Dealer PRICES at COMIC CONS

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[@6AM_YT]

I miss the days of comic shows where it was at a VFW hall, no one was dressed up, and it cost $3 to get in.

[@paulshores8166]

Those were also the days where I SHOULD have bought FF1 in VF for $1800 and was able to see Action Comics 1 and flip through Captain America Comics 1!!

[@Stickygoose]

Hard to buy with a unicorn horn shoved into your back

[@6AM_YT]

@@Stickygoose don’t kink shame! 🤣

[@danceswithcomicbooks7733]

Well let's admit it us comic book nerds got what we wanted. The movies made our hobby legitimate and popular. Its everything we had dreamed of. Now it's backfired. Tons of people that don't care about the hobby are in it and prices are being skewed because of the movies. Even worse the movies are being over produced now and the quality is going down. They are starting to get clichéd and boring. Basically we got what we wished for and now we are getting what we deserve. Enjoy. Lol

[@shadowman8786]

Comics are a business for dealers, comics are a hobby for collectors. And somewhere in the middle of all that, a deal is done. It's that simple. No one is held at gunpoint.

[@str8swish538]

Mr. Obvious is on the scene with blank man wisdom.

[@peabee4758]

Well said..

[@Stickygoose]

Damn real talk

[@the4deadlyvenoms]

🤣🤣🤣🤣@@str8swish538

[@adventurehouseauctions7730]

There are a ton of dealers who are also collectors. Although I took the attitude that it's hard to be both collector and dealer, but it happens. I know a ton of dealers in the Maryland area. Most of them are straight shooters, and quite honestly if their prices are higher than I'm willing to pay, no sweat...just say no. Nearly all of these friends/dealers don't mark up their books to then "discount" them. Plus my closest dealer friend, hates slabs. If he gets a book that's slabbed, he'll break it out and sell it raw. Why? Because he's been a dealer/collector since the early 70s. When there was no freaking slabs. Kind of ruins the ability to read and look at the art within the book. I'm a huge Steranko fan...and I didn't buy his books to look at the covers, his storytelling and panel layouts are phenomenal. Same goes for Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Gene Colan...all of those great Silver Age artists. Why not buy reprints? Because...it's not the same as the originals. If you can't quickly grade the book yourself...and have to rely on a third party grader...who could very well have screwed up on the grade, then don't buy the book. Buying comics should be for the fun of it...not for the future profit you might realize. This whole deal with buying keys, could very well be nothing more than a scam. Why buy a book because someone you don't care about is within the book and is now a "key" book. I know I'm not preaching to the choir.

[@DiscoveryBayComics]

Anyone new to comics and the Convention scene needs to watch this video

[@Stickygoose]

Really appreciate you saying this

[@jeffstanley6013]

Love the smaller "shows" so much more than the bigger "cons." I do buy at cons but only if it's a decent deal.

[@AnteroMachin-bz6dx]

I’ve seen some great prices at small shows

[@Stickygoose]

Love shows

[@supersteve76]

Ive quit and personally boycotted the San Diego Comic-Con due to the extremely greedy price gouging just to buy a ticket. Nothing left to spend for most people once theyve bought a ticket.

[@ComicFanatic86]

A lot of good points being made in this video. Most dealers are definitely not your friends, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have good deals either way. I do also have dealer friends who give me good deals, but I try to know what I’m looking for. A lot of people gravitate right to the wall books, and chances of getting those for less than FMV is a lot slimmer. But I cant stress enough, dig dig dig through the boxes, $1 bins, $5 bins, etc…there is always value to be had in those boxes at basically every single con/show.

[@Stickygoose]

Don’t have to be friends with them just try to protect your butt

[@TheWhmaxwell]

I've definitely bought at comic cons, I picked up several things that I had on my list at Heroescon, although there were a number of items I didn't pick because of the idiotic prices. For example, I was looking for an Enemy Ace book that sells online for 20 bucks or so, actually found it at a dealer and they had it marked at 70 bucks, the booth was called "Almost Anything" and there was no way I could talk them into a reasonable price so they can have that one and all of their comics. When a dealer does that it sours me from buying anything from them, ever. I wonder if some dealers actually are trying to sell comics or if they want to hang on to them and the booth is just a con to convince their wives that it's a legit business, lol. Thanks for the vid bro

[@AnteroMachin-bz6dx]

They aren’t looking to sell to get money. They are lurking trying to rob someone who doesn’t know better. If they do that they clearly don’t need the money, so they instead are investing there time to rob someone blind

[@brianf695]

Something similar happened to me at the last show I went to. I'm looking for 1 specific book. Uncanny X-men 135. Sells on ebay all day long between $45-80 raw. Only found 1 copy that looked faded. Price was $200. I didn't even bother to try and haggle. On the other hand there was another guy that I bought a few books from who gave me a great deal. More than half off the asking price and just gave me a comic I was planning on putting back. So I guess you get both kinds of dealers at these shows. Ones that want to move books and ones that are hoping to make all there money on 1 buyer

[@Stickygoose]

Heroes con is awesome

[@uglyewok6715]

Dealers have overpaid for their inventory the past few years. Plus fuel, Van/truck cost, hotel, table space…. They have to inflate to cover their overhead.

