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

[PuddleMonkey]

So all these packed shows are because of Pokemon?

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by PuddleMonkey

So all these packed shows are because of Pokemon?

That’s my question?
Are sports cards the major seller or Pokémon ?
Or 50/50 ish !?

[solt0131]

Originally Posted by PuddleMonkey

So all these packed shows are because of Pokemon?

Sports cards by a mile. Pokemon sales only make up a small percentage of the big shows.

[ClevelandIC]

Originally Posted by metsandweezer

Card show in Vegas this weekend was packed.

Originally Posted by f2tornado

My Facebook feed had a video of the VIP line and it was silly long. Good for the hobby but bad for the shopper.

I was at this show and waiting in that "VIP" line. I was over an hour early (I just wanted to see where the conference room was) and the line was already insane. The show itself was underwhelming for my buying purposes. It was 50/50 sports/pokemon in my opinion. I eventually got overwhelmed with the people and left after about 2.5 hours. I was able to snag some PC stuff as well as some singles for resale but most of the sticker prices for baseball (there wasn't a ton of baseball) were higher than recent sales by a large amount in most cases.

[bryanscs]

Originally Posted by Slvnumber2

West Virginia shows sounds interesting. Congrats on your Lexington show, and feedback was outstanding from dealers and attendees. Hopefully you do 1-2 per year at the Civic Center/Rupp location.

Thanks! I'm planning on doing it annually, every December!

[solt0131]

The monkey and all of the other critics couldn't have been more wrong about the direction of the hobby. It's going to be a great year going forward.

[MiamiMarlinsFan]

Originally Posted by solt0131

The monkey and all of the other critics couldn't have been more wrong about the direction of the hobby. It's going to be a great year going forward.

To be fair, we’re 83% sure it’s a person and not an actual monkey…

[Qubits]

Does anyone else get annoyed when they travel to a show only to get there and find out 40-50% of the tables are pokemon or is it just me?

These days I feel like I have to just assume half the tables will be TCG to adjust my expectations.

[89Giants]

Originally Posted by Qubits

Does anyone else get annoyed when they travel to a show only to get there and find out 40-50% of the tables are pokemon or is it just me?

These days I feel like I have to just assume half the tables will be TCG to adjust my expectations.

I feel the same way, they need their own show separate from the sports cards. Last show I went to TCG was more than half the tables.

[ThoseBackPages]

i have no problems with it.

[Sluggerrr]

I'm wondering the same thing about the Will County Sports Cards and Collectibles Mega Show. Perhaps @vintg can let me know.

[itsbaytime]

Originally Posted by Qubits

Does anyone else get annoyed when they travel to a show only to get there and find out 40-50% of the tables are pokemon or is it just me?

These days I feel like I have to just assume half the tables will be TCG to adjust my expectations.

A rising tide lifts all boats. Better to have that traffic and possible crossover, than the alternative.

[eastbayak]

Originally Posted by 89Giants

was that the one put on by the same guys who do the concord show?

TBH, I’m unsure. Wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case though.

[eastbayak]

Originally Posted by Qubits

Does anyone else get annoyed when they travel to a show only to get there and find out 40-50% of the tables are pokemon or is it just me?

These days I feel like I have to just assume half the tables will be TCG to adjust my expectations.

Basically what I just experienced at the SF card show. Only a couple “quality” sports card vendors too.

$15 entry fee and $10+ parking to look around for 30-60 mins, yikes.

[Qubits]

Originally Posted by 89Giants

I feel the same way, they need their own show separate from the sports cards. Last show I went to TCG was more than half the tables.

I'm not sure this is the solution to my issue. In fact, I'm glad that they're at the same shows as more foot traffic at a show that includes sports cards is a good thing imo, even if many of those folks aren't primarily there for sports cards.

I guess what I'd like is if show promoters would just be more transparent about the breakdown of tables so I can make more informed decisions on which ones to travel to.

[89Giants]

Originally Posted by Qubits

I'm not sure this is the solution to my issue. In fact, I'm glad that they're at the same shows as more foot traffic at a show that includes sports cards is a good thing imo, even if many of those folks aren't primarily there for sports cards.

I guess what I'd like is if show promoters would just be more transparent about the breakdown of tables so I can make more informed decisions on which ones to travel to.

Well if you're glad that they mix the tcg and sportscards then you have no issue. Continue to travel and see a mix of tables catering to both. They are never going to tell you what % of tables are tcg or sportscards prior to the show. The collectors I know either only collect tcg or sports, not both.

[eastbayak]

Originally Posted by Qubits

I'm not sure this is the solution to my issue. In fact, I'm glad that they're at the same shows as more foot traffic at a show that includes sports cards is a good thing imo, even if many of those folks aren't primarily there for sports cards.

I guess what I'd like is if show promoters would just be more transparent about the breakdown of tables so I can make more informed decisions on which ones to travel to.

Originally Posted by 89Giants

Well if you're glad that they mix the tcg and sportscards then you have no issue. Continue to travel and see a mix of tables catering to both. They are never going to tell you what % of tables are tcg or sportscards prior to the show. The collectors I know either only collect tcg or sports, not both.

100%.

Advertising the breakdown will result in lesser foot traffic (because people will cherry pick which shows to attend). Not to mention, what if some vendors are suddenly unable to make it, unnecessary backlash due to "false" advertising.

[jkampis]

Originally Posted by 89Giants

I feel the same way, they need their own show separate from the sports cards. Last show I went to TCG was more than half the tables.

It sounds like those shoes are propped up by TCG. Lucky for you that the show caters to both or it might not even exist.

[Twalk1975]

Just saw this for an upcoming AZ show. Panini and Pokemon would seem to be the star as they get top billing. Topps is buried at the bottom...



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[theshowandme]

Booked my National trip a few days ago.

Conference housing was sold out for anything on the main road.

Ooof, should not have waited.

Had to book through credit card travel portal.

$1444 for the Loews hotel
$504 for the flights (DC-Chicago)

I might need to play in the dollar boxes that week

[ironfireman]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

Booked my National trip a few days ago.

Conference housing was sold out for anything on the main road.

Ooof, should not have waited.

Had to book through credit card travel portal.

$1444 for the Loews hotel
$504 for the flights (DC-Chicago)

I might need to play in the dollar boxes that week

Stop acting poor! lol! With expenses it's only 3k for a chance to buy baseball cards!

[NYBBFAN]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

Booked my National trip a few days ago.

Conference housing was sold out for anything on the main road.

Ooof, should not have waited.

Had to book through credit card travel portal.

$1444 for the Loews hotel
$504 for the flights (DC-Chicago)

I might need to play in the dollar boxes that week

Yeahhhh I'm out this year. I will stay home and spend that money on a 2001 Topps Chrome Ichiro retrofractor instead.

[Raleigh504]

Originally Posted by eastbayak

100%.

Advertising the breakdown will result in lesser foot traffic (because people will cherry pick which shows to attend). Not to mention, what if some vendors are suddenly unable to make it, unnecessary backlash due to "false" advertising.

Or if a TCG vendor (or other way around) comes into a sports collection that week and uses the show to move it fast for cash.

I am setting up at a show next weekend in NC, I am mainly sports cards but do have some TCG in my eBay store. If I somehow came into some TCG cards this or next week buying a collection then I would 100% bring them to move it fast and for cash.

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by ironfireman

Stop acting poor! lol! With expenses it's only 3k for a chance to buy baseball cards!

No poors in this house, but they’re definitely on this forum.

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by NYBBFAN

Yeahhhh I'm out this year. I will stay home and spend that money on a 2001 Topps Chrome Ichiro retrofractor instead.

Do both