How much do I need to spend to be a preferred customer?

nwcs

I was reading some of the dealers' opinions on making money on coins which I appreciate them sharing. But one of the responses got me thinking. What kind of customer does a person need to be to get the right service from a dealer? That is, a dealer who would look out for coins for the person, pre-screen, etc. What volume does a dealer expect from a client in order to do this?

For me, I don't think I'd ever qualify because I only average around $100 a month nowadays on coins and am somewhat sporadic. I don't expect dealer attention with that, but I was curious what level I'd have to spend before getting (and forgive the term) friendly service from a good dealer.

Neil

OnlyBuffalos

Neil, I think that depends more on the dealer than the customer. Some dealers go the extra mile for everyone no matter the size of the customer's business. Other dealers are at the other end of the spectrum. The large majority of dealers try their best to accomodate their best customers first, which is altogether proper.

Mom and pop shops will usually provide "preferred" customer treatment to those with less financial resources versus what one of the so-called corporate dealers will do. Each dealer likely has his own customer set that he is geared to serve. If you are not in his target zone, you likely will not get preferred customer service.

lordmarcovan

With me, and the cheap Darkside coins that I often sell, you don't need to spend very much at all.

But I'm just a little part-time vestpocket sort of dealer.

LucyBop

When they see Lucy, they can't help but prefer the HepKitty!

coinguy1

Good question, Neil.

I can't speak for other dealers, but we will screen auction coins for clients (regardless of how little or how much they spend) who can't attend the sales in person, at no charge. If the client later decides to have us represent him in the sale and we end up purchasing coins on his behalf, we typically charge a nominal fee of 3% to 5% over the actual cost. Often, when I screen coins, I end up suggesting that the client pass.

Regarding our offering coins from our inventory to various clients - want lists on file get first priority. We sell a lot of coins that way before they ever make it to our web site, adds, mailings, etc. Beyond that, we have a number of clients (large and small) who ask us to call them if we find something in particular that we think they will like. A lot of our big clients started out small and we try to give all of our customers and even potential customers special treatment.

Twowood

Mark; I know what you mean, I too, am on a limited budget that I try to keep to $100. a month which I rarely do.
I recently found a shop with the help of a PCGS dealer who I called with a question about grading. He quickley realized that I was Mr.Small Potatoes but we got into a very intersting conversation and we talked for 45 min. A really great guy,unlike some others I've met who walk away from you when they realize that you're a nobody...and there are PLENTY of them around.
Anyway,he put me onto a little shop (Miller's Mint) that's been around for decades. Family run, huge stock, courteous, they do their own grading and they're anxious to work with me...I walked away think I'm a prefered customer.Naturally, I overbought...again! What more can I say?
This is a long winded way of suggesting that you keep beating the bushes til you find that dealer who values your business...They too are out there. Twowood

Lakesammman

I spent 40K with a dealer once (single transaction) and turned down another coin from him subsequently - now he won't even return my phone calls! So, as you can see, it varies widely.

danglen

As a small dealer, I try to treat every customer as if they were my only customer. As it turns out, many customers buy more than once, and then a relationship develops. Some good advice I was given early on is that "if you take care of your customers, the dollars will take care of themselves". I have found this to be true.

Outhaul

Mark,

I have to say that the past few days dealing with Todd has been a pleasure. Even though you guys deal WAY over my head, he did not hesitate to help me with a couple of 1908 Olympic medals that I'm trying to get the value on. It's because of treatment like this that I would buy from Pinnacle once I achieve the means. I find this treatment unusual, but refreshing when dealing with the "Corporate" traders.

To all of the others who snub the small collector, you just never know when they will become BIG collectors.

Cheers,

Bob

Trime

Talk about positive public relations.
Mark Feld's post epitomizes how to befriend collectors and enhance a business.
The truly astounding thing is that he does exactly what he preaches.

shirohniichan

My local dealer gives me great treatment, sets coins aside for me, and has even called me when something really cool came in, but I don't spend nearly as much money at his shop as some others do.

As OnlyBuffalos said, it depends more on the dealer than on the customer.

coinguy1

Twowood and Bob,

I'm glad to hear of the positive experiences you've had. Bob, we always try to hand the "little guys" over to Todd, as he's just one of the owners of the company.

Lakesammman

Pinnacles web site is great to - updated 3 times a day. I haven't seen Legends updated in the last month (small cents) - a site I've quit visiting as a result!

airplanenut

Think about it like this:
I wanted to buy a 1938-D MS66 buff- cheap coin, under $50... I spent a week talking back and forth with a dealer about his inventory, getting LOTS of scans, and asking about every little detail. Even though it was a small purchase he still treated me great through the transaction. Some dealers have brushed me off, too...

it really just depends on the dealer...