Well The Jokes On ME ---- GregTheGreat

GregTheGreat

Well after the whole flip thing well over a month ago I seriously considered never coming back to the boards. I understand that some of my wording in a few of my posts may not have been the best, however I think that those of you that can dwell on things for such a long time is plain out wrong. The reason I chose to return was that I recieved some e-mails asking where I was, when I was coming back, etc. I decided that the people who don't like me are not worth leaving over. No one is popular with everyone and I know that some of you guys out there do Not like me. That however will not stop me from being a part of this web community. To those of you out there that have given me advice.... Thanks A MILLION. For those of you that helped me get going with contacts, etc.... THANKS A MILLION!.... to all of those of you that have listed to me and taken the time to understand what I am all about.... THANKS A MILLION.

As for you people who will pry over the posts where my wording was "less then Great" (pun intended).... Get Over It. The majority of my posts I post at 2 in the morning, after I have already been awake for 19 hours and barely know what I am saying. The fact is.... I am dedicated to COINS and being a DEALER.... I wont fail reguardless of how much you poke fun at me.

I realize that some of you guys do like me.... I have talked to many of you guys on the phone.... I have purchased coins from many of you guys as well. I have spent several thousands with board members in the last few months, and all of the sellers here are honest, hard working, and very dedicated. For those of you who do like me.... I am not going to let the words of some of the board members keep me from being an active member of the boards.

Thanks to those of you who are sending me coins for the table at the Cal Show next month.
Thanks to those of you who have given me advice.
Thanks to those of you who sent me a few free things to help me out.
Thanks TO ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF CU.

I am not going to indulge any more posts about me being "this and that". If you want to get to know more about me and what I am about.... feel free to p.m. me or e-mail me. I always am willing to discuss the way sales are going etc. I just refuse to respond to pointless posts about flips, staplers, etc. As many people have said.... just let it go.

If you guys have any thing more to me.... just e-mail me or p.m. me, dont waste my time by the same posts about flips and staplers.

I have spoke what I believe here and it is all I have to say.

What is really ironic to me.... I guarantee that people will still respond to this post in the same way they have responded to every other one, even after I have said all this. Some people can never let things go.

Well thats my 2 cents on the whole subject.

Thanks Again To CU and its Board Members,

-Greg Ullstam

dthigpen

As long as you continue to be humble and open to learning and actually implementing important facets of your business which are currently missing that others have been pointing out (Either bonding for self-insurance or third party insurance (prefered) if you're going to do consignments - this deserves MUCH more attention than you seem to be paying to it and is very important), I think you'll do just fine. I just suggest that before you ask for any 'gimme' or 'leg-up' on the boards, you give it plenty of thought as to how it may hurt your business image; though I'm sure that if anything, you've learned that out of this whole ordeal. Just keep up with it and do your best.

Best of luck,

MrEureka

Greg - I promise to never again mention the flips or the staplers if you just get rid of that unbelievably annoying flashing GRU COINS thing.

skier07

I wish you nothing but the best in the future. I hope you do well as a coin dealer. I really do!

But give me a break, don't ask/beg for free coins, flips, and a staple machine. Where is your pride?

Once again, I really do wish you good luck, but perhaps you don't realize how ridiculous you sound begging for freebies.

Just one man's opinion

Bruce

coinlieutenant

Well said Greg...just let it run off you like water on a ducks back...

John

GregTheGreat

<< <i>As long as you continue to be humble and open to learning and actually implementing important facets of your business which are currently missing that others have been pointing out (Either bonding for self-insurance or third party insurance (prefered) if you're going to do consignments - this deserves MUCH more attention than you seem to be paying to it and is very important), I think you'll do just fine. I just suggest that before you ask for any 'gimme' or 'leg-up' on the boards, you give it plenty of thought as to how it may hurt your business image; though I'm sure that if anything, you've learned that out of this whole ordeal. Just keep up with it and do your best.

Best of luck, >>



I had to hit a quick reply to this one.....

