How to Use This Calculator
Fill in the three sections on the left — Show Overhead Costs, Inventory Cost Basis, and Your Sales at the Show — and the results panel updates instantly. Hover over the hints below each field for typical ranges.
- Show Overhead: Enter the number of tables, fee per table, show duration, travel distance, hotel nights, meals per day, and any supplies or misc costs.
- Inventory Tiers: Split your cards into up to three tiers (bulk, mid-range, premium). Enter how many you brought, what you paid per card, and any grading fees. Add anything you purchased at the show as a separate line.
- Sales: Enter how many cards you actually sold per tier and the average price you received.
- The result panel shows your net profit or loss, full cost breakdown, break-even revenue target, effective hourly rate, and a 20× inventory readiness check.
When and Why You'd Use This
Dealers who set up at sports card shows often underestimate total costs — a first-timer might gross $130 only to discover $30 in table fees, $20 in gas, and $10 in lunch wiped out the apparent profit. This tool makes every cost visible before and after the show so you can:
- Decide whether a show is worth attending in the first place (compare expected sales to break-even).
- Set a minimum sales target to take with you on show day.
- Post-show, audit your true hourly rate versus alternatives like eBay or Whatnot.
- Build a recurring show P&L record to compare shows over time (use the Print/PDF button).
Key Metrics Explained
Net Profit / (Loss)
Gross Revenue minus all costs: table, travel, hotel, meals, supplies, the cost you paid for sold inventory (cost basis of sold cards), grading fees, and in-show purchases. Unsold inventory is not treated as a sunk cost here — only the cost basis of what actually sold is deducted, matching how most hobbyist dealers think about a single show's performance.
Break-Even Revenue
The minimum gross sales you need to cover all overhead costs (table, travel, hotel, meals, supplies, misc) plus the cost of goods sold. Sell above this and you're profitable; below it and the show cost you money.
Effective Hourly Rate
Net profit divided by total hours at the table (days × hours per day). This is the most honest comparison to other income sources. A $200 net profit from a 16-hour two-day show is $12.50/hr — worth knowing before you book the next one.
20× Inventory Readiness Check
A rule of thumb used by experienced card show dealers: your total retail inventory value should be at least 20 times your table fee. If you brought a $75 table worth of stuff but only have $500 in inventory, you likely won't generate enough sales to cover costs. The calculator computes your total inventory retail value (qty × sell price per tier) and flags whether you meet the 20× threshold.
Card Show vs. eBay: Which Is More Profitable?
eBay charges Final Value Fees of roughly 13% of the sale price (for most trading card categories), plus any promoted listing ad fees. Card shows charge zero per-sale fees — only the upfront table cost. For a $100 card, eBay takes ~$13; a card show takes nothing per sale. But if your table fee, travel, and time add up to $200 and you only sell that one card, eBay would have been far cheaper. The break-even math is exactly what this calculator provides.
IRS Mileage Deduction for Card Dealers
If you operate as a business (Schedule C), your card show travel may be deductible. The 2026 IRS standard business mileage rate is $0.725 per mile (up 2.5¢ from 2025). This tool's results panel shows your estimated mileage deduction value based on your entered round-trip distance, as a reference. Keep your own mileage log for IRS compliance.
FAQ
How much inventory do I need to justify a card show table?
A widely cited dealer rule of thumb is that your total retail inventory value should be at least 20 times your table fee. If a table costs $75, you want $1,500 or more in sellable cards. The reasoning: at typical show sell-through rates (not every card sells), you need enough inventory volume so that a realistic fraction of sales covers all overhead with room for profit.
What is the average table fee at a sports card show?
Small local shows typically charge $40–$75 per table. Regional shows run $75–$150 per table. Major national conventions or high-profile local events charge $200–$500 or more, sometimes with multi-table minimums or premium placement fees. Corner spots or end-of-row locations may carry a premium.
Can I deduct card show expenses on my taxes?
If you sell cards as a genuine business activity reported on Schedule C, table fees, supplies, travel (at IRS mileage rate or actual cost), hotel, and business meals (typically 50% deductible) may qualify as deductions. The 2026 IRS standard business mileage rate is $0.725 per mile. Always consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation — this calculator provides estimates only.
Is it better to sell at a card show or on eBay?
Card shows have no per-sale fees and pay immediately in cash, but require upfront table and travel costs plus your full day of time. eBay charges roughly 13% in Final Value Fees but reaches millions of buyers. High-value singles ($100+) often net better in person due to negotiation and no platform cut. Bulk commons may move better at a show in person than paying eBay shipping on small-value items. Use the calculator to model both scenarios with actual numbers.
Should I count the cost of unsold cards as a loss?
Not in the single-show view this calculator uses. Only the cost basis of cards you actually sold at this show is deducted from revenue — unsold inventory retains its value and carries forward to your next show or online sale. If you want to evaluate total sunk cost, add all inventory to the Tier cost fields regardless of whether it sold, but know that overstates the single-show loss.
What are typical show setup supply costs?
Toploaders, penny sleeves, team bags, display cases or binders, a table cover, price labels, a cash box, and a card reader (Square/PayPal) are common. For a first show, expect $30–$80 in supplies; most are reusable so recurring cost is mainly replenishables like sleeves ($0.01–0.02 each) and toploaders ($0.07–0.15 each).
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for guidance only. Actual profit, tax treatment, and deductibility depend on your specific situation, local laws, and business structure. This tool is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for your circumstances.