Rules, regulations, and guidelines for dealers wishing to set up at any WSSCA
convention can be found here.
"Why did you cancel the Winter Conventions?"
The reasons were plentiful, but the main ones had to do with venue administrative problems
and a dwindling interest from dealers not wanting to haul their cardboard treasures in the rain :)
We're excited that this will allow us to put more resources and energy into our flagship Convention
every June!
"Do you guys buy collections?"
This is the single most common question we get. As a club, no, we do not buy collections.
However if you have a collection you'd like to sell, no matter what the size, send us a detailed
list of players/teams/sports and quantities and we will send it out to members who might
be interested. Another option is to bring your items to our next convention and you
can shop them around to the different dealers.
"What's the difference between your conventions and your shows?"
Absolutely nothing. The words are used synonymously.
"Are you the same group that use to do the shows at the Seattle Center?"
Yes! From 1973 through 2006, the Washington State Sports Collectors Association
held their Annual Conventions, primarily at the Seattle Center.
"So why did you move to Shoreline?"
The decision was made to move to Meridian Park Elementary School in June of 2007.
The primary reason was free and readily, accessible parking for our customers and dealers.
Just minutes off of Interstate 5, Exit 176, the School is easy to find and sits at a major
intersection, 175th and Meridian Avenue North. Another major consideration was the
reduction in operating expenses. We have been able to pass these savings along to both
our customers, and dealers, in the way of lower admission and table fees.
"Are there any plans to move the shows to a different, larger location?"
At this point, no. As mentioned earlier, a lot of time, thought, effort and discussion was behind
our moving to Meridian Park Elementary School. The six major considerations, in picking a
site, for our Conventions were, and continue to be: 1. Site availability - can we get the dates
we want?; 2. Cost; 3. Location; 4. Free, ample and accessible parking; 5. Easy accessibility
for our Dealers and Customers; 6. Facility staff, and management, that are easy to work with.
It is no secret that the Hobby, and our Conventions, have been drastically downsized over the
past years. The location of our events adequately answers a resounding yes! to all of the
major considerations. The size of the room easily handles the current demand for Dealer
tables. It is very "user friendly."
"How do you determine when the conventions are held?"
Since 2000, the Summer Convention has been held the weekend after Memorial Day.
"Why don't your shows have autograph guests anymore?"
Unfortunately, most autograph guests have priced themselves out of our range. Another problem
was scheduling them and the additional work needed to coordinate their appearance. Since 2000,
we have decided to concentrate our efforts on putting on a Show that features the BEST in Sports
Cards and Memorabilia, while being affordable to our Dealers and Customers. We were lucky
enough to obtain the services of Golden Tate, Seattle Seahawks rookie receiver, for our 2010
Summer show.
"So what's the deal with the merchandise gift certificates?
This is just one of the ways that WSSCA gives back to it's customers and dealers for their loyalty.
Instead of spending this money on autograph guests and/or additional print advertising, we have
decided to put this money back into "circulation." Besides, everyone likes to win something!
"Why do you charge an admission fee?"
Because of increased operating costs, our Admission fee is now $5 for the weekend, with Children under 12
years of age, free. Although a small part of our Operating Income, we do have expenses that need
to be offset. We operate our Conventions on a "Break Even" budget. Major expenses include:
Advertising, a direct mailing of 500 post cards, our lunch service, room and equipment rental and security. This
low fee acts as a "gate keeper" in helping to make sure that our Convention room is filled with those
people that truly want to be there.
"Are you the same group that puts on the monthly school shows at Shoreline?"
No, those shows are promoted and run by Ron Oakden, of Twin Oaks Shows. Ron is a long-time,
respected member of the Washington State Sports Collectors Association. He contracts with us to
provide equipment and security for our two Shows. In addition, he and his wife Donna, are in charge
of providing food and snacks at our Conventions. Don't miss out on her chocolate chip cookies!
Ron also runs the shows at the Factoria Mall, The Outlet Collection in Auburn, Cedar Hills Crossing
Mall in Beaverton, Oregon and Mall 205 in E. Portland, Oregon.
"Can I bring items to sell at the convention?"
Yes, within certain guidelines. Many of our Dealers look forward to potentially purchasing what we
call "walk-in" material. For the price of admission, you are welcome to bring your Sports Cards and
Collectibles, and show them to the Dealers who will be set up. Our Dealers are independent
contractors who have paid for the right to set up at our Show and buy, sell and trade. You are
NOT allowed to solicit other customers in an attempt to sell your items. If You are caught doing so
you will be asked to leave the premises.
"I hear there's nothing but "old stuff" at your conventions?"
Wrong!!! We will have a number of tables full of the latest sports cards products. Although our
reputation has long been built on vintage material, we pride ourselves in providing a great mix of
both old and new items. Because we limit our Dealer's table content to nothing but Sports Cards
and Collectibles, you won't have to wade through Beanie Babies, Pokemon, Magic Cards, Coins
or Comic Books. (For a complete, up-to-date listing of the Dealers that will be setting up, and what
they will be bringing and looking to buy, see Dealer Profiles.)
"Will there be any professional graders or appraisers at your show?"
None are scheduled at this time.
"Are there any tables available for your next show?"
Normally, all 43 eight-foot tables are sold well in advance of the conventions. Because of the
popularity and reputation of our shows, getting a table is tough, but not impossible. Some of our
dealers have been setting up with us for well over 25 years! For information on table availability for
the upcoming Winter Show, or future Shows, email us or contact Andrew Jerome at: 206.914.1614.
convention can be found here.