Thanks for the comment.... I understand what you are saying. The consignment thing is going good.... I am actually working out the last one I need tonight. I am targeting my collecters well (at least in my opinion) and I am doing well so far.... I am going to continue to learn and apply what I have learned to get the greatest profit I can.

Thanks Again.

g'night.

GregTheGreat

<< <i>Greg - I promise to never again mention the flips or the staplers if you just get rid of that unbelievably annoying flashing GRU COINS thing.


>>



Request Is Being Granted.

-Greg

EVillageProwler

Greg,

One needs a thick skin to survive in any Internet presence. If you're a chump, then the joke's on us. If you're for real, then you need to toughen up. The real world of retail is much more annoying than what you've had to endure here.

If you stay smart and stay on course, then that is the best way to tell your more peurile detractors to stick it.

EVP

Sequitur

I just refuse to respond to pointless posts about flips, staplers, etc.

Hey Greg, you've got to admit some of the posts about the flips were funny. The stapler was icing. Surely you can appreciate the irony of a coin dealer asking for some free flips and asking to borrow a stapler in an international forum with thousands of members. Even if Louis Eliasberg had made the stapler/flip posts, he would have been the subject of some humor.

I wont fail or succeed regardless of how much you poke fun at me.

May want to reword that one.

100proof1957

Greg,

Just think about things before you post.
Nobody really cares how old you are untill you show your ignorance of life in general.
i suspect you are about 15.
If you want to walk the walk and talk the talk with the older guys,please respect us and dont post the juvenile comments or requests for supplies and such.

Proof

Geoman

Well said, and I agree with most. And I also wish you luck.

However, I also want to point out that I thought about consigning some coins to you. But because you did not answer questions about certain things that I was using to judge if I should send you some coins, I didn't. For example, I am also concerned about the insurance, age, spelling mistakes, begging for supplies, and your business plan... all these items do add up and help me make a decision whether I should send you coins or not. I do feel that your business image was hurt, and it looked ridiculous begging/borrowing for supplies. But use it as a learning experience.

Let me know how the shows are going, and give me some facts and references I can check out. Then maybe I will work out a deal with you on a bunch of lower-priced slabs.

100proof1957

Greg,

I need to add something.

I work outside commercial sales for a living.

If you take weak crap to the street it wont fly,people will see right through it,as everyone here has done.


Proof

my3cents

Greg - let me give you a little hint: you will get more consignment business through your ACTIONS rather than your POSTS here.

Think about it

Sequitur

let me give you a little hint:

Don't you mean your "three cents"? Also, one away from 1,000. Make it count.

Sequitur

Cool.

GregTheGreat

1 more final word from Greg.....

Don't worry I will not be asking for flips any time soon..... I have more flips then I know what to do with right now.... so don't worry about ever seeing a post like that again.

I understand how you found it funny (if I were you I would be laughing to).... when I read some of my posts I see HUGE mistakes I have made..... I understand them and try my best to learn from them. I will try in the future to read some of my posts before I post them.

Please just try to let the flip thing go and give me a chance..... I can't change the past.... but I can change the future. Give me another chance....

My guarantee.... no more "poorly worded" posts. I will read and re-read all my posts from this point on.

Thanks Again All.

-Greg U

puff

Best of luck to you Greg.

GregTheGreat

<< <i>Best of luck to you Greg. >>



thanks.

kieferscoins

<< <i>Let me know how the shows are going, and give me some facts and references I can check out. Then maybe I will work out a deal with you on a bunch of lower-priced slabs. >>



I agree, I will let it drop and give you a chance.

I'm 22 and sucessful in coins. You can be sucessful also. Just stop avoiding the question. How old are you? I wanna consign coins to you but can't if I can not get a straight answer. A good reputation is everything in this business. You said you have been in the business for years. Can you provide a refrence?

Cameron Kiefer

GregTheGreat

<< <i>

<< <i>Let me know how the shows are going, and give me some facts and references I can check out. Then maybe I will work out a deal with you on a bunch of lower-priced slabs. >>



I agree, I will let it drop and give you a chance.

