How does a dealer decide which coin shows to attend and does the absence of a market maker impact th

Longacre

I was wondering how a dealer decides on which coin shows to attend during the year. I assume that a professional dealer sets his schedule for the following year in the 4th quarter of the current year, similar to what a PGA tour player might do. I suppose that deciding on attending the majors is pretty easy (again, similar to a PGA pro). But how does one decide on attending the second tier conventions?

Also, if someone is a market maker in a particular series, does the absence of that person at a convention have an impact on prices or the volume of trades? For example, if Pinnacle or Legend decided not to attend a certain convention, would the other dealers hold off on doing certain dealer to dealer trades in their areas of specialty because they might not get as good a price? Just curious if anyone had any thoughts.

BillJones

Setting up at a show for me is quite simple. Can I make money? How trouble is it to get this show?

Also now that I'm getting into my old age, I tend to avoid shows in states that charge sales taxes. Sales taxes are deal killers.

As for show where I go just to buy, there has to be material there. Otherwise it's not worth the effort. For that reason I rarely go to a local show unless I'm also setting up there to sell.

Longacre

I wanted to TTT this one becuase it only got one response. Given that the ANA is coming up, I thought we might get a few more responses.

coinguy1

<< <i> I assume that a professional dealer sets his schedule for the following year in the 4th quarter of the current year, similar to what a PGA tour player might do >>

I like to plan ahead a bit - I already have a tentative list of shows which I plan to attend in 2006.

There are a number of well established/larger/better known shows each year (such as FUN, the Long Beach shows, the Baltimore shows, the Santa Clara shows, Central States, the Spring ANA and ANA shows, etc.) which many, if not most major dealers attend. There are numerous other/additional shows, which make it on some dealers' lists but not others.

The absence of a few major dealers can have a noticeable impact on wholesale trading, as can the absence of (or tight grading for) on-site grading by major grading companies.

Julian

I actually look at the demographics of the area and the sponsors, rather than look at what dealers might be attending.

If the promotors, sponsors, organizations, etc., are important and dedicated to the event, I will try to attend.

The public is the most important aspect of an event to me.

JadeRareCoin

Our show schedule is heavily influenced by whether or not the show promoters provide free doughnuts and coffee.

Beyond that, our schedule is influenced by how busy we are with other projects or how close together certain shows are. We also look at the time of year and the location. Summer shows are usually not very good for retail traffic. The travel expenses and show expenses are also looked at when scheduling a show for the coming year. However, I can tell you that our show schedule is never influenced by the absence of a "market maker".

wayneherndon

Most shows are recurring (annual, quarterly, monthly, etc.). I have found that the longer I have attended a particular show the better I do. I pick up some new customers each time and the existing ones make it a point to stop at the table. So, when I decide to add a show, it is usually not as a one shot event. Typically, I'll be deciding if I want to do the show regularly. Thus, in setting a calendar for the year, the first thing I do is fill my calendar with the shows from the prior year. At this point, most of the calendar is set. However, I will still consider whether or not I want to add a show or two to the schedule (and am willing to do so long term). If so, factors I consider are: how well a show fits within my existing schedule, word of mouth about the show from other dealers, opportunities to build brand recognition (do I do other shows in the area already, how prominent is the show), and of course how likely I am to make money (combination of sales and expenses).

WH