More questions about dealers at coin shows...
coinguy1
Posts: 13,484 ✭✭✭
I received great feedback/information from many forum members in response to a previous question I posted here. As a result, I have been encouraged to ask some additional questions about your views of dealers at coin shows. Please feel free to comment on as many (or as few) as you like. And, I assure you, your opinions are valued. Here goes......
1) When viewing coins in dealers' cases, do you prefer that they be arranged in date and denominational order, or, for example, sorted by rarity, the type of holder they are in, or some other way?
2) Do you prefer that asking prices be noted on the front of the holders, the back of the holders, or is that unimportant?
3) How much does the general appearance of a company's personnel make a difference (i.e. are you more comfortable dealing with someone in a coat and tie, a Tie-dyed T-shirt, or is that unimportant to you)? Please note, the answers you provide to this question could affect me personally, in regards to what attire I might have to wear at shows. Please answer honestly but very carefully.
4) How important is it that a dealer's "back-up table" be clean (is it a no-no, for instance, for dealers to eat lunch at their tables?)
5) Are you turned-off when you see a dealer behind a table cracking open slabs?
6) Do you like to be able to easily pick up a dealer's newsletter/price list or at least a business card?
7) Is it important to you if dealers accept credit card payments?
8) Do you like to be "wined and dined" after the show by dealers with whom you have done sizeable deals?
Thanks in advance, for your replies.
1) When viewing coins in dealers' cases, do you prefer that they be arranged in date and denominational order, or, for example, sorted by rarity, the type of holder they are in, or some other way?
2) Do you prefer that asking prices be noted on the front of the holders, the back of the holders, or is that unimportant?
3) How much does the general appearance of a company's personnel make a difference (i.e. are you more comfortable dealing with someone in a coat and tie, a Tie-dyed T-shirt, or is that unimportant to you)? Please note, the answers you provide to this question could affect me personally, in regards to what attire I might have to wear at shows. Please answer honestly but very carefully.
4) How important is it that a dealer's "back-up table" be clean (is it a no-no, for instance, for dealers to eat lunch at their tables?)
5) Are you turned-off when you see a dealer behind a table cracking open slabs?
6) Do you like to be able to easily pick up a dealer's newsletter/price list or at least a business card?
7) Is it important to you if dealers accept credit card payments?
8) Do you like to be "wined and dined" after the show by dealers with whom you have done sizeable deals?
Thanks in advance, for your replies.
0
Comments
By denomination and date.
2) Do you prefer that asking prices be noted on the front of the holders, the back of the holders, or is that unimportant?
If asking price is fixed ahead of time, on the front of the holder.
3) How much does the general appearance of a company's personnel make a difference (i.e. are you more comfortable dealing with someone in a coat and tie, a Tie-dyed T-shirt, or is that unimportant to you)? Please note, the answers you provide to this question could affect me personally, in regards to what attire I might have to wear at shows. Please answer honestly but very carefully.
For me, if I see a guy in a coat and tie, I assume they are stuffy. I prefer a polo style shirt and khakis, makes the dealer appear more down to earth.
4) How important is it that a dealer's "back-up table" be clean (is it a no-no, for instance, for dealers to eat lunch at their tables?)
Not critical.
5) Are you turned-off when you see a dealer behind a table cracking open slabs?
Yes.
6) Do you like to be able to easily pick up a dealer's newsletter/price list or at least a business card?
Like to see a business card handy.
7) Is it important to you if dealers accept credit card payments?
It is helpful, but not critical.
8) Do you like to be "wined and dined" after the show by dealers with whom you have done sizeable deals?
Dealers do that.
1. Denomination by date makes locating items of interest easiest.
2. Price on front helps but not the end of the world if I have to ask for opening price.
3. I'd rather see a shirt collar and no tie. For larger dealers a logo golf shirt is a nice touch. Personal hygiene precedes attire in my book.
4. I don't mind lunch at the table as long as it isn't spread out over the front table hiding inventory.
5. Doesn't bother me personally as long as customers aren't being ignored in the process.
6. I enjoy access to newsletters/price lists and business cards with the latter being most important.
7. Yes
8. I prefer a dutch treat dinner over wining and dining. It seems more like friends to me. A simple offer to join a group that is already planning to get together is my pick.
edited to fix numbering.
2. It does not matter where the prices are listed.
3. I like dealers in nice casual attire. Sport coats are OK too. Dirty and grubby is not attractive, but I’m more interested in the coins. I have a natural aversion to suit coats and ties. 20 or 25 years ago the guys in coats and times were often the “investment” dealers who were out rip you off with inflated claims and high prices. Their business attire was meant to connote order and professionalism. To me it smelled of a con artist. I've relaxed that attitude a bit, but habits die hard.
4. Back up tables don’t matter to me. As for lunch I’ve got to eat it at my table because I work alone. My choices are leave the table and lose business, go hungry or eat. I eat.