[@Stickygoose]

That’s their fault not mine

[@wayneweidman1543]

I always get annoyed with the “sale” prices. The last dealer I bought a slab from went to eBay sold listings and priced the book about 10 percent less than the cheapest sold one. I was very happy with the way he priced his slabs.

[@Stickygoose]

For sure

[@mikekennedy9777]

Great advice that I wish I had a year ago. Bought a raw Avengers 4 that looked great for the price of $1200. Submitted it and got a purple label 3.0 CGC. Live and learn.

[@Stickygoose]

Damn that hurts

[@smashcraft1597]

You nailed it on the raw books being priced as graded. Super frustrating.

[@Blacksheepcomics]

You should see this one person in my area. My God. 😂

[@teetoo3790]

Great video. Same things being going on at sports cards shows. Prices marked at 2021 prices. I rather buy online.

[@Stickygoose]

Same here!

[@mestizo3113]

Raw comics should be sold in one of three categories: low grade, mid grade, high grade. Selling a raw book for practically slab price is just flat out greedy. They aren't comic graders and I wouldn't trust their assessment on the possible grade it would get.

[@Stickygoose]

Preach

[@TB-TheGoldenAgeGamer]

Student loan payments resume oct 1 and it was just announce 1 trillion in credit card debt. Fire sales are coming. Save up and gwt ready to bu buy buy

[@Vp-jt3vl]

Very good point, I don't buy anything before checking sold listings lol.

[@Stickygoose]

Exactly!

[@rogueafett190]

I was thinking about getting a booth at the Motor City Comic Con and it was 800 for 3 days, Plus 200 a night hotel room, gas, food.... I would end up breaking even and not not having the books anymore. It's like I would be giving my books away to have a weekend from home hahahah I'm not saying this is why all the prices are inflated but damn it's brutal.

[@collegegamer9983]

i’m going to NYCC for the first time so this is great insight for sure, i’ve been to smaller settings but this will b cool

[@Stickygoose]

Have fun!

[@allthingsdarrelld]

I stopped going to cons several years ago. Why pay $30-$40 just to go in and buy comics??? I can just go to my local shops and dig for free. I could care less about haggling ,FMV, slabs, keys, taxes, either I can afford it or I can't, and if I can't then it stays there.

[@Stickygoose]

Haggling is kind of fun

[@jsa8368]

I always found it sketchy when I see a wall of high dollar comics and then I see a raw hulk 181 or raw giants size XMen at the bottom.

[@aiden8148]

Thankfully I knew about some of these things you brought up before I went to my first couple conventions. My strategy is to establish what I’m looking for and look for fmv for each book, and make deals with those values in mind

[@Stickygoose]

Most people go into it blind and they get ripped off

[@JBBRAD9267]

I've watched this video before. It is a shame it doesn't have hundreds of thousands of views. Very important information

[@Stickygoose]

People don’t like the truth

[@DW3010]

I actually went to a comic expo a couple weeks ago, it cost $20 to get in, and I wound up spending about $400. No regrets at all because everything I bought, I was able to cross reference the price for the going rate of the same books online. To my surprise, every dealer at the expo was charging the exact same price you see online, or in some cases $20-$30 less. For example, I got ASM number 252 slabbed by CGC 8.5, for $175 (CAD) which is less than it’s going for online, plus no tax and no shipping fees obviously. While I agree, there are shady 12:21 dealers out there, I have little doubt, the expo I went to was actually very reasonable. Which genuinely shocked me.

[@pcorey182]

I never buy from a main aisle front-row vendor always looked at their books and admired their selection but I never purchased from them never gave it much thought until you mentioned that their overpriced and the reason they got there in the first place is because they're selling books at way over value make sense glad I never fallen for that try to make a few deals in the past but never got a fair price so never purchased but then in the back of the show with the smaller vendors I've gotten many great deals on Raw copies or even graded key stuff but great advice even a seasoned veteran like can learn something new from your videos😅 thanks for all the work you put into your videos

[@cemorenomoreno3163]

Anybody remembers the Simpspns' Comic Book Guy? Sometimes we become little kids in a candy store and these guys know it. You have to understand they provide a service with an upcharge so they keep existing, but you DO NOT have to buy from them if you don't need to. Keep a cool head and understand they are not your friends, they want your money! As car salesmen do, if you give an inch they will take it, so never split the difference and just walk away, believe me, they will live (And so will you!).

