Beginners guide for someone attending their first national - Page 2

Spinz · 07-19-2024, 12:06 PM

My 3 tips/advice:

1. Your 1st National is a lot to take in. I remember my first one is 2015 and then bringing friends (in the hobby) to it over the years. You will be overwhelmed. But thats just part of the fun.

2. Have a plan. The plans stay more intact the more Nationals you go to. You should have a loose idea of what you want to buy and what your cut off is for budget.

3. HAVE FUN! There is nothing like the National for sports collectors. Take a moment to take it all in.

notfast · 07-19-2024, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asujbl

You guys are super prepared

I won’t be doing any of this

Why is everyone using their phone so much?

Texting my friends “where are you?” 386x a day and then losing them 3 minutes after we meet up.

asujbl · 07-19-2024, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notfast

Texting my friends “where are you?” 386x a day and then losing them 3 minutes after we meet up.

I don't have any friends so I'm good. That makes more sense

messier2 · 07-19-2024, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotthenrichs

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.

Yeah, it's very compact and only weighs 2 lbs. I will have it in my backpack in-case I need it. When people plop themselves down on a seat at a bargain bin, they are not getting up anytime soon!

messier2 · 07-19-2024, 12:57 PM

Looking up comps is tough in areas at IX where the LTE signal is not so good, so it drains your battery.

Also, want to make sure I have enough to get an Uber back to the hotel. In Rosemont, I walked back to the hotel, so all good there. Sadly, not possible in this venue.

messier2 · 07-19-2024, 01:12 PM

Also, another advice for the first-timers is look at 2023 National videos on ebay. So, you get a general sense of what it's like and just the sheer volume of people and cards everywhere!

Madds · 07-20-2024, 07:14 PM

Don't always assume they'll have what you want to get signed at the show (they do run out of flats/photos or not a good selection). Balls/helmets/etc may or may not be available or may be very overpriced. I always encourage folks to bring what they want signed with them.

Cheers!

BirdsFan55 · 07-21-2024, 07:29 PM

Are you able to leave and re-enter same day with your ticket?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

notfast · 07-21-2024, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirdsFan55

Are you able to leave and re-enter same day with your ticket?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes…

BirdsFan55 · 07-21-2024, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notfast

Yes…

Sweet, thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Powell7db · 07-21-2024, 09:21 PM

If I buy tickets online are they digital tickets only? Can I buy tickets for everyone in my party?

123precision · 07-21-2024, 10:22 PM

Start hydrating before you go and while you're there

Energy bars

Get enough sleep beforehand

Personal hygiene

Paper want list with comps. He prepared to buy things not on your list.

Pen and paper to make notes/booth numbers

Budget

Supplies for raw cards

Pace yourself

Enjoy seeing cards you typically don't see

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

dantheman514 · 07-22-2024, 07:12 AM

When I attended my first National in 2018, I was shocked by the number of tables with cards priced vastly over market. I don't mind paying a little over market, and I enjoy the negotiation that takes place. However, when cards are marked 50-100% over market value (or higher), there is nowhere to go to get a deal done. Mentally prepare for some unrealistic pricing, but don't get discouraged because there are many dealers ready to make a deal.

hammerva · 07-22-2024, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirdsFan55

Sweet, thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When you give them your ticket page or I guess buy it at the show, you get a wrist band. As long as you keep that on you it is all good.

messier2 · 07-22-2024, 08:52 PM

Just finished packing and will be heading out tomorrow! Can't wait (tough day at work and the timing was perfect on this one!).

Couple of quick ones:

* Breath mints
* Shower the morning of the show
* Bring extra extra supplies. ex. toploaders of various width. You never know what cards you will find that is NOT in a toploader or sleeve!

AwesomeBrian · 07-22-2024, 09:39 PM

Quote:

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

You're gonna be walking multiple miles on a hard concrete floor and hunching over 100+ tables. As much as I hate you, I want you to be comfortable. Wear some good running shoes or something like that.

JustinVerlander07 · 07-22-2024, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeBrian

You're gonna be walking multiple miles on a hard concrete floor and hunching over 100+ tables. As much as I hate you, I want you to be comfortable. Wear some good running shoes or something like that.

He's smarter than all of us, perhaps we let him wear his flip flops. With his money they are probably top of the market.

messier2 · 07-23-2024, 11:32 AM

Yup, yup: https://www.nsccshow.com/interactive-map

MyckKabongo · 07-23-2024, 04:56 PM

^ Everything Messier said.

* I am bringing an ultralight backpacking foldable stool. Weighs only a few pounds and packs easy.

* Money belt / neck wallet. If you set your backpack down, put your foot through a loop. Better to look dorky than to be a victim of theft.

asujbl · 07-23-2024, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeBrian

You're gonna be walking multiple miles on a hard concrete floor and hunching over 100+ tables. As much as I hate you, I want you to be comfortable. Wear some good running shoes or something like that.

I’ve been multiple times. I’m aware of how walking works. I’ll be fine

Wearing shoes is the lamest thing I’ve ever heard. Wear what you wear when you go the zoo, a game, a walk

If that’s shoes? That’s awesome

You won’t die wearing flip flops

Card collectors are pretentious as hell apparently

notfast · 07-23-2024, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asujbl

I’ve been multiple times. I’m aware of how walking works. I’m be fine

Wearing shoes is the lamest thing I’ve ever heard. Wear what you wear when you go the zoo, a game, a walk

Card collectors are pretentious as hell apparently

I didn’t buy a fresh new pair of Yeezys for the show.

asujbl · 07-23-2024, 04:59 PM

All of you guys definitely wear golf shoes to a golf tournament. 100%

asujbl · 07-23-2024, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by messier2

Just finished packing and will be heading out tomorrow! Can't wait (tough day at work and the timing was perfect on this one!).