5. I don’t care about slab cracking. All I care about are the coins and the prices.
6. Yea, I like access to the cards if they are available, but it’s not critical. Newsletters are largely for retail customers although they can inform you about what’s available.
7. I don’t take credit cards, and I don’t expect dealers to take them from me for wholesale business. The only coins I have ever charged were from the U.S. Mint.
8. As a collector I never spend enough (No more than $15,000) in any one year to get wined and dined, and I don’t expect it as a dealer.
2. On front, or at least somewhere
3. Casual (Tuxedo will scare me away)
4. Not important as long as he's not trying to talk to me at the same time
5. No.
6. Not important
7. Yes, if they don't accept checks
8. I don't do those size deals
Joe.
I like the dealers asking prices posted on the holder in plain view.
One of the things that irritates me most is the few dealers that don't have any prices on their coins, and when you ask to see one, they have to screw around with a grey sheet while they're sizing you up to see how savvy you are, before quoting a price.
If you're dealing coins, you know what you want for your stuff..Put it on the holder.
When I was dealing and silver was volatile, I put the prices on in pencil. That allowed me to easily change prices.
Ray
On a more serious note, thank you very much for taking the time to respond and I do look forward to reading other posts, as well.
2. I generally won't look very long at someone's coins that are not priced in plain view.
3. I don't really pay too much attention to this so it does not really matter to me if you have something I'm after. you can't beat jeans and a shirt though.
4. back-up table. I couldn't care less what you've got piled back there. The more junk you've got, the better the odds are that you might have something I want. (like say, your lunch)
5. crack away. I break em out here at home for my son's book. Throw them on the ground if you must.
6. yes! business card with website and email address is Always a nice touch! Also have pens handy near them for people like me to jot specific coins and your table number down!
7. It would be nice. I don't take much cash. I take my lone credit card and 2 checkbooks. If a check works, then I don't care. I can round up some references at the show.
8. I've never spent that much. Most I've ever spent was from Rick Snow on my '56 FE. You mean he might buy me lunch??!! LOL
2) Unimportant - if the dealer is available to answer pricing questions - if not the prices should be visible
3) Clean and neat - suit or tie die or polo etc - Clean and neat
5) Only if the dealer is ignoring customers
6) Business Card will be used for notes and further contact
7) No
8) Maybe my deals are not big enough but, no.
2. It's great if asking prices are marked, but so few people seem to do it.
3. Clean and neatly dressed is a plus. Ties are scary.
4. Having just helped another dealer this past weekend, I fault no one for eating lunch at the table. But not on the cases.
5. It's kind of a turnoff, but I can't explain why. I guess my first thought is "Oh, he's cracking out a PCGS MS64 to try to sell it raw as a 66."
6. That would be nice.
7. After posting the thread about how to get a check accepted at a show when no one knows you, I'd say yes.
8. I would waive my right to wine-and-dine in return for an equivalent discount.
And the questions you forgot....
9. No, I don't patronize dealers who attempt to sell certain third-tier slabs.
10. That's a good idea, putting a sign on the back table listing items you have for sale (but don't have room in the cases for). That helps me know whether to ask for a specific item if it's not on display. It can be frustrating to wait ten minutes to ask if an item is available only to find out it's not.
11. Of course! Free samples are very much appreciated.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
I think you have agood range of answers so i will not add but here is a suggestion: I wish dealers had signs identifying what they specialize in. In Long Beach I saw many dealers with near empty cases and I had no clue as to what they were selling or buying.
i like to see it arragged by type
2) Do you prefer that asking prices be noted on the front of the holders, the back of the holders, or is that unimportant?
i like seeing a price on the back or front
3) How much does the general appearance of a company's personnel make a difference (i.e. are you more comfortable dealing with someone in a coat and tie, a Tie-dyed T-shirt, or is that unimportant to you)? Please note, the answers you provide to this question could affect me personally, in regards to what attire I might have to wear at shows. Please answer honestly but very carefully.
b]its a relaxed atmosphere. Id prob more easily approach the guy in the tye-died shirt
4) How important is it that a dealer's "back-up table" be clean (is it a no-no, for instance, for dealers to eat lunch at their tables?)
you guys paid for the table, you should do what you want w/ it. Its nice to see it atleast clean. as long as the showcases are nice and neat who cares
5) Are you turned-off when you see a dealer behind a table cracking open slabs?
yes
6) Do you like to be able to easily pick up a dealer's newsletter/price list or at least a business card?
yes
7) Is it important to you if dealers accept credit card payments?
not really, at shows i deal with either cash or check ( i will normally have another well known dealer vouch for me
8) Do you like to be "wined and dined" after the show by dealers with whom you have done sizeable deals?
whats a "sizeable" deal? Im sure you all have people who spend SEVERAL tens of thousands of dollars w/ you at a single show. I then would not apply
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Jeb 2008
KK 2016
I think one of the main things is for a dealer or seller to be curteous and polite to all customers, and try not to judge us buyers by what we may or may not be wearing. I for one dress very casual and from time to time notice that the better dressed customer gets all the attention and more help. It is very hard to judge a person by their clothes or how they ask questions. I know in my business I am always surprised who turns out to be the person spending money. I know you are the type of person that would help anyone, but I have been to shows where the suite and tie dealer gives me the once over and figures me to be someone with little chance of spending money. I simply walk away regardless what they are selling.
