Teaparty - Not my idea of a party.

mas3cf

Just wanted to take a second to vent about JJ Teaparty... I know a lot of you rave about their service over the phone, etc... but I had yet another miserable storefront experience with them today. Why do I keep giving them second chances? I don't know. This time, I asked the representative to see a 1909-S VDB in AU-55 (approx. $1K coin) and he sort of grumbled, went to the back, and got it for me. Every time I asked him a question, he was very curt. What, am I not supposed to ask questions before dropping $1K on a raw coin which is commonly faked? All I asked was about return policy and whether he had any other 1909-S VDB's in the back. I don't think either question was rude or unfair! They certainly don't deserve sarcastic responses!! I tried to be as pleasant as I could, but I guess a young guy (23 yo) is obviously poor and not worth their time, even though I have dropped several hundred dollars there on multiple occasions! Too bad they didn't get my $1000 this time. I went next door to another coin dealer and they cheerfully made a want list for a 1909-S VDB, slabbed with good eye appeal. Then, I went to the other coin dealer on that block and bought a complete set of V-Nickels from that friendly fellow (which, incidentally, I had sold to him 2 years ago but he didn't remember me). So, no more Teaparty for me unless they get a major attitude overhaul.

Thanks for listening to my rant!

Barry

IMO, most of their stuff is overgraded.

dorkkarl

there are a couple of fantastic folks over at teaparty (esp. liz), but overall, the co. is definitely overrated by a lot of board members.

K S

hughesm1

You've dealt with them before, but did you deal with the same guy as your previous dealings?

coinguy1

Mas3cf, why not politely pass your comments on directly to them, rather than (or in addition to) the forum? If you really want/hope for them to improve, your chances are much better that way.

mas3cf

I have dealt with at least 3 of their representatives, none of whom are likely to win friendliness awards any time soon... this wasn't the first time I've interacted with this individual. Everyone I've dealt with has been a stereotypical "grumpy old man"... I haven't ever seen Liz, as far as I know.

Coinguy, I've been thinking about telling them the same stuff I've posted here... maybe I will, maybe I won't... I just posted here to see if anyone had comments on them and to let everybody know about a bad experience I had. Do I owe it to them to let them know why they've lost my business? (Serious question- not rhetorical.) Are they going to give a rat's patootie?

beartracks42

Why keep poor dealer conduct under cover???

coinguy1

<< <i>Do I owe it to them to let them know why they've lost my business? >>

Not in my opinion. But, that doesn't mean it wont be worth the effort and/or lead to better things.

ElectricEye

<< <i>I guess a young guy (23 yo) is obviously poor and not worth their time, even though I have dropped several hundred dollars there on multiple occasions! >>



I used to contend with the same attitude at some firearm shops in Orange County. They stereotype the young as not having the disposable income to drop 2 or 3 grand a pop. Since my hair went prematurely gray, I don't suffer the same treatment.

ealandg

I deal with Gail, who is great on customer service. I highly recommend that you contact her and tell her about it. The impression I get from them is that they care about customer service. I'm sure the folks "at the top" would be upset to hear of this.

mas3cf

Yeah, maybe it would be a good idea to contact them. I think I will, and I'll tell them pretty much what I said on this board. At this point, if they respond unpleasantly, it won't matter to me. There are plenty of other places to buy coins in Boston and online...

I'm disappointed I couldn't get the coin (well, I COULD have, but...) This is a coin that has eluded me in so many ways since I first started seriously shopping for one! I have had no trouble finding much more difficult coins, like the 1916-D Merc and the 1913-S 25c... For this one, I've been sniped on ebay (while myself trying to snipe!) and so on... 10 bucks says whenever I do buy one, I'll be hit by a car as soon as I step off the curb! (Living in Boston, this is not an unfathomable possibility!!)

Thanks for all your input, and any further comments would be welcome and appreciated!

Monstavet

You have 3 coin shops within one block of each other!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I could go to three con shops if I want to drive for ~6 hours! LOL
And I don't live in the boonies, either.
Very jealous. That would help with price controls, I would think.

lathmach

I've never had a problem dealing with them.
They price their stuff a little high, but the stuff I've bought I cherrypicked, so I did well. Rare varieties.
I've never been to their store. I used to see them at shows.

