Sports Cards Mania

[Fishercat]

Unfortunate that it has gotten this bad with hits and they really seem to be taking advantage. When is the pendulum going to swing back with this market? Part of the fun with Bowman is getting those obscure prospect autos and being able to follow their path, hoping they break out.

Still trying to find that happy medium of having fun ripping/collecting while being able to unload some value on ebay (of course I am not delusional in recouping my investment). I will not buy panini due to the licensing issue, but I have bought some really neat jersey cards from leaf in the game line where they just show pictures of the back of the jerseys beside the relics and it isn't obvious they are hiding anything. They also come in the sealed one touch cases which are nice for helping to hold value.

For ripping packs, it's hard not to be disappointed lately. Guess I will stick with flagship/heritage/archives for ripping and gamble with clearly authentic or signature series when possible.

I think it's also compounded with there being a number of, well, old prospects getting their first Bowman's due to COVID which depresses sale value and makes them less fun to follow. Two of the lowest numbered autos I hit in breaks were Blaine Crim and Colin Peluse who are both mid 20s AAA guys. Brandon Walter is there for Boston. Same deal. Anything can happen of course but dropping 300 to 600 for a box and not even getting an auto of a guy you can hope to follow is really rough.

I don't really have the answer because it's such an
Irrational market, outside of buying singles to get what you want and do it that way. Like give me $600 and I can build a helluva Bowman jumbo box for ya

 

[Fishercat]

Unfortunate that it has gotten this bad with hits and they really seem to be taking advantage. When is the pendulum going to swing back with this market? Part of the fun with Bowman is getting those obscure prospect autos and being able to follow their path, hoping they break out.

Still trying to find that happy medium of having fun ripping/collecting while being able to unload some value on ebay (of course I am not delusional in recouping my investment). I will not buy panini due to the licensing issue, but I have bought some really neat jersey cards from leaf in the game line where they just show pictures of the back of the jerseys beside the relics and it isn't obvious they are hiding anything. They also come in the sealed one touch cases which are nice for helping to hold value.

For ripping packs, it's hard not to be disappointed lately. Guess I will stick with flagship/heritage/archives for ripping and gamble with clearly authentic or signature series when possible.

Dupe

 

[Bergs]

I've started buying Red Sox team breaks on ebay. I go after a product until my base set is complete. I get a few hits, (maybe) and I get the team set, all for much less than a box, where I have 0% chance of getting a team set.

 

[Bergs]

Some of this week's arrivals. I can't believe I found an Exhibit that nice.

 

[runnels3]

Beauts!

 

[Fishercat]

That exhibit is shocking. I really like them as a less expensive option than cards for some primo players but condition is tough. That looks perfect. Hot damn.

 

[runnels3]

Happy Father's Day to all of Card Mania!
First off, the CFs of my youth.

 

[runnels3]

On the upper 3B concourse, naturally.

 

[runnels3]

Just a pussycat with that smile.

 

[runnels3]

He turned 89 in April. I don't care if he tripped over third base (Yaz had his head down). He's still our Little Looey! and Chicago's...and Baltimore's...

 

[runnels3]

The top one a recent arrival

 

[runnels3]

I miss Slippery Sam

 

[djbayko]

This probably isn't that valuable.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

This probably isn't that valuable.

View attachment 66226

Odds that it isn't pulled in a live stream?

 

[Fishercat]

He held the corner it's worthless. Send it to me for safe keeping

To KFPs point I'd bet a ton BYB pulls it

 

[caminante11]

I got the below from a case break of topps series 2. The Kluber card is numbered to 99.

 

[Bergs]

I got the below from a case break of topps series 2. The Kluber card is numbered to 99.

View attachment 66229

I did a half case and whiffed bigtime relative to this.

As an aside: I had decided NOT to complete my 1960-present Red Sox team set run because the 1963 high-number Jim Gosger rookie had some dude name Willie Stargell on it. Tonight, I bought a decent looking copy that had its condition severely downgraded because Jim Gosger had the audacity to sign it. It was still expensive($150), but I think its hilarious Gosger personally fucked up that card so it could end up in my collection.