I'm 22 and sucessful in coins. You can be sucessful also. Just stop avoiding the question. How old are you? I wanna consign coins to you but can't if I can not get a straight answer. A good reputation is everything in this business. You said you have been in the business for years. Can you provide a refrence?

Cameron Kiefer >>



I have not been avoiding this question.... as a matter of fact I met a few of the CU members at my last show.... its funny none of them have chimed in on this one.

Well Cam, here is something similer to what I just sent you....

Well to be 100% honest with you I am 18. I worked for J and J Coins in Hammond IN for 4 years or so. Some of the time I worked there I was under age laws and I was paid "under the table" (so to speak) in merchendise.... thats what got me started. Basically we got around laws by him selling me $50 worth of coins for 1 cent and stuff like that. Or me purchasing currency from him for a dime. Usually whatever I wanted to "buy" was either 1 cent or 24 cents (wierd # I know... I didn't decide it... lol) i was never tring to with-hold my age, etc. I just never felt age was necessecarly a determination of the busisness exp. a person has. For example, I did more busisness and sold more coins then most of the dealers at my last show.... I know this because I have talked with the majority of them on the phone. I might come off pompass and biligerant on the comp. but in person I know my coins and I know how to sell em. I personally sold hundreds of thousands of dollars worth at J and J's over the time I worked there. I know Coins and thats the reason I am still doing it today.... and its the reason I am doing well at my shows.....

I hope this answers all of your questions. I am not trying to be anything except honest with the board members.

Sorry if it appeared I was avoiding the question.

Please feel free to e-mail me or p.m. with any other questions or comments you may have.

Thanks Again All,

-Greg Ullstam

Sequitur

I was paid "under the table" in merchendise . . . . I just never felt age was necessecarly a determination of the busisness exp. a person has. For example, I did more busisness . . . . I might come off pompass and biligerant on the comp.

Stop joking around -- we know you're Atarian.

GregTheGreat

<< <i>I was paid "under the table" in merchendise . . . . I just never felt age was necessecarly a determination of the busisness exp. a person has. For example, I did more busisness . . . . I might come off pompass and biligerant on the comp.

Stop joking around -- we know you're Atarian. >>



Now I am the one lost.... maybe I really need to get to bed.

-Greg U

morgannut2

Greg---One of the top dealers in the business apparently refuses to learn how to use SPELL CHECK so she has gotten a lot of grief on these boards. While she gets away with it, I would suggest in a constructive way that your posts be run through such a program. Just getting going, it seems more professional in terms of presenting yourself as one who pays close attention to every detail and/or customer. Just an idea.

GregTheGreat

<< <i>Greg---One of the top dealers in the business apparently refuses to learn how to use SPELL CHECK so she has gotten a lot of grief on these boards. While she gets away with it, I would suggest in a constructive way that your posts be run through such a program. Just getting going, it seems more professional in terms of presenting yourself as one who pays close attention to every detail and/or customer. Just an idea. >>



Good Idea... I know I am not the best speller.... and I will try in the future to make sure all my words are spelled correctly.... (especally on the posts that matter).

Thanks For The Advice.

-Greg U

Outhaul

I, for one, am tiring of the "GregTheGreat" spin-offs. It was funny in the beginning, but it's getting old.

Greg certainly has shown everyone here that he can take it. Good on ya, Greg!

Cheers,

Bob

GregTheGreat

<< <i>I, for one, am tiring of the "GregTheGreat" spin-offs. It was funny in the beginning, but it's getting old.

Greg certainly has shown everyone here that he can take it. Good on ya, Greg!

Cheers,

Bob >>



Thanks.... BTW... I love your ICON!..... seeing it made my day.

