Back in the late 1970s and early 80s, when the internet was barely a gleam in the eyes of computer scientists, most sports collecting business was done through the pages of ads in printed publications and a newly blossoming market for “baseball card shows.” That’s what they were called then, although some were labeled “conventions,” which sounded a little more … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Running a Good Sports Card Shop
Sports card shops have come and they've gone. Boy did they go during the mid and late-1990s. Those stores that have survived the ups and downs of the hobby and lived beyond the "boom" haven't done it on luck alone. The survivors have been willing to diversify and run their stores like any other business. They make smart decisions, yes, but they also have the … [Read more...]
Long Lines at Chicago Show Leave Collectors Frustrated
Angry collectors took to social media after lines to gain entry and pick up prepaid autograph tickets at the Fanatics Authentic show in Chicago bogged down Friday night. Several members of the Cubs World Series championship team were signing autographs at the Stephens Convention Center which caused a predictable crush but some collectors came up empty handed when they … [Read more...]
Ramblings: Starting a Show? Don’t Forget the Basics
The National is coming up but the truth is that local shows are what most collectors are familiar with. It may sound like fun to organize a show and maybe make a little money but doing it right—and bringing in collectors—isn’t easy in this day and age so this Ramblings will give you an idea of what it’s like so you know a little of what to expect. The first and most … [Read more...]
Rich’s Ramblings: Show Work Must Go On
It’s been fun being in the show promotion business again—even on a small scale and we’re going to continue to let you tag along with our efforts to build and grow a small regional show here in the Dallas area. We’re still on target for our March 9 debut card show at Adat Chaverim in Plano, TX. I met recently with the rest of the Brotherhood (Men's Club) Board and presented … [Read more...]