I agree with Craig that the National will be packed. The northeast has the heaviest concentration of collectors and they will be itching to get to the National. I still haven't been able to find a Topps flagship product at my local Walmart because it gets snapped up so fast, and the vintage collectors have much deeper pockets. Hope to check out Craig's inventory some time.
8:53 I know what you mean. I bought a Kyle Tucker green Topps Chrome RC refractor for $21 and some change a few years ago. Just sold it for $90. I was thinking maybe I should have waited a few more days instead of accepting the first offer but I figured "hey you need this money for rent/bills and you more than quadrupled your profit just take the money and move on.
As someone who collected in the late 60's and early 70's, and then dropped out of collecting for over 40 years, grading is completely anathema to me. I of course do understand why it came about. But as I heard John Mangini say in one of his videos, with the internet and the ability to out people who engage in shady practices, not to mention the ability to use loups and that kind of thing, maybe grading isn't really necessary anymore. Especially since the grading companies haven't exactly been beyond reproach. It seems to me, after having been away from the hobby for so long, that an entire generation accepted grading as writ. Maybe there will come a day when it's not. High prices and inflation may spark a renewed interest in raw cards. I'm glad to hear that Craig was saying raw cards were selling well.
Great point n hearing this of late about raw cards. All my cards in sets are in raw form, 50+ years. I love the feel of the cards n the smell in their original form. It was like back in the day don't get your cards signed because it will ruin your cards. Well I had my cards signed back in the 80s n 90s when in was unheard of. Now that is the thing! Love my PC, especially my signed 69T set.
@@mikesbaseballcards Hey, good for you. Yeah, I put most of my cards into top loaders. That way I can handle the cards and flick through them in as close a way as possible to their original form.
I used to do the Cleveburg National many years ago. We did it twice. We don't deal in sports memorabilia but we deal in other collectibles. We did make money...but, not enough to do it a 3rd time. I thought that not enough people showed up to really make it worth while...at least in Cleveland. I would recommend ANYONE who collects sports stuff to go though. Fascinating stuff shows up!!! Booth prices were expensive then....I can't imagine what they are NOW.
To be honest anyone who wants to set up at shows regularly should strive to have their shit together like Craig it sounds amazing, when I think of a good time I picture getting to hang out at this guys house and just look through boxes with dude lol
Mike, another awesome episode! Perhaps I will have the honor of meeting Craig and buying something from him in AC. As you know, I have not been to a National, but I think your business card back idea for Craig is fantastic! 😊
Your comment about raw cards being in high demand. It is because people are buying the best-looking cards available and everyone is holding onto graded CENTERED cards.
I hear the "dealers" are the ones that select the location of the National. Does Craig have any insights or comments? Does he get to vote since he has a booth? Would he support a west coast show?
I have been to the National in Atlantic City, Cleveland, and Chicago. Cleveland was my least favorite of the three. I wish, along with ton of other people I know, the National would come back to the West Coast. I know that it typically isn't as good as the ones out East. However, there hasn't been on in years and the market has changed. I know there are so many more people out here in the hobby, whether back in it or new to it, and I think an Anaheim show or one somewhere else out here would be a great one. I wish the dealers would vote for that!
Great content! I have a question for Craig. As a dealer you have to constantly buy cards for inventory, including during the boom over the last 2 years. If that inventory remains during this recent pull back in prices, do you bring the price down to comps, hold or somewhere in between? Just something I’ve been thinking about. See ya’ll at the national!
Most successful dealers focus on buying collections vs singles, so you're not buying at market rate, but anywhere from 30-60% of current comps. That really helps with large price drops, although you make more money.
@@puntpassclick exactly anyone buying singles during the boom I feel bad for. Very dumb decision. Msot everyone knew what was going on. A artificial rise that wasn't sustainable the smart people were selling the foolish people were buying
@@mikesbaseballcards nice have fun it will be packed. Interest I'm hobby is near a all tome.high despite lower prices and shiit economy. That bodes well for the future. Should be a good time to buy
Prices have really held steady on raw vintage. Graded cards we work off comps and go from there. Our goal is always to sell the card. See you at the National!
Looking to complete my 70T set at the National. Need the Ryan Bench F. Robinson and Rose in the raw. No slabbed. My Spahn PC is all raw. Love the feel and smell and the look. Nothing beats it. I need to stop by n cu Craig! Conventional Hall is hugh n plenty of room since my wife has been to several teacher conventions.
I don't know why they just don't rotate show locations. Heck, add a 4th location, then you can have a show at each every 4 years. Makes too much sense and the National "board" sounds like they run things a little too political regarding what location (there are THREE) to have the next three at. Wouldn't be fair to have 2 at one location and 1 at the other and then none at the third. pretty crappy if you ask me.
“I’ve got some worn corners myself.”
You and me both, brother!!!
Craig said he ain’t worried about making big bucks at the National, he already got em on the wall! 😂 great show guys! Enjoyed it as usual!
Good one. LOL
Really great discussion about The National from a dealer's perspective. Thanks for your time and commentary Craig!
I agree with Craig that the National will be packed. The northeast has the heaviest concentration of collectors and they will be itching to get to the National. I still haven't been able to find a Topps flagship product at my local Walmart because it gets snapped up so fast, and the vintage collectors have much deeper pockets. Hope to check out Craig's inventory some time.