I have a friend and his business he is always impressed when someone in driving a newer expensive car. He figures them for money. I always tell him, it means they have less money because they have that $1000 a month car payment to make (of course this is just kidding and not always the case). I just don't like people judging others by apperances alone.
But as I mentioned lately please not both at the same time.
I was wondering if anyone had caught that! Apparently, I was writing my post while you were posting yours and by the time I posted, the count was up to 7. Sorry about that and no, to your question ".... or did you feel like slapping and yelling at me?". Well, now that I think about it, (still) no. I know that will disappoint you, but tough luck.
To everyone else - I will be looking over your replies and posting again tomorrow (Tuesday) - I want to give them the attention they deserve.
The only factors that are key to me are #2 and #7. I am generally introverted (=shy) and I hate to ask the price of a coin. For instance, I might have a budget of, say, $3,000 at a show. I don't memorize the prices of all the Mercury dimes or Commemoratives or etc. that might be nice to add to my sets. So, I have NO idea if, for instance, a MS66FB 1923-P dime is within my budget or not and I sure don't want to come off looking like a moron asking the price of a coin that is waaaaaaaay beyond my budget. So, seeing a price on the obverse of the slab is a HUGE help. Indeed, I generally won't even bother talking to a dealer that I don't already know if he or she doesn't put prices on the front of the slabs. (Of course, now that you have posted here, I feel like I know you, so I'd talk to you!
As far as #7 goes, I really like it when a dealer takes credit cards. I do not take a hoard of cash with me to a show. (If I want to be robbed of a lot of cash, I can be robbed in the comfort of my hometown without the bother of traveling to a show.) I feel uncomfortable asking a dealer I don't know if he or she will take a check. (Though I might now ask you to take a check!
In fact, I now buy coins from Larry Whitlow because he once accepted a check from me at a FUN show several years ago. I started off small, a check for $200 or so. (I think he trusted me because I had kids with me and most crooks are unlikely to bring kids.) Then, over the years, I think he has gotten to know me so at the last FUN show I spent about $5,000 with him, all via check. But I would never expect you or anyone else to start our relationship by taking a check from me for $5,000. So if you have $5,000 of coins I want, I truly need you to accept a credit card.
Mark
P.S.: Re general apprearance: Do you care about the general appearance of your customers?
And I'm not trying to be a joker on this I am serious. I never have had any problem a dealer taking a check from me. But the situation has come up when a dealer I never saw before and never heard of wants me to trust that he will send the coin after my check clears.
And I hear and see this all the time. So why should I trust this dealer? Well needless to say I don't write them a check and move on. I may be looked at like a jerk here but I'm ok with that. It's just I don't agree we should have all the trust in them and they have none in us.
I was going to address your post tomorrow but since I'm speaking to you now, anyway... I believe that a buyer doing business with a dealer at a show has just as much right to request/require references from the dealer, as the dealer does, to get references from a buyer. The buyer should be entitled to the same protection as the seller is - it should be a two way street. Very good point on your part.
Edited to add: After all this you probably wouldn't want to take a check from me would you? And I do have references.
Coinguy1 - Here are a few of my comments (note that I am not a big spender, so you don't have to take them completely serious if you don't want!)
1. I don't care about coins being sorted by date necessarily, but certainly Peace $s should be together, old Halfs toghether, etc.
2. Personally, I far prefer a general price be noted on a coin on the front. If someone is asking $2000 for their average 21P in 65, I don't even have to bother to ask about it.
3. I don't really care a bit what the dealer wears as long as it's not a shirt touting my least favorite political party or something!
4. I don't like to see a messy table, but it isn't so bad.
5. No.
6. A dealers coins for sale listing is always nice. Just a sheet that says "Always buying..Highest prices...blah, blah" doesn't excite me.
7. Normally it isn't real important if dealers accept credit cards, but sometimes you do find more then you planned to, and need to resort to credit!