[@DjMines]

I swear dealers are there to not sell things

[@Stickygoose]

You are right

[@davidallen4026]

Whenever I go to cons I do check out the larger dealers, and yes, they tend to have the best conversational skills. That's how they sell the big books!!!

[@Stickygoose]

Chatty Cathy’s

[@mikem3543]

Jeez, it’s gotta be stressful being a value collector. Me? Where the dollar books at!?!?!

[@Stickygoose]

It is

[@scottsummers4707]

Thanks man very informative.

[@jonr269]

So a few of my friends are dealers at con. And people have to remember that for a dealer it’s not 350 for the whole booth. That per table at the con they are at. So those big walls you see full of books with 3-4 tables. That’s literally 350$ per table so they can have those big walls of books for people to look at and find what they are looking for. In regards to pricing, yes there are dealers out there that will price there stuff high cause they think people will still pay Covid prices which there is still the occasionally noob that will cause they have to have that one book without just walking the whole con first to see who has the best price. The ones I know and do business with are pretty straight shooters when it comes to pricing and will make good deals with you. Cause they know how much they have invested in their books and still need to make a profit. But aren’t going to screw you over on a price for a book. If you come to them with GPA price and say this graded books is worth this last 90 day sell. Then that’s what they will sell it for. But there are many dealers who will try and hustle you for a sale. Those are the ones who when you try and say no and they keep beating you up in the price that you need to just walk away from. Cause the dealer next to him or on the next row will have the same book and make you a fair offer. And many of the same dealers go to all the cons in their areas. So after you see them more and talk to them. You make contacts and can actually make even better deals cause they get to know you. So it’s good to network with these people and sometimes they may even call you if there’s a book your after and they happen to find it. But it’s a lot of give and take at these cons. Many aren’t just dealers but collectors as well an have to view it from both a business stand point and a hobby. But just like any hobby there will be sharks who try and ruin it cause all they care about is the $$.

[@maverick7291]

Haggling is almost a necessity at comic cons. Also do your research before going to a seller there, know before hand the value of the comic you want to buy. Also part of me admires comic book owners, it's a hard business. But I'm also very cautious with them as they on occasion try to gauge you .

[@Stickygoose]

If you can’t haggle you will be destroyed

[@bhurt119]

I buy books at conventions all the time. I go in with the mindset of the "con tax." If it is priced at fair market+20-25%, that is a reasonable "tax." I usually see FM+50%, which is beyond what I would be comfortable spending, but if I can haggle down to that FM+20%, I feel better about it. Being able to put hands on the book and actually walk out of a show with it is worth the additional cost imo.

[@dansxmencomics]

I’m a bit more fugal and find it hard to bring myself to pay more than I’ve seen it for sale. That being said I often go home from a con empty handed and feeling like I didn’t get a great experience because of it. Had I spent 20% more I might have enjoyed the con more. I think you got the right attitude going in. For me, I think I’ll just attend for the commodore and if I end up with a book or two I like it’s gravy on top.

[@281sTravel]

20%-25% over FMV...WOW!!!😂😂😂

[@Stickygoose]

That’s fair

[@Papa5murf1]

You think +25% FMV is reasonable? Dude lets meet up and i'll sell u my entire comic collection 🤣🤣🤣

[@sqounk99]

Great information! Also, dealers will add the eBay shipping fees to the price and then give a small discount, saying "If you bought this on eBay you would have to pay shipping so you are getting a great deal." I'm going to the Huntington show on Saturday. Hope to see you there!

[@davidallen4026]

I never buy off ebay so that argument would make me walk away.

[@Stickygoose]

Please stop me and say hello

[@lukeyznaga7627]

the problem here is, A LOT OF DEALERS have youtube channels, and many times they tell us what a good deal is on a comic book or show a comic they got...but its bull. Its not a good deal and I don't care bout doing a business or making a steal or getting "key". I just want to get some good comics to fill my collection and to get stories I enjoy with good covers from various comic publishers. E.G. without naming names, I went to one of these popular youtuber channels where this couple collects comics at cons. WHEN I ASKED HER AND TOLD HER that I found the same comic book that she bought in that video, [ she paid $500 for it! ], I told her I got the comic book in better condition and at a much lower cost. THEN I GOT HELL AND a tough response FROM THEM , the channel's hosts. Wow. I was polite. I asked if they ever shopped for Bronze and Silver AGe. they said that they hunt for popular keys and mostly modern comics - that those older comics are not really popular. REALLY?

