Card Show Contest

[90FTaway]

Next Saturday 2/20 I plan on setting up at a card show for the first time. I am not getting out of the hobby, but I need to consolidate about 80% of what I have and get ready for 2010, I have over 30,000 cards set aside to take and put out on two tables. Most of the cards are baseball commons with some higher end (autos and game used). I also decided to sell the following base sets: 1989 Donruss, 1990 Score, 2006 Artifacts, 2008 Bowman

The card show will be in Roanoke, VA so I do not expect much.

POST how much money you think I will make and any pointers for selling the baseball cards. The closest to the gross dollar amount sold without going over, wins the three cards below.

The Youkilis is a Xfractor

I am not looking to sell anything with this thread, I just need some pointers to move product at a show. Thanks.

 

[imac220]

How many days will you be set up??

 

[tonsofcommons]

And when you say "How much will I make?" I assume you mean, "How much will I sell?" not "How much will I profit?"

I think you will sell $234 worth of cards

My suggestion for the commons is to sell them 10 cents each and allow people to "Fill-A-Box". Take some 800 count boxes (or whatever size) and let people "fill-a-box" for much less than 10 cents a card.

It works well for me.

 

[ideal0024]

I've done a couple really small shows over the last few years (like 10 or less tables small) & have done really well each time.

I think the thing that has helped sales the most is I want to sell. Sounds simple, but to many people set up at shows & expect the moon & overvalue everything & aren't willing to move things unless they get what they want for it. I was always there, like it sounds like you are, to move product & clear space.

To many times you see tables at shows & it looks like a wake...couple people standing around, not talking, not looking at each other & then they just pass by....I engage everyone & unless it's an assinine offer I usually accept it...it always seems like sales = sales....the more I sell, the more I sell....

 

[tramers]

sale 175.00
take plenty of ones and change if selling cards under $1.00 , team bags for .50 /$1.00 . plenty of areas fav team star cards . I sell lots of Red Sox and Braves when i set up

 

[descott77]

$203...which isnt too bad

good luck!

(if you find any lofton cards while you are putting stuff out shoot me a pm!)

 

[AmishDave]

$285

Make sure to include stuff that's shiny or die-cut for a cheap amount (like a $1 box or a 3/$5 box). That attracts even novice collector's.

Good luck with the show

 

[ballerskrip]

$451

Good luck.

As some had mentioned. Bring PLENTY of Change. Make deals as in 12/$1, 25/$2 etc.

Have a $1 box for inserts, a $3-$5 box for cheaper GU/Autos.

Make sure you have some signage etc STATING your prices on Commons! It WILL ATTRACT CUSTOMERS! I guarantee it.

Good luck

skrip

 

[90FTaway]

Great comments so far.

The card show is only one day. I plan to write down the sale of each transaction and the total will be the amount you don't want to go over... sorta like 'The Price is Right'

 

[tramers]

 

[gt2590]

I'll guess $201.

Set up boxes starting at a dime apiece, and then like Skrip said, inserts $1 and up from there. You should do well, especially if there aren't many shows in that area, and it's in a high-traffic area.

Also, don't leave an eight-year-old in charge of your stand when you "step out"! :lol:

Just for reference, which team is considered the "home" team in that area? Is it the Nationals or do people still stick with the Orioles? I know neither team sells great now, but at least you can push a couple of the better players and prospects of that team (s)?

 

[kentuckyderby]

you will sell 213.75

try to make 50 cent boxes, $1.00 boxes
those add up and help pay for the table

25-50 card team lots good way to get rid of base

bargain box works too
-have sticker with book price on it and then a neon sticker with your 60% off price also on top loader

good luck

 

[thefasterblade]

328.00

 

[CISCOKID23]

$223...

SMILE ...SMILE.....DONT BE EATING HOT DOGS WHILE HELPING PEOPLE OUT...

 

[JackLondon]

I will guess $191

 

[ballerskrip]

this might sound weird, but WEAR DEODORANT!

There are so many stinky dudes at card shows.....I have had to walk away from tables because the dealer smelled so bad.

skrip

 

[kentuckyderby]

if you want to fit in -----

no deodorant
wear a throwback hockey jersey or a Cubs jersey unbuttoned
don't shave
have plenty of fast food bags behind your table
look in your beckett when one asks "how much for that card?"
and be tremendously overweight
oh...and don't have any singles

 

[BrewerSuperCollector]

285

 

[aaron41984]

I am going low to avoid going over. 100. Know what you want out of your stuff and in person you can start your sale price above eBay sv to give you room to knock some off and also go below eBay for big lots.

 

[90FTaway]

Great comments! Should the McDonald's bags be used?

I think the top teams in this area are:

1. Braves (once had two minor league teams in the state, plus a huge team in the 'south')
2. Baltimore (lots of people from NoVA love Ripken)
3. Boston (people jumped all over this band wagon)
4. Nationals (tuff to follow, should have put the team on Virginia soil)