What will it take to be able to use a check at the Baltimore show? [Solved, thanks griffin6 and ever

kranky

I won't know any of the dealers. Obviously cash is desirable for the seller, but kind of impractical for me since I'm traveling. I guess the dealer could hold the coin until the check clears (then ship it to me), but isn't that a PITA for the dealer? Plus, I want to take the coin with me just to be sure the coin doesn't get resold to someone else at a better price (I've heard of that happening) and I either get a "replacement" coin or have my check returned with a sob story. I don't want to work out a deal and then have the seller decline the check. I won't be buying coins that are so expensive the dealer will want to bend over backwards to accomodate me, so I'd like to have a realistic plan.

Hate to make it sound like I want to have my cake and eat it too, but I guess that's what I want. P

What's the best way to ensure check acceptance? Wave my 20-year ANA membership card? Let the dealer take credit card info as a backup? Get sworn statements from board members who are in attendance?

goose3

I take very little cash with me also. I take a couple forms of ID and It also doesn't hurt to go over the list of dealers and mark the ones in attendance that you have done business with or that will vouch for you.

Placid

You might have to be willing to have the dealer send you the coin after your check clears.

itsnotjustme

How about Traveler's Checks?

I've also cashed a check at a bank on my way to the show, and deposited what (little) remained after the show.

supercoin

Unless you know the dealer, you're going to get a better deal with cash -- no getting around it.

If your bank has a local branch, maybe you could plan to cash a check there. Or get your bank to raise your ATM limit.

But... if you think about it, why are you reluctant to travel with cash? You're planning on travelling with expensive coins. Cash is easier to keep hidden than that.

coinguy1

kranky,

Generally, if someone such as yourself can give us a good reference or two from someone at the show (or even someone we can call from there) we are willing to accept a check and not insist upon holding the coin until the check clears.

merz2

kranky
You'd have to know a dealer or have someone vouch for you,that is known by one of the major dealers.

lordmarcovan

I won't be a dealer there, but I will take a check for up to $100 from anyone, anywhere, anytime.


As long as they wrap it up in a $100 bill.

stman

Kranky, I have had the same thoughts as you before and heres how I look at it. And the dealers here may want to slap me but please don't yell while your slapping me as that hurts

I can understand if it's a high dollar coin and they want to hold the coin until check clears. And I would only do that if I knew who they were. And if they had references also. If it was a dealer I know or know, of thats another thing. But why should I trust a dealer to send me the coin? See I look at it that it goes both ways. I know they get burned here and there but you go other places and they take checks when they don't know you. I think they should have a little more trust for the collector as they want us to have full trust in them.

Ok now I got that out and I feel better.

Stman

coinguy1

stman,

That is a fair point about buyers needing to protect themselves too. And, just as dealers/sellers require references from new clients, I see nothing wrong with a buyer asking an unknown dealer for references. I would not be offended if someone asked me for references (though I might slap and yell at anyone who gave them the idea ).

kranky

Thanks for the insight, guys.

How about this thought? I'm working at the Pittsburgh show this coming weekend at a dealer's table. Would it be out of line (I do not want to offend) to see if, via the guy I'm working with, I can get an introduction to someone like Dave Berg who might be able to vouch for me if they are at Baltimore?

stman

Coinguy1, I was expecting your reply and glad you are a fair minded person. I just don't know why you have to yell at me while slapping.

Well if someone at a show does ask for your references, That be me.

Stman

beartracks42

Kranky,
I bought my first Morgan at the Baltimore show two years ago...a 89CC. The dealer took my check for over $400.00 without batting an eye. The check was on our personal acct. with names, address and phone and my wife wrote the check. I have never been turned down on a check for a coin of substantial money. Maybe I am lucky or have an honest face???

BaltimoreCoinConv

Many dealers at the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention will accept personal checks, some will not. Some dealers also accept credit cards, most will not. It is up to each individual dealer to decide who he will accept checks or credit cards from and who he will not. There is a lot to be taken into consideration on non-cash transactions, and each dealer has to weigh the risk for himself.

Don't think for a minute that using Traveler's checks, Bank Money Orders, or even Wire Transfers, eliminates any risk from the transaction. All can have stop payments put on them, and all
have been used in attempts to defraud at one time or another.
Every dealer, who has been around for any length of time, most likely has a stack of worthless personal checks, phony bank money orders, and fradulent traveler's checks he would like to collect on.

Having good references, from other dealers, will help in this regard,
but again, it is up to the individual dealer to make the decision to accept the payment or decline the sale. Some dealers will hold the
merchandise, until a check clears, and then ship the customer the items after check clearance. Others will simply not do the deal.

One nice thing about downtown Baltimore is there are a ton of major banks within walking distance of the Baltimore Convention
Center, and their are ATM machines in the facility.

Ed Kuszmar - Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention

DDR

Kranky,

Like Beartracks I've made a number of purchases at coins shows, including at Baltimore, and have paid with a personal check. Not once has it ever been a problem.

Veep

I bring cash and checks and will always ask first if they'll take a check. I have NEVER been turned down at any show. I preserve my cash for as long as I can and use it when it will get me a better deal.

griffin6

kranky, if you need a reference at Baltimore, just come get me and I'll guarantee your check. I'm sharing a corner table with Leonard Standley and Free State Numismatics. I think it's 407, but if I'm wrong, you can have me paged.

BigD5

Well, that takes care of that, no?

BigE

Kranky, all you have to do is log on when you are there and show them this post!!!!!!!!!!!!---------BigE

kranky

Thanks, Will!