[@knp33]

I always run into the issue of not getting good wifi/data service at these places and i'm unable to look up the gpa or going rate of the books im interested in. it makes the whole thing feel like im flying blind and prohibits me from buying. this is a gret video and a great reminder on what to watch out for at cons. good stuff

[@Stickygoose]

Wow that has happened to me too can’t even use PayPal

[@blackswampcomics5098]

Over the past few years I find myself spending time and enjoying artist alley more than the comic booths

[@AnteroMachin-bz6dx]

For bigger cons I agree

[@Stickygoose]

Thanks for watching man

[@manfrombeantown724]

I've recently been watching your channel and I enjoy many of your videos & topics. I find you to be very informative and collect a lot of the same things I do. I have been a collector of high value books for many years now and I agree with many of your points. A lot of good information for the new guys. However, I just attended Terrificon in CT (a large convention) and I have noticed many of the prices on both wall books and keys to be rather fair. I've noticed a big shift in the market. Also, I think that pricing on these types of books is regional. From what I have seen and heard from other sources I trust is a lot of the west coast conventions are much higher priced than the east coast ones. Thanks for the great videos and keep it up

[@toddisraelson4634]

I live on west coast Canada and yes prices are higher here than on the east coast

[@Stickygoose]

Appreciate the support

[@brycewooten1548]

I go to comic con just to have fun sure the prices are outrageous but I honestly have fun seeing some awesome cosplays or the autographs

[@kendallkidd20]

People can buy or sell at a negotiated price, I don’t like people who bash’s other vendors or buyers, if you don’t reach a agreement just move on, no need to be negative it ruins the hobby imo.

[@Stickygoose]

Some dealers trash other dealers it’s kind of pathetic

[@Swamp-Bat]

I know it’s probably overkill but I keep all my books in Mylar just because I love the look so much.

[@Stickygoose]

Too expensive

[@Sammmmmmmm617]

Haven't been to a comic con since before Covid. I'm always scared of getting rip of whenever I do decide to go back 😆

[@Stickygoose]

Where in the heck have you been

[@Sammmmmmmm617]

@@Stickygoose chilling in my house 😆

[@chitzzz1384]

Its expensive because they have to put work on theie items plus transporting it to thw venue plus the rent they pay to sell

[@Stickygoose]

I talked about that

[@thebull3206]

As a long time dealer at all these shows (I don't sell comics) and watching this stuff go on for decades, the thing you have to take into account is the HUGE cost of doing them, in space, in travel, in time, in wages; that cost has to be covered by the customer/sales. The cost of seeing tens of thousands of nice books all at one time to the customer - so you have a giant choice of product - comes at a high price. The buddy/buddy thing I call "Hey, buddy, I'm your buddy" syndrome. Goes on all the time. Dealers do it to other dealers all the time. Many dealers are only a step up from con-men (and crooks) and many were just that in the past - and many fanboys and fangirls are suckers, like every other part of life, people want to use the thing you love to seperate you from your money. Oh, and like everything else under the sun, buy huge collections wholesale, sell off the excess to limit your costs, when you buy retail expect to pay more. That's how all these dealers got into the business in the first place. Business is business. The price on the wall is just a starting price. Most of the dealers are actually good guys who will deal with you fairly, especially if you are a regular customer, they will go out of their way to get you good stuff at fair price to keep you loyal. And in the end, keep in mind, they love the same thing you do.

[@DanSchawbel]

Dealer prices at cons are higher cause buyers are paying for their presence there. It’s like paying a restaurants rent when you buy dinner there.

[@Stickygoose]

Thanks for sticking with me Dan

[@MattMatt77]

There was a dealer at a con that had a book I wanted. So I waited until the con was over and sent a PM and the guy still wanted the same price.

[@Stickygoose]

Lol

[@fuzzy8593]

Paid for an Eddie Nunez TMNT sketch cover of Krang (it’s so cool), and a Kevin Eastman sketch cover, both nice, funny guys. Overpaid for a few books before but that is fine, I always try to have a spending limit for books on my list. The question is, are you willing to pay for that kind of stuff? if yes, it should be a good memory. If it is not a good memory then you might be there for the wrong reasons or have to adjust your impulses and decision making.

[@johncastellana4483]

I'm going to NYCC 2023 soon...I never buy books at a comic con....these dealers are sharks...I buy thru ebay, heritage,comic link etc....u want really good priced books...ebay and comic link auctions generally yield the best prices.