8:53 I know what you mean. I bought a Kyle Tucker green Topps Chrome RC refractor for $21 and some change a few years ago. Just sold it for $90. I was thinking maybe I should have waited a few more days instead of accepting the first offer but I figured "hey you need this money for rent/bills and you more than quadrupled your profit just take the money and move on.
Nice discussion Mike and Craig. Can't wait for the show! Two weeks from today! #AimForAC
As someone who collected in the late 60's and early 70's, and then dropped out of collecting for over 40 years, grading is completely anathema to me. I of course do understand why it came about. But as I heard John Mangini say in one of his videos, with the internet and the ability to out people who engage in shady practices, not to mention the ability to use loups and that kind of thing, maybe grading isn't really necessary anymore. Especially since the grading companies haven't exactly been beyond reproach. It seems to me, after having been away from the hobby for so long, that an entire generation accepted grading as writ. Maybe there will come a day when it's not. High prices and inflation may spark a renewed interest in raw cards. I'm glad to hear that Craig was saying raw cards were selling well.
Great point n hearing this of late about raw cards. All my cards in sets are in raw form, 50+ years. I love the feel of the cards n the smell in their original form. It was like back in the day don't get your cards signed because it will ruin your cards. Well I had my cards signed back in the 80s n 90s when in was unheard of. Now that is the thing! Love my PC, especially my signed 69T set.
@@mikesbaseballcards Hey, good for you. Yeah, I put most of my cards into top loaders. That way I can handle the cards and flick through them in as close a way as possible to their original form.
I used to do the Cleveburg National many years ago. We did it twice. We don't deal in sports memorabilia but we deal in other collectibles. We did make money...but, not enough to do it a 3rd time. I thought that not enough people showed up to really make it worth while...at least in Cleveland. I would recommend ANYONE who collects sports stuff to go though. Fascinating stuff shows up!!! Booth prices were expensive then....I can't imagine what they are NOW.
To be honest anyone who wants to set up at shows regularly should strive to have their shit together like Craig it sounds amazing, when I think of a good time I picture getting to hang out at this guys house and just look through boxes with dude lol
Mike, another awesome episode! Perhaps I will have the honor of meeting Craig and buying something from him in AC. As you know, I have not been to a National, but I think your business card back idea for Craig is fantastic! 😊
Great idea. Need white paper business cards - non glossy card stock
Nuff said...dropping Mikes name in the first 5 mins🤣
I like that Banks Hartland Statue Craig has to his left. Been looking for deal on one of those. Great show guys. Thanks!
I like the feeling of raw as well.
The smell also and all my sets are raw. ONLY cards I have slabbed are my Mantles. To me slabbed is large n bulky n waste of space.
Your comment about raw cards being in high demand. It is because people are buying the best-looking cards available and everyone is holding onto graded CENTERED cards.
Great idea for business cards
I think so too!
I bought a great card from Craig last year Nice guy.
He is a great guy for the hobby Don.
I hear the "dealers" are the ones that select the location of the National. Does Craig have any insights or comments? Does he get to vote since he has a booth? Would he support a west coast show?
I have been to the National in Atlantic City, Cleveland, and Chicago. Cleveland was my least favorite of the three. I wish, along with ton of other people I know, the National would come back to the West Coast. I know that it typically isn't as good as the ones out East. However, there hasn't been on in years and the market has changed. I know there are so many more people out here in the hobby, whether back in it or new to it, and I think an Anaheim show or one somewhere else out here would be a great one. I wish the dealers would vote for that!
Great content! I have a question for Craig. As a dealer you have to constantly buy cards for inventory, including during the boom over the last 2 years. If that inventory remains during this recent pull back in prices, do you bring the price down to comps, hold or somewhere in between? Just something I’ve been thinking about. See ya’ll at the national!
Most successful dealers focus on buying collections vs singles, so you're not buying at market rate, but anywhere from 30-60% of current comps. That really helps with large price drops, although you make more money.
@@puntpassclick exactly anyone buying singles during the boom I feel bad for. Very dumb decision. Msot everyone knew what was going on. A artificial rise that wasn't sustainable the smart people were selling the foolish people were buying
I'm going to the National on Friday with my cousin. I live in NJ.
@@mikesbaseballcards nice have fun it will be packed. Interest I'm hobby is near a all tome.high despite lower prices and shiit economy. That bodes well for the future. Should be a good time to buy
Prices have really held steady on raw vintage. Graded cards we work off comps and go from there. Our goal is always to sell the card. See you at the National!
Looking to complete my 70T set at the National. Need the Ryan Bench F. Robinson and Rose in the raw. No slabbed. My Spahn PC is all raw. Love the feel and smell and the look. Nothing beats it. I need to stop by n cu Craig! Conventional Hall is hugh n plenty of room since my wife has been to several teacher conventions.
Hey Mike, I should have most of the 70 Topps cards you are needing. Hope to see you!
I don't know why they just don't rotate show locations. Heck, add a 4th location, then you can have a show at each every 4 years. Makes too much sense and the National "board" sounds like they run things a little too political regarding what location (there are THREE) to have the next three at. Wouldn't be fair to have 2 at one location and 1 at the other and then none at the third. pretty crappy if you ask me.
The card is a great idea,I hope to stop by 241
You should James.
Hope to see you James!
Mike you going to the Dallas show this weekend?
No I am not.
SUB GRADES matter
Gotta get the National out of these blue states.. who’s the Dem at the top offering these locations?
Christ, does this video have to be an hour? 🥱
Is someone holding a gun to your head and making you watch it? Sheesh it's free and so are you.