back. They don't deserve repeat business just because we should support local shops. All retail needs to earn their money. Best of luck getting back into the hobby!!

[JerkoinTexs]

If in the Waco area in texas, Bankstons is a good one. Been in business over 30 years.

Sent from my SM-J727U using Tapatalk

[jjrpilot]

Those of you in Kansas City, MO, give me your recommendations!

There’s a Show Me Sports Cards in Blue Springs owned and run by two nice elderly women. If you buy a single they get out the sports price book lol.

Supposedly there’s a good shop in Liberty, MO.

There’s a decent shop in Overland Park, KS right across the MO border that’s pretty cool too. Scott is the owner and his sons help run the store. They’re pretty cool guys.

[SaveMeTheGum]

Sounds like this shop is just a front for an online breaker. Breaks killing the hobby from the inside out...

[BraveAtlanta]

Originally Posted by ga5150

I think the one you described is this—. It was a decent sized show that ran every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday in an old remodeled grocery store at the location you described from around 1990 to 1993. It was at the intersection of Highway 29 and Beaver Ruin Road directly behind the Wendy’s. They had grown enough that they were bringing in decent autograph guests occasionally, lots of Braves a few Falcons and Hawks. I remember waiting in lines to get Tom Glavine Steve Avery and others there.

Yep that sounds about right. It was a pretty good show. They used to have a another good show a few times a year at a Radisson Hotel off of i75 inside the perimeter. I think it was at Howell Mill Rd. I got Justice, Smoltz, and Glavine's autos there.

[DylanPowers92]

since we are talking about great LCS shops, the two in Peoria, IL (Baseball Card City and Sports Card Center) are great shops with great owners and big selection of singles and boxes. Loved going to both when I lived in Peoria

[BirdsFan55]

I recently moved from STL to northern VA and frequent Blowout's store in Chantilly, gotta say it's definitely one of the best stores I've been too. You're not gonna get the biggest deals per se but Andrew and co. are super friendly and knowledgeable about the industry, helping where they can. Before COVID there were trade nights on Fridays and shows on Saturdays which are cool. And obviously the selection is great, even if most is not affordable these days for the average collector. I would highly recommend checking out if you're in the area!

[erock28]

Originally Posted by WallyatJCCards

If you ever find yourself in WI - stop by, I'll not only look up from my computer, I might even talk to you and offer a free beverage. Heck, we may even get into a 2 hour discussion about 1993 Finest Baseball. :-)

Man Wally, why would you punish your customers by letting you talk to them for two hours?

All sincerity, Wally is a great guy to shoot the breeze with - very personable and passionate about cards. The only three shops I've visited or would visit in Wisconsin - Brewtown and Price's near Milwaukee and JC Cards out towards Madison - are all great shops run by great people. Maybe Sconnie is just flat out the place to be for awesome card shops?