Selling/Trading Cards At the National

mgsenny · 07-21-2022, 04:18 PM

Hey everyone! Just looking for some general advice. I've only been to one national before and didn't really do any selling, so I'm just looking for the best way to go about moving some cards. Honestly, I haven't been to many local shows either.

I don't have a ton of stuff to move. Maybe a $1k in cards to sell/trade, but I'm looking to see if anyone has advice on how to go about it without coming off like a jerk.

Do I just go up to random booths and ask if they're interested in buying/trading? It's not a lot of stuff, but it's probably the best way to liquidate and upgrade.

Are there any big must do's or must not do's? Should I have my stuff generally priced out in advance so I don't have to go back and forth a ton? Any other advice would be appreciated.

Note: I will not be at trade night.

Thanks!

nera20 · 07-21-2022, 04:31 PM

Just go up to any booth askthe dealer if they are buying make sure you are offering your stuff around 65-80 percent of ebay and you should be able to sell it

SEAVER1969 · 07-21-2022, 04:34 PM

Not an expert but I would say what do you have? Meaning if you have modern cards go to booths with modern cards & not the vintage dealers. Wax to wax dealers etc. Aim towards dealers heavy in what you have.

You can price ahead to know what you want for the cards. Dealers will not want to wait while you figure what you want. Many dealers will look up instant comps so factor that into your price.

Also would avoid bringing cheap cards 5 Dollars & less unless you almost want to give those away as many dealers dont have time for smaller deals with lower cards.

badkarma318 · 07-21-2022, 04:36 PM

These guys have numerous videos that you may find helpful:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3e...query=National

https://www.youtube.com/c/cardcollec...query=National

mgsenny · 07-21-2022, 04:45 PM

Appreciate all the advice here! This makes sense. Everything I have is very modern, so I wouldn't sell to a vintage dealer. I'd say I'm looking at cards with Ebay comps of $20+. But stuff that's not really worth my time to list, ship, etc.

I already put together a box of $1 autos/mem to sell back to Blowout. But this would be my other stuff.

I'll check out those videos too! Thank you!

SEAVER1969 · 07-21-2022, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgsenny

Appreciate all the advice here! This makes sense. Everything I have is very modern, so I wouldn't sell to a vintage dealer. I'd say I'm looking at cards with Ebay comps of $20+. But stuff that's not really worth my time to list, ship, etc.

I already put together a box of $1 autos/mem to sell back to Blowout. But this would be my other stuff.

I'll check out those videos too! Thank you!

No cheap Seavers or Old Mets in that dollar box right?

mgsenny · 07-21-2022, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEAVER1969

No cheap Seavers or Old Mets in that dollar box right?

Unfortunately not!

SearchPatrol · 07-21-2022, 05:12 PM

Best bet is to drop them off at COMC. I would be shocked if a dealer offers you 40% of comps for a $20 card. Last year at National, I was picking up cards in that range for $7-$10. And that was cherry picking.

mgsenny · 07-21-2022, 06:42 PM

Just made a spreadsheet. I have maybe 30 cards ranging between $20 and $150 that I'm looking to move. It's an absurdly random group of cards.

Highest priced cards being:

2020 Topps Sterling Yordan Alvarez/Jose Altuve Dual Swatch Auto /15
2020 Topps Sterling Yordan Alvarez Dual Swatch Auto /25

dubs35 · 07-21-2022, 06:50 PM

You could always send a list of what you have to BO or one of the other companies that does repack products and see what they'd be willing to pay for them to use as a baseline. It would at least give you a floor number for anything that they might be willing to buy and you could probably have that number before the show even starts.

mgsenny · 07-21-2022, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubs35

You could always send a list of what you have to BO or one of the other companies that does repack products and see what they'd be willing to pay for them to use as a baseline. It would at least give you a floor number for anything that they might be willing to buy and you could probably have that number before the show even starts.

Great call there! I hadn't thought about that

tdbaseballcards · 07-21-2022, 07:42 PM

There will be booths that have signs saying they are buying, otherwise just ask dealers. Just have common courtesy and don't interrupt a dealer doing a deal to ask him to look at your stuff. Sometimes it helps to just mention a couple of the more desirable cards you have to the dealer to let them know what kinda stuff you have. A lot of them are being shown all the junk graded items and that gets exhausting, so if you mention I have a Yordan auto, etc they are more likely to be receptive. Also, if they aren't interested, just move along. I find that sometimes people want to argue or give me attitude if I'm not interested in their cards.

Also, be prepared with prices for each card as most are going to ask you that right away. Most likely they are going to lowball you. They may check comps and you may have to sit around awhile while they do this and help others that want to buy. Just be patient and courteous.

Lastly, have the cards in a box or case or something easy that you can hand them to look through. Don't just hand them a stack of cards you pulled out of your pocket.

Myerburg311 · 07-21-2022, 08:49 PM

come to booths 849, 853, 948

we love making deals

TitanTom · 07-21-2022, 08:59 PM

Bring it by booth 256 and we can make the magic happen.

ddearing · 07-21-2022, 09:19 PM

I have 4 booths. Will post a preview tomorrow. We will be buying the entire show, paying between 70-75% of comps. I have an entire showcase of Yordan's, so those would fit in nice. Easy deals. More details tomorrow.

notfast · 07-21-2022, 09:33 PM

Price your cards beforehand. Makes it easy.