 

[Bergs]

That exhibit is shocking. I really like them as a less expensive option than cards for some primo players but condition is tough. That looks perfect. Hot damn.

Whoops. Missed this. Yeah, this is a beautiful specimen. I "sniped" at $500 figuring I'd lose. It ended up landing at $220 or so. I remain delighted.

 

[jmanny24]

Hey gang my wife and I think we are going to head to the National in Cleveland next year (she wants to hit the RnR and football HOFs). Admittedly I have to figure out if I want to buy to collect or flip or a combination thereof. I'm mostly into prospecting, any advice on how much $ to bring? Where to hit up etc. Based on the market I should probably start saving now LOL TIA.

 

[Bergs]

Hey gang my wife and I think we are going to head to the National in Cleveland next year (she wants to hit the RnR and football HOFs). Admittedly I have to figure out if I want to buy to collect or flip or a combination thereof. I'm mostly into prospecting, any advice on how much $ to bring? Where to hit up etc. Based on the market I should probably start saving now LOL TIA.

This post is an absolute mess.

In fact, its such a horrible mess, it killed the thread!

Good luck!

 

[jmanny24]

This post is an absolute mess.

In fact, its such a horrible mess, it killed the thread!

Good luck!

This post is an absolute mess.

In fact, its such a horrible mess, it killed the thread!

Good luck!

sorry for looking for advice by trying to give background while also asking questions. Thanks for the encouragement though. I'll go back to lurking

 

[Bergs]

sorry for looking for advice by trying to give background while also asking questions. Thanks for the encouragement though. I'll go back to lurking

Jesus dude. It was a joke.

 

[jmanny24]

Jesus dude. It was a joke.

I guess it went over my head. Just looking for advice on going to the National for the first time.

 

[Bergs]

I guess it went over my head. Just looking for advice on going to the National for the first time.

Don't spend too much.

At least that's the advice I'm giving myself for my first National in Chicago this month.

 

[jmanny24]

Don't spend too much.

At least that's the advice I'm giving myself for my first National in Chicago this month.

From what I have heard/seen Chicago is the perfect place for it. I'm definitely going to have to budget, that's the big reason I'm holding off until Cleveland. Are you going for all 5 days? What kind of things are you looking for?

 

[Bergs]

From what I have heard/seen Chicago is the perfect place for it. I'm definitely going to have to budget, that's the big reason I'm holding off until Cleveland. Are you going for all 5 days? What kind of things are you looking for?

I'll probably go 1 day, maybe 2 if my buddy flies in. I live right up the road from Rosemont.

You can see what I collect upthread: Carl Yastrzemski, Red Sox autos, and Red Sox team sets. As for Yaz, most of what I still need is $$$$.
https://www.sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/sports-cards-mania.31230/post-5418248
https://www.sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/sports-cards-mania.31230/post-5461512
https://www.sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/sports-cards-mania.31230/post-5470211
https://www.sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/sports-cards-mania.31230/post-5533575
https://www.sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/sports-cards-mania.31230/post-5557085
https://www.sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/sports-cards-mania.31230/post-5563844
https://www.sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/sports-cards-mania.31230/post-5602562

I do like to rip packs, but it's a waste of money for me. I've sold a couple grand worth of "hits" on ebay and am still well underwater. I'm too busy/lazy to sell the $5-$50 cards, so they just fill up shoeboxes. Hundreds of "decent" cards in toploaders just sitting there. I have a box of ~30-40 autos that just get put in card savers and thrown in a box. I'll probably try to unload a lot at the National for pennies on the dollar, and will be happy to do so. My dream scenario would be to trade the aforementioned autograph box and shoeboxes to a full-timer that is sitting on some crazy high-end Yaz piece/pieces or Sox autos. A guy can dream.

 

[jmanny24]

I'll probably go 1 day, maybe 2 if my buddy flies in. I live right up the road from Rosemont.

