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

[ThoseBackPages]

Originally Posted by LVDan

I think this is a great idea especially if coupled with a little sign that says “prices instantly available without checking comps!” displayed prominently at your booth. I’m into s#%% like that.


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OH YES Dan! that is an AMAZING IDEA!

as for the list.... yes, i have a couple of friends that do that. one has multiple copies around that people can check on their own.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by Chicosbailbonds

Bigger regional shows take CC’s, Venmo, etc. no one is carrying $5-10K in cash.

If you’re looking for $5-10k of cards, you’re liking carrying that much cash or more.

This isn’t really abnormal.

[SpartanWarrior]

Originally Posted by cholodolo

Precisely, use it as leverage in the negotiation.

"I only have xx amount of cash on me" is a way to get the price to come down immediately.

Also, every single one of them has a Paypal and Venmo, but some will refuse (for tracing reasons). I've even seen people split transactions -- I'll give you $200 cash and send $50 Paypal/Venmo.

Smart, good sellers will always accept money in all forms.

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"I only have XX amount of cash on me".

Response - Great that you found some cards to add to your collection. Maybe next show you can head over to my table first and pick it up.

[Chicosbailbonds]

Originally Posted by notfast

If you’re looking for $5-10k of cards, you’re liking carrying that much cash or more.

This isn’t really abnormal.

If you’re a dealer, do you want to carry $30k cash as you’re flying back home?

[jkampis]

Originally Posted by vintg

that's the thing, alot of people who set up at card shows are not "professionals".

have you ever set up at a show ??? maybe you have, maybe you haven't.

i would bet my ass the VAST MAJORITY of complainers have NEVER set up !!

i set up maybe 3-4 times a year. prices change, inventories change.

my stuff is not priced, and it doesn't bother me at all when dealers don't have things priced. after inquiring about 1-3 cards, you get a general consensus on where they're at price -wise.

you're really gonna pass a guy up that has great inventory b/c a lack of pricing - you're potential loss.

enjoy yourself for god's sake, it's a hobby. a hobby with financial benefits.

100 percent of the time if I’m at a show and a dealer doesn’t price his cards I just scoot on to the next table.

[jkampis]

Originally Posted by K111

A better question is if paying cash is it better to tell the dealer you have cash if trying to get a deal? That way I am sure they are not reporting it on their taxes

One issue you’re finding more often is that more and more cities in which the card shows are held are requiring vendors to collect and remit tax.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by Chicosbailbonds

If you’re a dealer, do you want to carry $30k cash as you’re flying back home?

Yes.

Or go to local branch of your bank and deposit.

This, once again, is extremely common. At the upcoming Dallas/Philly shows, there will be hundreds of people with 5 figures of cash at each show…then dealers on top of that at the end of each day.

[vintg]

Originally Posted by jkampis

100 percent of the time if I’m at a show and a dealer doesn’t price his cards I just scoot on to the next table.

100% of the time I am set up, i don't care if you "scoot to the next able".

furthermore, i have found some of my best deals at dealers who have not priced their cards.

it's called conversation. people are more apt to do a deal with somebody they like or have a rapport with.

but, hey, you do you, and i'll do me.

[LVDan]

I don’t automatically dismiss dealers who aren’t priced but I sure prefer when they are. Glancing at the prices often gives you a quick idea if they’re overall realistic or looking for suckers.
I don’t mind asking on rarer cards of guys I like. Display case context helps too. If they’re entire booth is nicer big name autos and graded stuff i usually assume they will want comps or above and politely move on after admiring and sometimes commenting on something especially awesome.
What really piques my interest are things that seem odd or out of place in the realm of why they are offering. The last show I was at there was one of these odd display cases with some random stale 2000’s era FB and Hoops stuff mostly and then in the corner there was the only modern baseball card displayed-a 2020 TC Orange wave auto of Dylan Cease I was able to get for $50.

[JeremyNick]

Originally Posted by Chicosbailbonds

If you’re a dealer, do you want to carry $30k cash as you’re flying back home?

Are shows regularly held in areas devoid of banks?

[anusinha]

Originally Posted by JeremyNick

Are shows regularly held in areas devoid of banks?

If youre going to deposit that much cash into a bank, might as well accept paypal and zelle.

