What makes a good card show

[boredinguelph]

With all the talk of card shows being cancelled.
Since there are so many great collectors and years of experience either going to or organizing card shows
Let's hear what makes them or what makes them bad.
(If saying something negative please avoid names of people or names of specific shows)

 

[Triple B]

As a promoter, I personally took the angle that the dealers were MY customers and collectors that walked through the doors were theirs. That was the push to dealers to help promote the show and it put the onus on me to make sure they were happy. I also never asked anyone to wear silly purple shirts.

I only set up at my own show if absolutely necessary.

I reached out to all of the hobby heavyweights and got them involved (except for Dr. Brian Price, who reached out to me. I'm forever grateful to him for that).

My rules for dealers were simple:

- show up on time and leave when the show closes and not before.

- no selling macaroni boxes, cereal boxes or old hubcaps. I wanted the best of the best and if that's not you, you're definitely welcome to come as a collector. Junk dealers ruin the atmosphere of shows, IMO.

- personal hygiene is a must. We had one dealer that choked 1/4 of the room and we had dealer complaints. I had the tough conversation with him and he refused to adhere so he wasn't welcomed back.

- sell whatever you want (packs, singles, supplies, and other things pertinent to a sports card show) for however much you want. No crying about being undercut.

This made my show successful for the three years I was there.

As a collector, I love variety. Walking into a show that is 90% hockey is a waste of time for me. That's 30 tables of guys selling the exact same thing with a variation of +/- $5.

 

[IrbeFan4Life]

As a collector, what makes a good card show for me:

1) Variety of products, years, and services that people have for sale or display. It pains me when every single booth sells only the latest Series 1/2 hits at prices on Neptune and calls anything older than one year "junk wax". I like to see boxes, team programs, single cards, game worn memorabilia, museum displays (*cough cough, shameless self plug here), drawboxes, and have other fun things to do at booths.

2) Respectful sellers. I hate it when you tell a booth you like game worn memorabilia, Arturs Irbe, and the Canes (especially living in Edmonton as I do) and they go off on you on a rant about how crappy Archie was as a goalie, how fake every game worn thing is because their buddy said so, and how the Hurricanes are garbage and how weird you are for collecting any of them. *sarcasm*--> I just cannot wait to spend money at your booth jerk. A great conversation about hockey, about life, etc., makes me eager to buy something at a booth, even if it isn't something I need, just as respect for the seller for being a good person.

3) Autograph guests. I never go to a show just for an autograph guest, however, the right guest can keep me around an extra few hours which is hobby code for "oh crap, there goes that extra $200".

4) Price tags on things and organization. More of a nitpick with individual dealers, but organizers could easily enforce the first, is when booths don't have prices on anything and you have to ask them and then they bust out the Beckett guide and quote you Beckett high on everything. If the seller has a price, it is easy to work with them, or at least give you a benchmark for organization. If they do not, I automatically assume they want too much and do not bother. Same thing when their cards are in some kind of organization (GU cards, AU cards, by team, etc.), versus the 500 card vertical pile where "there might be something in there".

5) A ban on non-hobby related booths. I hate when I am looking for my cards when there is one of those "cellphone protection gel", or "back pain cream" booths with the sleezy looking dealers that makes me feel like I am at the middle of West Edmonton Mall with those pushy "mall gypsies" harassing me when I only want to shop.

6) Plenty of space for both moving and browsing. A lot of collectors attend shows and it sucks when you are cramped into a tiny area. It's tough to browse, to be relaxed, move around, and as mentioned in a comment before, bad hygiene can exacerbate the issue. Tight space makes me want to leave quicker since you cannot browse or move in peace, versus a nice open space like the Toronto Expo or Summit where you can step off to the side, where you can browse without thirty people getting overly intimate with you trying to look into the showcase you are also looking at.

As a dealer/museum booth operator, a good show has or is:

1) Great organizers intelligently placing booths in appropriate areas. If all of the wax dealers are set up next to one another and all of the game worn displays are next to one another, it waters it all down and hurts all of their businesses. A good promoter will allocate them appropriately far enough away from each other, thinking of human psychology in how people gain and lose interest throughout the course of a show.

2) Lots of respectful attendees who ask questions and have fun. That's why I am there is to have fun, and sometimes a miserable wanker can take the wind out of the sails right in the first hour when they want to be that smart guy who criticizes everything or looks at you like you defaced his mother's grave after greeting him with a "good morning".

3) Some kind of perk for setting up. Booths are not cheap and it is nice when you are given something like a free autograph ticket, line priority for the guests, or something as it is tough to get away from the booth at times and you also want to experience the show. Heck, even a free meal voucher is nice since you are sitting all day and generally do not have the chance to get away for any reason.

4) Well timed. A show in July (this year possibly excluded as the NHL may resume and still be active then) versus a show in the middle of the playoffs makes a huge difference in attendance which translates to profit earned.

And of course, a lot of the points can go for both categories and I am sure I missed some, but that is how I feel.

 

[g-force]

As a collector, what makes a good card show for me:

1) Variety of products, years, and services that people have for sale or display. It pains me when every single booth sells only the latest Series 1/2 hits at prices on Neptune and calls anything older than one year "junk wax". I like to see boxes, team programs, single cards, game worn memorabilia, museum displays (*cough cough, shameless self plug here), drawboxes, and have other fun things to do at booths.

2) Respectful sellers. I hate it when you tell a booth you like game worn memorabilia, Arturs Irbe, and the Canes (especially living in Edmonton as I do) and they go off on you on a rant about how crappy Archie was as a goalie, how fake every game worn thing is because their buddy said so, and how the Hurricanes are garbage and how weird you are for collecting any of them. *sarcasm*--> I just cannot wait to spend money at your booth jerk. A great conversation about hockey, about life, etc., makes me eager to buy something at a booth, even if it isn't something I need, just as respect for the seller for being a good person.

3) Autograph guests. I never go to a show just for an autograph guest, however, the right guest can keep me around an extra few hours which is hobby code for "oh crap, there goes that extra $200".

4) Price tags on things and organization. More of a nitpick with individual dealers, but organizers could easily enforce the first, is when booths don't have prices on anything and you have to ask them and then they bust out the Beckett guide and quote you Beckett high on everything. If the seller has a price, it is easy to work with them, or at least give you a benchmark for organization. If they do not, I automatically assume they want too much and do not bother. Same thing when their cards are in some kind of organization (GU cards, AU cards, by team, etc.), versus the 500 card vertical pile where "there might be something in there".

5) A ban on non-hobby related booths. I hate when I am looking for my cards when there is one of those "cellphone protection gel", or "back pain cream" booths with the sleezy looking dealers that makes me feel like I am at the middle of West Edmonton Mall with those pushy "mall gypsies" harassing me when I only want to shop.

6) Plenty of space for both moving and browsing. A lot of collectors attend shows and it sucks when you are cramped into a tiny area. It's tough to browse, to be relaxed, move around, and as mentioned in a comment before, bad hygiene can exacerbate the issue. Tight space makes me want to leave quicker since you cannot browse or move in peace, versus a nice open space like the Toronto Expo or Summit where you can step off to the side, where you can browse without thirty people getting overly intimate with you trying to look into the showcase you are also looking at.

As a dealer/museum booth operator, a good show has or is:

1) Great organizers intelligently placing booths in appropriate areas. If all of the wax dealers are set up next to one another and all of the game worn displays are next to one another, it waters it all down and hurts all of their businesses. A good promoter will allocate them appropriately far enough away from each other, thinking of human psychology in how people gain and lose interest throughout the course of a show.

2) Lots of respectful attendees who ask questions and have fun. That's why I am there is to have fun, and sometimes a miserable wanker can take the wind out of the sails right in the first hour when they want to be that smart guy who criticizes everything or looks at you like you defaced his mother's grave after greeting him with a "good morning".