You can see what I collect upthread: Carl Yastrzemski, Red Sox autos, and Red Sox team sets. As for Yaz, most of what I still need is $$$$.

I do like to rip packs, but it's a waste of money for me. I've sold a couple grand worth of "hits" on ebay and am still well underwater. I'm too busy/lazy to sell the $5-$50 cards, so they just fill up shoeboxes. Hundreds of "decent" cards in toploaders just sitting there. I have a box of ~30-40 autos that just get put in card savers and thrown in a box. I'll probably try to unload a lot at the National for pennies on the dollar, and will be happy to do so. My dream scenario would be to trade the aforementioned autograph box and shoeboxes to a full-timer that is sitting on some crazy high-end Yaz piece/pieces or Sox autos. A guy can dream.

That's awesome I love that you collect Yaz it's not a name you hear a ton when it comes to vintage. That's why my OP was kind of all over the place. My collection is basically like your auto box, just a couple of shoeboxes full of Bowman autos. I'm just not sure what I want to do b/c a lot of my stuff isn't all that desirable so I don't know if I want to sell/trade up or what I want or will be able to do. The gem of my collection is a 1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx PSA 2, I don't think I want to bring that. I'm kinda a Civil War buff so I might also look for a Lincoln writing sample or something. Definitely have to go in with a gameplan.

 

[Bergs]

Here's a more recent add. This was a Beckett graded 9.5 with a 10 Auto. It took a jigsaw, a wood chisel, a rubber mallet, and a carpet knife to get it out.

I fucking hate slabs, except on weirdly shaped items.

 

[jmanny24]

Here's a more recent add. This was a Beckett graded 9.5 with a 10 Auto. It took a jigsaw, a wood chisel, a rubber mallet, and a carpet knife to get it out.

I fucking hate slabs, except on weirdly shaped items.

View attachment 66794

That is an awesome card!

 

[Bergs]

That is an awesome card!

I just pulled the trigger on something even sicker. I'll post once its delivered.

 

[jmanny24]

I just pulled the trigger on something even sicker. I'll post once its delivered.

Took me a while to find the pic, but this is my gem. I got it in a Topps Tribute and Leaf Best of Baseball break with Layton I think a spot was like $40

 

[Bergs]

Took me a while to find the pic, but this is my gem. I got it in a Topps Tribute and Leaf Best of Baseball break with Layton I think a spot was like $40 View attachment 66796

Damn.

Edit: Fifteen minutes go, I burned over half a grand of my National budget on one card. Maybe I should show up with nothing but stuff to get rid of and see if I can hustle it into something.

 

[Ale Xander]

Damn.

Edit: Fifteen minutes go, I burned over half a grand of my National budget on one card. Maybe I should show up with nothing but stuff to get rid of and see if I can hustle it into something.

Don’t rush it. Get organized and find a Saturday or Sunday at a show (you’re in a large market, use it to your advantage) and pay the $40-50 for a table (maybe October or November, pre-Christmas but with all sports going) and sell (or trade) your stuff to other collectors.

Don’t sell for peanuts

 

[Bergs]

Don’t rush it. Get organized and find a Saturday or Sunday at a show (you’re in a large market, use it to your advantage) and pay the $40-50 for a table (maybe October or November, pre-Christmas but with all sports going) and sell (or trade) your stuff to other collectors.

Don’t sell for peanuts

This is great advice.

 

[Bergs]

I love that you collect Yaz it's not a name you hear a ton when it comes to vintage.

This is bad news for my estate.

 

[Fishercat]

I guess it went over my head. Just looking for advice on going to the National for the first time.

