AT THE NATIONAL: VIP packages sell out

By Susan Lulgjuraj | Beckett Sports Card Monthly Editor

For the first time in the 33 years of the National Sports Collectors Convention the Super VIP and VIP packages have sold out, said NSCC organizer Mike Berkus on Friday.

Part of the reason is the special giveaways only available to VIPs, which includes promos cards and free autographs.

“Our customers are very loyal,” Berkus said. “If you look at other elite programs around the country they reward their customers. It’s OK to sell out.”

Berkus said future VIP passes could be just as valuable since customers have really shown a liking to getting them.

One of the most popular items in the VIP Package was the E98 promo cards, but there is still much more to be had in the packages. These exclusive cards can only be had in the package or the secondary market – and sometimes that even includes right on the show floor.

Dave and Adam’s Card World is giving away a VIP pass and package for anyone who spends more than $500 on a case at its booth. By Friday afternoon, they had given away about eight packages, however, the E98 cards were not included because they didn’t get any, a spokesperson said.

One of the other advantages to the pass is collectors get on the show floor earlier than those with general admission tickets.

That means collectors likely get a spot on the Topps line to get the popular Bowman Platinum giveaway.

Susan Lulgjuraj is the editor of Beckett Sports Card Monthly magazine. You can email Susan here with ideas, comments and questions. Follow her on Twitter here.