3) Some kind of perk for setting up. Booths are not cheap and it is nice when you are given something like a free autograph ticket, line priority for the guests, or something as it is tough to get away from the booth at times and you also want to experience the show. Heck, even a free meal voucher is nice since you are sitting all day and generally do not have the chance to get away for any reason.

4) Well timed. A show in July (this year possibly excluded as the NHL may resume and still be active then) versus a show in the middle of the playoffs makes a huge difference in attendance which translates to profit earned.

And of course, a lot of the points can go for both categories and I am sure I missed some, but that is how I feel.

Bruce pretty much hit it on the head. For me, the two most important things at a show are variety at the tables and price tags. If I don't see a price tag, 90% of the time I'm moving on from that card unless its an absolute must for the PC. Price tags are a starting point but it lets me know as a buyer whether your expectations are reasonable or not.

 

[creasecollector]

Bruce, that was spot on.

 

[penguinsChief]

So for me here are the things I look for and the ones that I avoid:

-- Organization --> I don't expect much, but if you have your cards at least sorted into sports I WILL spend more time there. I hate going up to a booth and seeing a bunch of cards just thrown in a box. Take a couple of hours and sort them a little.

-- Pricing --> Enough said about that, give me an idea of what you want and we can go from there. I don't have to agree to it, but it gives me something to start with. I also agree, if you pull out a Beckett I am usually done right there. I know when I set up I do my best to be up on pricing, if not we can look at eBay and see, and if not there I will give you a price.

-- Bulk deals --> If you are willing to work with me, I WILL buy more. I like to buy in quantity and get a little off the top. You would be surprised how many times I have bought stuff I did not really want, but in bulk it was worth it.

-- Sale on a scale --> I like to look at cards in on the scale from a dime and up. If you only bring high-end, chances are I won't spend much time. If you have a good scale, I will spend a lot of time. I once spent 4 hours at one booth at the Philly show, because they were organized and had stuff to look at. Seem to remember walking away with at least a couple hundred cards and a very light wallet.

-- Memory --> Try and remember past customers, it makes things go so much faster. Around the region I am known as the Mario guy, for good reason, that is what I buy. I know dealers from Boston, Detroit, Philly, Pittsburgh, DC and the Carolina's (they all remember me).

-- Be nice --> If you are a jerk to me, I WILL NOT be back. I remember dealers who I have worked with and those who are only there for the mighty dollar. There are a couple of guys I will not deal with anymore, they make you feel small and their crap is always better.

I have MANY stories about shows but the one that sticks with me was at the National in Chicago (many years ago). Dealer had some nice stuff, prices were a little off but I figured I could get it to where I needed it to be. I don't remember the card but I made an offer and the guy laughed at me, and said I had no idea what the card was and what it was worth. I did not say a word, just walked further down the aisle, without spending a penny.

This happens and I get it, my skin is pretty tough now so I just blew it off. I continued to shop and was spending some money. Not more than 10 minutes later in a different aisle, I hear someone yelling "Hey, hey you Lemieux guy!". I turn around and there is the dealer from earlier. He was apologizing for how he acted and asked that I come back to his booth. As we approach the booth I see one of the national dealers I know (and spend good money with) standing at this guys booth. I said my hello's to him and ask how he was doing and then turn back to the dealer. His words were "I am sorry, I did not know who you were until he (the national guy) told me, sorry about that".

From that point on we talked and discussed what he had, and yes I bought that card I was looking at before. I also remember dropping a couple hundred more at least with the same guy. Every year I see that same dealer, and his eye's light up when he sees me and we have a good time. Every year he gets some of my money and I have no issues with it. So it pays to be nice and realize that you might be talking to someone who will become a customer for life.

Have a great day and stay safe!!
Thad

 

[MR.M's Cards]

5) A ban on non-hobby related booths. I hate when I am looking for my cards when there is one of those "cellphone protection gel", or "back pain cream" booths with the sleezy looking dealers that makes me feel like I am at the middle of West Edmonton Mall with those pushy "mall gypsies" harassing me when I only want to shop.