-Greg

morgannut2

Greg- I think part of what's going on here is you may not think through everything before you post.. For example, at age 18 I never realised that "being paid under the table" (or in my case cash), was a violation of Federal Income Tax law and a major felony for me and more importantly, the employer. Did you realise that you accused another coin dealer of being a FELON when you made that post?? And at age 18, working 4 years in the business seems to you to to be many years (because it's 22% of your life). But, that's not long to some other people. So, perhaps the idea meeting up with other collectors and talking coins, together with a clear honest sales presentations of coins at the next (CAL?) show is a strong move on your part. Who cares if people "like" you as long as YOU know you're being honest and strait with people. Good Luck!

GregTheGreat

<< <i>Greg- I think part of what's going on here is you may not think through everything before you post.. For example, at age 18 I never realised that "being paid under the table" (or in my case cash), was a violation of Federal Income Tax law and a major felony for me and more importantly, the employer. Did you realise that you accused another coin dealer of being a FELON when you made that post?? And at age 18, working 4 years in the business seems to you to to be many years (because it's 22% of your life). But, that's not long to some other people. So, perhaps the idea meeting up with other collectors and talking coins, together with a clear honest sales presentations of coins at the next (CAL?) show is a strong move on your part. Who cares if people "like" you as long as YOU know you're being honest and strait with people. Good Luck! >>



Thanks for the nice words.... The "under-the-table" busisness was totally legit because we had it worked out as more of like a gift-type thing. I do not remember all the technicalities of it. The coins I got as payment was not the reason I had the job in the first place.... the fact that I was learning is the reason I was there. I learned how to sell the stuff like their was no tomorrow. I have always loved sales and J and J was that chance to grab life by the horns. I pride myself with being as honest as I can to my customers, I never sell them coins that are over-graded, that are mis-marked, or even worst fakes. I stand behind my coins and my products 100% and always am ready to hand out a busisness card to all those who buy coins, sell them, or just glance at my table. I have already had several repeat customers in the last few days that have called me just based on the show handouts I gave them. I also am putting together pens with my company name on them for the next show. the more people that have my name the better, when that person starts thinking about coins I want my name to pop into their head. I do my best to stock what everyone wants (we all know thats impossible though) so I let them fill out a list of their wants, so that I can check my suppliers, ebay, and other places (like CU) for the coin(s) they need. The customer is #1 in my book and it will always be that way. Thanks again for the comments.

P.S. I am sure there are some spelling errors in this responce.... please bear with me until I can find an approperate spell checking method.... I am actually trying to write a code that can do it right in IE.... hopefully I can figure it out....

Thanks Again,

-Greg Ullstam (GRU COINS)

morgannut2

Looks like you're THINKING through a good presentation for the next show. Face to face contacts are really the key to establishing a customer base and solid long term contacts. I'm sure some old(er) long time dealers will provide some pointers on the value of promotions as well as eBay selling if you let them know you're just getting started independently from your first job. If nothing else, make a point of stopping to speak to people with booths who have posted on the flip issue, introduce yourself, and offer THEM some free flips.

GregTheGreat

<< <i>Looks like you're THINKING through a good presentation for the next show. Face to face contacts are really the key to establishing a customer base and solid long term contacts. I'm sure some old(er) long time dealers will provide some pointers on the value of promotions as well as eBay selling if you let them know you're just getting started independently from your first job. If nothing else, make a point of stopping to speak to people with booths who have posted on the flip issue, introduce yourself, and offer THEM some free flips. >>



Out of all the people at the next show (I have the roster) only one other of them is a member of CU.... and even he has not been on the site for many months. I have stopped and talked to all the coin dealers at the show and even have talked to most of them on the phone. They offer advice, however they saw that I was making money and that my table was crowded for most of the day. From the results that I have heard from the majority of the people there..... it appears I made out as one of the best dealers at the show. And since then I have had 4 repeat customers via phone order. Like you said.... its all about the contacts and thats what I believe is helping me now. I gave I think all but one of the dealers a free gift from GRU COINS last time and I even had them returning the favor by late in the day. It all about being friendly, thats what I strive for. Hope I have not gotten off topic.... have not gotten much sleep tonight.... I actually just took a shower hoping it would wake me up.... no luck.

