Vendors are bringing millions of dollars to The National to buy your cards
At this year's National Sports Card Convention, the competition will be intense, though maybe not where you'd expect. This year, it's likely that more cards will be bought or consigned for cash than at any show in hobby history, largely thanks to a few key players. One of them, Alt.xyz, is betting that its unique offer will convince sellers to choose their table over anyone else's.
There are only a few ways a vendor can differentiate their buying ability: what percentage they offer off the most recent comp, what percentage they will offer for trade, and how fast you get your money. Comp is an industry term usually used for the recently sold price of a card.
At the National you will see signs indicating people will buy for 50% comps up to over 100%. It varies vendor to vendor, and you could see wildly different offers from one vendor to the next. If you're not careful, it's very easy to get ripped off.
Why Has Buying Exploded at Card Shows
The sports card hobby infrastructure has never been more alive. There are more places to sell and buy cards than ever before, from live platforms like Whatnot, Fanatics Live, and TikTok, to eBay's continued dominance in the hobby, vendors have no shortage of exits. Repack businesses have also emerged as a major outlet, with Courtyard.io recently raising $30 million to scale their model. For dealers, picking up a card at a discount and flipping it that same weekend, often for a 15–20% margin, has become a reliable play.
Alt's Offer
Most tables at The National will offer instant cash, assuming they're actively buying. What makes Alt's offer stand out is the volume. According to an Alt spokeswoman, the company will double the amount of cash it brings for advances for the fourth year in a row. This year's goal is to offer multiple millions of dollars in advances. That means sellers have a reliable spot to get cash on the spot, any time during the show.
Alt isn't just buying cards to flip like most vendors. Cards submitted are sent to auction, and the money you receive is a cash advance. Ultimately, you're paid full comp value once the auction ends, not just a percentage.
Here's how it works:
Bring your cards to Alt's booth (#2411) at The National.
Alt evaluates your cards and makes an immediate cash advance offer. The percentage of comp offered varies based on the cards submitted.
Once the cards go to auction, two outcomes are possible:
If a card sells for less than the advance, Alt eats the loss.
If it sells for more, you get the difference (minus fees) credited to your account.
Tips for Maximizing the Offer for Your Cards at the National
To get the best offer from any buyer, bring a wide variety of cards. A diverse, high-quantity submission reduces risk compared to a single, ultra-high-value card, which can lead to more favorable upfront offers.
It's also important to understand your expectations. Price out your cards ahead of time and have a clear idea of what you're willing to accept. If one offer feels significantly off, ask about it. You're under no obligation to sell once you receive a quote. Additionally, buyers appreciate a prepared seller.
Come early, sell early. Most buyers will eventually run out of cash or buy all the inventory they need. Don't wait until the last day when vendors are fatigued, ready to get home, and have already bought thousands of dollars worth of cards.
Avoid selling lower-end cards. Buyers don't want to take 5 minutes to price out a card worth $5. If you have a lot of lower-end cards you need to get rid of at The National, your best option is finding a vendor who either accepts bulk for consignment or needs singles for Whatnot/TikTok. If you want to get the full value of your lower-end stuff, I would highly recommend visiting the COMC booth.
With The National's buying scene more competitive than ever, collectors would be keen to leverage this buying environment in order to get the best possible return on their cards.
