Card Show Packing Checklist
Never forget anything at a card show again. Select your role — buying, selling, or both — and check off items as you pack. Includes supplies, tech, cash tips, and pro negotiating advice.
What Are You Doing at the Show?
Card Protection & Supplies
Display & Selling Supplies
Tech & Tools
Cash & Payment
Personal Comfort
Pre-Show Prep
Card Show Pro Tips
Walk the entire show once before buying anything. Compare prices across dealers — the same card can vary 30-50% between tables.
Dealers give 5-10% cash discounts because they avoid payment processing fees. Ask "what is the cash price?" on every deal.
Last 1-2 hours of the show, dealers want to avoid packing inventory. Offer 10-20% below asking — many will deal.
Penny sleeves and toploaders at shows cost 2-3x retail. Bring your own to protect purchases immediately.
Give your phone number to dealers who have what you collect. They will text you deals before the next show.
Card show lighting is often poor. Use your loupe and flashlight to inspect corners, edges, and surface before buying raw.
Related Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to a card show?
The essentials are: cash (mostly small bills for deals and change), penny sleeves and toploaders to protect purchases, your phone with a price-checking app like CardVault or eBay, payment apps (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle), a backpack or messenger bag, and a written want list with target prices. If you are selling, add display binders, card storage boxes, price stickers, and a table cloth.
How much cash should I bring to a card show?
For buying, bring your total budget in cash — dealers give 5-10% cash discounts since they avoid processing fees. For a typical show, $200-500 is a good starting budget for mid-range purchases. Bring mostly $20s and $10s with some $1s and $5s. If selling, bring at least $100 in change (mix of $1s, $5s, $10s, $20s).
How early should I arrive at a card show?
Arrive as early as possible — ideally during the "early bird" window if the show offers one. The best deals and rarest cards get scooped in the first hour. Many shows offer early admission for an extra $10-20, which is almost always worth it if you are buying. If you are a seller, arrive 1-2 hours before doors open to set up your table.
Should I bring supplies to a card show?
Yes, absolutely. Penny sleeves, toploaders, and team bags cost 2-3x more at card shows compared to buying them online in bulk. Bring your own to protect purchases immediately after buying. You should also bring a jeweler loupe (10x-30x) to inspect card condition before buying raw cards.
How do I negotiate at a card show?
Start by making a lap — walk the entire show before buying anything to compare prices. The same card can vary 30-50% between tables. Ask "what is your best cash price?" which signals you are ready to buy. Offering 10-20% below asking is standard. Buying multiple cards from one dealer often gets a better group discount. End-of-show (last 1-2 hours) is the best time to negotiate because dealers want to avoid packing inventory.