maibock #1 Posted March 8, 2003 This will be my first Philly classic(or any video game convention for that matter) and I'm not quite sure what to expect.. I'm planning on bringing a ton of cash to buy all sorts of games and maybe a console or two. I was thinking perhaps briskly going through each table to get an idea of pricing and what's out there and then going back and seeing who has the best deals.. I'll have my 2 sons with me, so I'm not quite sure how that will play out.. Are the pricing for carts and consoles pretty much uniform through out the show? or do I need to shop around? Will there be auctions? Is it frowned upon to try to negotiate a better price? Not quite sure of the ettiquette. Thanks in advance, and I certainly can't wait for the show.. Any things not to miss out on? Any buying tips? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xot #2 Posted March 8, 2003 This will be my first Philly classic(or any video game convention for that matter) and I'm not quite sure what to expect.. I'm planning on bringing a ton of cash to buy all sorts of games and maybe a console or two. I was thinking perhaps briskly going through each table to get an idea of pricing and what's out there and then going back and seeing who has the best deals.. I'll have my 2 sons with me, so I'm not quite sure how that will play out.. Are the pricing for carts and consoles pretty much uniform through out the show? or do I need to shop around? Will there be auctions? Is it frowned upon to try to negotiate a better price? Not quite sure of the ettiquette. Thanks in advance, and I certainly can't wait for the show.. Any things not to miss out on? Any buying tips? In all honesty, if you see it and you THINK you want it, buy it QUICKLY. I tried to do some comparison shopping and often returned to find the game I wanted GONE. You can expect to pay fair prices - no $1 Chuckwagons but no $5 Combats either. As far as etiquette, it's more or less like a clean, friendly flea market, I'd say. Haggling's been cool with everyone I've met. There will be an auction as well and this year all the items will be pre-registered so you can have an idea of what will be offered before the auction begins. I guess I'll see you there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StanJr #3 Posted March 8, 2003 The two most important times at the show are Friday night, and Sunday afternoon. 90% of the good stuff will be long gone by Saturday morning (your HERO's, and other sought after games), so if you are REALLY after something, Friday night is the time to shop. Not saying you CAN'T get it Saturday, but your chances will be significantly reduced. When the show winds down Sunday, a LOT of vendors are NOT going to want to pack a lot of stuff up and cart it back home. You can score tons of deals and even free stuff. If you can hang around for the end of the show, it will be worth your while. In general, shopping is great at Philly. Prices range from fair to stupid, but you will have a variety of booths to chose from, and TONS of carts to pick through. My advice is if you see something you want at a price you will or even "might" pay, go ahead and get it. It may not be there by the time you get back. Philly is a big place and if you spend too much time looking to find a price 4 or 5 dollars cheaper, the thing you wanted will have already sold (more often than not). Happy shopping, and see you there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATARIPITBULL #4 Posted March 8, 2003 Just have an Idea of what games you want to buy, then go after the games you need, but also buy the games that were not on your list, like last year I went with the idea of buying Bugs Bunny and Polo, which I did, but I also left with a shit load of game that were not on my list and if anyone gets in your way, then show no mercy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Siegler #5 Posted March 8, 2003 And wait out the people who spend all their money before the auction. A bunch of people are tapped out and a deal or two could be had. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MattG/Snyper2099 #6 Posted March 8, 2003 I will have lots of games to choose from and my good friend Bill will be there with lots of games too. I really am looking to sell my Virtual Boy KIOSK at the show. If you're at all interested, please send me an email. *Chough, cheap plug, chough, cough!* Don't mean to seem crazy here but I know between the two of us, Bill and myself have way over 1000 carts to unload at the show. Everything ranging from dirt common games for $1 or less to extremely rare games for $100 or trade only. Most classic systems will be represented at our 2 tables. 2600,7800,NES,TG-16,vectrex,ect,ect. We have 20 collecting years between the two of us so we just hope to walk away from the show with a couple games we don't have in our collections. I also really want 4 particular homebrew items as well. These are some of my goals for the Phillyclassic show this year. I was such a "virgin" last year and didn't know what to expect. I was blown off my ass last year! This year I am much more prepared for the eminant chaos. I wanted to mention that last year I did have some really good trades and a couple great purchases on Saturday. So, don't get all bumed out if you can't make it Friday night. MattG. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MegaManFan #7 Posted March 8, 2003 I think my purchasing power is going to be SLIGHTLY tapped this year.. (see Off-Topic) so I'll probably be investing in homebrew carts and shying away from big ticket rarities, unless somebody has a Chase the Chuckwagon for under a hundred (even that will take some thought). Mostly I'll be looking for good deals on Atari games rated 4-7 I don't already own, and good deals on ANY Intellivision games I don't own. I came home with a lot of very nice condition boxed and complete games at the Expo last year without spending tons of cash (a lot of shrinkwrapped ones for only $5 apiece) and I hope that happens again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scooterb23 #8 Posted March 8, 2003 Have a list of things you want, and how much total you can afford to spend and STICK TO IT!!!! I went to Cinciclassic this past year with a list of 5 major items, and a total of $200 to spend total...that was because I only had $308 in the bank... I went home with 3-4 bags full of games and books, and $8 left in the bank (I had just gotten paid...try making $8 last for 2 full weeks!!!!). In fact, at the very end of the show, I had $3 in my wallet, and I had a crucial decision...save the $3 for gas money for my car, (Which I desperately needed) or try and talk the price down on a Donkey Kong Card game...guess what I did!!! I actually had to borrow $1 so I could get a Mountain Dew to drink on the way home!! Let my tale be a warning... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StanJr #9 Posted March 8, 2003 scooter! My man! Rock on! So how much are you bringing this year? Oh, one other tip, buy all the vintage stuff first. The Homebrew stuff, especially from AA, is usually plentiful and you can get it at any time! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SS #10 Posted March 8, 2003 (I had just gotten paid...try making $8 last for 2 full weeks!!!!) ... Let my tale be a warning... I'm planning to invite myself over to my parent's house for dinner the week following the classic! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CPUWIZ #11 Posted March 8, 2003 Simple, buy one of each new release. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MegaManFan #12 Posted March 8, 2003 I'm planning to invite myself over to my parent's house for dinner the week following the classic! I'll be eating bologna sandwiches after the Classic. *looks at tax bill* What am I saying? I'll be eating bologna sandwiches NOW! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scooterb23 #13 Posted March 8, 2003 I wish I could get to Philly this year...of course, I only have $10 right now... Stan, I have my list for Cincy made already...I want to buy... an Atari Lynx, and a small stack of 5 or so games... a NEO GEO with League Bowling and Baseball Stars (the two games I reaaaaalllly want...) other than that, who knows :)...I figure I should start saving now though... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StanJr #14 Posted March 8, 2003 If you get ahold of a Lynx, let me know, I know where I can scrounge up some games for you. (at least I think I do!) I'll miss ya at Philly! On topic: Be sure you buy at least 2 homebrews at Philly this year (even if you have NO interest in HB. Trust me.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maibock #15 Posted March 9, 2003 Great feedback guys.. Thanks again.. Hope to see some of you guys there - I'll be the guy with the dopey, kid in a candy store, look on my face Yeah I kind of have an idea of what I'm looking for, but then again, I could go hog wild. Hopefully there be games hooked up to play, so I can test drive a few before I buy. I keep seeing that a 2 day ticket is 20 bucks, even for my kids. Is there, by chance, just a one day ticket? Is it cheaper to pre-pay for these? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scooterb23 #16 Posted March 9, 2003 I'll be the guy with the dopey, kid in a candy store, look on my face You and every other guy there...you'll have to be more specific. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord