Observations on the current state of the hobby from a show this weekend

[gmoney328]

Went to a local show in Milton Florida yesterday. The turnout was fantastic. Kids everywhere wheeling and dealing, and the overall vibe was very positive about the hobby and collecting. Lots of money changing hands too as the dealers were pricing their stuff very reasonable. Really good small local show in the Panhandle.

[hammerva]

On brought this on a thread about the Chantilly show elsewhere but I wonder if it is just me or maybe it is more an issue with east coast shows but there feels like a bit of sameness to shows. At the Chantilly show, not only did it seem like about 80% of the dealers were the same but they were in the same area as previous shows. Now if you card range is very wide then this probably isn't an issue. No problem finding your Patrick Mahomes or Lebron James or Tom Brady cards. And it doesn't seem like the cases of high end stuff is refreshed decently. But if your collection is rather narrow it is kind of frustrating. One of the reasons I am looking forward to the National because the list of same old dealers drops significantly.

Now I realize there isn't much to do with this. The reason why the 80% dealers are the same is because they are successful and almost a tradition in area. But it would be interesting to see what kind of wait list these shows have.

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by hammerva

On brought this on a thread about the Chantilly show elsewhere but I wonder if it is just me or maybe it is more an issue with east coast shows but there feels like a bit of sameness to shows. At the Chantilly show, not only did it seem like about 80% of the dealers were the same but they were in the same area as previous shows. Now if you card range is very wide then this probably isn't an issue. No problem finding your Patrick Mahomes or Lebron James or Tom Brady cards. And it doesn't seem like the cases of high end stuff is refreshed decently. But if your collection is rather narrow it is kind of frustrating. One of the reasons I am looking forward to the National because the list of same old dealers drops significantly.

Now I realize there isn't much to do with this. The reason why the 80% dealers are the same is because they are successful and almost a tradition in area. But it would be interesting to see what kind of wait list these shows have.

Chantilly had a dealer with a bunch of non-sports and things like boxing/cricket/etc. that drove to the show with his full inventory on the chance that there might be a cancellation.

He was lucky enough to be right, and man, his showcases are incredible. He brought a bunch of really good pre-war baseball along as well.

The minimum booth is $475 at Chantilly, so it's not a small buy-in for your usual local characters who are used to setting up for $30-50 a table.

I am like a kid in a candy store at Chantilly with old baseball and the problem I have is that I am poor paying Northern Virginia rent! There is not enough 90s and 2000s baseball and that stinks. Dollar boxes have been more watered down recently as well, but I suspect that is everywhere.

Hope you were able to grab a few things for your collection.

[ddearing]

FWIW - I am set up at Chantilly and I have a "premium booth" which costs twice as much as a regular booth. However, I am limited to bringing what cards I can put into my carry-on luggage, so I didn't bring anything other than modern cards that are $100+. I also had to rent showcases, so I have to squeeze my inventory into the four showcases that were available (the showcase guy ran out and couldn't rent me more).

At the National, I will have four booths and 27 showcases, all my own inventory. I am also driving up for that, so I will be able to bring significantly more inventory. My point in saying this is, if you see me at the National and think, "I've already seen that guy at Chantilly" - It's okay. Please stop by anyway and I may have some different things for you.

Also, I will setup two of my four booths for only $1 and $4 boxes, all sorted by team. Over 150,000 cards in my $1 boxes. It is labor intensive to set that up, so I only bring those to the National.

I hope to see you all there!

[towerymt]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

Chantilly had a dealer with a bunch of non-sports and things like boxing/cricket/etc. that drove to the show with his full inventory on the chance that there might be a cancellation.

Was he the one with a few boxes of loose slabs off to the right side...right up front I noticed a ~$1300 Hassan Cobb...quite a collection! Lots of cool stuff

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by ScooterD

Question for those of you who go (have recently gone) to shows and LCSs on a regular basis -

Is the sports card collecting community as negative in person as it appears online?

Seems that nearly everyone complains about the products, prices, business practices, etc. inherent in the hobby/business. The precious few who compliment a player or product get piled on for pumping or being a fanboi. I’m wondering if this negative view of everything is limited to internet groups.

Generally speaking, when hobbyists and consumers go to hobby shops or cards shows, they are trying to enjoy themselves. Similarly, people go to movies or fairs expecting to have a good time. They aren't going to gripe or sulk. It's only after having enough bad experiences that people gripe and sulk, and predominately online.

[Above the Rim]

I would be interested in having a table at some local shows here in Portland OR. My only problem is those darn huge showcases to put everything in - I have none. That has to be a significant outlay expense to buy, say, 3 nice large locking showcases. Is it worth it to do a couple shows a year? Any place online to buy cheap "used" baseball card showcases ?

[mc1]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

Generally speaking, when hobbyists and consumers go to hobby shops or cards shows, they are trying to enjoy themselves. Similarly, people go to movies or fairs expecting to have a good time. They aren't going to gripe or sulk. It's only after having enough bad experiences that people gripe and sulk, and predominately online.

The world is full of bitter and angry people. They just do a good job of putting on a fake smile and hugging you and being cordial but when you walk away they gossip about you. Everyone does a good job of wearing a mask, Im not talking about a face mask.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by Jolten Joe

I would say no it's not limited to just online but the majority is. Like I can't see many people being brave enough to walk into a hobby shop and start screaming and yelling about prices being too high and the owner having a online breaking channel on youtube but I'm sure they complain amongst their circle of collecting buddies also. The internet just gives them more of a platform to do so while hiding behind a keyboard and feel cool.

