Is the National worth it for player collectors?

[LWMM]

This is a question I’ve wondered about too. From the comments above, it seems unlikely that I’d find much in the way of Gomes cards, whether from my want list (9 cards plus some 170 1/1s) or even just dupes of rarer or serial-numbered cards (even if just a Topps gold).

Several people have mentioned the networking potential. Are dealers generally receptive to people passing out want lists and contact information? For instance, if I were to bring a stack of one-page want lists saying how much I’d pay, would that be likely to have tangible results?

 

[heavy_hitter]

For modern player collectors of the obscure semi star, I'd say no.

For vintage player collectors, yes.

But you should go at least once in your life to experience the spectacle.

 

[abide]

The National consists of about 8 main segments now.
Two of which are: About 20% of the space is an autograph pavilion, and many come just for that. New in the past 5 years is a Live Breakers room 5% of the space.
Five more are: The remaining 65% is Vintage card dealers, Memorabilia dealers, Corporate booths, Wax sellers, Modern card dealers.
Modern & Vintage dealers seem to have differentiated themselves between those selling raw cards and graded cards.
Modern dealers have differentiated between those with a booth dedicated to 25 cent boxes, and $1 boxes and $5 boxes, and those with $100 and up cards in a showcase.

#8 - Starting about 10 years ago, the phenomena of Pokemon, and all the other TCG cards, has taken more and more space. I don't get it, but, it is what it is.

As said by many of the previous comments, the $100 and up modern cards, are mostly the stars when it comes to anything more than 5 years old.
For newer releases, dealers will put a rare card in their show case, even if not a super star.

The vintage card dealers are 50% baseball and then all the other sports 50% [football, hockey, basketball, boxing, soccer etc.]
The modern card dealers are 50% basketball, and everything else the other half.

 

[mrmopar]

This is a question I’ve wondered about too. From the comments above, it seems unlikely that I’d find much in the way of Gomes cards, whether from my want list (9 cards plus some 170 1/1s) or even just dupes of rarer or serial-numbered cards (even if just a Topps gold).

Several people have mentioned the networking potential. Are dealers generally receptive to people passing out want lists and contact information? For instance, if I were to bring a stack of one-page want lists saying how much I’d pay, would that be likely to have tangible results?

I would assume this could be effective. I have only done small shows, but guys are always asking what I was looking for and when I tell them, it's "I have that at home, but don't have room for it. I'll bring some next time" and it never happens. In all fairness, i am the opposite of aggressive when it comes to hunting for stuff. I prefer walking into a shop or to a show table and finding something I want at a price I like, rather than outing my wantlists and having people essentially hold you hostage if they have something you want. Suddenly that "junk" you have stashed in a

 

[General_Says_Tso]

I am going to the National to check out new cards, do in person signings of my childhood cards (Dave Winfield, Roberto Alomar, Paul Molitor, Robin Yount and etc..) I think if you are going there to buy expect very rich premiums on cards as many buyers are in the venue. If you are going there to sell you should have an easy time.

 

[nosterbor]

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
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[Dazed]

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
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NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
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NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

Tell us what you really think.

 

[JVHaste]

Tell us what you really think.

 

[JVHaste]

0:49 is the Nosterbor anthem:

 

[nosterbor]

NO!