Ray

K6AZ

Monstavet - I was going to make the same observation. We have no shops left in this town, and the nearest shop is 100 mile drive for me. (Harry Laibstain and David Lawrence - both very good dealers with friendly sales people)

boz

I haven't any problems with this type of post. Just having a very unsatisfactory dealing with a major coin dealer myself, I agree with exposing the rats. In my case I would probably be sued for slander and anything else the welch could think of. Do I sound bitter?

agentjim007

If you've had that much trouble with them it is more than appropriate to vent here. It's no more than someone protesting in front of a store who has been wronged or workers picketing a job sight. Screw this "you should contact them discretely" crap.

RYK

To me, there is a difference between coin dealers who are unethical and those that are unfriendly. Big difference! The former deserves to be exposed on these boards to prevent others from being harmed. The latter will be easily recognized by its potential customers, and the problem will take care of itself.

Robert

P.S. There are many exceptional coin dealers out there (including quite a few who frequent these boards). Find two that suit your needs and personality and deal with them exclusively. You will find your buying experience far more rewarding.

JohnZ

I've had exactly the same experience at JJ Teaparty. Grumpy salesmen that made sarcastic remarks. I'm 40 years old, but the last time I was there, I was wearing jeans and a teeshirt. Maybe they didn't see me as a potential high end buyer. I nevertheless ended up spending $1000 for some nice coins, but I haven't returned, even though their shop is only a few miles from my apartment.

Dave99B

Very odd - sounds like they may be heading downhill.

I've only dealt with them over the phone, but I've been impressed with their service (and material). Both purchases were for $1000+, and both transactions went smoothly. Very nice coins. I think I worked with Liz both times.

Their stuff is expensive, but I'm OK with that, if the material commands it.

Dave

Coinosaurus

I've had no hassle with these folks & have bought some very nice things from them. They always greet me at shows even though I keep making the faux pas of getting Liz and Gail's names mixed up.

My experience is that if you buy regularly from someone over a 6-12 month period, they tend to get very friendly.

MrEureka

My experience is that if you buy regularly from someone over a 6-12 month period, they tend to get very friendly.

My experience is that if you buy regularly from someone over a 6-12 month period, they tend to get very friendly.

Good point. Worth repeating. Twice.

291fifth

There are many dealers who "size-up" potential customers based on their perception of how much they might spend. It's not at all uncommon, both in stores and at major shows, to find dealers who don't want to deal with pesky, knowledgeable, collectors. These dealers want to deal with "investors" with a burning desire to spend lots of cash without spending much time learning about what they are buying.

mojorizn

You know, I just purchased a coin from them and didn't even spend $30. I paid over the phone and received a call the next day to let me know that my coin hadn't made yesterday's mail and they were very sorry! When I received the coin it was choice for the grade. Yeah, I paid retail. Boo hoo. But if that is the service I can expect when I spend a few dollars on a whim, you can bet they'll get my business when I finally drop the cash for a '37-D 3-leg!

Mojo

Varlis

I've had nothing but good experiences with them. I've never been to the store, but when I see something on their website that I like, I shoot them an e-mail and it's always held for me. I agree that they are on the expensive side, but since I generally buy early material from them, I can trust them if they tell me a coin has or hasn't been messed with. Plus once I bought (for me) a key-date seated dollar from them, and I sent it into PCGS and it slabbed for precisely the same grade.

boz

<< <i>if you buy regularly from someone over a 6-12 month period, they tend to get very friendly. >>



It shouldn't be that way though.
There will always be a "first" time you buy. If it's not up to your expectations, there won't be a second time. Not with me anyways.

darktone

I would not go back to a place that treated me like that. It sounds like you have a couple smaller shops with friendly people very nearby- I would frequent these places. I have been in many small businesses where the owners just looks the other way at this kind of behavior because he is friends with the salesperson or a relative or just used to it. I would not contact anybody at their business- I would just never return. mike

ealandg

I am not trying to defend JJ Teaparty. I am only saying that it is entirely possible that upper management may be unaware that they have these folks behaving this way. If you don't tell them, they won't know. They could interpret a decline in sales as a downturn in the market.

I found them to be extremely courteous, that they went over and above, so it seems clear to me that someone there cares about customer service and should be aware that another party that works there is giving the company a bad name.