So I haven't been, but from listening to some other folks, some general considerations

• Do the financials to see if it's worth it. Honestly, the way you're approaching it is the way I would as someone who doesn't make this hobby their job, but lodging (especially this year) as well as other associated travel costs alone can eat a ton into a budget.
• In terms of what to bring and what not to bring, that's really hard to tell. I feel like if I were going for the first time I keep it simple and just bring liquid, higher value items that make for easier trades or just liquidate in advance and turn it into cash. Given you're a year in advance, I'd consider listing out all of those $10-$50 type cards and getting them on eBay, getting a local card show table, or getting them sent into COMC or a COMC type consignment party and build the budget that way or converting it into cards you think will be more liquid at the fest. Given it is in Cleveland next year, my thought would be that I'd keep an eye on players that may play well in that larger geographic area (Browns, Bengals, Steelers, Reds/Indians, etc.) as well as things that always sell (accessible vintage, high demand inserts like Kabooms, Downtowns, etc., great cards of elite players) - last thing you want to have happen is to find that absolute dream card and not be able to move the stuff you brought with you for it. With that said I am sure the trade nights and options for that could be really cool.
  • Like if I were going to Cincy and you said I HAD to prospect for guys to bring, I'd be trying to convert my stock into Burrow, the young Reds (De La Cruz, McLain, CES), and focusing on guys most collectors would like to have (Ohtani, Lebron, Mahomes type players). But then again...
• Otherwise, cash is king, probably easier to just to be well stocked up in that sense than anything else
• The cheap singles boxes still have room for bargains or good finds, a lot of it is just how you spend your time given the size.
• A lot of folks will prep and bring lists of what their highest priorities are. The upside of the National is that pretty much anything you want to find, you can find - so knowing what your big targets are going in and your prices/ranges will save you a lot of time and energy. I'd even go as far as to print off or write down a cheat sheets so you're not depending on internet/wifi with this huge a group of people.
• It might be worth it to treat it kind of like a museum, the coolest card stuff you'll ever see will probably be there, treat it like the price of admission to see that. I feel like if I were going for two days for the first time, I'd spend a ton of it just browsing tables and displays.
• My understanding is that Topps and Panini, and I'm assuming other card makers like Zerocool, Leaf, etc., will offer special convention packs and swag - no reason not to get it unless the timing doesn't work. Most of it seems meh but there's some packs. Likewise, if you have some Panini folks to harass over a redemption you can see them face to face - I know for higher end ones they can't fulfill they'll do the white boxes in person for instance. I mean...don't harass these folks but some people who have a lot of these in cache will "cash out" here.
• It can get claustrophobic especially at peak times, you're paying $25 no matter what to get in so may as well take advantage of the quieter early times.

Seems like a blast, I might aim for 2025 back in Chicago because the better half loves Chicago and would likely be okay with it.

 

[jmanny24]

So I haven't been, but from listening to some other folks, some general considerations

• Do the financials to see if it's worth it. Honestly, the way you're approaching it is the way I would as someone who doesn't make this hobby their job, but lodging (especially this year) as well as other associated travel costs alone can eat a ton into a budget.
• In terms of what to bring and what not to bring, that's really hard to tell. I feel like if I were going for the first time I keep it simple and just bring liquid, higher value items that make for easier trades or just liquidate in advance and turn it into cash. Given you're a year in advance, I'd consider listing out all of those $10-$50 type cards and getting them on eBay, getting a local card show table, or getting them sent into COMC or a COMC type consignment party and build the budget that way or converting it into cards you think will be more liquid at the fest. Given it is in Cleveland next year, my thought would be that I'd keep an eye on players that may play well in that larger geographic area (Browns, Bengals, Steelers, Reds/Indians, etc.) as well as things that always sell (accessible vintage, high demand inserts like Kabooms, Downtowns, etc., great cards of elite players) - last thing you want to have happen is to find that absolute dream card and not be able to move the stuff you brought with you for it. With that said I am sure the trade nights and options for that could be really cool.
  • Like if I were going to Cincy and you said I HAD to prospect for guys to bring, I'd be trying to convert my stock into Burrow, the young Reds (De La Cruz, McLain, CES), and focusing on guys most collectors would like to have (Ohtani, Lebron, Mahomes type players). But then again...
• Otherwise, cash is king, probably easier to just to be well stocked up in that sense than anything else
• The cheap singles boxes still have room for bargains or good finds, a lot of it is just how you spend your time given the size.
• A lot of folks will prep and bring lists of what their highest priorities are. The upside of the National is that pretty much anything you want to find, you can find - so knowing what your big targets are going in and your prices/ranges will save you a lot of time and energy. I'd even go as far as to print off or write down a cheat sheets so you're not depending on internet/wifi with this huge a group of people.
• It might be worth it to treat it kind of like a museum, the coolest card stuff you'll ever see will probably be there, treat it like the price of admission to see that. I feel like if I were going for two days for the first time, I'd spend a ton of it just browsing tables and displays.
• My understanding is that Topps and Panini, and I'm assuming other card makers like Zerocool, Leaf, etc., will offer special convention packs and swag - no reason not to get it unless the timing doesn't work. Most of it seems meh but there's some packs. Likewise, if you have some Panini folks to harass over a redemption you can see them face to face - I know for higher end ones they can't fulfill they'll do the white boxes in person for instance. I mean...don't harass these folks but some people who have a lot of these in cache will "cash out" here.
• It can get claustrophobic especially at peak times, you're paying $25 no matter what to get in so may as well take advantage of the quieter early times.