Well nice talking to you again.

-Greg U

pharmer

Business. Pompous. Response. You should have a spell check device already, it's called a dictionary. Now that you have said you are 18, you might get more slack. The ten years in the business thing came from where? Are you in school? Thanks in advance for the answers.

Bill

GregTheGreat

Ive been doing coin work (first in Palos Hills Ill) learning the small times tricks of the trade. Then when I was 12 (yah 12 years old) I started doing things for J and J coins In Hammond. I however had been going to J and J and learning for some time before then.

As for the spell check.... I will get better.... I PROMISE!!!!

Spelling was never my strong subject.... I am still in school, but when does school really end.... after I get done here I will be going to a busisness college or some other college, and even when you finish that there is still always additional schooling needed.

I hope I hit all your questions.

Thanks For The Comments,

-Greg U

pharmer

Good for you, a college degree or two should ensure your success. I have no doubt you are going to be successful. Doing what you really enjoy as a profession is truly key to a happy life. Good luck.

Bill

GregTheGreat

<< <i>Good for you, a college degree or two should ensure your success. I have no doubt you are going to be successful. Doing what you really enjoy as a profession is truly key to a happy life. Good luck.

Bill >>



Not only that.... I never am going to have to work a day in my life.... when you enjoy it..... you never have to work a day in your life. I have not yet.... Ive sat there buying and selling what I love and meeting the customers I love and talking to the little kids that come it and giving them a few free wheat cents.... thats what this is all about.

I don't care about the profit or the money (granted its nice).... all I care about is that I have a roof over my head and that people are happy that I am there ready to sell them their coins.

I like making a difference.

-Greg U

JrGMan2004

Good luck Greg Also being 18, I've taken a lot of crap from other forum members for small, trivial things........

XpipedreamR

Since spelling is an issue, I highly recommend ieSpell link

GregTheGreat

<< <i>Since spelling is an issue, I highly recommend ieSpell link >>



Cool.

-Greg

Russ

<< <i>Well to be 100% honest with you I am 18. I worked for J and J Coins in Hammond IN for 4 years or so. Some of the time I worked there I was under age laws and I was paid "under the table" (so to speak) in merchendise.... thats what got me started. Basically we got around laws by him selling me $50 worth of coins for 1 cent and stuff like that. >>





Russ, NCNE

Stuart

Greg: Thanks for your more humble and open-minded thread. I wish you the best of luck in your new business venture.

Please keep us informed of your progress, and after you establish a proven track-record as you slowly build up your business, perhaps some of us will sift through our collections to consign (or outright sell) some inexpensive coins that you are looking to inventory.

As a collector for 40 years, I've accumulated a whole lot of inexepensive coins (bulk silver, etc) which are taking up lots of space, and are no longer relevant to my collection. I may consider selling some of this stuff at some point in the future, especially if silver values increase (that's why I'm still holding onto the stuff).

The problem is that the postage is probably more expensive than the margins on some of this stuff -- so shipping it is not economic. It's better to haul it down to the local coin shop, dump it on their counter, and establish a price for it...

Anyway, this thread shows a bit more grit and character, and that's what you'll need to build up a successful business. Good Luck!!

braddick

Good luck Greg. It sounds like you've tweeked and shifted your position and are now on the right track to success.

Mistercoinman

Greg I wish you nothing but the best, but here's a piece of advise from a somewhat older person, just learn when to stop talking. I know you will probably not understand this right away, but silience is golden. Sell coins, take time to educate yourself in your field, and above all keep your integrity. I see you have a ton of post spend sometime reading without a response. Good Luck Fred

Ryana

<< <i>Thanks to those of you who are sending me coins for the table at the Cal Show next month.
Thanks to those of you who have given me advice.
Thanks to those of you who sent me a few free things to help me out.
Thanks TO ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF CU. >>



If you want to start a business, you get a loan. You don't beg for charity.

tlhoy

XpipedreamR

cheap flip info

Myqqy

I had forgotten how amusing these GTG threads were.....