Post your best tip when going to a show....

ScarsdaleCoin · March 10, 2008 2:01AM

Lets start positive today.... everyone post your best tip when you visit a show!

added to add my tip, which I forgot when I started the post....

"Ask" if your looking for something ask a dealer if he has it or maybe knows where it might be....

for example a fellow came to the ANA show looking for some rather tough date Indian cents..... while I always try to have a few nice pieces, it is not a series that I have that large of inventory.... he was a newer collector so I sent him over to Rick Snow.... he might not have asked me, but by asking he probably saved quite a bit of time !

Griv · March 10, 2008 2:06AM

Don't forget your checkbook.

Longacre · March 10, 2008 2:09AM

Buy a coin BEFORE you get to the show (sort of like making sure you eat before you go shopping at the grocery store).

BobSav · March 10, 2008 2:09AM

Remember the golden rule " cash is king "

Bob

Elcontador · March 10, 2008 2:10AM

Remember that you don't have to buy anything. On a number of occasions, I've walked out of shows emty-handed when I brought funds to make a substantial purchase (for me) if it was available.

Mesquite · March 10, 2008 2:12AM

Know what it is for which you are looking. Know the expected price and bring enough cash to cover that. Bring some (a little) extra cash for those things you may see that you don't want to pass on. Know too what you are willing to sell in your collection to cover an expense for which you did not bring cash.

Leave the credit cards at home.

kranky · March 10, 2008 2:19AM

Examine the coin thoroughly, in the proper lighting, BEFORE you start talking price.

Veep · March 10, 2008 2:19AM

Go first to the dealers known to handle the types of items in which you are interested. Then...go up and down the aisles as you please.

charley · March 10, 2008 2:28AM

Check each Dealers' table for any numimatic books for sale. Their placement is not always obvious. I usually ask. Over 1/2 the time I get a positive response. Respectfully, John Curlis

moonshine · March 10, 2008 2:30AM

Go prepared - research the coins you want beforehand, and make a list of coins with prices and what you want to pay AND list your top dollar that you will pay, so you don't get carried away.

Take a price list of some sort - guess that's part of the Number one above.

Park close, and/or go with a friend - park by lighting and heads up at all times - travel in large groups if possible. Be aware of your surroundings and look over your back occasionally. Take notice of anyone suspicious. I have read a lot of horror stories on this board over the years - You can not be too cautious.

Now, set your spending limit before you leave and take only extra for food or emergency money - and don't spend your emergency money on coins.

Browse around before making a decision, and take your time - and enjoy yourself. If a dealer treats you like crap - walk on to the next table and leave him in your dust, with a sly smile on your face.

Carry a large secure bag with everything you will need - including, but not limited to - book, calculator, list, coins, food, water, meds, emergency phone numbers, cell phone, etc., etc.

Have fun!

seemyauction · March 10, 2008 2:38AM

Have fun.

Walkerguy21D · March 10, 2008 2:45AM

Besides many of the other good tips listed, I'll add 'get there early'. If it's a multiple day show, go the first day, if possible; I know this depends a lot on peoples' schedules. But if you're hunting the better dates, grades, and varieties, the early birds get the worms, so to speak. And the dealers aren't as burnt out or cranky yet.

moderncrapmostly · March 10, 2008 2:51AM

I can't tell you how many shows I've planned weeks ahead for and then went without my:
1) List
2) Loupe
3) Price guide
4) Pen
5) Which coin size of 2x2's I needed

RWB · March 10, 2008 2:51AM

There’s a lot of good advice above, so here’s some less-than-good advice for balance:

Maybe a “Don’t List” would be helpful, too?

• Don’t wear a tool belt containing pliers, hammer, metal snips, etc.
• Don’t wear the cap your wife gave you that says “Crackout King.”
• Don’t try to grade BU coins by touch.
• Don’t plop your binocular microscope down on some dealer’s glass case full of gold patterns.
• Don’t take one step inside the bourse, then stop to chat.
• Don’t eat garlic, Polish sausage and baked beans just before going to the show.
• Don’t push YNs out of the way so you can get to the “Mystery Coin Grab Bags” first.
• Don’t occupy a chair at a dealer’s table just to rest your feet.
• Don’t quote authorities you don’t understand.
• Don’t drool on the auction lots.

Now back to your scheduled posting….

Raybob15239 · March 10, 2008 3:00AM

Good rule of thumb... don't tell your spouse that you are going to a coin show, and if you do, don't tell him/her how much cash you are taking with you!

Other good rules, take a good loupe, wear comfortable shoes/clothes, be courteous, be respectful to the dealers and other patrons and most importantly, don't get bent if the dealer won't accept your lowball offer.

Tootawl · March 10, 2008 3:17AM

Do you homework before you attend the show. I usually have a want list and check the prices of my want list coins on various price guides. Compare those prices with the listed prices on the coins at the show. This is a good way to determine if a dealer's price too high to start off with.

BobSav · March 10, 2008 3:20AM

Don’t eat garlic, Polish sausage and baked beans just before going to the show.

My favorite way of making room at a busy table....

Bob

Shamika · March 10, 2008 3:39AM

<< Remember that you don't have to buy anything. On a number of occasions, I've walked out of shows emty-handed when I brought funds to make a substantial purchase (for me) if it was available. >>

This was going to be my tip as well. Just because you have money and there are coins for sale, it doesn't mean you have to buy anything. Holding out for the right coin is always more satisfying than overpaying for a dog or buying something you ultimately don't want.

ilikebuffaloes · March 10, 2008 3:45AM

<< Don’t eat garlic, Polish sausage and baked beans just before going to the show.

