Collectors -- how many of you have ever taken a table at a show?

mirabela

I've toyed with the idea, but I have never done it. There would be some outlay involved for cases and so on, so I'm unlikely to do this within the next year or two, but I have thought it would be a fun way to meet people, maybe realize a little better than strict wholesale for things I'm selling, and be in an advantageous position to be offered things to buy.

Anyone tried it? I'm not talking about regular vestpocket guys here, just collectors who sell now and then. How'd it go?

DNADave

I've done it once and only once. I hated to sell some things (Lord I wish I hadnt sold my 1803 small three half) but I put out almost my whole collection. Sold about $4000 in two days. Dealers were like vultures and I'm pretty sure I hacked a few of them off by not taking lowball offers. Many said my stuff was overgraded but they sure came back and looked a bunch of times. Its a pretty good experience that I'm glad I did.

I bought my cases, slowly, over a period of about two years. Also had to buy a dolly and a lamp. Didn't think about the bowl of candy at the time.

BlindedByEgo

<<Collectors -- how many of you have ever taken a table at a show?>>

I did, and I was doing great, but they caught me trying to get out the door. Darn table got stuck

DRUNNER

I've split a table with a dealer from out-of-town who stays with me when he comes through . . . but he likes to cruise the floor while I "mind the store". Still . . . it's a lot of fun being behind the table . . . gives me a new perspective when I want to sell or buy.

I believe you are on the right track . . .popular material in nice collector grades just gets crushed when dealers walk through . . . I've had a few want to basically buy the entire case, but I've done much better in the selling department when I also cruise the floor and offer specific pieces to dealers who specialize in those types of coins.

It is a fun experience . .and one I'll do again, but I just can't seem to part with many of my better peices . . .regardless of the price.

Drunner

291fifth

I've done it many times. I even did it once at a major currency show.

If you actually have nice material and are there to sell you will probably do quite well. You will be the guy with the fresh merchandise.

Expect that most of your sales will be to other dealers.

dorkkarl

never have, but i have baby-sat for a buddy a couple of times. i just don't have the mindset to be a dealer, & respect anyone that does

K S

CommemDude

I did it once years ago in Westchester NY....at the time (fortunately for me now) there was no interest in high end coins like my 1795 FH dollar PCGS MS55 and 1799 dollar NGC 58...everyone was looking for cheap coins, even the dealers. I found it kind of weird to be defending my coins and prices to some impolite collectors who didnt know what they were looking at, and I never did it again.

ScarsdaleCoin

couple of quick random thoughts....first, many shows will rent you a case.....so your outlay may be min.... second....some longer shows suffer from dealers leaving on the last day and offer discounted tables to people to fill up the space....you may want to try 1 short day.... third to Dr. may I invite you to take a table at the Westchester County Coin Club show being held on Sun October 15th.... people at the coin club I am sure would be quite interested in your better material!

RedneckHB

Be careful. Many places require you to have a tax ID number. Dont get in trouble with the tax man and draw attention to yourself.