Couple of quick ones:

* Breath mints
* Shower the morning of the show
* Bring extra extra supplies. ex. toploaders of various width. You never know what cards you will find that is NOT in a toploader or sleeve!

Telling people to shower is insanity

People should shower because that’s what normal people do

asujbl · 07-23-2024, 05:03 PM

NSCC vs Ironman… which is tougher to survive?

It’s a giant card show

Psychos

Powell7db · 07-23-2024, 05:34 PM

How do the online tickets work? Do I need to specify which date. It’s me, my father and my 11 and 7 year old sons. Only me and my father need tickets. Can I by both of our tickets online? Does he need to buy his own?

07-19-2024, 12:06 PM	#26
Spinz Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Minnesota Posts: 244 spinzcardz	My 3 tips/advice: 1. Your 1st National is a lot to take in. I remember my first one is 2015 and then bringing friends (in the hobby) to it over the years. You will be overwhelmed. But thats just part of the fun. 2. Have a plan. The plans stay more intact the more Nationals you go to. You should have a loose idea of what you want to buy and what your cut off is for budget. 3. HAVE FUN! There is nothing like the National for sports collectors. Take a moment to take it all in. __________________ Just making my through life and collect 2.5 x 3.5 pieces of cardboard

07-20-2024, 07:14 PM	#32
Madds Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 26	Advice for Autos Don't always assume they'll have what you want to get signed at the show (they do run out of flats/photos or not a good selection). Balls/helmets/etc may or may not be available or may be very overpriced. I always encourage folks to bring what they want signed with them. Cheers!

07-23-2024, 04:59 PM	#47
asujbl Temporarily Suspended Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 63,299 ohiosundevils	All of you guys definitely wear golf shoes to a golf tournament. 100% __________________ https://ohiosundevils.smugmug.com/ Browns/Cavs/Tribe/Buckeyes/Jackets/Devils TheFrenzy - “Blowout ain't a place for normies”

07-23-2024, 05:03 PM	#49
asujbl Temporarily Suspended Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 63,299 ohiosundevils	NSCC vs Ironman… which is tougher to survive? It’s a giant card show Psychos __________________ https://ohiosundevils.smugmug.com/ Browns/Cavs/Tribe/Buckeyes/Jackets/Devils TheFrenzy - “Blowout ain't a place for normies”

07-19-2024, 12:57 PM	#30
messier2 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 15,295	Looking up comps is tough in areas at IX where the LTE signal is not so good, so it drains your battery. Also, want to make sure I have enough to get an Uber back to the hotel. In Rosemont, I walked back to the hotel, so all good there. Sadly, not possible in this venue.

07-19-2024, 01:12 PM	#31
messier2 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 15,295	Also, another advice for the first-timers is look at 2023 National videos on ebay. So, you get a general sense of what it's like and just the sheer volume of people and cards everywhere!

07-21-2024, 07:29 PM	#33
BirdsFan55 Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 436 cardinalsfan55	Are you able to leave and re-enter same day with your ticket? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

07-21-2024, 09:21 PM	#36
Powell7db Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2,969	If I buy tickets online are they digital tickets only? Can I buy tickets for everyone in my party?

07-21-2024, 10:22 PM	#37
123precision Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Arkansas Posts: 433 123precision	Start hydrating before you go and while you're there Energy bars Get enough sleep beforehand Personal hygiene Paper want list with comps. He prepared to buy things not on your list. Pen and paper to make notes/booth numbers Budget Supplies for raw cards Pace yourself Enjoy seeing cards you typically don't see Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

07-22-2024, 07:12 AM	#38
dantheman514 Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Motor City Posts: 1,102 dantheman514	When I attended my first National in 2018, I was shocked by the number of tables with cards priced vastly over market. I don't mind paying a little over market, and I enjoy the negotiation that takes place. However, when cards are marked 50-100% over market value (or higher), there is nowhere to go to get a deal done. Mentally prepare for some unrealistic pricing, but don't get discouraged because there are many dealers ready to make a deal.

07-22-2024, 08:52 PM	#40
messier2 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 15,295	Just finished packing and will be heading out tomorrow! Can't wait (tough day at work and the timing was perfect on this one!). Couple of quick ones: * Breath mints * Shower the morning of the show * Bring extra extra supplies. ex. toploaders of various width. You never know what cards you will find that is NOT in a toploader or sleeve!

07-23-2024, 11:32 AM	#43
messier2 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 15,295	Yup, yup: https://www.nsccshow.com/interactive-map

07-23-2024, 04:56 PM	#44
MyckKabongo Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 1,777 MyckKabongo	^ Everything Messier said. * I am bringing an ultralight backpacking foldable stool. Weighs only a few pounds and packs easy. * Money belt / neck wallet. If you set your backpack down, put your foot through a loop. Better to look dorky than to be a victim of theft.

07-23-2024, 05:34 PM	#50
Powell7db Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2,969	How do the online tickets work? Do I need to specify which date. It’s me, my father and my 11 and 7 year old sons. Only me and my father need tickets. Can I by both of our tickets online? Does he need to buy his own?