Rgb For Digital Use Colored + White BgHobby Musings: Helge Veit, Munich Prepare to Be Center of Card World for a Day – Card shows have been a common part of the hobby in the United States for quite some time. With the boom of trading cards over the past few years, there have been more and more shows internationally as well. One such will be held in Munich in mid-November. I had the chance to catch up with Helge Veit to find out more about the show and the state of the hobby in Germany ahead of this month’s show.

 

Hobby Musings: Helge Veit, Munich Prepare to Be Center of Card World for a Day

KS: Helge, you’ve got a pretty big card show coming up in Munich in mid-November, what more can you tell me about it?
HV:
The card show is happening November 12th at Motorworld Munich from 11am-8pm, one day before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the Seattle Seahawks at Allianz Arena in Munich. To make it a great weekend even without having tickets for the game, I figured visiting a card show would make it just that. For Europe, the London games, and also the game in Munich, are like a Super Bowl week in the US. A lot of people will be in town because they like the sport. So I thought to myself, why not show those people the wonderful world of trading cards?

KS: Card shows have been a staple in the United States for decades. In Germany and across Europe, what is the history of having them there?
HV:
In Germany we had a regular card show once a year in Langenfeld hosted by Kristijan Beslic, also known as KIKI, in the card world. A couple years prior to Corona, we had an extra one near Frankfurt, which I set up at. Ever since traveling and meeting more people was allowed again, there have been more shows all over Europe, so we have one per month in Europe, at the moment, which is great for the hobby

KS: What are some of the highlights attendees can expect from the show?
HV:
There are so many. International companies, like GTS, collectors from 15 countries and counting, giveaways, autograph signings, food trucks, panel discussions, a goody bag filled with great stuff and much more.

KS: How did your involvement in the trading card world get started?
HV:
I am a die-hard collector since about 1993. I collected soccer, basketball, hockey, wrestling. You name it, I collected it all at a certain time. Since 2015, I had my business enrolled, but at the beginning it was just a side job. Since 2020, I’ve been doing cards full time.

KS: In Germany, what are the most popular sports collectors like to chase?
HV:
Basketball and soccer I would say, but American football is catching up pretty good.

KS: What about athletes? Is there anyone you’re seeing collectors ask for most often?
HV:
Obviously German athletes are in favor. Dirk Nowitzki is highly collected, but there are also several set and team collectors, alongside of course the GOATs of all sports that are collected worldwide.

KS: Is there an athlete or sport where the collecting interest surprises you in Germany?
HV:
There are some die-hard 90s basketball player collectors in Germany you would not expect. Jermaine O`Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Antoine Walker. Some crazy team collectors for Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs. And some random collections like mine include skier Bode Miller and Olympian Jesse Owens.

KS: In your opinion, how has the market for trading cards in the country changed/evolved over the last five years?
HV:
There was a hype with all the new money in the hobby all over the world. Also new live streamers, online breaks and influencers have been seen like never before. The old school collectors took a step back from buying for a time as prices have skyrocketed. So, they sold some of the stuff they had for years. Now that pricing has come down again, you see a lot of collectors picking up PC pieces again and not only looking to flip for easy money as much anymore.

KS: What do you think is the biggest challenge collectors in Germany and Europe are facing right now?
HV:
Right now, getting product is still the biggest issue, even though a lot has changed for the positive already with companies like GTS expanding and exploring the European market. Another problem is always customs, as it makes everything much more expensive. Also gaining trust by American buyers is something that Europeans are still lacking, but since more and more of us are traveling overseas for cards and card shows, that issue is getting smaller and smaller.

KS: What, if anything, do you think the card companies can do to help promote and increase collector growth in Europe?
HV:
Basically, the same as everywhere. Make product easily accessible and affordable. Don’t forget the small budget collectors, as you need to be able to find an entry point into our beautiful hobby.

Hobby Musings: Helge Veit, Munich Prepare to Be Center of Card World for a Day


Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on collecting in Hobby Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
Kelsey Schroyer

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