Robbery at Card Shows: What Nobody Wants to Say Out Loud
✍ The Collector’s Crossroads
by Brews & Breaks
Card shows are supposed to be about community, deals, and grails, not paranoia about getting mugged in the parking lot. But with robberies making headlines, it’s time to ask the tough question: are shows doing enough to keep us safe, or are we all just walking ATMs with Zion cases?
Sticker Shock Meets Street Shock
We already grumble about $120 sticker prices on $90 comps. But the new gut-punch is outside the venue—dealers getting followed, collectors getting jumped. When shows feel like pawn shops and dark alleys, no wonder trust is cracking.
The Dealer Math Nobody Talks About
Dealers justify markups with table fees, travel, grading costs. Fine. But when the same show won’t invest in proper security, the math flips back on the collector:
Overpriced cards inside
Under-protected dealers outside
That equation doesn’t add up.
Why This Hurts the Hobby
Collectors Feel Unsafe – If you’re worried about being mugged, you’re not thinking about ripping packs.
Dealers Bleed Inventory – A six-figure Zion case isn’t just heavy, it’s a neon sign that says “rob me.”
Community Fractures – Newcomers walk into this chaos and think, “Yeah, no thanks.”
How We Fix It
Security First – Hire armed police or licensed guards at entry/exit points. Even a slight bump in table or entry fees could fund real security. If dealers are paying $400 a table, they deserve more than a volunteer with a walkie-talkie.
Smart Departures – Encourage vendors to leave in groups. Or get creative, take an Uber or rideshare from the show entrance to where you parked. Not glamorous, but safer than playing “spot the target” in a dark garage.
Insurance Matters – General liability policies with inland marine riders are cheap compared to the risk. One PSA 10 Griffey rookie covers years of peace of mind.
Transparency from Organizers – Publish what safety steps are in place. If shows are charging premium fees, collectors deserve premium protection.
Final Sip
We can live with sticker shock. What we can’t live with is the risk of ending the day in the ER. Card shows should be a celebration of the hobby, not a crime blotter entry. Pay a little more up front, secure the exits, and give collectors a reason to keep coming back.
Until next time, keep sippin’ and rippin’. ☕🔥
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