8. I'm not in this category (See first comment!)
JJacks
1) by holder, then type, date & grade
2) asking price in front in plain view, also have a recent guide book handy so I can compare, also have a loupe handy just in case I just happen to be unprepared, and have the ANA grading guide handy - I'm not an expert, help me trust you, help me feel comfortable with my purchase (sell quality at reasonable market prices) and you'll be guaranteed additional business
3) Casual dress is ok, clean looking, hair combed, friendly but business like. Suit & tie may be expected for higher end events
4) Clean table, inventory neatly arranged, eating lunch is necessary but is a hinderence, probably best to do it in private then brush teeth and wash up
5) Yes, cracking slabs at the table is a turn off, although grading coins, helping to teach how to grade coins, debating grading subjectivity, explaining a newsletter or providing other infor/education is a big plus. It builds trust. If you've time to crack coins then you've time to do these things.
6) Easy access to newsletters and business cards is appreciated, have a bowl for me to leave my contact info if you have newsletters you plan to send out
7) Credit cards are a big plus (for you), it increases my impluse buying (of higher priced coins) abilities
8) Wining & dining would be nice on a relationship level (not as a reward) if I was a frequent customer and we closed several deals together - but nothing I buy would qualify - hosting a cookout where other collectors gathered would be more my speed.
Good luck,
1. Denominational order is nice.
2. Unimportant to start.....kind of nice to find a coin that catches your eye in the case, ask to see it, and with the loupe see it's a screamer and then try to mutually agree on a fair price and keep your emotions under control.
3. Blue jeans and a collar shirt would be fine. (I prefer t-shirts)
4. Doesn't matter
5. no
6. business cards are nice as someone else pointed out eariler to write a quote or coin, dealer table#, etc.
7. At times I wish more did as I usually travel and don't like carrying cash.
8. I would be very happy to buy a few dealers dinner just to "talk shop" about the series I collect and hear a few "war stories"
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2) Unimportant to me
3) Unimportant to me
4) Unimportant to me
5) Complete turn off to me, makes me think they're a coin whore and all the holders they are offering are ones they got lucky on. IMO, any dealer regardless of size that makes an ongoing practice of constantly cracking coins looking for upgrades is a coin whore and not a respectable dealer
6) Business card would be nice
7) That also would be nice but not necessary
8) If they can afford to wine and dine me, their markup is probably too high
Dragon
1. I don't care about coins being sorted by date necessarily, but definently by type!!
2. I prefer a price on the front. I can always question or ask for a better price if nec.
3. Business casual...........no suits or ties........definently no mustard stains!!
4. Messy table will turn me off!!
5. Absolute turn-off!!
6. cards are fine, listings are generally useless...........
7. I guess credit cards are important to those with no references, I suppose it can only help cement a sale at times when cash is gone, or checks are over your limit!
8. Are you kidding??, I would'nt think of eating into a dealers bottom line
Marc
Thanks for soliciting my opinion.
1. By denomination and type.
2. I prefer to see a price on the front of the coin. Usually I'll go to a show with one or two coins in mind and have a good idea of what to expect to pay for them. However, if these are not available I'll move down my mental want list where I may not know all of the prices. For instance: is that guy a nice type coin (which I can afford) or one of the rare dates (which I cannot). I feel like a big dope if I'm off by orders of magnitude!
3. Middle of the road works well.
4. I understand you're there for work, so whatever helps you practice your trade is fine by me.
5. Same as 4.
6. A price list is always good. I usually only want a business card if I make a purchase.
7. Never really came up, I usually pay in cash.
Hope this helps,
-JamminJ
Denomination & date. I'll look at the coins in general but there are always certian dates I'm interested in.
2) Do you prefer that asking prices be noted on the front of the holders, the back of the holders, or is that unimportant?
Prices should be noted. That way I have a base line to deal from + it lets me know if I even want to deal.
3) How much does the general appearance of a company's personnel make a difference (i.e. are you more comfortable dealing with someone in a coat and tie, a Tie-dyed T-shirt, or is that unimportant to you)? Please note, the answers you provide to this question could affect me personally, in regards to what attire I might have to wear at shows. Please answer honestly but very carefully.
It doesn't matter but I don't trust weasels in suits. Just have good personal hygiene. I don't like nasty stinking people.
4) How important is it that a dealer's "back-up table" be clean (is it a no-no, for instance, for dealers to eat lunch at their tables?)
Eat at the snack bar.
5) Are you turned-off when you see a dealer behind a table cracking open slabs?
I'll help him.
6) Do you like to be able to easily pick up a dealer's newsletter/price list or at least a business card?
Yes.
7) Is it important to you if dealers accept credit card payments?
It's not of utmost importance but is handy.
8) Do you like to be "wined and dined" after the show by dealers with whom you have done sizeable deals?
If you mean go out and party and get drunk & put in jail, YES.
I'd appreciate you comments on DesertLizard's desire to see dealers post a sign indicating their area of interest or specialty. I sometimes wonder why dealers I've encountered feel it okay to ask about my interest or specialty but seem surprised that I inquire as to their's. Some take the attitude of, "I'm a coin dealer, I'm interested in all coins, Duh!"