What do you plan on selling at the National? Let us know on Mantel.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Best money market account rates today, August 2, 2025 (best account provides 4.41% APY)
Find out how much you could earn with today's money market account rates. The Federal Reserve began cutting the federal funds rate in 2024, and as a result, deposit rates (including money market account rates) have been falling. It's more important than ever to compare MMA rates and ensure you earn as much as possible on your balance. Overview of money market account rates today The national average money market account rate stands at 0.62%, according to the FDIC. This might not seem like much, but consider that three years ago, it was just 0.07%. So by historical standards, money market account rates are still quite high. Even so, some of the top accounts are currently offering over 4% APY. Since these rates may not be around much longer, consider opening a money market account now to take advantage of today's high rates. Here's a look at some of the top MMA rates available today:Additionally, the table below features some of the best savings and money market account rates available today from our verified partners. This embedded content is not available in your region. How much will $10,000 make in a money market account? The amount of interest you can earn from a money market account depends on the annual percentage rate (APY). This is a measure of your total earnings after one year when considering the base interest rate and how often interest compounds (money market account interest typically compounds daily). Say you put $10,000 in an MMA at the average interest rate of 0.64% with daily compounding. At the end of one year, your balance would grow to $10,064.20 — your initial $10,000 deposit, plus $64.20 in interest. Now let's say you choose a high-yield money market account that offers 4% APY instead. In this case, your balance would grow to $10,408.08 over the same period, which includes $408.08 in interest. Frequently asked questions about money market account rates What is the downside of a money market account? Compared to a traditional savings account, a money market account may come with more restrictions. For example, money market accounts often require a higher minimum balance in order to earn the best interest rate and/or avoid fees. Certain MMAs may also limit the number of withdrawals you can make per month (typically six). Which bank gives 7% interest on savings accounts? In general, there are no banks that offer a 7% interest rate on money market accounts or any other type of deposit account. That said, you may be able to find local banks and credit unions running limited-time promotional rates on certain accounts, which could be as high as 7%. However, promotional rates at this level often apply to a limited balance. Read more: Do 7% interest savings accounts exist anymore? This embedded content is not available in your region.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, August 2, 2025: Fixed rates waver
Mortgage interest rates fluctuate daily, and today's rates have shifted in different directions. According to Zillow, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate moved up by two basis points, sitting at 6.60%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate dropped 11 basis points to 5.76%. For those looking to lock in a mortgage rate in the near future, make sure to choose a mortgage lender with a rate buydown option. With the rate buydown option, you can re-lock your interest rate before you buy your house if your rate was higher than market rates at the time of looking for your mortgage. Read more: Looking for a lender with a rate buydown program? Check out Yahoo Finance's Pennymac mortgage review or TD Bank mortgage review. Today's mortgage rates Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.60% 20-year fixed: 6.36% 15-year fixed: 5.76% 5/1 ARM: 6.91% 7/1 ARM: 7.12% 30-year VA: 6.22% 15-year VA: 5.58% 5/1 VA: 5.94% Remember, these are the national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth. Learn more: 8 strategies for getting the lowest mortgage rates Today's mortgage refinance rates These are today's mortgage refinance rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.66% 20-year fixed: 6.09% 15-year fixed: 5.39% 5/1 ARM: 7.32% 7/1 ARM: 6.75% 30-year VA: 6.03% 15-year VA: 5.67% 5/1 VA: 6.03% Again, the numbers provided are national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth. Mortgage refinance rates are often higher than rates when you buy a house, although that's not always the case. Refinance interest rates Up Next Up Next Free mortgage calculator Use the mortgage calculator below to see how today's interest rates would affect your monthly mortgage payments. For a deeper dive, you can use Yahoo's free mortgage calculator to see how homeowners insurance and property taxes factor into in your monthly payment estimate. You even have the option to enter costs for private mortgage insurance (PMI) and homeowners' association dues if those apply to you. These details result in a more accurate monthly payment estimate than if you simply calculated your mortgage principal and interest. 30-year fixed mortgage rates: Pros and cons There are two main advantages to a 30-year fixed mortgage: Your payments are lower, and your monthly payments are predictable. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has relatively low monthly payments because you're spreading your repayment out over a longer period of time than with, say, a 15-year mortgage. Your payments are predictable because, unlike with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), your rate isn't going to change from year to year. Most years, the only things that might affect your monthly payment are any changes to your homeowners insurance or property taxes. The main disadvantage to 30-year fixed mortgage rates is mortgage interest — both in the short and long term. A 30-year fixed term comes with a higher rate than a shorter fixed term, and it's higher than the intro rate to a 30-year ARM. The higher your rate, the higher your monthly payment. You'll also pay much more in interest over the life of your loan due to both the higher rate and the longer term. 15-year fixed mortgage rates: Pros and cons The pros and cons of 15-year fixed mortgage rates are basically swapped from the 30-year rates. Yes, your monthly payments will still be predictable, but another advantage is that shorter terms come with lower interest rates. Not to mention, you'll pay off your mortgage 15 years sooner. So you'll save potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest over the course of your loan. However, because you're paying off the same amount in half the time, your monthly payments will be higher than if you choose a 30-year term. Dig deeper: 15-year vs. 30-year mortgages Adjustable mortgage rates: Pros and cons Adjustable-rate mortgages lock in your rate for a predetermined amount of time, then change it periodically. For example, with a 5/1 ARM, your rate stays the same for the first five years and then goes up or down once per year for the remaining 25 years. The main advantage is that the introductory rate is usually lower than what you'll get with a 30-year fixed rate, so your monthly payments will be lower. (Current average rates don't necessarily reflect this, though — in some cases, fixed rates are actually lower. Talk to your lender before deciding between a fixed or adjustable rate.) With an ARM, you have no idea what mortgage rates will be like once the intro-rate period ends, so you risk your rate increasing later. This could ultimately end up costing more, and your monthly payments are unpredictable from year to year. But if you plan to move before the intro-rate period is over, you could reap the benefits of a low rate without risking a rate increase down the road. Learn more: Adjustable-rate vs. fixed-rate mortgage Is now a good time to buy a house? First of all, now is a relatively good time to buy a house compared to a couple of years ago. Home prices aren't spiking like they were during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you want or need to buy a house soon, you should feel pretty good about the current housing market. However, mortgage rates are staying relatively high due to the political and economic climate. Experts don't think rates will plummet in 2025, so you might not want to base your decision on whether to buy strictly on interest rates. Recent news that home price gains are slowing, with predictions that house values may actually ease lower this year, can be part of your home-buying decision. The best time to buy is typically whenever it makes sense for your stage of life. Trying to time the real estate market can be as futile as timing the stock market — buy when it's the right time for you. Read more: Which is more important, your home price or mortgage rate? Today's mortgage rates: FAQs What is a 30-year mortgage rate right now? According to Zillow, the national average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.60% right now. But keep in mind that mortgage rates vary by state and even ZIP codes. For example, if you're buying in a city with a high cost of living, rates could be higher. Are interest rates expected to go down? Overall, mortgage rates are expected to lower slightly in 2025. Rates may inch up or down daily, but there shouldn't be a huge shift in the near future. Are mortgage rates dropping? Mortgage rates are dropping slightly. Today's 30-year fixed mortgage rate has only shifted down four basis points. How do I get the lowest refinance rate? In many ways, securing a low mortgage refinance rate is similar to when you bought your home. Try to improve your credit score and lower your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Refinancing into a shorter term will also land you a lower rate, though your monthly mortgage payments will be higher.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
What happens when your car is stolen?
About 850,000 vehicles were stolen last year in the U.S. That's one vehicle stolen every 37 seconds. Here's what to expect if it happens to you, including an overview of insurance coverage for vehicle theft, what to do if your car is stolen, and tips for keeping your vehicle safe from thieves. Does car insurance cover theft? Comprehensive car insurance covers vehicle theft, stolen car parts, and damage from vandalism or break-ins. However, it usually doesn't cover valuables stolen from the vehicle, although some policies offer a small amount of coverage for belongings. Comprehensive coverage, an optional type of auto insurance, also covers damage from storms, fire, and other problems besides collisions. Your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket — applies with every claim before comprehensive insurance kicks in. If you purchased only liability coverage and did not opt for comprehensive insurance, you're not covered for auto theft. Read more: Most common types of car insurance explained Here's a more detailed look at how comprehensive insurance comes into play. Stolen car that isn't recovered Comprehensive insurance will pay the actual cash value of the stolen vehicle, minus your deductible. The actual cash value is the market value of the car — what it would have sold for just before it was stolen. Stolen car that is recovered More than 85% of stolen passenger vehicles are recovered, either by law enforcement or other means, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Call your insurance company if the car is recovered. Here's what happens in the following scenarios: The insurer hasn't paid the claim yet. A claims representative will evaluate your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance will pay for repairs if the vehicle was damaged during the theft. If repairs cost more than the car is worth, the insurer will declare the vehicle a total loss and cut