Card show
A card show is a gathering at a venue such as a hotel ballroom or a community center, where dealers and collectors buy, sell and trade cards. Some shows also take cards for grading on the spot.
In more detail
Dealers set up tables, collectors bring cards to sell and swap, and prices are negotiated in person. A small show can be a trade night with around ten tables in a community center, and a large one can fill a convention hall with more than 200.
Come with comps for the cards you want, so you know what a fair price looks like, and look closely at a card before you pay. Raw cards are easy to inspect in hand, which is an advantage over buying from photos.
Some grading companies attend shows. CGC's fees page mentions On-Site Grading and says membership grading credits can be used for it, which lets you submit at a show instead of by mail. Check the show's listing for which companies are there and what they offer.
Related terms
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