A lot of people seem to be under the mistaken impression that sports card shows are dead or dying. While they might be smaller in number, there are still plenty of shows out there, offering up just about everything a card collector might be trying to find.
Card shows range in size from 10-table affairs at local shopping malls to huge events held in convention centers complete with corporate sponsors and numerous autograph guests. Not every type of show is within easy driving distance of every collector, but each show has something to offer.
Here are five reasons to find and attend a sports card show near you.
1. Shop Around Under One Roof
Nothing beats the internet as a resource for finding the best prices but card shows are a close second. The bigger the show, the more likely it is that you can find a better price on that new box of sports cards you've had your eye on simply by walking around and looking.
Even better, having multiple dealers all in one place often drives down prices due to competitive pressures. Many dealers also use shows as a way to get rid of closeout items via show specials, so make sure to keep your eye out for those.
2. Bargain for Your Price
Cards sold at auction go to the highest bidder, and sales at online stores are made at fixed prices. But many dealers are willing to haggle a bit, and at a card show you'll have a chance to take advantage of that.
Not everyone manning a table is willing to bargain, but it never hurts to ask. Negotiating a price even a few dollars lower can make it worth your while to attend the show.
3. Buy, Sell and Trade
Most collectors go to shows looking to buy cards, but they can also be good places to sell or trade cards to dealers. Don't get carried away and bring your entire collection, but bringing along a few cards you're looking to dump isn't a bad idea. Just remember that dealers need to re-sell the cards they acquire from you, so you may not get as much value for your cards as you would selling them yourself.
Still, if there are cards you are having trouble moving, a show can help. Even if you can't get rid of them at the show, simply talking to dealers about them and feeling out the interest in them can be a positive.
4. Find More Card Stores
A lot of collectors are loyal to one particular local sports card store, and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's one of the best parts about the hobby.
The nice thing about card shows is that you can discover other dealers and stores you may not have known about. This can be extremely helpful if you want to visit a card shop while you're traveling, or if the unfortunate happens and your local store goes out of business.
5. Signing Bonus
Even smaller local shows sometimes have athletes on hand to sign autographs. And large shows like The National have a large roster of signing guests that becomes one of the focal points of the event.
It may not be directly related to your love of card collecting - though some collectors do choose to have cards signed - having the chance to get an autograph in person doesn't come along every day. Be prepared to pay though, as very few athletes sign for free at card shows.