[@JBBRAD9267]

Not gonna lie I have paid 10%-20% more for a book buying from a dealer that I kinda liked

[@Stickygoose]

Same

[@dalemoyers8881]

Great video!! I actually just went to a ComiCon this past weekend and I’m going to another one this weekend. The first one was 1 1/2 hours away from me and medium sized show. I did buy a bunch of comics from several different vendors and I’m happy with my purchase. No wall books or graded books. The Con I’m going to this weekend is 5 hours away and much bigger. I go there every year and it’s always a good time. 😎

[@Stickygoose]

That is awesome!

[@fomoscomicsandpopculture]

I do a lot of window shopping at cons. Never do more than a dollar bin unless there are some Sunday afternoon deals that can’t be passed on.

[@charliedogg7683]

The two annual comic conventions here in Sydney charge $45 and $46.50 just to get in the door and they refuse to answer emails about how many dealers have booked to attend. The quarterly collectors' fairs I go to charge $8 admission and the three large halls are full of friendly comics vendors. It's no contest.

[@Stickygoose]

Shows are the way to go

[@daleamaral5195]

You did it again my friend, a great and honest take on prices for books at these CBCs Thanks.

[@Stickygoose]

My pleasure!

[@mlsmcc30]

I overpayed today, But I talked him down on the price I was comfortable with. I still left happy and took 4 books I always wanted but I never thought I'd get.

[@tikertiker2]

I think cons are better suited for raw books, and not slabbed. This is why I think most of the LCS that I have been to don’t offer much in terms of slabs. Slabs offer a guarantee, and there’s a FMV. Not much money to be made in that for dealers. Where they can make money is the raw books, cause it’s hard to trust a raw book purchase online by looking at pics. Much better when you are there in person. I agree, sellers shouldn’t be selling a “graded” raw book. Should be in a bucket, VG/FN, NM/MNT. The buyer is taking on the risk, unless they are guaranteeing me the grade they called and priced it out, why in the world would I be buying it under their estimated grade.

[@Stickygoose]

It’s hard to evaluate raws on the spot sometimes

[@kevinl1360]

This happens everywhere not just in cons but online people sell raw books priced as slabs honestly… and when you try provide best offer they don’t wanna take more than 5 dollars off 💀💀💀

[@benparkercomics]

Great advice to people who are attending Cons. As the buyer, you have all the power to walk away. Never forget that!

[@Stickygoose]

For sure!

[@robertgagne2388]

I went to Boston Fan Expo this summer and I just about keeled over when i saw the pricing on the comic books, so over priced!!!

[@Stickygoose]

They are going down now

[@MetalBum]

You can definitely negotiate those wall books

[@Stickygoose]

I have many times

[@chaudblaze6284]

I have gone to the Indianapolis comic con before. Not huge but decent. I was personally annoyed by the lack of comics. It seemed like there was more people playing dress up, selling statues, and talking to celebs than actual comics for sale. If I pay that kind of money to go, then i want to be able to go through boxes of comics for an entire weekend, instead I got 6 or 7 nice booths and was done looking the 1st day.

[@psych_mic]

I still love comic books. But I no longer collect. The only ones winning are the comic shops and the grading companies. The shops overcharge, and then the grading companies give low grades. The business is so cutthroat that it takes the fun out of collecting. I will just keep what I have until I find a COLLECTOR who may need what I have. Not to a reseller. I know how frustrating resellers are. They are more interested in ripping someone off, rather than conducting fair business. 40 years of collecting has led me to this conclusion.

[@jacobbornowsky4013]

Great video sticky goose always enjoy the well thought out and articulate content you provide. Actual useful comic channel you have here! Not just Look at these prices!

[@Stickygoose]

Much appreciated!

[@MetalBum]

Good show thanks for sharing your thoughts sticky

[@Stickygoose]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidwarring1572]

Your circuit dealer example highggrade comics, ive bought books over the years from them, any dealer has inventory overpriced and underpriced they dont have time to catch every spec in there inventory you can get good deals in there inventory look for books that are keys but not hot yet.

[@alamocitycollectibles6105]

Another great video my friend. Better to hear from the Collector perspective than the Dealer perspective (ole Snaggletooth). I mostly buy from eBay, IG, and other platforms in lieu of traveling to the big cons. The large cons are a waste of time, travel expenses, $80+ entry fees, sardine can crowded, etc., etc. I'll spend +$700 before I even step foot in a large con (traveling by air to out of state cons). I definitely stay away from the large dealers (main row). They've become museums where you just stand there and look at their books. I'm not joking. By the way, has anyone noticed that the large cons typically have 5-10 comic book dealers? For example, the floor space could be 80,000 to 150,000 SF yet there are only 5-10 dealers? These shows should be called a "Pop Culture Con" in lieu of a "Comic Con" or "What-Ever Palooza Comic Con". I long for the return of the Holiday Inn conference rooms being the venue for the return of local comic cons twice a year. Well, once again, you've kept it honest and very informative. All the best!