If social media and forums didn't exist, I'm absolutely certain you'd see a lot more people complaining in person to shop owners and dealers. Maybe not in a nasty way, but they'd let their feelings known. Social media allows people to vent without having to risk starting a fight with someone.

I also think a lot of people in the hobby are dorks who are socially awkward. So that plays a part in the lack of in person communication and discourse.

[theshowandme]

Chantilly was fun.

Paid 116% comps on these because that sometimes happens

[notfast]

Chantilly isn’t always my favorite show but it’s always nice to go see people. Lots of great convos at every vintage table I walked up to.

Modern selection wasn’t bad even though I’m not huge in that game anymore.

One of the better Chantilly shows in the last few years IMO.

[here2havefun]

Originally Posted by hammerva

On brought this on a thread about the Chantilly show elsewhere but I wonder if it is just me or maybe it is more an issue with east coast shows but there feels like a bit of sameness to shows. At the Chantilly show, not only did it seem like about 80% of the dealers were the same but they were in the same area as previous shows. Now if you card range is very wide then this probably isn't an issue. No problem finding your Patrick Mahomes or Lebron James or Tom Brady cards. And it doesn't seem like the cases of high end stuff is refreshed decently. But if your collection is rather narrow it is kind of frustrating. One of the reasons I am looking forward to the National because the list of same old dealers drops significantly.

Now I realize there isn't much to do with this. The reason why the 80% dealers are the same is because they are successful and almost a tradition in area. But it would be interesting to see what kind of wait list these shows have.

I've been to most of the Chantilly shows since 2019, and yeah most of the time you see many of the same dealers over and over. Regional shows like that are not great if your want-list is super specific and rare cards only. I go to Chantilly because I usually have at least one non-rare card I'm looking for, and there's just enough socializing with people/dealers I've gotten to know, that the drive is worth it. But, if all I'm looking for is super rare cards, I may skip it, because I know I won't find them on the floor.

As to why I don't just buy my non-rare cards on Ebay/AH, I like to be able to see the card in person, and I can bring cards to work a trade + cash deal. This weekend, I traded 5 cards plus some cash for this Satchel. It's hard to pull that off online.

[ThoseBackPages]

that Paige has my pants TIGHT!

[gresh87]

Originally Posted by kykid4uk

Where are you finding shows in Evansville? I'm in Owensboro and would love to check them out.

There was one this past Saturday at the FOP. Next month there is one at the Old National Events Plaza. Here’s a link.

[Onepocketj]

Originally Posted by here2havefun

I've been to most of the Chantilly shows since 2019, and yeah most of the time you see many of the same dealers over and over. Regional shows like that are not great if your want-list is super specific and rare cards only. I go to Chantilly because I usually have at least one non-rare card I'm looking for, and there's just enough socializing with people/dealers I've gotten to know, that the drive is worth it. But, if all I'm looking for is super rare cards, I may skip it, because I know I won't find them on the floor.

As to why I don't just buy my non-rare cards on Ebay/AH, I like to be able to see the card in person, and I can bring cards to work a trade + cash deal. This weekend, I traded 5 cards plus some cash for this Satchel. It's hard to pull that off online.

Damn. That's a great looking 2!

[Jolten Joe]

I love the older cards pre-50's but I'd almost rather have them ungraded as the eye goes directly to the low grade. As said some look a lot better than the grade. If someone wants documentation that it's authentic or really wants to know the grade slap a QR code on the back that takes them to a site.

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by Jolten Joe

I love the older cards pre-50's but I'd almost rather have them ungraded as the eye goes directly to the low grade. As said some look a lot better than the grade. If someone wants documentation that it's authentic or really wants to know the grade slap a QR code on the back that takes them to a site.

easy pass on raw cards

[Jolten Joe]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

easy pass on raw cards

They would be graded just not thrown out there in big bold numbers you'd have to click on the QR code on the back to get to that information.

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by Jolten Joe

They would be graded just not thrown out there in big bold numbers you'd have to click on the QR code on the back to get to that information.

yea, i hear ya on that.

thats why PSA is the best. the number has to be sought out

[TarjetasBéisbol]

I went to the Chantilly show on Friday, and it was packed. This has been a good show for years and many of the dealers are the same people but lately I have been seeing some new faces. Lots of dollar boxes and many people crowded around them buying up the inventory, lots of trading going on and some incredibly nice cards being offered up in trade. I picked up some 1956 Topps in real nice shape as I am working on my set.

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by TarjetasBéisbol

I went to the Chantilly show on Friday, and it was packed. This has been a good show for years and many of the dealers are the same people but lately I have been seeing some new faces. Lots of dollar boxes and many people crowded around them buying up the inventory, lots of trading going on and some incredibly nice cards being offered up in trade. I picked up some 1956 Topps in real nice shape as I am working on my set.

Let’s see ‘em!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[theshowandme]

If you’re having a bad time at larger regional shows, it’s you, not the show.

Even if you do not buy anything, soak it in!


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[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

If you’re having a bad time at larger regional shows, it’s you, not the show.

Even if you do not buy anything, soak it in!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

they could be a Brokie though!

[hammerva]

I never said I had a bad time with the Chantilly show. I always enjoy going to the show being that it is one of the best shows in the area. Just venting a little about knowing that only that most of my purchases on my PC stuff are really only going to be from 3 dealers.

Also hurt that I couldn't spend as much as I want because the National is next month. If the show was a couple months later or earlier I would have had a lot more money to play with on other things.

[solt0131]

Chantilly was busy for me all 3 days. This should be a great indicator for The National. If the hobby is “in the tank” I certainly didn’t see it this weekend. It also feels like a great time to buy.