What's the deal, man?

Asking this question is not uncommon at a trading card convention, which lets you browse, buy, and sell trading cards with other people.

But who are those people, and what do they want from you?

Don't worry about it.

Nine times out of ten, you are dealing with one of these types of trading card traders.

The CEO of eBay

You are standing in front of your showcase when the backside of a phone pops up in your peripheral. You smile for a few seconds in anticipation of a picture before the reality of the situation hits you.

What's going on?

The person holding the phone is fidgeting with it at speeds that might be faster than the speed of light. Their face lights up with flash after flash as eBay search queries flood their phone screen with information about the cards on your table.

Slowly but surely, this guy has taken inventory of your entire table. And when all is said and done, he offers you a deal to purchase a single card for 20% less than the last one sold for.

What's their justification, though?

A low outlier comparison from 3 years ago.

Go back to eBay, man.

The "Flipper"

Hosting a table at a convention is tough work. I mean, once you are set up, what is there to do but engage with the neighboring tables?

In fact, you have spent so much time near these tables that you can list their cards and respective prices on the back of your hand.

But the flipper doesn't know that. 

He's just here to save the day.

So, what happens next?

The flipper swoops in and purchases a common card at your neighbor's table for less than eBay. Then, he turns around and gives you an offer you can't refuse.

"Here is a card I bet you have never seen before. Oh, what's the cost? Double eBay. That's definitely NOT double the price I just bought it for..."

The first time you see it, you'll flip your table.

The "I gotta make money too" Guy

What's in that huge stack of cards in this guy's hands? Overpriced cards.

But y'know what? This guy's sales pitch is irresistible. I mean, he's gotta make money too.

Unfortunately, you already have that card for sale...

The "I'll be back" Guy

When someone starts grabbing the cards you have on your table, you might get a bit scared. But don't worry, this person is just "organizing" them into a "reserve" pile he plans to purchase.

Oh, no! He forgot his wallet... er... in the car.

So, again, don't worry. He said he will be "right back".

Be sure to reserve those cards for him!

The "Negotiator" AKA The Time Waster

"Oh, hey what's this card, man? What's the price on it?"

Here's the price.

"Yeah, really? Let me think about this for a second."

3 minutes later.

"Hey, I think this card is actually worth half of the value of the price you quoted me 3 minutes ago. Y'know, depreciation happens quickly in this economy."

Absolutely not.

"Alright, well, how about $1 over the last price I just gave you?"

He does know that card in his hand is mine, right?

No thanks, man.

"Alright, well how about $1 over the last price I just gave you (which was $1 over half of the listed price)?"

Ehhh, I'm good. Give me my card back, please.

"What if I throw in this card I own and enough cash to cover half of the listed price of your card? Y'know my card is worth sooo much money!"

…

10 minutes later.

How much longer will this guy make me stare at his empty 3-row box?

Mr. Minimum

He is collecting a database of the lowest-priced cards at every table in the show. At least, that's what he tells people as he asks, "What's your lowest-priced card?"

Taking a few overtime shifts before the convention wouldn't have hurt. But nobody is going to tell him that to his face.

My Dad is Rich

You are witnessing the most impressive collection and case you have ever seen!

Who is the owner?

Some kid who can't even get a job legally yet...

But who cares.

That collection is a work of art, kid. We're proud of you.

The Dumpster Diver

He stands at your booth searching the bin and <$5 boxes for hidden gems. Once he has amassed an enormous pile, he asks for a considerable discount with a smirk.

Because he already knows the prices are good as-is.

You are unsure if he has kyphosis or if his hunched back is a hard-earned insignia from hours spent in the trenches bins of various trading card tables. I mean, the size of his backpack alone would make a Navy Seal rethink entering the hobby.

It's just that big.

But hey, at least his conversation skills are good.

What's That Smell?

This guy makes you wonder why you aren't selling deodorant from your table. But then you remember that even if you did, he wouldn't use it.