At a bare minimum know what you want for stuff.

MavsRChamps · 07-23-2022, 11:39 AM

I was leaning to not bringing any cards but may bring 10 or less … is there any chance a dealer would buy cards for 80 or even 85 % of comps though? Say for liquid cards like psa 9 LeBron Topps rookie which I have. I know for obscure cards of course wouldn’t get anywhere near that close to comps.

If sellers won’t ever get to 85% of comp I probably won’t even waste my time bringing them, and just sell them through eBay sometime.

Philthy · 07-23-2022, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavsRChamps

I was leaning to not bringing any cards but may bring 10 or less … is there any chance a dealer would buy cards for 80 or even 85 % of comps though? Say for liquid cards like psa 9 LeBron Topps rookie which I have. I know for obscure cards of course wouldn’t get anywhere near that close to comps.

If sellers won’t ever get to 85% of comp I probably won’t even waste my time bringing them, and just sell them through eBay sometime.

I've never been to the National specifically, but in my experience dealers are not willing to buy at that price of comps. You may have some wiggle room if its a trade, but not a cash deal in my experience.

solt0131 · 07-24-2022, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavsRChamps

I was leaning to not bringing any cards but may bring 10 or less … is there any chance a dealer would buy cards for 80 or even 85 % of comps though? Say for liquid cards like psa 9 LeBron Topps rookie which I have. I know for obscure cards of course wouldn’t get anywhere near that close to comps.

If sellers won’t ever get to 85% of comp I probably won’t even waste my time bringing them, and just sell them through eBay sometime.

I think in this market the best you could possibly do is 70-75% of current comps.

tconte · 07-24-2022, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solt0131

I think in this market the best you could possibly do is 70-75% of current comps.

I would jump in anything close to 70% without even blinking. I think in this market you’re looking at about 40 to 50% of comps from most dealers. But it depends on the cards too.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SteelPen2 · 07-24-2022, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgsenny

Appreciate all the advice here! This makes sense. Everything I have is very modern, so I wouldn't sell to a vintage dealer. I'd say I'm looking at cards with Ebay comps of $20+. But stuff that's not really worth my time to list, ship, etc.

I already put together a box of $1 autos/mem to sell back to Blowout. But this would be my other stuff.

I'll check out those videos too! Thank you!

Are there any other dealers buying junk autos/mems?

kardsharkz · 07-24-2022, 07:35 PM

I will pay strong on bulk junk autos and relics in pro uni. Booth 336

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelPen2

Are there any other dealers buying junk autos/mems?

SteelPen2 · 07-25-2022, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kardsharkz

I will pay strong on bulk junk autos and relics in pro uni. Booth 336

OK, cool. I have gathered up about ~100 or so. I will be there either Thur. or Fri. & Saturday.

mgsenny · 07-27-2022, 10:21 AM

Appreciate everyone's responses! I've got my cards all comped out and everything. Looking to move the lot as easily as possible, so if that means taking 50% my ask (roughly ebay comps) for the bulk lot, happy to do so.

Knoxswill · 07-28-2022, 08:29 AM

Do dealers trade at comps? I.e. if I have 2 graded cards that comp at $200, would a dealer trade me a card they have marked at $200-$250? (Assuming some of the prices at the show are jacked up)

07-21-2022, 04:18 PM	#1
mgsenny Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 1,089 mgsenny25	Selling/Trading Cards At the National Hey everyone! Just looking for some general advice. I've only been to one national before and didn't really do any selling, so I'm just looking for the best way to go about moving some cards. Honestly, I haven't been to many local shows either. I don't have a ton of stuff to move. Maybe a $1k in cards to sell/trade, but I'm looking to see if anyone has advice on how to go about it without coming off like a jerk. Do I just go up to random booths and ask if they're interested in buying/trading? It's not a lot of stuff, but it's probably the best way to liquidate and upgrade. Are there any big must do's or must not do's? Should I have my stuff generally priced out in advance so I don't have to go back and forth a ton? Any other advice would be appreciated. Note: I will not be at trade night. Thanks!

07-21-2022, 04:31 PM	#2
nera20 Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 35,256	Just go up to any booth askthe dealer if they are buying make sure you are offering your stuff around 65-80 percent of ebay and you should be able to sell it __________________ USA SHIPPING ONLY

07-21-2022, 07:42 PM	#12
tdbaseballcards Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: MA Posts: 1,873 tdbaseballcards tdbaseballcards	There will be booths that have signs saying they are buying, otherwise just ask dealers. Just have common courtesy and don't interrupt a dealer doing a deal to ask him to look at your stuff. Sometimes it helps to just mention a couple of the more desirable cards you have to the dealer to let them know what kinda stuff you have. A lot of them are being shown all the junk graded items and that gets exhausting, so if you mention I have a Yordan auto, etc they are more likely to be receptive. Also, if they aren't interested, just move along. I find that sometimes people want to argue or give me attitude if I'm not interested in their cards. Also, be prepared with prices for each card as most are going to ask you that right away. Most likely they are going to lowball you. They may check comps and you may have to sit around awhile while they do this and help others that want to buy. Just be patient and courteous. Lastly, have the cards in a box or case or something easy that you can hand them to look through. Don't just hand them a stack of cards you pulled out of your pocket. __________________ Check out my lowend COMC port - https://www.comc.com/Users/cheapcardsforyou Last edited by tdbaseballcards; 07-21-2022 at 07:48 PM.

07-21-2022, 08:49 PM	#13
Myerburg311 Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,939 sportsnutcards	come to booths 849, 853, 948 we love making deals __________________ when you send me your pp address please also tell me a total I am paying

07-21-2022, 08:59 PM	#14
TitanTom Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Instagram: @inscription_addiction67 Posts: 3,841 rocketfan3	Bring it by booth 256 and we can make the magic happen. __________________ Follow my Instagram: inscription_addiction67

07-21-2022, 04:34 PM	#3
SEAVER1969 Member Join Date: Jul 2022 Posts: 22 None None	Not an expert but I would say what do you have? Meaning if you have modern cards go to booths with modern cards & not the vintage dealers. Wax to wax dealers etc. Aim towards dealers heavy in what you have. You can price ahead to know what you want for the cards. Dealers will not want to wait while you figure what you want. Many dealers will look up instant comps so factor that into your price. Also would avoid bringing cheap cards 5 Dollars & less unless you almost want to give those away as many dealers dont have time for smaller deals with lower cards.

07-21-2022, 04:36 PM	#4
badkarma318 Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 680	These guys have numerous videos that you may find helpful: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3e...query=National https://www.youtube.com/c/cardcollec...query=National

07-21-2022, 04:45 PM	#5
mgsenny Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 1,089 mgsenny25	Appreciate all the advice here! This makes sense. Everything I have is very modern, so I wouldn't sell to a vintage dealer. I'd say I'm looking at cards with Ebay comps of $20+. But stuff that's not really worth my time to list, ship, etc. I already put together a box of $1 autos/mem to sell back to Blowout. But this would be my other stuff. I'll check out those videos too! Thank you!

07-21-2022, 05:12 PM	#8
SearchPatrol Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 1,051 AndrewB	Best bet is to drop them off at COMC. I would be shocked if a dealer offers you 40% of comps for a $20 card. Last year at National, I was picking up cards in that range for $7-$10. And that was cherry picking.

07-21-2022, 06:42 PM	#9
mgsenny Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 1,089 mgsenny25	Just made a spreadsheet. I have maybe 30 cards ranging between $20 and $150 that I'm looking to move. It's an absurdly random group of cards. Highest priced cards being: 2020 Topps Sterling Yordan Alvarez/Jose Altuve Dual Swatch Auto /15 2020 Topps Sterling Yordan Alvarez Dual Swatch Auto /25

07-21-2022, 06:50 PM	#10
dubs35 Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 378	You could always send a list of what you have to BO or one of the other companies that does repack products and see what they'd be willing to pay for them to use as a baseline. It would at least give you a floor number for anything that they might be willing to buy and you could probably have that number before the show even starts.

07-21-2022, 09:19 PM	#15
ddearing Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 3,820 vintage-dan ddearing	I have 4 booths. Will post a preview tomorrow. We will be buying the entire show, paying between 70-75% of comps. I have an entire showcase of Yordan's, so those would fit in nice. Easy deals. More details tomorrow. __________________ If you have to explain why it's a 1/1, then it's NOT a 1/1. Looking for Andre Dawson Serial numbered cards that are his jersey number - either #8 or #10. So looking for cards like 8/8 or 08/99 or 10/250.

07-21-2022, 09:33 PM	#16
notfast Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: MD Posts: 4,050	Price your cards beforehand. Makes it easy. At a bare minimum know what you want for stuff.

07-23-2022, 11:39 AM	#17
MavsRChamps Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 3,054 purple3252	I was leaning to not bringing any cards but may bring 10 or less … is there any chance a dealer would buy cards for 80 or even 85 % of comps though? Say for liquid cards like psa 9 LeBron Topps rookie which I have. I know for obscure cards of course wouldn’t get anywhere near that close to comps. If sellers won’t ever get to 85% of comp I probably won’t even waste my time bringing them, and just sell them through eBay sometime.

07-27-2022, 10:21 AM	#24
mgsenny Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 1,089 mgsenny25	Appreciate everyone's responses! I've got my cards all comped out and everything. Looking to move the lot as easily as possible, so if that means taking 50% my ask (roughly ebay comps) for the bulk lot, happy to do so.

07-28-2022, 08:29 AM	#25
Knoxswill Member Join Date: May 2022 Posts: 20 madtired	Do dealers trade at comps? I.e. if I have 2 graded cards that comp at $200, would a dealer trade me a card they have marked at $200-$250? (Assuming some of the prices at the show are jacked up) Last edited by Knoxswill; 07-28-2022 at 08:43 AM.