It also sounds as though those of us who have only bought on line have had much better experiences....

mas3cf

Well, if these guys "sized me up" then they did it WRONG. I may be only 23, but I've collected coins for 16 years and have amassed a great deal of knowledge about the hobby (enough to make me feel comfortable spending 4 figures on a single coin). I'm also a very loyal buyer and will stick with people who treat me right. So what if I come into a coin store wearing an NFL jacket and t-shirt? I am very fortunate to have these other guys, though. They may not have the inventory or reputation of Teaparty, but they are much more willing to give everyone a fair shake.

Any dealers who may be reading this: PLEASE don't judge people based on their looks. You may be missing out on very good customers.

Tonight I'm going to compose an e-mail to them politely complaining (oxymoron?) about the service I've been receiving there. I'll let you know whether, and how, they respond...

mas3cf

OK, here's the message-- now awaiting a reply! Does this sound appropriate or inappropriate? Constructive criticism welcomed...

===============================

Dear Ms. Watson:
Far be it from someone in my humble position to register unsolicited
criticism of a business as experienced, professional, and respected as
yours, but I feel it prudent to inform you of my dissatisfaction with
service I have received at your storefront, if you would so indulge me by
taking a moment to read this message. As a 23-year-old, I probably do not
appear to be someone with the knowledge and/or financial resources to make
serious coin purchases. I have found that, on the perhaps ten occasions I
have visited your storefront, I have been treated with no respect or even
disdain by the gentlemen with whom I have interacted. This even after
purchasing an 1877 Indian cent from your store at no small cost! My
observation seems to be that the service I receive is, for whatever
reason, with much less
consideration than that afforded to many of my fellow customers. The
culmination
of
this was today, when I asked to see a 1909-S VDB you have available in
AU-55 condition. I was fully prepared to spend the $950 plus tax you were
asking for the coin (and perhaps make some smaller purchases while I was
there). I found the item to be appealing, exciting, and of the highest
quality.
However, the representative responded to almost all of my questions in a
manner which I found sarcastic and/or disrespectful, as though it were
inappropriate to
ask questions before spending almost $1000 on a raw coin! To give you
one example I can remember offhand, I
inquired as to whether other 1909-S VDB specimens were available in the
back, and the following exchange ensued:

(obviously annoyed) "Did you see any others on our website?"
"Not that I can remember."
(sarcastically) "Well, then, I guess the answer is no."

(Is it inconceivable that you may have acquired one today or
that there may be one not listed on the site for some reason?)

In my experience, such snide answers to questions are not uncommon at the
storefront. This treatment resulted in my deciding to forgo purchasing
the coin, and the accumulation of these experiences makes me hesitant to
return to J.J. Teaparty in the future. Therefore, I feel it is fair to
inform you of my displeasure for your own information and so that I may
get this off my chest.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Best wishes,


Matt

ealandg

Good for you! You have done the right thing in my opinion, whether you go back there or not. That kind of behavior is inexcusable and I'm glad you're calling it to their attention.

Tell them you'll forgive them if they knock $200 off the price of the penny.

Varlis

Nice letter-- let us know their response.

haletj

I went there once. I didn't buy anything, but asked a lot of questions, and they were very helpful. I was 24 I think at the time and I looked even younger for my age.

Where are the other 2 coin shops? There was one really small one, and a pawn shop that didn't have many coins. I looked all over Boston for other decent coin shops.

MFH

Hi Matt,

I have dealt with Liz Coggan for ten years now, and have developed a very close rapport with her. I dealt with Gail Watson when she was with Bowers and Merena in Wolfeboro, NH. Both have been more than wonderful to work with.

I know they have had some problems finding someone to work the front counter of their store on Bromfield Street in Boston. Regretibly you got someone who shouldn't have any contact with the public. All the guy had to do was go onto his own website to see if there were any other 09-SVDB's in stock.

Being in sales myself, I learned a long time ago not to judge customers by their appearance. ( I once had a pig farmer come into my store, and noone would wait on him; as I was the manager, I approached the guy and he bought $40,000 worth of merchandise, & paid in cash. Of course he and his money smelled something fierce, but his money was as green as anyone else's.)

I'm glad you let Gail know how you feel. You should also mention it to Ed Rosenthal or Miles Coggan. They should also know what's going on in their store.

Don't discount JJTeaparty over one bad experience. I could tell you about other places who have no professionalism in treating potential clients. It is the salesperson who is the front line of the company and our preception of the company is derived from our experiences with that person.

