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Should dealers correct a know-it-all buyer, or grudgingly just not say anything?

Because dealers deal with the public all of the time (and a lot of time in person at a show), have you ever run across a situation where a know-it-all buyer is looking at your inventory and is spouting on and on about coins, the tecnhical details, grades of coins, etc., but the know-it-all is saying things that are somewhat correct, but not totally correct? Should the dealer correct the know-it-all, or just grudgingly keep quiet and not waste his time responding to such a person? I had a similar situation where I was at dinner, and some blow-hard (non-tax person) that I work with was on his soapbox about the new repatriation tax act, and was authoritatively stating things that were not entirely accurate. I tried to correct some things, but it was a useless endeavor, and the last thing I wanted to do at night was get into a tax discussion. How do dealers deal with these kinds of people at a show?
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)

Comments

  • dthigpendthigpen Posts: 3,932 ✭✭
    They should shoot them with a taser.
  • DorkGirlDorkGirl Posts: 9,994 ✭✭✭


    << <i>They should shoot them with a taser. >>



    imageI might even pay a small fee to watch! image
    Becky
  • BlindedByEgoBlindedByEgo Posts: 10,754 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>They should shoot them with a taser. >>



    imageI might even pay a small fee to watch! image >>



    Now THAT would be worth the price of admission!

    Everybody else at the table knew the guy was an know-it-all... Nobody likes 'em, but most tolerate them (with the rolling of the eyes that the know-it-all never sees or doesn't seem to notice, or care).

    If they are around me, and they negatively affect my business, I shut 'em down. Public embarrasment is sometimes a good thing. Mostly I keep quiet and let them make asses of themselves.

    I still like the Taser answer, though.

  • If they are a "know it all" they won't accept the correction, so just say nothing and keep a customer.
  • Some proverb or other sums this situation up: Never try to teach a pig to sing; you won't succeed and you'll annoy the pig.
  • michaelmichael Posts: 9,524 ✭✭✭
    for the dealer best left un-said
  • JulianJulian Posts: 3,370 ✭✭✭
    I try to tactfully correct a buyer. If they are receptive, that's all for the better. If not, I mostly let it go and try to remember the next time with that person.
    PNG member, numismatic dealer since 1965. Operates a retail store, also has exhibited at over 1000 shows.
    I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.

    eBaystore
  • PTVETTERPTVETTER Posts: 6,039 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I try to ignore them
    You can't reason with some people and I know of some of these people you talk about (like to one how never lived in California and says he use to be a PCGS grades)
    Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211


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