"Why did you cancel the Winter Conventions?"
The reasons were plentiful, but the main ones had to do with venue administrative problems
and a dwindling interest from dealers not wanting to haul their cardboard treasures in the rain :)
We're excited that this will allow us to put more resources and energy into our flagship Convention
every June!
"Do you guys buy collections?"
This is the single most common question we get. As a club, no, we do not buy collections.
However if you have a collection you'd like to sell, no matter what the size, send us a detailed
list of players/teams/sports and quantities and we will send it out to members who might
be interested. Another option is to bring your items to our next convention and you
can shop them around to the different dealers.
"What's the difference between your conventions and your shows?"
Absolutely nothing. The words are used synonymously.
"Are you the same group that use to do the shows at the Seattle Center?"
Yes! From 1973 through 2006, the Washington State Sports Collectors Association
held their Annual Conventions, primarily at the Seattle Center.
"So why did you move to Shoreline?"
The decision was made to move to Meridian Park Elementary School in June of 2007.
The primary reason was free and readily, accessible parking for our customers and dealers.
Just minutes off of Interstate 5, Exit 176, the School is easy to find and sits at a major
intersection, 175th and Meridian Avenue North. Another major consideration was the
reduction in operating expenses. We have been able to pass these savings along to both
our customers, and dealers, in the way of lower admission and table fees.
"Are there any plans to move the shows to a different, larger location?"
At this point, no. As mentioned earlier, a lot of time, thought, effort and discussion was behind
our moving to Meridian Park Elementary School. The six major considerations, in picking a
site, for our Conventions were, and continue to be: 1. Site availability - can we get the dates
we want?; 2. Cost; 3. Location; 4. Free, ample and accessible parking; 5. Easy accessibility
for our Dealers and Customers; 6. Facility staff, and management, that are easy to work with.
It is no secret that the Hobby, and our Conventions, have been drastically downsized over the
past years. The location of our events adequately answers a resounding yes! to all of the
major considerations. The size of the room easily handles the current demand for Dealer
tables. It is very "user friendly."
"How do you determine when the conventions are held?"
Since 2000, the Summer Convention has been held the weekend after Memorial Day.
"Why don't your shows have autograph guests anymore?"
Unfortunately, most autograph guests have priced themselves out of our range. Another problem
was scheduling them and the additional work needed to coordinate their appearance. Since 2000,
we have decided to concentrate our efforts on putting on a Show that features the BEST in Sports
Cards and Memorabilia, while being affordable to our Dealers and Customers. We were lucky
enough to obtain the services of Golden Tate, Seattle Seahawks rookie receiver, for our 2010
Summer show.
"So what's the deal with the merchandise gift certificates?
This is just one of the ways that WSSCA gives back to it's customers and dealers for their loyalty.
Instead of spending this money on autograph guests and/or additional print advertising, we have
decided to put this money back into "circulation." Besides, everyone likes to win something!
"Why do you charge an admission fee?"
Because of increased operating costs, our Admission fee is now $5 for the weekend, with Children under 12
years of age, free. Although a small part of our Operating Income, we do have expenses that need
to be offset. We operate our Conventions on a "Break Even" budget. Major expenses include:
Advertising, a direct mailing of 500 post cards, our lunch service, room and equipment rental and security. This
low fee acts as a "gate keeper" in helping to make sure that our Convention room is filled with those
people that truly want to be there.
"Are you the same group that puts on the monthly school shows at Shoreline?"
No, those shows are promoted and run by Ron Oakden, of Twin Oaks Shows. Ron is a long-time,
respected member of the Washington State Sports Collectors Association. He contracts with us to
provide equipment and security for our two Shows. In addition, he and his wife Donna, are in charge
of providing food and snacks at our Conventions. Don't miss out on her chocolate chip cookies!
Ron also runs the shows at the Factoria Mall, The Outlet Collection in Auburn, Cedar Hills Crossing
Mall in Beaverton, Oregon and Mall 205 in E. Portland, Oregon.
"Can I bring items to sell at the convention?"
Yes, within certain guidelines. Many of our Dealers look forward to potentially purchasing what we
call "walk-in" material. For the price of admission, you are welcome to bring your Sports Cards and
Collectibles, and show them to the Dealers who will be set up. Our Dealers are independent
contractors who have paid for the right to set up at our Show and buy, sell and trade. You are
NOT allowed to solicit other customers in an attempt to sell your items. If You are caught doing so
you will be asked to leave the premises.
"I hear there's nothing but "old stuff" at your conventions?"
Wrong!!! We will have a number of tables full of the latest sports cards products. Although our
reputation has long been built on vintage material, we pride ourselves in providing a great mix of
both old and new items. Because we limit our Dealer's table content to nothing but Sports Cards
and Collectibles, you won't have to wade through Beanie Babies, Pokemon, Magic Cards, Coins
or Comic Books. (For a complete, up-to-date listing of the Dealers that will be setting up, and what
they will be bringing and looking to buy, see Dealer Profiles.)
"Will there be any professional graders or appraisers at your show?"
None are scheduled at this time.
"Are there any tables available for your next show?"
Normally, all 43 eight-foot tables are sold well in advance of the conventions. Because of the
popularity and reputation of our shows, getting a table is tough, but not impossible. Some of our
dealers have been setting up with us for well over 25 years! For information on table availability for
the upcoming Winter Show, or future Shows, email us or contact Andrew Jerome at: 206.914.1614.