Good luck; I also await JJTeaparty's response.

mas3cf

Hmm... my impression from the website and from what I've heard is that Gail is most in charge of customer service... if she's low on the totem pole, that's okay with me, as long as someone there knows how I feel. My impression is that just over the past 2 years, they've become increasingly rude... so who knows? Maybe they just don't like me for some reason.

The other 2 shops are both on the same block! There's Colonial Trading right across from the Park Street burying ground (which does quite resemble a pawn shop, but is actually a very good store), and on the other end of the block is Bay State Coin (they also sell sports cards and memorabilia). Both are great places with friendly folks, and I recommend both!!

MFH

I liked the service I got from Bay State as well. Years ago, there was a store called J.M. Stone's down the street from JJTeaparty, he was great to work with as well. Jack Stone was very knowledgeable, a bit of a grump, if you didn't know him, but his nephew ran the store and was extremely friendly. I did alot of business with them when I was in college.

mrearlygold

A thousand dollar coin generally represents about 100-150. in gross profit to a dealer. Sometimes we can be somewhat elitist on little coins like that to which I admit I have been at times ( not very often though). I did over 170,000 in retail business in february and it was all mostly coins in the 10K and up range. You can well imagine how pre-occupied I was with that in the couple of weeks this was transacted.

While that was happening, one fellow called me up on an early half eagle and complained that he called several times only to get my voice mail ( he never left a message). I asked him why he never left a message and he said and I quote " I don't know how people like you do business" to which I told him the coin he was asking about was sold ( it wasn't) and I was happy to get him off the phone and if he ever calls me again he better have had an attitude adjustment beforehand. On the flip side, the same day an 85 year old collector from Ct called with a bunch of proof sets that I now have sitting on the floor next to my desk ( I don't do proof sets and when I have time I'll sell these things) and he was so nice I paid him a fair price, gave him another coin on trade at 8% over my cost ( total revenues "not profits" were less than 1 thousand dollars) and had a really good conversation with him. It was "fun" to talk with him about "when he was collecting seated dollars way back when" and I can't wait to do some more with him.

So sometimes it's the time of the day, the individual customer, the alignment of the sun and the moon ( ), but definitely not always the money. And you can't bond with everyone either in such a highly personal business. So find someone you enjoy talking with and who will help mentor you in the business when warranted, give him ( and yourself) a shot at building a relationship which will last a lifetime.

The letter you wrote to Teaparty will probably be received with real consideration. There's a reason why they've been in business such a long time.

Rgrds
TP

JohnZ

So sometimes it's the time of the day, the individual customer, the alignment of the sun and the moon...

Well said.

Matt, I think I was "served" by the same salesman as you were. Was he in his forties, thin, short ash-blond hair, clean-shaven? At any rate, I have to say that your letter is extremely well-written. Kudos. I'm tempted to go back and shop again just for the fun of having my say. Wanna come along?

mas3cf

JohnZ,
I know who you're talking about and he's been "not so nice" to me in the past... this time, though, it was an older, shorter guy with thick glasses... they all have pretty similar attitudes, though, so it's easy to get them confused!!!!

If you seriously want to make a Teaparty run, I'm game! Let's see what (if anything) they say in response to my letter... then I'll decide whether I ever want to see them again!

JohnZ

Matt, check your PM. Let's raid the store.

atomic

I spent more than $15K at the Teaparty store over a two year period, 2001 - 2003. Even though I'd bought from the store 8 - 9 times, no one ever recognized me. My experience is that it doesn't matter if you look like you can afford to buy. My observation is that everyone seems to get uniformly lousy treatment. You feel like customers in the store are considered an annoyance, something to be got rid of, like ants off a sandwich. Bought $10k in bullion gold from the old guy one day who, as he took my money, told me I was making a mistake, that I shouldn't buy gold because it's a lousy investment. Gold was at $265 at the time. Other advice I've received there was similarly idiotic. Pack of morons, if you ask me. I could guess why they're so screwed up there: bad management, underpaid for the work, burned out from too many whacked out customers coming in off the street... who knows? Who cares. I don't shop there anymore. I wouldn't waste my time writing them a letter.

In sharp contrast, Eric Carlson at Lexington Coin is a prince. You always feel you've been treated fairly. He can get busy and you can find yourself waiting around a while. But that's because his high ethical standards and fair pricing make him very popular. I'd never think of going anywhere else.