[@Stickygoose]

I watched some of that butt kissing that video kind of made me sick

[@jarredsmith9187]

Yep I know what you mean cause I saw AMS#129 CGC 5.0 and he wanted $1,300 cash and wouldn't go down on the price so I passed on it and a week or so later I got AMS#129 CGC for like $800 plus shipping but now I did get a Sandman#1 NM for $100 which was a good deal and some other minor keys but you are right cause you can get better deals off eBay then a comic con.

[@Stickygoose]

Love sandman

[@batdadwholaughs]

Went to NYCC last year with the agenda to buy a big book or two and know what numbers they should be around. The prices I saw were almost 2x on some books. Immediately realized that a Con is not the place to get books you want. Also realized Exclusives should remain minimized, too many exclusives and alot have very questionable "exclusivity".

[@Stickygoose]

I have no desire to go to NYCC

[@CollectorAuctions]

The point about dealers selling at graded prices is a hot topic that I have continued to bring up. Some of the dealers you showed here I have seen in-person and have seen those prices. And to add on to you point as why a dealer wouldn't go ahead and get something graded when they have a lot of high priced graded books is something that I apply to whatnot. There are sellers who either press themselves or get a lot of books graded so why would they sell you that major key raw? Makes me questions the quality.

[@Stickygoose]

Something is wrong with that book if it’s not slabbed a majority of the time

[@dragonball3166]

It depends if your going comic con buy older books not going for celebrities book signings cosplayers you can bet to expect spend over more than 100. Plus dollars but if your going comic con for modern age books just for books then you expect spend under 100. Dollars., I go comic con for celebrities and book signing cosplayers and buy comics., If I look for book at comic con it’s mostly modern age books that are not that expensive to get batman in Barcelona dragon knight I bought 5.00 wasn’t looking for it but it stood out to me., All this stuff you mentioned in video I never experienced this problem vendors on side rows also have almost same as main row vendors I mostly buy art prints modern age comics., Sorry about your bad experience at comic con buying been to 4-6 comic cons I never witnessed experience what you said yes they are not your friends there make profit pay for booth never had I vendor been pushy I never witness ungraded books go for same price as graded books I have bought books where vendor said you buy that book I give you half off for condition it is in or buy that book spend 40 or I can pick up two other books spend 35

[@timscimeca978]

What happened to $5 admission? I would pass on all the hype stuff and just go to a convention with comics.

[@Donttalkbacktoome]

The whole comic book community is gonna hate you for outing all their BS....I love it.

[@Stickygoose]

I’m the biggest troll in the community

[@jortega1381]

Where do you get the frames for your slabs? The ones I have are too thick, and I really like the ones you use.

[@Stickygoose]

Eccframes.com tell them I sent you

[@lukeyznaga7627]

wow, I don't know. I never feel stressed when I shop for comics. Sure, I care about my money, but I am not playing the game of high math and computer apps to get a good deal on a comic book. I have a set limit of what I will pay for that comic book, whether it deserves the price or not. If its too high, I just don't get it or get it at a lower grade if its not too bad. I don't mind haggling, but I don't deal with sharks. The people that I shop from at smaller shows, are reliable, friendly and fair.

[@tybug1]

I like most of your videos, but this one feels very "anti-dealer". I'm both a collector and a dealer- having set up at cons before. It swings both ways- some dealers are shady and try to squeeze every penny out of you- but others are very fair and want to help people get the comics they really want. Some customers are rude and agressive- I've experienced this many times. It just depends on what side of the table you are on. So I think there is a balance to be had here.

[@Stickygoose]

I am anti dealer

[@ozz44755]

Comic Cons are not Comic Cons anymore... With delusional entry ticket costs and uneducated fanfare purchasing... This affects dealer pricing too... Concerning comic books it's regional & local shows only, for me.

[@dansxmencomics]

9:21 great point! If a knowledgeable seller is selling a raw key in high grade you should think “why didn’t they submit this to be graded to maximize their value?”

[@Stickygoose]

It makes me wonder

[@chuckhiggins7666]

Great advice... heading to Fans Expo in Chicago this week.

[@Stickygoose]

Good luck

[@horrorfreak5047]

If the books are over price then don’t buy them. You should have a good understanding of prices on big books if you’re going to buy them.