By Denomination and Date
2) Do you prefer that asking prices be noted on the front of the holders, the back of the holders, or is that unimportant?
I like prices on the front
3) How much does the general appearance of a company's personnel make a difference (i.e. are you more comfortable dealing with someone in a coat and tie, a Tie-dyed T-shirt, or is that unimportant to you)? Please note, the answers you provide to this question could affect me personally, in regards to what attire I might have to wear at shows. Please answer honestly but very carefully.
The dealer should be neat and clean...and not overdressed.
4) How important is it that a dealer's "back-up table" be clean (is it a no-no, for instance, for dealers to eat lunch at their tables?)
no problem for me.
5) Are you turned-off when you see a dealer behind a table cracking open slabs?
no
6) Do you like to be able to easily pick up a dealer's newsletter/price list or at least a business card?
available cards are a nice touch.
7) Is it important to you if dealers accept credit card payments?
Only if they do not take a check
8) Do you like to be "wined and dined" after the show by dealers with whom you have done sizeable deals?
It will not happen to me...based on my collection status
Mark, I really enjoy your threads. The time and effort that you spend on this forum, and the teaching and thought provoking topics are a boon to all collectors. I applaud you for that.
2) Do you prefer that asking prices be noted on the front of the holders, the back of the holders, or is that unimportant? i prefer to set my own prices, thank you very much!
3) How much does the general appearance of a company's personnel make a difference (i.e. are you more comfortable dealing with someone in a coat and tie, a Tie-dyed T-shirt, or is that unimportant to you)? Please note, the answers you provide to this question could affect me personally, in regards to what attire I might have to wear at shows. Please answer honestly but very carefully. i dunno, who's the dude who always shows up w/ sandals & the same pair of jean shorts?
4) How important is it that a dealer's "back-up table" be clean (is it a no-no, for instance, for dealers to eat lunch at their tables?) as long as he offers a bite of his mc-rib sandwich, or at least a couple of fries, no problem here
5) Are you turned-off when you see a dealer behind a table cracking open slabs? only if the blood spatters excessively. i hate that.
6) Do you like to be able to easily pick up a dealer's newsletter/price list or at least a business card?yes, the business cards are handy for faking out other coin dealers into thinking you are a new employee at the other dealer's business...
7) Is it important to you if dealers accept credit card payments?nope
8) Do you like to be "wined and dined" after the show by dealers with whom you have done sizeable deals? i hate it when dealers whine!!!
see why i'm not a dealer?
K S
Following (this very lengthy paragraph!) are some direct responses from me to some of the specific posts. I do not have a reply to each and every post, but I have read each of them twice, made notes and will be discussing them with everyone at Pinnacle. I can already tell you that 1) We will continue to arrange our coins in date and denominational order; 2) I can't promise changes will be made regarding the placement of prices on the front of our coins, rather than the back, but it will certainly be discussed; 3) I will continue NOT to wear a coat and tie at shows. Todd Imhof, one of Pinnacle's owners, usually does wear a coat and tie to shows. But, he really is a down to earth, nice guy (especially since he's going to be reading this!); 4) We will continue to try to keep our back-up tables neat, though you guys seem pretty reasonable in that regard anyway; 5) We rarely crack coins out of holders anyway but I agree, it looks bad at coin shows; 6) We usually have business cards on our back-up tables. but, based on your comments, will make an effort to make them more accessible; 7) Credit card payments are difficult at shows but we try to be as reasonable as possible, in accepting checks with a decent reference or two; 8) see "wine and dine" comments below.
keithdagen, you said
<< <i>I should point out that I really appreciate a dealer, especially specialists, who are willing to take time and just share the knowledge they have, even if you aren't in a buying mode. Of course, if the show is busy, not being able to do this is understandable, but if a show is slow, as a purchaser I remember these things and am more likely to purchase from a dealer down the road because of that customer-friendly attitude >>
I agree with that 100% - I think it is important for customer relations and for the hobby in general. We make an effort to do that with adults AND kids because kids are a large part of our future.
stman, as we discussed, I have no problem with a buyer at a show wanting to protect himself, by getting references from an unknown dealer/seller, just as a dealer would with an unknown buyer. Also, yes, we'd gladly take a check from you!
RLinn, you said
<< <i>I prefer a dutch treat dinner over wining and dining. It seems more like friends to me. A simple offer to join a group that is already planning to get together is my pick. >>
We don't actually "wine and dine" clients. As a matter of fact, speaking for myself, at least - I usually go back to my hotel room at the end of each show day and do some paperwork or vegetate from exhaustion! I do, however, very much like your idea about group get-togethers.