Atomic

PutTogether

i just saw this thread.........any response to the letter yet?

cosmicdebris

Great letter

ibzman350

K6AZ,


and the nearest shop is 100 mile drive for me. (Harry Laibstain and David Lawrence )

I live 15 min. from Virginia Beach, where is David Lawrences' store ???

they sold me some spotty overprized coins, I wanted to return them in person and was told they didn't have a store front. So where do you drive 100 miles to, to see Davids store???

darktone

I think it would be the wrong move to go to the store to start trouble. It's just not worth the problems that could occur- I mean this could erupt into a fight or a busted up store with you paying for damages and sitting in jail. Just don't go there anymore as it's pretty obvious they don't like you and you don't like them. mike

dorkkarl

<< <i>The big kicker is they WON'T guarantee grades with TPGs. >>

rather ridiculous to expect someone to guarantee someone ELSE'S opinion on a grade, isn't it? why would you try to make such an absurd expectation a reason to shop/not to shop w/ someone?

on another related teaparty subject, i've sold them literally 10's of 1000's $ worth of coins over the past couple decades, they pay good prices, which is why you might expect to pay more. their 2 main buyers DO have good eyes for quality.

K S

DrPete

I have had nothing but good experiences with JJTeaparty. I have dealt almost exclusively with Liz whom I find to be knowledgeable and helpful. With so few coin shops left in the world I find it sad to hear that some customers are not treated properly. As with any business, feedback to those in charge is important, especially if it is acted upon. Where I live it is at least an hour to a coin shop and those I have been to have been disappointing.

atomic

Ok, so if I net out what I'm hearing here, if you're gonna deal with Teaparty, deal with Liz. Via Liz you get pay and are paid premium prices for premium goods.
Atomic

mrpaseo

OK, I did not read through this whole thread but i did read the first 10 responces or so, I would suggest writting down the link to this page and passing it off to one of them and saying "You have got to see this"

If they look, then they will learn, if they don't then they probably deserve what they get...Nothing.

Just a though,
Ray

mrpaseo

Or try this, walk into the coin shop, lay 10ea 100 dollar bills on the counter and just talk as if they are not there. If you make a deal, then pay with the money, if you don't just pick it up and walk out. At least they know you would be able to afford what you want to look at.

That would be my second choice, first action would be the one I posted above.

Hope all work out.
Ray

mas3cf

So here's the response: Not a lot of substance, but a nicely worded apology... it seems that a previous poster was correct; she is relatively low on the totem pole, but she is forwarding the e-mail to higher-ups, so it'll be interesting to see if they respond...

It was nice to get a quick reply... to me, it shows she does care...

===============================================

Dear Mr. Schiffler:

Thank you for your e-mail, I cannot apologize enough on behalf of the
company. It is never our intention to treat anyone rudely or with disrespect
and I personally am sorry you felt that your experience in the store was a
bad one. I have forwarded this e-mail to Scott Sparks and Miles Coggan the
owners of the company for their review as they are more in tune with what
happens in the store. I work mostly out of my home in New Hampshire for J.
J. Teaparty and my main job is the Want List program, and phone sales from
our monthly catalogue and the internet. I truly value all of our customers,
it does not matter what they spend or how old they are. There have been may
times when I have sold a customer a $50.00 coin only to have them come back
and buy a $10,000.00 coin and I have had the pleasure of helping them for
several years thereafter.

The main reason I love what I do is because of the customer contact and the
friendships I have build over the years with my customers. It is so
gratifying to know that I have truly helped a customer find just the right
coin.

Again I cannot apologize enough and hopefully you will give us another try.
I know we are not the biggest company out there but each and every customer
does matter to us.

Thank you so much for your input and I hope you will try us again, please
feel free to call me toll-free at 877-772-4245 if I can assist you again in
the future.

Best wishes,

Gail A. Watson

kranky

<< <i>

<< <i>The big kicker is they WON'T guarantee grades with TPGs. >>

rather ridiculous to expect someone to guarantee someone ELSE'S opinion on a grade, isn't it? why would you try to make such an absurd expectation a reason to shop/not to shop w/ someone? >>



I don't think that's a ridiculous expectation, Karl. If a potential buyer wants a raw coin slabbed prior to purchase and is willing to pay the slabbing fee if it gets the same grade that the seller represents the coin to be, what's wrong with that? The seller is free to decline or accept the offer. But simply asking is not ridiculous or absurd.

Rare Coins of New Hampshire does it.