Any recommendations for trying to start a small coin display/ sale case in a store?

Aspie_Rocco

I might have an opportunity to place a display case of coins to sell in a corner of a thrift shop. It is a numismatically barren area. If it actually happens I was thinking of what to sell/offer and what might catch the eye of random folks.
Has anyone tried this before?
Any recommendations on procedure or things to do, not do, or have available?
Thoughts?

oih82w8

I like the lighthouse trays.

They are available in different sizes as well.

I have a couple of trays in a briefcase when I go to coin shows to sell. The dealers seem to appreciate them instead of having to lift the slabs out of the pcgs boxes.

yspsales

I had a short run at an "antiques" store.

Only had one sale of a common date raw Peace dollar that was MS.

It got annoying with all of the calls via lowballers.

Wasted the staff's time and mine for two months.

Security would be an issue.

Assume it is not free to rent the space, and what would be the store's commission?

I don't mind paying rent, but if done again, it would be with me manning the same booth at consistent times.

A couple guys set up at enclosed flea markets like this, and seem to have developed a following.

They built out the space much like a show table on steroids.

My two cents...

habaraca

SECURITY! SECURITY! SECURITY............
KEEP THE GOODS LOCKED UP.

ricko

If you cannot be there, then you rely on others to show the coins... Those without knowledge and also security is an issue. Find another way is my recommendation. Cheers, RickO

TomB

A good lock otherwise you will have nothing left.

LanceNewmanOCC

@Aspie_Rocco said:
I might have an opportunity to place a display case of coins to sell in a corner of a thrift shop. It is a numismatically barren area. If it actually happens I was thinking of what to sell/offer and what might catch the eye of random folks.
Has anyone tried this before?
Any recommendations on procedure or things to do, not do, or have available?
Thoughts?

aside from the obvious, security, no high-dollar coins etc

i'd say, diversity to start and track what sells. perhaps a sign offering a discount for multiple items purchased?

i'd have to throw in a few older v-nicks, seated 10c 25c, capped bust dimes etc. at least several older coins in the $20-40 range. perhaps some modest toners older or modern. maybe a couple few rounds.

i personally am pretty sure that the money is there for higher-dollar stuff but is awfully risky putting it in unless the place guarantees to put the stuff in a safe at the end of the day AND cover any losses you incur whether in the safe or not.

have fun and let us know how it goes!

ctf_error_coins

Put your time and energy into selling coins online.

FrankH

Switchers love those "displays." Antique store staff doesn't pay attention.

Glen2022

I think most people who shop at thrift stores are looking for a bargain or are economically disadvantaged and probably not good customers for moderately priced coins. Lower priced coins might not sell well either. Just my opinion.

Farmer_Bill

My father maintained a case in an antique store for years. He did reasonably well selling proof sets, wheat penny rolls, common date silver dollars, partially filled Whitman albums, and a few type coins.

1630Boston

Buy foreign coins at a coin shop for 10 cents each, drill a hole in each coin’s center, and add a string to make necklaces that kids can buy for a dollar or two.

jesbroken

If I was serious about it, I would procure a used motorized rotating display case, such as a Berg Motion Case. New they are expensive. There are several in my town in sales vendors like you mention. Used to be in Woolworths, Kresge, Big K, etc. many years ago.
Jim

EDITED TO ADD: Many used ones on various places, probably with no warranty, but at a far better price for a working model.

FranklinHalfAddict

I would probably keep the inventory to pretty modestly priced items. Things ranging from $5 or $10 up to $100 at the most.
Make sure it’s a good variety of interesting things. Being a thrift shop, 99+% of people in there probably have never thought about coins.
Large silver dollars will probably catch peoples eye.
Also I’d suggested including some lower value older type notes.

Treashunt

A strong lock

Jzyskowski1

@Farmer_Bill said:
My father maintained a case in an antique store for years. He did reasonably well selling proof sets, wheat penny rolls, common date silver dollars, partially filled Whitman albums, and a few type coins.

Jzyskowski1

This post before me made me think about how different times were. Folks could put a display case and not worry about it. Times have changed. 😉🙀🦫
Years ago I met a guy at an AA meeting. Well eventually he mentioned he was court ordered and showed me that his hand was quicker than most everyone’s eye.
Not only that but he could easily switch something like a coin and 99% of time not get caught.
I’ve tried to not forget that. He was remorseful and trying to change, but after several breakfasts at Dennys ( some of us would do breakfast after Sunday meetings)
He would share his talents ( so to speak) as a learning experience.
Amazing how many different folks there are 😉🙀🦫