YUP.....when i go to the expo I am generally there from open to close, sometimes all 3 days. I can generally do 3 laps a day......I dont need to be asked 9 times to come try this flavor of the month niche item....if I want to see what you have I will approach you or go to a show that focuses more on your product. Right now I am here for my hobby needs.

I have said this before and it never changes but the cursing coming from behind the table has always a pet peeve of mine. You want to talk one on one private no worries I can out swear you ( I have the work reprimands to prove it) But when I am walking around with my three kids all under the age of 12 tone it down for the 5 minutes or less that I am at your table please. I actually heard a seller at the last expo use a racial slur and I left his table and never went back. For all I know he may have had every card on my want list. Im not a prude or easily offended, I just dont want my kids or I to hear that garbage.

If I am at your table say high and make eye contact. I am actually not much for social arenas but I promise you I will always say hi and ask how your show is going. Ask me what I am looking for I will be glad to tell you. If im at your table looking down at your cards I am browsing. If I am staring at you waiting for you to stop talking to your buddy at the next booth about how bad the leafs lost last night then I am a potential customer with a question.

Acknowledge my kids when they are with me, you may not see $ signs when you look at them but they have a father with them who wants them to enjoy the hobby and spoils them rotten....ask what the like.

What do I like most meeting people and seeing them show after show, chatting about the hobby with them. Watching kids have fun. Walking up to a dealer who remembers me and says " hey man, your the Bobby Ryan guy I have something for ya. Having my own kids come up to me and say " Dad come see what I found" Basically I just like the hobby and the shows I get to attend

 

[boredinguelph]

What do you guys look for in a venue?

 

[IrbeFan4Life]

What do you guys look for in a venue?

A location with lots of free parking, access to food, water, bathrooms and going back to my previous point:

The venue has to have plenty of space for both moving and browsing. A lot of collectors attend shows and it sucks when you are cramped into a tiny area. It's tough to browse, to be relaxed, move around, and bad hygiene can exacerbate the issue. Tight space makes me want to leave quicker since I am more tense and cannot browse or move in peace. With an open space like the Toronto Expo or Summit where you can step off to the side when you need a break, where you can browse without thirty people getting overly intimate with you trying to look into the showcase you are also looking at, it makes for a much more relaxed show experience which translates to spending an entire day there, plus spending lots more cash.

 

[MR.M's Cards]

What do you guys look for in a venue?

Good lighting, to often the lighting is either to dark, or gives a glare off the show cases.

 

[Fritz]

Some very good points being made here, love it!

Something that grinds my gears though is when you ask a browser what they're looking for they say "nothing in particular" 8/10 times around here.

I assume 1 of 2 things, they're a player collector that thinks my price tags are going to somehow change if I know what they want or they're just looking for stuff to flip. Heck tell me if you want to flip I'll point out some good stuff

 

[creasecollector]

Some very good points being made here, love it!

Something that grinds my gears though is when you ask a browser what they're looking for they say "nothing in particular" 8/10 times around here.

I assume 1 of 2 things, they're a player collector that thinks my price tags are going to somehow change if I know what they want or they're just looking for stuff to flip. Heck tell me if you want to flip I'll point out some good stuff

I'm very much guilty of this.

I'm pretty introverted/shy, so I just say "nothing in particular" so I can be left to browse by myself. If I find something, I will let the dealer know.

I probably should speak up more.

 

[mclean_m]

I'm very much guilty of this.

I'm pretty introverted/shy, so I just say "nothing in particular" so I can be left to browse by myself. If I find something, I will let the dealer know.

I probably should speak up more.

This describes me to a tee as well! I always feel silly responding this way, especially when I'm surrounded by dealers and fellow collector who "get" my hobby.

The next show I attend (likely the Fall Expo), I'll need to change things and interact/socialize a bit more.

 

[MR.M's Cards]

Some very good points being made here, love it!

Something that grinds my gears though is when you ask a browser what they're looking for they say "nothing in particular" 8/10 times around here.

I assume 1 of 2 things, they're a player collector that thinks my price tags are going to somehow change if I know what they want or they're just looking for stuff to flip. Heck tell me if you want to flip I'll point out some good stuff

LOL at the last expo a dealer and I were about $50 apart one a very SP Ryan card. So I said to him " Look, Im a huge Ryan collector, I may be the only guy in here who wants this card.....Ive kinda gotcha were I want you.......BUT Im a huge Ryan collector and I really want this card so you kinda got me where you want me. How do we get to where we both want to be." Guy didnt even haggle came down $50 since it was for my PC, I shook his hand and took a business card.......went back half an hour again just to re thank him and let him know how good of a home his card was going to. Best deal of the weekend for me !!!!!!!!!!! I like to browse too, but ask me what Im looking for and I will gladly give you the same answer every time.

 

[creasecollector]

This describes me to a tee as well! I always feel silly responding this way, especially when I'm surrounded by dealers and fellow collector who "get" my hobby.

The next show I attend (likely the Fall Expo), I'll need to change things and interact/socialize a bit more.

Glad to know it's not just me! Thanks man.

And yeah, I think I'm going to make that a goal of mine as well at the Fall Expo if I can attend.

LOL at the last expo a dealer and I were about $50 apart one a very SP Ryan card. So I said to him " Look, Im a huge Ryan collector, I may be the only guy in here who wants this card.....Ive kinda gotcha were I want you.......BUT Im a huge Ryan collector and I really want this card so you kinda got me where you want me. How do we get to where we both want to be." Guy didnt even haggle came down $50 since it was for my PC, I shook his hand and took a business card.......went back half an hour again just to re thank him and let him know how good of a home his card was going to. Best deal of the weekend for me !!!!!!!!!!! I like to browse too, but ask me what Im looking for and I will gladly give you the same answer every time.

Glad this story had a nice ending and you were able to snag that PC card!

 

[IrbeFan4Life]

Some very good points being made here, love it!

Something that grinds my gears though is when you ask a browser what they're looking for they say "nothing in particular" 8/10 times around here.

I assume 1 of 2 things, they're a player collector that thinks my price tags are going to somehow change if I know what they want or they're just looking for stuff to flip. Heck tell me if you want to flip I'll point out some good stuff

I'll echo what a lot of people say here, I generally answer with "nothing in particular" or "whatever catches my eye". Sometimes you just want to browse what someone has and organically discover what they have. Plus, I am more likely to be talkative at the opening time of a show, than near the end as I am getting tired and no longer wanting to socialize from the interactions, browsing, and same questions being asked table by table. Introverts for life!

Back when I used to be the "Irbe guy", there were people who did mark cards up on me, knowing I collected Irbe cards. At the Summit Show back in 2016, someone wanted multiple McDavid Young Guns rookies from me once for an old Pacific Vanguard Irbe card that was on my list (I did not make that trade). There was also someone set up at the Toronto Expo back in 2013 who made up a story about two other collectors "who just left the table" (everytime I walked by there) who wanted this one Irbe card he had so to make it fair, "it's $300 now so only the most serious collector can add it". Solid. That's a big reason why I stopped telling anyone what I collect at a show (though my collecting interests are very limited nowadays), and why my eBay username has absolutely nothing to do with hockey. The saying is true that the rotten apples spoil the bunch for everyone.

 

[boredinguelph]

Ok today's question

Small local show does the day matter Saturday or Sunday?

 

[creasecollector]

Ok today's question

Small local show does the day matter Saturday or Sunday?

I would say Saturday. That's just me though.

 

[IrbeFan4Life]

Ok today's question

Small local show does the day matter Saturday or Sunday?

As a person who has set up at many shows, Saturday always brings in at least twice the money as a Sunday, however, Sunday is also fun since it is less busy which gives me more browsing time as well.