Also, in reference to DesertLizard's question and your follow-up to it, where you said "Mark, I'd appreciate you comments on DesertLizard's desire to see dealers post a sign indicating their area of interest or specialty. I sometimes wonder why dealers I've encountered feel it okay to ask about my interest or specialty but seem surprised that I inquire as to their's. Some take the attitude of, "I'm a coin dealer, I'm interested in all coins, Duh!"
That's something that, quite frankly, I hadn't even thought of. I have presumed that people will know what our specialty is simply by looking into our cases - that has been silly of me! And, when dealers don't even have coins in their cases, that makes it impossible for someone to have any clue as to what that dealer handles.
BillJones, you said
<< <i>20 or 25 years ago the guys in coats and times were often the “investment” dealers who were out rip you off with inflated claims and high prices. Their business attire was meant to connote order and professionalism. To me it smelled of a con artist. I've relaxed that attitude a bit, but habits die hard. >>
While most other responses were not as anti coats and ties as yours, I definitely see your point. And, I was surprised (and relieved!) that the general consensus (I didn't do an exact count) was for the more casual attire. I am always a bit skeptical when I see certain (not all) dealers in coats and ties, at what seems to me, to be an informal event.
UncleJoe - fear not, you will see no tuxedos at our table!
Goose, you said
<< <i>back-up table. I couldn't care less what you've got piled back there. The more junk you've got, the better the odds are that you might have something I want. (like say, your lunch) >>
I'm not so sure you'd want most of the lunches we have at coin shows! And, I believe Rick Snow does owe you a lunch.
Kranky, thank you for your bonus feedback where you said
<< <i> And the questions you forgot....
9. No, I don't patronize dealers who attempt to sell certain third-tier slabs.
10. That's a good idea, putting a sign on the back table listing items you have for sale (but don't have room in the cases for). That helps me know whether to ask for a specific item if it's not on display. It can be frustrating to wait ten minutes to ask if an item is available only to find out it's not.
11. Of course! Free samples are very much appreciated. >>
Wisconsin, you said
<< <i>Mark,I think one of the main things is for a dealer or seller to be curteous and polite to all customers, and try not to judge us buyers by what we may or may not be wearing. I for one dress very casual and from time to time notice that the better dressed customer gets all the attention and more help. It is very hard to judge a person by their clothes or how they ask questions. I know in my business I am always surprised who turns out to be the person spending money. I know you are the type of person that would help anyone, but I have been to shows where the suite and tie dealer gives me the once over and figures me to be someone with little chance of spending money. I simply walk away regardless what they are selling >>
Great point. One time, many years ago I went out, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, to buy a car. I walked into one dealer and was completely ignored so I left. An hour later, I bought a car from a major competitor and paid in full. I know, from your comments, that you see the point here!
Mark (not me, the other Mark), I was glad to see thatyou added
<< <i>Of course, now that you have posted here, I feel like I know you, so I'd talk to you >>
And, please, never feel badly about asking prices of us or anyone!
You also asked the following question of me :
<< <i>P.S.: Re general apprearance: Do you care about the general appearance of your customers? Actually, that brings up a valid point: Mark, do you adjust how you deal with a potential customer based on his or her appearance? I presume you do adjust based on his or her conversation with you...? >>
We try not to let anything about a potential customer affect how we think about him/her or act toward him/her. As Wisconsin noted above, you can't necessarily tell much of anything from appearances. But, sure, we can and do quickly adjust, based on conversation. We are straight with potential clients and give them the benefit of the doubt so far as being the same with us.
JJAcks, you said
<< <i>Here are a few of my comments (note that I am not a big spender, so you don't have to take them completely serious if you don't want!) >>
We take all comments seriously, as long as they are intended that way. Big spenders don't necessarily give better advice than smaller ones.
JD , I like your comment
<< <i>Yes, cracking slabs at the table is a turn off, although grading coins, helping to teach how to grade coins, debating grading subjectivity, explaining a newsletter or providing other infor/education is a big plus. It builds trust. If you've time to crack coins then you've time to do these things >>
Excellent point!
rkfish, you said
<< <i> I would be very happy to buy a few dealers dinner just to "talk shop" about the series I collect and hear a few "war stories" >>
You shouldn't have to buy dealers dinner for that!
marcmoish, I promise that we will try to avoid mustard stains.
Dog, as expected, your replies were very much to the point!
beartracks42/Gary - thank you very much ! Guys like you make it worth the effort.
KS, I agree with your comment
<< <i>i hate it when dealers whine!!! >>
Again, thanks to everyone!
2.) Definitely on the front of the holder. I can view the coin, and at the same time see if the price seem reasonable before I waste my time making a decision on a coin thats way over priced.
3.) Coat and tie is a bit too much, but someone dressed neatly come across as a nicer person that someone who looks and/or smells like a slob.
