Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Has anyone ever set up a card show, Need some tips

[sasports]

I have had several locals ask me to set up a card show. I would love to and have wanted to for some time! But I have never hosted one. How would I go about setting up and advertising? What would be the cheapest option as far as location that will still provide a good environment? Any help would be appreciated

[aceecards]

take a helper.. Rachel will work

did over a 100 shows.

best to have some newly released wax besides singles

have clear concise pricing

have stuff sorted to a buyers thought process

[aceecards]

hosting is a whole different world.

you have
ins cost,
security
table and chair rental
hall cost

show promotion

guest signers

Truly One big headache!

[road_runner_1964]

I did tons back in the day.

Go to a local show and just observe. Don't get wrapped up in the cards, truly observe and see what is working and what doesn't.

Price your cards to sell, if you intend to sell. I would always outsell the "shops" or "dealers".

I bought storage boxes or other supplies in bulk and sold at a profit, which attracted people to my table.

Good Luck

[5toosweet]

Let me know if ya need any tips. I currently promote shows in my area. Have been the past several years.

[northicehero99]

Shows can be advertised in Beckett for free. A couple of guys I know have a show in a church hall a few times a year, they don't make any money and it has gotten pretty good traffic for being advertised. They also put signs on streets near the show and advertised in the local pennysaver / craigslist, I beleive.

[sasports]

Thanks! The biggest problem here is the nearest shop (besides the one Im trying to get opened) is about 3 hours away, the nearest shows are about 4 hours. Last time I saw a show near hear was about 4 years ago I am looking to host a small show with a bunch of guys and we are all going to split the costs. They will mostly be doing singles, while I have mostly have boxes, packs, and supplies

[captkirk42]

So you need to find the location for the show? Just tossing some ideas out that come to mind. I haven't seen card shows at some of these places but that doesn't mean they can't be there. Check with local hotels to see what their rates are for renting their convention/party rooms. Or D'oh check at venues that usually host wedding receptions/parties. Check with the local Public school system to see if they lease out all purpose rooms, gyms or auditoriums to community "non school" events. Some school systems do, but it could be pretty expensive. I have done community theatre and sometimes the groups have operated out of local schools but the rents are expensive and some school systems include in the rental fee $x for the number of doors in the school that need to be accessed in addition to the actual room(s) being used. Hmmm any Vets Halls or possibly churches, synagogues around? Or the community center/hall of a housing community. Some townhome/apartment communities have community centers you can rent for a day. You usually have to be a resident of the community to host.

[5toosweet]

What I did was attend nearby shows and talked to all the dealers and let them know I am setting up a show. You never know, your show might be a shorter drive for some of the dealers. You could also get to know several dealers who do multiple shows a month and have them help spread the word. In my area, we(show promoters) try to help each other out by spreading the word of other shows and trying not to schedule shows on the same dates.