Seems like a blast, I might aim for 2025 back in Chicago because the better half loves Chicago and would likely be okay with it.

Fisher thanks for this, it's all great advice. I still have to decide on how much of my collection I want to bring. After doing some research I'm not sure I'll be prospecting and just collect for my own, but I will definitely make a list of specific stuff I want. I know this question is dependent on what I want, but my hope/plan is to bring 5 figures spending money. Do you think that would be overkill?

 

[Fishercat]

Fisher thanks for this, it's all great advice. I still have to decide on how much of my collection I want to bring. After doing some research I'm not sure I'll be prospecting and just collect for my own, but I will definitely make a list of specific stuff I want. I know this question is dependent on what I want, but my hope/plan is to bring 5 figures spending money. Do you think that would be overkill?

My gut says you could have a pretty amazing time on a fraction of that and depending on your budget you could make that money go in a second. I'll just say if I ever go to the national, the odds of me having five figures of fun money on hand are pretty much non existent (though other people will absolutely carry that and more).

The vibe I get is that it's a bit like a casino - the fun you'll have with $100, $10000, or $1000000 is different fun but you can still have fun. I have to imagine most people who have a table at the national would have Venmo, Paypal etc. with discounts for under the table cash available. I certainly wouldn't want to bring like...10k in cash to the show floor but having that much available will make you a lot of friends as a buyer I'm sure.

In terms of collection, I think the argument for bringing a lot is that it maximizes your opportunities to trade at booths or at trade nights and if you have a hotel room on site or nearby it shouldn't be too hard to swap out for what you want on a specific day, set up a deal and bring the right cards, etc. On the other hand, schlepping a ton of cardboard feels like a logistical pain and if stolen or lost would be super hard to track down and easier than ever to spread. Personally, if I ever do go I'm not bringing anything I'd be devastated to lose any anything with trade value less than like...$20 at home. Narrow it down further as you see fit. My theory would be that if a $5 or $10 card is the difference between a trade or not a trade, use the cash instead. I think a lot of folks would suggest even higher as your baseline. When you watch the Youtube videos people are dragging around these bulletproof looking cases of cards that are worth a mortgage payment, that is a step beyond for me but it all depends on the pool you're playing in. If I were going to the National with $200 in my pocket because they held it in Boston and my target cards were all like $20-$100 type cards? I'd likely be bringing a lot of interesting $10-$20 cards with me to swap for things I'd like. If my goal cards were four figure cards, I'm not going to put in the effort to take a bunch of $10 or $20 cards with me. I'd likely be trying to get any $100, $200+ cards I'm willing to sacrifice for the big prize on the floor with me but honestly might just keep those in the hotel room until I see it.

Now y'all got me wanting to go to this thing.