4.) Neatness to me says the person is organized and more than likely took the time to properyl grade and price their stock. I know disorganized dealers who just price everything out to the max and come down if needed later. They also cannot find or know half of what they have in stock. HEY, we all have to eat, however, someone slopping a hoagie down with oil, grease, and what ever dripping and running all over the place stinking up the show is a big turn off.
5.) Have not witnessed this, but I would not care, I do not like slabs.
6.) Yes, a card is helpful to see where they are from and hopefully they are remotely close so we can visit. A card with a web page link is golden.
7.) Yes, just in case you find that big deal there and are short on cash.
8.) NO, I hate that, its too much like politics....
You are a big time contributor to this forum and always sharing good insight. PR is successful so I figure why bother, right? Well, I guess that's what makes you guys so good. Going that extra yard.
PR is doing everything right in my book, no need to change but I guess you guys always are looking to improve a good thing!
Wishing you much continued success.
Thank you for your comment. I really enjoy this and the owners of Pinnacle are nice enough (to me) to allow me to participate on their time. Hopefully, I can continue to contribute to and learn from this board.
Try and keep dealers/collectors from piling their briefcases and papers and junk all over your case while others are attempting to view your selections.
I can't believe the amount of Rude people at a show that will do this without any concern for others. I usually give them a glare and stand Real close to them and they take a hint.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
That's got to be one of my biggest peeves about shows.
I have this funny thing about me in I just will not beg someone to take my money.
2 I like the price, date and mint letter on front
3 it don't matter
4 dealer have to eat too
5 it there coins they can do whatever the like with them
6 yes if he ever want to hear from me
7 not to me but I'm sure people that are spending the big money use them
8 with what I spend the dealer will be luck to have beer and burgers for himself
I hate it when you see my post before I can edit the spelling.
Always looking for nice type coins
my local dealer
I think I know who your talking about who always wears the sandals and jeans shorts. In fact, he's worn those shorts for so long people forget they used to be full length and he just wore them down.
On the front, so that I can see them without waiting around to ask the dealer if he's busy with another customer. Or having him remove them from the case. Or (worst) shuffle through a price guide, squint at a price code on the coin, and generally hem-and-haw around for 5 minutes before coming up with a price that's not at all what I had in mind.
If it's a series I know, I have a good idea of about what I'd like to pay, and I'd rather know ahead of time whether the dealer is in that ballpark.
And when shopping as a type collector, I certainly don't know from memory the approximate prices for all the dates/grades in every series I might be interested in. In that case, I'm just looking for a nice coin, and the first thing I want to know is if the price is within my budget. Further investigation can then follow.
Just seems way more efficient and curteous all the way around.
1956 - thanks for your straight forward response - no greasy hoagies for me - I'm a vegetarian.
Goose, you said, in part :
"Another thing I wanted to add and don't know if it has been addressed.
Try and keep dealers/collectors from piling their briefcases and papers and junk all over your case while others are attempting to view your selections.
I can't believe the amount of Rude people at a show that will do this without any concern for others. I usually give them a glare and stand Real close to them and they take a hint."
That is a great point that was brought up on the NGC board but not here, until now. As I mentioned over there, I try to be careful not to cover up other dealers' tables when I'm looking at their coins but I could be more aware of people doing that at our table. Would you like to hire yourself out to glare at them for us on a pay per glare basis?
Supercoin, after all of the responses, we did discuss the possibility of having prices on the front of our coins, rather than on the back. And, for those of you who may not have been aware of it, we only sell certified coins - I apologize for not having made that clear. At this point, at least, the decision has been made to keep the prices on the back of the coins. I hear the boo birds now! However, for those of you who might be bothered by this - we are always happy to take coins out of our cases to show people, even when we suspect or have been told ahead of time, that they can't afford them or wont be buying them. And, to those of you who don't keep track of prices, don't ever feel bad if you price a coin and it turns out that it has an extro zero or two in the price, compared to what you would have guessed. It's happend to me more than once.
2. Front as long as it doesn't impede coin viewing.
3. Neat and clean.
4. As long as I don't have to interrupt lunch to do business, have food flying out of your mouth while talking, or feel I need to wash up after shaking hands.
5. Only if they are mishandling coins (half time coin toss; fingers everywhere but edge) or plastic is flying around unsafely.
6. Yes. I prefer to disturb you as little as necessary. (BTW, I've found that the easier it is to find/contact you, the more inclined I am to do business besides at the show)
7. Not necessarily, but it is convenient.
8. Wined and dined, NO, but some demonstrable measure of appreciation.
I'm curious, what is the rationale for that? Collectors complaining about the prices being on the front?
I prefer them to be in denominational/date order. Makes it easier for me to scan for what I'm looking for.
2) Do you prefer that asking prices be noted on the front of the holders, the back of the holders, or is that unimportant?
