General Forum

Next week is " The National " in Atlantic City, NJ......For one who has never been to such an event, perhaps someone could offer some tips or dos'/donts ?.......Im mainly a Phillies collector who also dabs in the Yankees. Im not really interested in autos, just cards.

THANKS !!!!

It's been so long since I was at a National (and it was barely a big thing back then - 1988, I think). I did, however, go to several of the "Expos" in Toronto (Spring Expo, Fall Expo) which were really big. You just have to know what price you're willing to pay for which item. The chances of you "going back" to reconsider is probably not going to happen. However, if there is a dealer you want to revisit before you head home, write down the location and what item it was. (We always traveled with our checklist binder and extra paper in it.) Depending on which day you go: if you go early in the weekend, expect to find great, rare items, with big price tags and if you go later in the weekend (last day), you have a chance to score some bargains as a lot of dealers really don't wish to go home with that much stuff. Now, you won't be able to get them to sell you a Mantle lot for 10% of their asking price, but you may be able to get some good deals on more recent unopened stuff or factory sets.

Have fun!

I went to the one in AC in 1988.   It is huge.   You will need time.   As Dan said, make a list of dealers you want to see.   Back in 1988, my buddy did not want to pay either $80 or $200 for a poster autographed by all the 500+ HR hitters there had there and he is still kicking himself for not doing it.   So purchase wisely, young Grasshopper.      Show starts Wednesday the 3rd.  You might want to go the 3rd or 4th before things get picked over.  Or you can wait until Sunday and hope you can get a bargain, you may or may not depending on how business as been for the vendor.     Their website is nsccshow.com.     I know several dealers going down early to stock up on cards for their buyers.     Also being summer, AC is more crowded on weekends, as is the traffic.