Subject: Crowne plaza show
From: "Lynne Stewart"
Date: 11/16/04 8:06 AM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id:

Yah know, I haven't attended a show as a collector since 1996 and as a
dealer since 1997, so I ahve no right to voice thoughts on this topic, but
having said THAT, I'll talk anyway.
I admire those folks who do all of what you mentined below and more, it's an
amazingly tough way to stay involved in the hobby. My hats off to you and
the promoters.
It's been obvious for many years that there are advantages to the Internet.
MAny of the new generation of card collectors haven't ever done anything BUT
use the Internet and Ebay and it seems like only the *old crowd* clings to
the shows.
Good or bad? Good, I think. There is something to be said for getting off
own's duff and getting out to shows.
So, what do people think might work to get people into shows? Keeping costs
in mind, of course.
Lynne

I'll pop in on this one...

I've been a dealer and collector for almost 15 years. Before ebay, shows were
everywhere in the Balt-DC area, as well as stores for that matter. The internet
has taken a very big bite out of "Real World"
retail and many show promoters/stores/dealers are no longer involved with
traditional NonSport Cards.

As a retailer/collector, I find great deals on newer product. Example...I just
purchased some 6 feet under unopened boxes for below Rittenhouse wholesale
cost. That's incredible, why would I buy any where else?

I still enjoy doing some shows just for the collector/customer that has looked
everywhere for a certain card or set and finds it at MY table and vice-versa. I
usually spend quite a lot of money at the Philly Show looking for vintage cards
and promos. It it almost impossible for me to list every card I have for sale
on ebay.

That personal interaction is great -- when you make money. As a dealer, if you
do not pay for your daily expenses, you've basically GIVEN AWAY cards.

How can we get more people to attend shows??

I'm afraid that Prices have to be competitive with ebay...

Card Companies should reduce the number of all cards distributed in the boxes
and even the amount of boxes produced. There are way too many regular singles.
You get an average of 35+ sets per case of any newer product. Auto Cards? 3-4
to a box anymore. This reduces the amount of money you can get for them. Sketch
Cards hold their value because of low production. If availabilty of all cards
were reduced...more money could be made at shows. Better than ebay deals could
be found at shows since you are able to negotiate right on the spot and do not
have bid against anyone.

I really would like to return to the early 1990's days of card production.

Remember when a "skymotion" card (1:720 packs) was a great find for $100.00???
And you could see sets sell for $20 a piece? Trade values go up and when I
could get a NSU valued $25 set for $15, I was a happy collector! Show me a new
base set that generates $25.00 anywhere?

You can't blame anyone for low prices on cards except the manufacturers who
flood the market. I also have to say that NonSport Update card prices for new
basic base sets are way off the mark. If I could not get so many base sets in a
case, I would not list them for $2.49 on eBay.

Mike Surratt
www.mikzcardz.com