[JeremyNick]

Originally Posted by anusinha

If youre going to deposit that much cash into a bank, might as well accept paypal and zelle.

Or all of the above.

I carry more cash than I’ll admit at shows because I still get better deals with cash.

If a dealer doesn’t want cash, that’s fine. But it’s rare.

[LVDan]

I’m not a paranoid person overall but the idea of taking out a dog chockin wad of bills in a show environment seems kinda dicey. Maybe it’s just where I live but parking lot targeting of folks is a real thing.

[Chicosbailbonds]

Originally Posted by JeremyNick

Are shows regularly held in areas devoid of banks?

Is your bank open on a Saturday or Sunday if you're 500 miles from home?

[JeremyNick]

Originally Posted by LVDan

I’m not a paranoid person overall but the idea of taking out a dog chockin wad of bills in a show environment seems kinda dicey. Maybe it’s just where I live but parking lot targeting of folks is a real thing.

I take the same approach I do when I move traveled through Latin America, South America and Asia.

Not all the bills in one place, broken up into smaller amounts. I’ve never had an issue.

[LVDan]

Originally Posted by JeremyNick

I take the same approach I do when I move traveled through Latin America, South America and Asia.

Not all the bills in one place, broken up into smaller amounts. I’ve never had an issue.

That’s smart. I’m guessing the more peli-centric and dumb people are are the more likely they’d be to be proud to show off their cash too.

[as921011]

I went to the LCS trade night last night, there are couple dealer and other shop card owner here. Is kind the interesting they are emphasize they are dealer and therefore they are justified to offer you around 60~70% of lower comp they can found on eBay because they need to able to move the card.

[Chicosbailbonds]

Originally Posted by as921011

I went to the LCS trade night last night, there are couple dealer and other shop card owner here. Is kind the interesting they are emphasize they are dealer and therefore they are justified to offer you around 60~70% of lower comp they can found on eBay because they need to able to move the card.

I guess it depends on the card and player.

[Chicosbailbonds]

Originally Posted by LVDan

That’s smart. I’m guessing the more peli-centric and dumb people are are the more likely they’d be to be proud to show off their cash too.

Smart people get robbed also. Thieves are dumb and have no conscience.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by LVDan

I’m not a paranoid person overall but the idea of taking out a dog chockin wad of bills in a show environment seems kinda dicey. Maybe it’s just where I live but parking lot targeting of folks is a real thing.

Agreed which is why it amazes me these people count money on a showcase, carry around 100k in cards, have 2k backpacks etc etc.

All that being said, someone will always have more cash that you do at a show. Be normal, don’t advertise.

Just about everyone at a show is going to prefer cash.

And don’t be that guy who wants to swipe a credit card.

[LVDan]

Originally Posted by Chicosbailbonds

Smart people get robbed also. Thieves are dumb and have no conscience.

It’s all about reducing the target on your back.
Some thieves(like the ones not in jail) are smart.
Naturally they all have no conscience.

Not sure I get the point in your post chico
Btw- years ago I had a sweet knit BNBears jersey I got off eBay complete with the Chico’s patch and Kelly Leak’s jsy number. I miss that thing.


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[pewe]

Is there a good reason that people use cash at shows other than to break the law?


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[JeremyNick]

Originally Posted by pewe

Is there a good reason that people use cash at shows other than to break the law?


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Better deals.

What a person wants to report or not report is not of consequence to me.

[hotcalsun]

Originally Posted by pewe

Is there a good reason that people use cash at shows other than to break the law?


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I think the majority of usage comes from that, whether you’re a buyer and know a seller will take less for all cash, there might be some credit card fees savings, etc — but mainly from a tax avoidance.

However, I do know people who bring only cash to a show as an impulse control mechanism / set budgets / set limits. For those that struggle with that or use that as their mechanism, I think that is a good and valid reason.

Could you do it with a pre-paid card or something similar? Yes — but that seems more complicated.

[LVDan]

Originally Posted by pewe

Is there a good reason that people use cash at shows other than to break the law?


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Break the law? Cmon man haven’t you ever bought n sold at a flea market or off of craigslist or similar? Lots of commerce takes place in this country without reporting. I’m not promoting it but I have no moral obligation to pay the corrupt government on every transaction I make in life.