I like prices to be somewhere on the holder, either front or back. While I hope those prices are not fixed, it does give me an idea of the neighborhood price the seller will want for the coin. If I see that the seller's neighborhood isn't even in the same state as my neighborhood I can save both the dealer and myself alot of time by simply handing back the coin and politely moving on, rather than trying to negotiate a price that both of us can agree on. If our neighborhoods are nowhere near being close, trying to negotiate would be a waste of both our time.
3) How much does the general appearance of a company's personnel make a difference (i.e. are you more comfortable dealing with someone in a coat and tie, a Tie-dyed T-shirt, or is that unimportant to you)?
Makes no difference at all.
4) How important is it that a dealer's "back-up table" be clean (is it a no-no, for instance, for dealers to eat lunch at their tables?)
Not important. However, the cleanliness of their main table does make a difference. If a wholesaler has all his stuff spread out over the top of your case as he tries for an hour to make deals, and I can't see what you have for sale, I'm moving on and I won't be back. Chances are, the one coin I'm willing to pay top-dollar for is in your case, but if I can't see it I will just have to spend my money elsewhere.
5) Are you turned-off when you see a dealer behind a table cracking open slabs?
If they are slabs other than PCGS or NGC slabs, not in the least. I would, however, question the sanity of a dealer who will sit at a show and crack PCGS or NGC slabs. If their intent is to submit the coin raw from regrading to PCGS or NGC at the show, then the dealer should crack his slabs out of view of the person who may end up having to buy his dream-coin raw as a 66 instead of at the 65 price he knows he may have gotten it for in its slab only hours earlier.
6) Do you like to be able to easily pick up a dealer's newsletter/price list or at least a business card?
Yes
7) Is it important to you if dealers accept credit card payments?
I'd like to know that I'd be able to use my credit card should the need arise. If a dealer doesn't accept credit cards he could very well lose out on sales he may have otherwise made. This especially holds true on higher dollar items. Many people do not like to carry an exhorbitant amount of cash with them at shows.
8) Do you like to be "wined and dined" after the show by dealers with whom you have done sizeable deals?
It depends on what you consider a "sizeable" deal. Unfortunately, I don't think I am qualified to answer this question.
<< <i>) 1) When viewing coins in dealers' cases, do you prefer that they be arranged in date and denominational order, or, for example, sorted by rarity, the type of holder they are in, or some other way? >>
Arranged in date and denominational order
<< <i>2) Do you prefer that asking prices be noted on the front of the holders, the back of the holders, or is that unimportant? >>
Front of the holders. It lets me know real quick if the dealer is asking fair prices overall or is out to rape someone in which case I just move on.
<< <i>3) How much does the general appearance of a company's personnel make a difference (i.e. are you more comfortable dealing with someone in a coat and tie, a Tie-dyed T-shirt, or is that unimportant to you)? >>
Neatness is of the utmost importance. Nothing wrong with being comfortable (i.e. nice pair of jeans or Dockers and a button down). NO T-shirts or holey faded jeans. Well groomed is very important. No one wants to do business with a long, dirty, uncombed hair bum that smells like taco bell. Clean shaven or well groomed facial hair.
<< <i>4) How important is it that a dealer's "back-up table" be clean (is it a no-no, for instance, for dealers to eat lunch at their tables?) >>
Again neatness is of the utmost importance.
<< <i>5) Are you turned-off when you see a dealer behind a table cracking open slabs? >>
YES....Walk on by.
<< <i>6) Do you like to be able to easily pick up a dealer's newsletter/price list or at least a business card? >>
Yes, if I have to ask I probably won't.
<< <i>7) Is it important to you if dealers accept credit card payments? >>
Yes, who likes carrying a lot of cash? NOT ME. And that unexpected coin you just have to have..........
<< <i>8) Do you like to be "wined and dined" after the show by dealers with whom you have done sizeable deals? >>
Not expected but a dealer who will take the time to talk with you about the hobby and your interests lets the buyer know its not all about the money and once you get it he does not matter anymore. Builds a good foundation for future transactions.
The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
It would also make sense for you to have two sets of all the printed pages of your inventory as shown on your web site available for inspection so that customers can quickly preruse coins still available (not crossed out) along with a description and then if they want to see the coin it is right there for inspection.
Comes in handy when your table gets very busy so that you can simply have the overflow clientele have something to look at while others hover over the tables.
Sometimes two sets of tthe inventory wih prices and descriptionjs is simply not enough. Cheap enough to photocopy. Consider giving them out if needed.
Dinner??????? Who needs a paid for dinner when auction houses give dinner for attending auctions?
Heritage Auctions has the best free iced tea at the FUN show. Why pay? More $$ for coins!!
A small free hard candy dish is always welcome. Costs little and is a nice touch. Also will attract other dealers who always seem to love candy.
I also like the idea of giving out a free wheatie cent to each kid that comes along and answers a short question quiz (easy quiz...... if 4 years old) if acompanied by a parent.