Some hobby-related COVID-19 updates….
The National Sports Collectors Convention is scheduled to be underway four months from right now, and at least for now, promoters have no plans to cancel or postpone the show, which is in Atlantic City this year. That, however, is still subject to change in light of the ongoing uncertainties.
“We just wanted to take a few moments to address the elephant in the room,” they posted Sunday evening. “There are no plans to cancel/reschedule the event at this time, and we will continue to listen to federal and state guidelines before making a decision regarding what steps to take next. Alternative plans are being addressed by show management should the original dates be deemed unsafe for our attendees and exhibitors. More to come as we get closer to the event.”
Another big show scheduled for this spring won’t be taking place as scheduled. The Spring Sport Card Expo in Toronto, scheduled for May 1-3, is off–but it’s possible it might be postponed rather than cancelled. In a message on the show’s website, promoters say the closing of the U.S./Canada border and shutdown of large events in Ontario forced the move.
“We believe that postponing the event is the right choice. We are working to find an alternate date for the summer assuming that we are able to get the virus under control. We will make that announcement as and when we can.
“For those who have pre-purchased autograph or admission tickets, refunds will begin to be issued next week but based on the large volume to process this could take 7-10 business days to be reflected on your credit card. Please be patient with us as this is a unique situation for all of us.”
With its Indiana office and retail shop shuttered by state order, BBCE is no longer able to accept unopened material for authentication.
They’re accepting orders from their website and eBay store but won’t be able to ship anything or get back to authenticating until the state of Indiana lifts the order on non-essential business closings.
Auction companies have had to bring their work home in some cases but for the most part, they’ve been able to navigate state and local restrictions and Spring Auctions are moving forward, although some are making some adjustments to their schedules:
Lelands‘ Spring 2020 Pop Up Auction will open on April 12, will end on April 26. Their Spring 2020 Classic Auction will now open on May 17, will end on June 19.
In the meantime, the company has dug through its inventory and pulled some items that didn’t make it into regular auctions and posted them on eBay. The ongoing auctions include vintage cards, pages of Mel Allen’s old scorebooks, a 1996 Tommy Lasorda jersey, Juan Marichal’s Cracker Jack Old Timers game jersey from the 80s and dozens of autographs.
Mile High Card Company is out of the office because of Colorado’s recent stay-at-home order, but the company is continuing toward launching its Spring Auction on April 17.
SCP Auctions says its Spring Auction is now set to open Wednesday, April 15 and run through Friday, May 1.
Also based in Southern California, Memory Lane staff has been working from home and the company has delayed the close of its Spring Classic Auction until the last week of May. They’ll announce a start date in the coming weeks.
Maryland-based Huggins & Scott‘s office closed last week but the company continues to take consignments by mail and as for now, its May auction is set to proceed with no changes in the schedule.
Related Stories:
September Philly Show Cancelled
eBay Sports Card Sales Have Skyrocketed During COVID-19
Notes: Hobby Hot Down Under, Too; Virtual Expo Wrap; Panini’s ‘Welcome Back’ Kit
Plans for 2020 Industry Summit Still in Place
Photo of Masked Players During Spanish Flu Leads Off RMY Auction
New Product Rollouts Could Be Coming Soon
Notes: Mainstream Media Stories on the Hobby; Popular MJ Exquisite Card Sells; Johnny’s Collection
Now What?
