
This is where scanning the floor becomes crucial. The worst they can say is no, and if they are willing to negotiate, it saves you a few bucks to spend elsewhere. If you find that action figure that you greatly desire but it’s priced a little bit higher than you wish to pay, ask for a lower amount. There are generally good deals to be had at conventions but there are also incredible markups that prey on the impulse nostalgia associated with some of these products and a wary eye is crucial to the success of your collection.įurther, when it comes time to purchase, don’t be afraid to haggle. If you can’t find it for the average amount or cheaper, it is probably better to buy it online. If the guide shows the current active auctions of that figure averaging $95, that should probably be your base price.


The best thing to do is reference a collector's guide, like the one you're reading right here at Cardboard Connection, and scan for prices. In that same mindset, if you find a loose figure for $200, it may be a bit overpriced. If you find the Kenner Batman figure in a pristine box for $5, it’s probably not an original. When it comes to purchasing items such as this, pay attention to the prices. Some will be graded, some will just be in a box, some will be loose, and some will be commemorative repackages from the 1990s.

You’re likely to spot several of them at most comic book conventions in varying conditions. Let’s say you’re in the market for a Kenner Batman Action Figure after reading our guide to collecting Batman. However, don’t purchase anything on your first walk of the floor and take mental (or physical) notes of all the booths you want to shop at on your second pass. A booth selling steampunk-style pocket watches may be of little interest to you until, upon closer inspection, you discover that they have a steampunk Wolverine watch that you absolutely must own. Try to visit every booth, even those not related to your collection, and get a good look at what they’re selling. The best thing an eager collector can do is to be well acquainted with the main floor before spending any money.
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Some of these booths will be selling original, one-of-a-kind artwork alongside vintage collectibles, and others will be giving away free trinkets to promote upcoming releases.
#COMIC BOOK TRADING CARDS HOW TO#
So, how do you use a comic book convention to find the awesome pieces your collection needs? How to Use Comic Conventions to Build Your Collection Scan the FloorĮvery convention will have a main floor with vendors, artists, and promotional teams. With big budget superhero movies bringing in hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars on a regular basis and the television airwaves being flooded by comic book properties, the market has never been bigger for collectibles related to the most beloved characters in pop culture. Once considered “nerd culture,” the areas covered by the average comic convention have spread far beyond the pages of your favorite DC or Marvel book.

This guide will help you to navigate the floor of your next comic-con.
#COMIC BOOK TRADING CARDS MOVIE#
Whether you’re in the market for a top-graded comic book, a vintage action figure, a trading card set, or an authentic piece of movie history, comic book conventions are a great place to grow your collection and track down those hard to find pieces. Though commonly known for entertainment panels and celebrity access, at their core, these conventions are a trade show for collectors of entertainment memorabilia. Thanks to the wildly successful Comic-Con in San Diego, comic and pop culture conventions have been popping up and growing all over the country.
