30 Day Baseball Card Challenge

Friday, September 26, 2014

Card Show Survival Kit

This weekend I've been blessed with the opportunity to attend two card shows.  Tonight there's the GTSM Memorabilia Show at the Santa Clara Convention Center which happens to be right across the street from Levi's Stadium.  There will be a bunch of former and current San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, and Golden State Warriors signing today and tomorrow.  Unfortunately the prices they're charging for autographs are way out of my league.

But that's okay because if things go as planned, I'll be saving my money for the Serramonte Sports Card, Toys, and Collectibles Show.  It's my favorite show of the year, because there's a little bit of everything and there's always at least two guys who have solid dime boxes to dig though.

Hopefully I'll run into Brady... who authors Yadier Molina Baseball Cards.  If I do, it'll be the first time I actually meet a fellow blogger.

Anyways... last weekend he asked his readers the following question...

What should I bring to the show?

I figured I'd answer his question and show off my Card Show/Flea Market Survival Kit:


Let's kick things off with my backpack.  It's your standard two compartment JanSport backpack.  Inside the main compartment, I pack the following:

500ct Box

First up is a 500ct. box with the following: team bags, penny sleeves, a plastic grocery bag, a variety of top loaders, and plastic storage boxes.


I carry a 330ct. box too, just in case I need extra room for dime box purchases.  Within the box, I keep a 100ct. plastic storage box.


I also carry an Ultra Pro magazine sleeve that holds an 8.5" x 11" top loader, a 6" x 9" top loader, and a pair of 5" x 7" top loaders for those oversized purchases.


And just in case I run out of room in my backpack, I carry a reusable grocery bag.  Oh... can't forget my bottle of water.

Inside of the smaller pouch, I carry a bunch of random items like snacks, hand sanitizer, a pen, note pad, more penny sleeves, and some spare change.


Okay... it's time for you guys to chime in.

Any suggestions for my card show survival kit?

Happy Friday and sayonara!

15 comments:

Zippy Zappy said...

Mmmm, Hi-Chews...

Er, I mean, great survival kit man. I don't have any suggestions on what you should bring, but what you should NOT bring is your wallet. Or at least leave your monetary cards at home and don't bring anything bigger than a $20 bill.

Captain Canuck said...

I've been wanting to try Sapporo for awhile... recommendations?

Man said...

I am planning to be there so far as my wife weathers a tough , but I am not much more serious health issue. God willing I will see you there! I love the tips and I appreciate them-I am taking most of the items you suggested. cheers!

Daniel Wilson said...

I don't know why bringing stuff like this to a card show has never crossed my mind. I just rely on the dealers to give me a team bag or a brown lunch sack to carry around my purchases. I guess it also helps that I never really make a ton of purchases. Thanks for the tips! Not sure the next time I'll go to a card show, but the next time I go, I'll definitely be bringing a card show survival kit.

Fuji said...

A. I'm addicted to Hi-Chew
B. Don't worry. I'm on a strict budget this month.

Fuji said...

Unfortunately... I don't drink anymore. With that being said... my dad enjoys Sapporo. In fact, I only have this bag because I bought him a 12 pack when he was in town. And for every 12 pack purchase, you receive one of these bags.

Fuji said...

Only a few more hours to go. Happy shopping and hope to see you there.

Fuji said...

To be honest... this is actually my flea market survival kit. But it functions well as a card show bag too.

JediJeff said...

I think you forgot the sheets of paper that have my want lists printed on them. :)

I pack a far smaller version of what you have. I have a back pack with a couple 500 count boxes in them. Never worry about penny sleeves or anything. Most of the dealers I hit will have the cards in some protection that I don't need to worry about sleeving them up, or they are dime boxes and I am not a stickler on their condition. A snack or two - sure. Just in case. Pen and paper, if I need to quickly save contact info or make notes of something I saw (quicker than typing it into my phone).

unclemoe said...

Pretty sure I've had the same black Jansport backpack for at least 12 years. Ugh now I feel old.

Ana Lu said...

Never forget the money! That is the ultimate thing you cannot forget lol ;)

Fuji said...

Heck... I don't even pack copies of my want lists. Thanks for reminding me.

Fuji said...

Up until last summer, the school I teach at gave their students a Jansport backpack filled with supplies. I have at least six or seven of them sitting in boxes in my garage. I'll be sporting Jansport until the day I die.

Fuji said...

Very true. Although after the first night at the show, I probably shouldn't have brought my whole cardboard budget with me.

Comatoad said...

I also bring a magnifying glass. I may get some hits on having "old eyes," but it sure helps when you're looking at better cards and you want to make sure the edges are good enough. I also usually bring a want list - either for myself or others - and try and fill what I can.