 

[ElcaballitoMVP]

[/LIST]
[*]My understanding is that Topps and Panini, and I'm assuming other card makers like Zerocool, Leaf, etc., will offer special convention packs and swag - no reason not to get it unless the timing doesn't work. Most of it seems meh but there's some packs. Likewise, if you have some Panini folks to harass over a redemption you can see them face to face - I know for higher end ones they can't fulfill they'll do the white boxes in person for instance. I mean...don't harass these folks but some people who have a lot of these in cache will "cash out" here.
[/LIST]

One thing to note is if you do have redemptions you're waiting on, you need to schedule a time slot to meet with Panini to get those white boxes. I don't think you can just walk up.

I haven't been to National, but I've been to a bunch of shows. Cash is definitely king and don't be afraid to haggle. You can get some good deals if you're willing to negotiate. Sticker price is almost never what they'd take. And be willing to walk away if you feel like their cards are overpriced or the offers on your cards are too low. There will be a ton of tables. Shop around and find the best deals. You can always go back to a table later.

I would also recommend bringing liquid cards. National might be different, but selling prospects can be tough if the guys at the table don't know about them. They'll obviously know about the big names like Elly and Jackson Holiday, but someone like a Miguel Bleis might not be on their radar if baseball isn't their specialty.

Also, know the value of the cards you want to sell and what you'd be willing to take for them. The dealers are going to ask you "what are you asking on this" and they expect you to have an idea of what the card is worth. They probably won't offer you top dollar, either. Keep in mind that they're in the business of reselling that card, so they need some room to make some profit. Search for eBay sold listings or pay the $15 monthly fee for Card Ladder to find comps on your cards. I like to keep a list of my cards and their approx. value so when I they ask, I've got something to go off of (I'll usually take the last 4-5 sales and average those out and that's my asking price).

I've found that it's easier to sell stuff on Day 1 of a show because they think they can sell it over the next few days for a quick flip (especially if it's a liquid card). And I've found some of the best deals on the last day of the show when they're just looking to move stuff and make some money.

But most importantly, just enjoy the show. You don't have to spend a lot of money or sell a card you really want to keep in your collection. Shows are a great way to learn more about the hobby. I would also recommend getting your feet wet at a local show or two before National so you are more comfortable when the time comes. You don't have to buy anything, but talk to the vendors, find out what's selling well and build your knowledge so you're ready to go for the big show.

 

[jmanny24]

My gut says you could have a pretty amazing time on a fraction of that and depending on your budget you could make that money go in a second. I'll just say if I ever go to the national, the odds of me having five figures of fun money on hand are pretty much non existent (though other people will absolutely carry that and more).

The vibe I get is that it's a bit like a casino - the fun you'll have with $100, $10000, or $1000000 is different fun but you can still have fun. I have to imagine most people who have a table at the national would have Venmo, Paypal etc. with discounts for under the table cash available. I certainly wouldn't want to bring like...10k in cash to the show floor but having that much available will make you a lot of friends as a buyer I'm sure.

In terms of collection, I think the argument for bringing a lot is that it maximizes your opportunities to trade at booths or at trade nights and if you have a hotel room on site or nearby it shouldn't be too hard to swap out for what you want on a specific day, set up a deal and bring the right cards, etc. On the other hand, schlepping a ton of cardboard feels like a logistical pain and if stolen or lost would be super hard to track down and easier than ever to spread. Personally, if I ever do go I'm not bringing anything I'd be devastated to lose any anything with trade value less than like...$20 at home. Narrow it down further as you see fit. My theory would be that if a $5 or $10 card is the difference between a trade or not a trade, use the cash instead. I think a lot of folks would suggest even higher as your baseline. When you watch the Youtube videos people are dragging around these bulletproof looking cases of cards that are worth a mortgage payment, that is a step beyond for me but it all depends on the pool you're playing in. If I were going to the National with $200 in my pocket because they held it in Boston and my target cards were all like $20-$100 type cards? I'd likely be bringing a lot of interesting $10-$20 cards with me to swap for things I'd like. If my goal cards were four figure cards, I'm not going to put in the effort to take a bunch of $10 or $20 cards with me. I'd likely be trying to get any $100, $200+ cards I'm willing to sacrifice for the big prize on the floor with me but honestly might just keep those in the hotel room until I see it.