a check for the vehicle's actual cash value, minus your deductible. The insurer already paid the claim. The insurance company owns the car. You can get back any personal belongings left in the vehicle, and you may have the option to buy the car back from the insurer if it's still in good shape. Stolen car parts Comprehensive insurance covers standard car parts. Catalytic converters, for instance, became a favorite target of thieves several years ago because the parts contain precious metals. State Farm reported that the average claim for a catalytic converter theft was $2,900 in the first half of 2024. But comprehensive insurance typically doesn't cover special parts or equipment that you've installed, such as custom rims or a new stereo system. Typically, you need custom parts and equipment insurance to cover those items. Stolen personal belongings Comprehensive car insurance generally doesn't cover valuables stolen from a car, such as a phone or laptop, although some policies will provide a limited amount of coverage up to $200. Homeowners and renters insurance cover personal items up to a certain limit, even when they're away from home. If your car is stolen with valuable personal property inside it, you'll need to file two separate claims — an auto policy claim for the vehicle and a home or renters insurance claim for the belongings. Vandalism or damage from the break-in Comprehensive insurance covers damage from vandalism or a break-in, such as slashed tires, key scratches, and broken windows. The policy will pay for repairs, minus your deductible, unless the damage is so severe that the vehicle is declared a total loss. In that case, the insurance company will pay the actual cash value of the car. How much will insurance pay for a stolen vehicle? Insurers use industry databases to determine the actual cash value of the vehicle and will pay that amount minus your deductible. You can find market value estimates through resources such as J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book. Who gets the insurance check for a stolen car? You get the check if you own the vehicle outright. Your leasing company gets the check if you leased the car, and your lender gets the check first if you still owe money on the vehicle. If the insurance settlement totals more than you owe, you'll get the difference. If the settlement is less than you owe, you'll be on the hook for the balance. Extra insurance options for stolen vehicles Here are a couple of options you can buy on top of comprehensive insurance to beef up coverage. Instead of paying the depreciated value of your vehicle, new car replacement insurance pays for a new vehicle of the same make and model. The coverage is available only for newer vehicles. Gap insurance pays the difference if you owe more on a car loan or lease than the insurance settlement. Car dealers often sell this coverage, but you can usually get it for less — about $20 a year — through a car insurance company, according to the Insurance Information Institute, or Triple-I. How long does it take for insurance to pay out on a stolen vehicle? Insurers wait a period, such as 30 days, before finalizing a stolen car claim. This allows time for the car to be recovered. What to do if your car is stolen It's natural to feel shocked and upset when your car is stolen, but help is at hand. Follow these steps to improve your chances of recovery and ensure an efficient insurance claims process. 1. Call the police The sooner you report the theft, the better. About a third of recovered vehicles are recovered on the same day they were stolen, and 45% are recovered within two days, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The police will want to know the vehicle's make, model, color, license plate number, and vehicle identification number, or VIN, which can be found on your insurance documents. In addition, let the police know if the car is equipped with a GPS. 2. Contact your insurance company Report the theft to your insurer even if you don't have comprehensive coverage. Quick notification will help protect you in case the thief causes injuries or property damage to others with your car, GEICO advises. 3. File an insurance claim Start the claim as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide a police report case number, date and time of the event, finance or leasing company information, and personal belongings stolen with the vehicle. Your insurer will let you know what else it needs. 4. Notify your lender or leasing company Contact your lender or leasing company and provide your car insurance information to streamline the process. How to prevent car theft Here are some easy ways to help prevent car theft. Park in well-lit areas As much as possible, park in areas with good lighting and visibility. Lock the car and roll up the windows 'It may sound simple, but a surprising number of vehicle thefts occur because owners forget to lock their doors or leave their keys inside,' NICB says. Avoid leaving valuables in the vehicle Hide belongings, or, better yet, don't leave them in the vehicle. Install an anti-theft device Add an anti-theft device if your car doesn't include a factory-installed system. Many car insurance companies offer anti-theft device discounts. Ask your insurer about the equipment that qualifies. Read more: How to get all the best car insurance discounts Stolen vehicle FAQs What are the most frequently stolen cars? The five most stolen vehicles in 2024 were the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, and Kia Optima, according to the NICB. Will my insurance rates go up after my car is stolen? Your rates may go up after a theft claim, but many other variables are also involved in setting rates, and insurers vary in how they weight the various factors. Why won't my insurance cover my stolen car? Your car insurance policy will cover theft only if you opted for comprehensive insurance. If you purchased only your state's required insurance, your car is not covered for theft.