[@Stickygoose]

True

[@vintiquesokc]

As a reseller for 10+ years between video games, comics, sports cards, and non sports cards videos like this make me sick. To generalize every seller as just out to get in your pocket is just wrong. I have several customers that I consider friends that I only see once a year or even less. Caveat Emptor - we live in a society driven by money there will be greedy people on both sides of the table, some dealers want to overcharge, some customers want to buy for pennies on the dollar and some customers aren't customers at all they are just thieves. If you don't enjoy going to comic cons then don't go. I could sell all my stuff at my antique mall booth, but I love the personal interaction I get with the people who love the stuff I am selling, that only comes from conventions.

[@Stickygoose]

There are exceptions to every rule

[@vintiquesokc]

There is also something to be said for being able to hold a book in your hands before purchasing. I see far more stories out there about someone who bought a book online only for it to show up in lesser condition than expected.@@Stickygoose

[@staciashworth6717]

The Huntington show is my local con! I’m only a couple minutes away. See you there!

[@281sTravel]

You been to The Inner Geek shop then. The one in Ashland is much better.

[@staciashworth6717]

@@281sTravel never gone to that one I might go there Sunday though

[@281sTravel]

@staciashworth6717 ...If your going there may as well hit the other Comic Shop the next block over. Lol

[@staciashworth6717]

@@281sTravel alright thanks!

[@Stickygoose]

Please stop me and say hello

[@rjgiddings]

I always walk in the door with a grail in mind - and have already made a buy price in my head. If I see it for that price at their booth, I still negotiate. To walk in the door - with no general idea at what I'm comfortable in paying for that book in that grade - makes you a sucker straight away. Anything else is a fools errand.

[@veggieeats1160]

Good advice… I need to work on my Comic-Con strategy and organization

[@Stickygoose]

Appreciate that

[@nelsonrodriguez5451]

Dealer books are high because they bought high. Just ask if there is room on this book and give them an offer. Just don't get upset if they say no. On a $100 book if it drops $15 no big, on a bigger $ book, have to ask lower price because you don't want to pay $7,000 on a book and see it drop $1,500 ouch.

[@Stickygoose]

But it’s not my problem they overpaid

[@nelsonrodriguez5451]

@@Stickygoose That is true. You can ask but don't get upset if they say no to you. If they pay high its their problem. They shouldn't make the problem worst by selling at a loss which is a bigger problem. Would you?

[@dakota11445]

Went to one local show and a guy priced all his wall raw books by graded prices was ridiculous and thought I was joking when I offered him the actual raw prices 😂

[@Stickygoose]

It really is a joke

[@Marcus_F]

I don't really understand the cynicism to be honest. From an economic perspective, going to a con isn't much different than going to a farmer's market. They've got product+overhead+business acumen and they combine that to come up with a price point (some grossly miscalculate one or all of those factors). Some are better than others, but to paint the whole experience as some kind of scuzz laden land of con-men is pretty unfair. You're certainly entitled to your perspective here, but looking to maximize profit doesn't need to be painted as a criminal enterprise. If you've ever gone to a casino, you'll see high-end luxury items for sale everywhere because: sudden wealth + euphoria + booze = Sales. People go to cons for an experience, and dealers know that people might want some instant gratification. So what. The real message here should be: Know what you're willing to pay for a book before you buy it; whether you do the research ahead of time, or at the show. But getting pissed at the dealers for adding a premium for known factors that influence sales is like being pissed at a mazda dealership for adding a premium to a miata in July because they know convertibles do better in the summer.

[@JC-dg6vo]

I go to only one or two a year. I catch up with folks I know, and we look at books. I did take the tween and teenagers this year to Heroes... They bought books and like comics.

[@Stickygoose]

Love heroes

[@supersteve76]

Comic book dealers are just like the gold and silver bullion sites with spot and premiums. When the spot is "too low" for the dealers taste then they jack up the premium. Even if I NEEDED an issue bad enough, Id never cave to a price gouger. Its also why I quit buying bullion. Premium is arrogance. Only jewelers and original creators of art pieces are 'entitled' to a premium. Arrogance otherwise.

[@restonslaststand9946]

Great topic! When I see a con vendor selling books that start at $100, I immediately move on. The rest of his books will only be more expensive and not worth your haggling time. You will ALWAYS find another booth selling the same book for less. One great vendor experience I had was looking through short boxes and finding a few one off books I either never seen/owned before and liked, or they weren't mainstream popular books. The prices were very reasonable $3-$5. I was ready to pay what the prices were marked because they were cool to me, in great shape, and not something that was "flippable". The guy added them up, and commented he was a fan of one artist, I agreed, then he gave me a $10 discount off the total price. He was genuinely nice guy. So there are some good vendors out there, the key is to talk to them, and take the time to look through all the booths at any con. I only buy raw books, when you're going to buy raw books anywhere, always ask to take the books out of the bag and board, and examine the ENTIRE book yourself. It's the only way to know exactly what you're buying. If the shop or vendor won't let you open it, or open it for you, walk away from that rip-off.

[@Stickygoose]

Sometimes it’s hard to spot things on show room floor

[@Brosup23491]

Great video and solid advice, thanks!

[@Stickygoose]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lukeyznaga7627]

Last comment. I am sorry,but the comic book shops I got to don't treat me like I am NOT their friends. they are good people. I understand what you are saying about dealers at big cons, but come on...don't try to portray all dealers or comic book shop stores as the same mentality as these big comic con dealers.

[@Stickygoose]

Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it

[@ccculture9681]

Overpaying can sometimes be the serious collectors' main experience

[@Stickygoose]

Correct

[@jvanek8512]

08:24 that's true of any business.

[@WhiteArtsMagic]

$300 is a lot of money when you are dropping thousands on your collection?

[@Stickygoose]

“I still look at 50 dollars like it’s a hundred bands” - Tee Grizzly

[@angelvalle9963]

They are called cons for a reason 😂

[@Stickygoose]

For sure

[@spinnerrackstudios]

I don't go to many shows, but when I do I understand that I will likely have to pay a bit of a premium for books to offset the dealers' expenses. The positive for me is I get to see the book in person as you mention, along with potentially having multiple copies to choose from. And of course, the instant gratification of walking out the door with some books. I fully agree with your comments on dealers wanting GPA price for raw books. To any dealers out there, if you think a book is an 8.0 and you want CGC 8.0 prices, then send it in to CGC. Also, I would add to your comments, on expensive raw books, don't be embarrassed to ask the dealer to take the book out of the mylar for examination. If they don't want to -- walk away.

[@Stickygoose]

You have to be able to walk away

[@jesselynch1928]

Ouch!!!! SG I think You were a bit hard on the dealers. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed today? Go have some coffee man. 😊. Still love the videos.

[@pauly237]

Hard on them? Them not wanting to come down from 2022 highs is not being hard on us right?

[@jesselynch1928]

@@pauly237 yeah I don’t know man. There could be a lot of good reasons. What they paid for them. Difficulty in replacing issues. Cost of doing business. Or maybe they just had a lousy breakfast and are grumpy. I know when I have a good breakfast I am happy and I have happier prices. But I never really get the kinds of books that are wall worthy.

[@Stickygoose]

I’m anti dealer

[@jesselynch1928]

@@Stickygoose wait a second you set up at shows. That makes you a dealer

[@phantasmcomics3165]

These are some extreme generalizations and not true for all dealers. I feel it's unnecessary negativity and divides the community (although you'd probably say dealers aren't part of the community). The US VS THEM language is something I actively work against as a dealer. If you're watching this, please remember this is not a blanket statement that applies to all shows, shops or dealers.

[@Stickygoose]

When I go to a show and books are priced 2x fair market value it is US vs THEM

[@phantasmcomics3165]

@Stickygoose ok, well, maybe call out vendors that you encounter and shows you go to...it's not across the board. There are great dealers and shitty dealers all over, we're not all price guagers!!!

[@Stickygoose]

Watch my latest video I call them like I see them

[@emillan01]

Bro Awesome Video!!!

[@Stickygoose]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ronaldbourgeois1255]

I’m going to fan expo in Toronto in a few weeks just planning to get some bronze Captain America fantastic four and Avengers.

[@Stickygoose]

Sounds like a solid plan

[@jameshoward3527]

Great show thanks

[@Stickygoose]

Thank you for watching

[@buraddorun3043]

Raw books absolutely should be selling for graded prices, assuming YOU, the buyer, inspect the book and note the grade. CGC is not the be all end all of comic book grading. I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars more for a book just because it's in a plastic slab with a number on it. I buy books for the books, not the plastic casing some put around it. But yes, I understand the restoration scare for some. I'm just saying that not all sellers worth their salt have to grade their books through CGC.

[@Stickygoose]

I don’t think many are worth any salt

[@lukeyznaga7627]

ref. 5:00 to 6:29 of your video. Nothing personal, but man, IF i HAVE TO GET TO THAT POINT in my feelings, "gameplan" or attitude, then I DON'T EVEN BOTHER to show up at big con. Forget that. Its not worth it. I don't feel sorry for the dealers. I don't care how both parties [ dealer, buyer ] are stressed or "need" to buy comics. If I have to expect them to be a competitor or enemy or like used car dealer, forget it!

[@lostcanyon777]

Are you concerned at all about your "wall books" getting sun/light fading sitting out on display like that?

[@Stickygoose]

nope they are in a basement devoid of light and hope

[@lostcanyon777]

LOL, gotcha! :)@@Stickygoose