Now y'all got me wanting to go to this thing.

When I go I plan on just bringing a backpack. I have to go through my collection but off the top of my head, the only thing I likely won't bring is the Goudey Foxx (pictured above) the rest is low $$ and I'll happily sell our use to help facilitate a trade if needed. As for the money, the 5 figures is like you said only to have available to me if something catches my eye, because you never know and as they say (if you can't find it at the National it likely wasn't made). I think I'm mostly excited about the networking and trade night type stuff. I'm glad I have a year to plan and budget. Honestly it's sort of freeing knowing that I want to go to collect and not invest and flip.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

If you're knowledgable enough, you'll end up catching more bargains buying raw and then grading on-site. Usually PSA and CGC are at the shows doing grading. I've gotten pretty good at ballparking card grade, but there's some obvious risk involved.

 

[jmanny24]

If you're knowledgable enough, you'll end up catching more bargains buying raw and then grading on-site. Usually PSA and CGC are at the shows doing grading. I've gotten pretty good at ballparking card grade, but there's some obvious risk involved.

from what I've seen this is true but if you want them back by the time the show ends the prices are hiked way up and be prepared to stand in line. If you're a collector as opposed to an investor/flipper it might be cheaper to put stuff you want to display in one-touches and splurge on a nice display case instead of grading.

 

[Fishercat]

Interesting time for cards. I think I understand the general "markets" for nearly every sport, but football is so far beyond reality right now that I don't know how folks justify buying packs. Optic Football was one of the most recent big release, hobby boxes range from 500-700 and you pretty much need a Downtown or low number top rookie auto to have a shot at recouping value. The Chris Olave 1/1, a WR who had 1k yards in his rookie year for a broken Saints team, went for about the price of a box. I think I read when Immaculate (?) came out that the product hit (Kenny Pickett 1/1) barely paid back the box. Football is likely my second most watched sport but the pricing barriers to the product for largely sticker autos and mid players is wild. Even basketball seems more reasonable at this point which I thought I'd never say.

Baseball has been a bit cold too. We're at the All Star break and Topps hasn't really put out a product above their base level - S1, S2, Heritage, Big League, and Bowman...all actually decent enough products but nothing too inspiring (though I did like Bowman this time around). Finest is out this week and I think I'll be out on the product (just don't like the design). Topps Chrome went on sale and checklist is out. We're really missing a set like Gypsy Queen which they discontinued as well as some higher end offering. I also think we're starting to see Fanatics' strategy come more into focus. After a very Jumbo heavy S1, S2, Bowman, and Chrome all follow kind of a similar format. More auto/relic hits in the jumbo product, better dollar to card value for color and inserts in hobby, retail trailing behind on that on all fronts, with a second larger retail option in the Mega Boxes and different formats for a slightly higher pricing level. There's also something called "breaker's delight" for Topps Chrome which feels a lot like the older HTA "hits only" type boxes. It'll be interesting.

At this point, most of my biggest hits recently have been Upper Deck's Marvel cards and Wrestling so....I dunno, it's weird now. I wish I had more luck in hockey as they're still the best looking cards in the game but absolutely no luck in those pack rips.

In brighter news for the weirdos like me, A&G pre-orders just went up at Topps. I know it's terrible value but I love A&G Rips and set-building.

 

[Ale Xander]

I don’t understand how football cards work. People only care about 5 QBs, and 2 WR from LSU

there are 53 man rosters and 32 teams

 

[Bergs]

I don’t understand how football cards work. People only care about 5 QBs, and 2 WR from LSU

Then you DO understand how football cards work!

 

[DanoooME]

When I go I plan on just bringing a backpack.

That or a rolling suitcase is best.

