Question for dealers at coin shows?

stman

Cash is best at shows, but what if your looking for a couple expensive coins? Carrying too much cash might not be a good thing but it talks at coin shows. I've heard P.O. money orders are like cash. What about this vs check. And I really don't want to give check or other payment and wait for it to clear than they mail it. As there are a couple certain coins that I've been waiting to buy in person. As allways thanks in advance for any of your valued replies.

stman

dorkkarl

the best dealers are the ones who will accept a check because they know and trust you. that does take time, though, building a relationship. i've also had to write plenty of checks, wait for it to clear, and get the coin in the mail. works fine if you insist on registerd mail.

K S

merz2

I've also had dealers that I've done business with vouch for me with a new dealer.

DesertLizard

Maybe some dealers can answer this as well.....

What % of dealers accept credit cards? If someone is buying say $8-$10,000 of coins do they really expect them to pony up that in cash !!

Bear

You could always leave your shoes and socks for security, untill the check clears. Bear

BigD5

Once you get to know the dealers at your local shows, writing checks is ok. Merz's suggestion always works too. One show I attended, I spent ALL my money too soon, then came upon a wonderful half dime, alas with no more funds. Gave my credit card number to the dealer and had them ship the coin. Worked like a charm. Even at larger shows, I haven't had a problem writing checks. Maybe I just have a trustworthy look to me

gsaguy

I strongly discourage anyone from carrying large amounts of cash to a coin show. The risks are too great. And some of you may be surprised to learn that a lot of dealers DON'T want to be paid with a large amount of cash!!! They'd rather get a check and don't want to carry cash themselves.

Having said that, it's important that if you're going to try to buy some 'big dollar' coins at a coin show, you should do some minimum amount of planning.

Here are a couple of tips that might help:

1) If you know well enough in advance that you'll attend a decent sized show, call or e-mail a few of your established dealer-contacts to see if they're going to be attending. If so, let them know that you may need to give them as a reference in case you're buying from a dealer that doesn't know you. Most dealers that have established a relationship with a collector will gladly let you give their name as a reference.

2) If you've done business with an established national dealer for many years and have never had any disputes, you'd not be requesting too much to ask that he provide you with a letter of recommendation printed on his letterhead. While this letter would not represent any type of guarantee on the part of the dealer with whom you've done business, it could add some measure of credibility to your request that the dealer accept your check without worry.

3) Be prepared, without waiting for the dealer to ask for it, to provide several forms of identification to the dealer for whom you wish to give a personal check.

4) Finally, be prepared to have to give up the right to leave the show with your coin if the dealer insists on waiting for your check to clear. However, under these circumstances, you should be able to negotiate that the dealer cover the cost of shipping/insurance.

Hope this helps.

GSAGUY

baron

I have found that a personal check (backed by a credit card number ) works well. If there is another dealer at the show who can vouch for you, this is also acceptable. I have had dealers accept personal checks without blinking an eye. Perhaps I appear honest.

stman

Thanks everyone, I think I'll try a little of everyones advice. Including BEARS advice. Just to let people know I wasn't talking about real big money, but maybe too much to walk around with.



stman