Card Show Dealer Setup Guide: Table, Display, and Security

Your table is your storefront for the weekend. Treat it that way and customers will too.

Table Layout

The dealer table layout is a sales tool. Front edge: high-value display slabs in magnetic one-touches on risers. Middle: organized binders or showcases of mid-value singles. Back: stock cases (closed) for fulfillment and inventory.

Never put grails at the back. Customers won't ask to see what they can't see.

Display Gear

Risers — at least three height levels for visual hierarchy. Acrylic display cases with locks for grails on the table. Tablecloth that contrasts with slab labels (dark blue for PSA red, black for SGC black). LED clip lights color-corrected to 4000K. Slabs photograph terribly under venue fluorescents.

Payment

Mobile reader (Square or Stripe Terminal) — battery-powered, with a backup phone charger. Cash float of $500 in small bills. Venmo and Zelle QR codes printed and laminated. Receipt pad for cash sales (required for tax records in most states).

Security

Two-person rule for grails over $1,000: one to show the card, one to watch the table. Never leave the table unattended, even for restroom breaks. Use the [Card Show Checklist](/tools/card-show-checklist) the day before to confirm you've packed everything.

Logistics

Arrive at the venue 90 minutes before public open. Bring a folding hand truck — convention center walks are long. Pack a power strip with at least 6 outlets.