As someone who has worked as a vendor multiple times and as a customer multiple times, it is quite an event. The room is huge and can seem overwhelming. Some advice I can offer regards to the National:

* Have a plan. There are hundreds of booths and it's real easy to get lost or forget where you have been. I believe there's a floor chart on the National's website. You can print a copy and use that to track your movements, things you want to go back and see, etc.
* Don't be afraid to shop around as mentioned above. I usually don't buy until I've seen the entire show. Unless it's something super rare, it's likely 2 or more people have it, even vintage items. I'd estimate 40% of the booths there are vintage material. Mostly cards, but there's all kinds of things, and lots of times things you'd never consider.
*You'll likely get more value in trade for anything you are willing to part with than cash. It will depend on the dealer's expectation of re-sale. And that value will not be close to what you see even on e-Bay, unless it's something in high demand.
*Going on the first day will let you see just about everything available, but at the highest prices. By Sunday, you may be able to get something cheaper because the dealer doesn't want to take it home. This is particularly true with unopened material. The price difference between Wednesday and Sunday can be a decent amount if you're willing to wait. I got a lot of my best wax deals by waiting until Sunday and buying then. You take the chance on the product running out, but if it's something fairly common, the large wax dealers would rather sell it to you for a few dollars less than pack it up and take it home.
*As mentioned above, don't be afraid to haggle on individual items. A lot of time there's room to negotiate. And don't feel obligated to buy. If you're not comfortable with a deal, just walk away.
* Have fun!

 

[jmanny24]

That or a rolling suitcase is best.

As someone who has worked as a vendor multiple times and as a customer multiple times, it is quite an event. The room is huge and can seem overwhelming. Some advice I can offer regards to the National:

* Have a plan. There are hundreds of booths and it's real easy to get lost or forget where you have been. I believe there's a floor chart on the National's website. You can print a copy and use that to track your movements, things you want to go back and see, etc.
* Don't be afraid to shop around as mentioned above. I usually don't buy until I've seen the entire show. Unless it's something super rare, it's likely 2 or more people have it, even vintage items. I'd estimate 40% of the booths there are vintage material. Mostly cards, but there's all kinds of things, and lots of times things you'd never consider.
*You'll likely get more value in trade for anything you are willing to part with than cash. It will depend on the dealer's expectation of re-sale. And that value will not be close to what you see even on e-Bay, unless it's something in high demand.
*Going on the first day will let you see just about everything available, but at the highest prices. By Sunday, you may be able to get something cheaper because the dealer doesn't want to take it home. This is particularly true with unopened material. The price difference between Wednesday and Sunday can be a decent amount if you're willing to wait. I got a lot of my best wax deals by waiting until Sunday and buying then. You take the chance on the product running out, but if it's something fairly common, the large wax dealers would rather sell it to you for a few dollars less than pack it up and take it home.
*As mentioned above, don't be afraid to haggle on individual items. A lot of time there's room to negotiate. And don't feel obligated to buy. If you're not comfortable with a deal, just walk away.
* Have fun!

Thanks for this and all the advice I've gotten, it's got me real excited to plan for Cleveland. As for my plan I'll be coming up with specific things I want (unknown what those are right now). As for the bolded, As a Civil War buff the one thing I'm hoping to find is some sort of Lincoln writing sample (signatures are out of my price range), what are the chances I might be able to find one?

 

[Deathofthebambino]

So, my issues with Panini redemptions are well documented around here.

Figured I'd post some news about Topps though. I have not had an outstanding Topps redemption in years. They were all filled a long, long time ago.

The other day, I get an overnight, signature required package that was clearly a card. I assumed it was a Panini redemption, but then I opened it.

This was the card:




I've never collected Topps Series 1, so I know I never had a redemption from it. This appears to be from 2014, Topps Series 1, Upper Class. It's an auto, triple color game used patch, # 22/25. No fucking clue why it came to me, except that maybe Topps has realized that I haven't bought anything, or submitted a new redemption in years to them (I basically stopped buying a few years back, and now really only sell what I have left, which is still a lot), so maybe they're trying to regain a customer.

 

[runnels3]

Jose can you see...

 

[runnels3]

The kid from Brattleboro