My favorite way of making room at a busy table....

Bob

>>

I guess White Castles are out too....

mrearlygold · March 10, 2008 3:45AM

Stay low key and keep your voice down when talking at local restaurants etc.

lordmarcovan · March 10, 2008 3:47AM

<< Post your best tip when going to a show.... >>

Beware the concession stand.

As Lewis Grizzard once said, Chili Dawgs Bark At Night.

Stooge · March 10, 2008 3:52AM

I have one that most raw coin hunters in albums would not think to have, and that is a pop scicle stick. The stick helps to push the 2x2's out of the album sleeves. The staples always get caught and you end up having sore fingers by the end of a show.

Later, Paul.

ricko · March 10, 2008 3:57AM

1 - Comfortable shoes
2 - Good Eye loupe
3 - List of coins you are looking for & prices
4 - Cash
5 - If permitted, your weapon
6 - Sense of humor
7 - Sufficient time
Cheers, RickO

PerryHall · March 10, 2008 4:04AM

Take your badge off when you leave the show. No point in getting mugged on the way to your car.

mozeppa · March 10, 2008 4:05AM

assuming that you've done your coin homework....and have the money,

dress poor...and act dumb.

then buy wisely.

mozeppa · March 10, 2008 4:06AM

and always ask if they'll take less.

dizzyfoxx · March 10, 2008 4:08AM

<Post your best tip when going to a show....>

Don't go down dark alleys.

MrHalfDime · March 10, 2008 4:12AM

"Don’t take one step inside the bourse, then stop to chat."

Don't I wish that everyone would adhere to this rule.

A few years ago Maryland coin dealer Mark Hotz published (in Coin World, I believe) a list of "Bourse Etiquette" rules that would make life much easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved at coin shows if they were universally adhered to. Most were presumably common sense, but apparently common sense is not all that common.

Prethen · March 10, 2008 4:13AM

I can't tell you how many times, I've been so excited about a potential purchase that I don't look at the coin closely enough. Then, inevitably, I go home and discover a problem that should have been obvious (like a rim ding) and have buyer's remorse.

So, my piece of advice is, take a deep breath when you're holding onto a potential purchase, and REALLY examine it. Pretend in your mind that you're taking a picture or scan and see what jumps out.

saintguru · March 10, 2008 4:24AM

Go for the "big one".

You only live once.

dorkkarl · March 10, 2008 4:39AM

<< Post your best tip when going to a show.... >>

stay in the aisles

K S

Swampboy · March 10, 2008 4:53AM

<< I can't tell you how many times, I've been so excited about a potential purchase that I don't look at the coin closely enough. Then, inevitably, I go home and discover a problem that should have been obvious (like a rim ding) and have buyer's remorse.

So, my piece of advice is, take a deep breath when you're holding onto a potential purchase, and REALLY examine it. Pretend in your mind that you're taking a picture or scan and see what jumps out. >>

This one bit of advice I relate to and will keep foremost in my mind next show.

Great thread.

oxy8890 · March 10, 2008 4:57AM

<< Go for the "big one".

You only live once.

>>

BECOKA · March 10, 2008 4:57AM

Make a quick run of the whole bourse taking notes on which table might have stuff you want to look at. Prioritize the list and go back to those table and enjoy your time.

robkool · March 10, 2008 5:05AM

Do your homework the night before...
Narrow the coin types you are looking for...
Set a price list of what you are willing to pay, or negotiate your price range...
Always bring CASH, it's always easier to negotiate with a dealer when you pay cash...
12x or 16x loop...
Good attitude...

kryptonitecomics · March 10, 2008 5:09AM

<< 1 - Comfortable shoes
Cheers, RickO >>

vplite · March 10, 2008 5:21AM

Take greenbacks ($100 bills). This is preferred my many dealers and will keep you within your budget.

Don't feel you have to spend your whole budget, or anything at all.

Determine ahead of time exactly what you want, and how much you will pay for it. Don't impulse buy.

Don't go on the last day. The majority of the tables will be empty.

JoeLewis · March 10, 2008 5:24AM

These have already been said, but I'll reitterate:

1. Wear comfortable shoes/clothing
2. Know fair pricing of the coins you are goign to be looking at
3. Set a spending limit BEFORE you walk into the show, and don't go over it no matter what!

stman · March 10, 2008 5:25AM

Not sure if this has been mentioned. If, you find that one coin you've been looking for and it's all there. And especially if it's a popular one that others would have interest.
Buy it, chances are when you come back it will be gone. Another way to handle it if you have to make a lap around the bourse first is....... ask the dealer to set it back for 1 hour, if you're really serious. I've done this plenty of times. And, even if I decide to pass, I always come back in that 1 hour I promised to let them know either way.

Some dealers might be reluctant to do this because they've been burned by folks not coming back and are afraid of losing a sale. I can't blame them either.

razzle · March 10, 2008 5:35AM

Longacre wrote:

"Buy a coin BEFORE you get to the show (sort of like making sure you eat before you go shopping at the grocery store)."

That puts it all in perspective for me. While I've enjoyed the tips throughout this thread, that one had me laughing out loud.

Lakesammman · March 10, 2008 5:40AM

Stick to what you know or what you're looking for. There's lot's of eye candy ready to trap the unwary.

mozin · March 10, 2008 6:25AM

Always tell your wife you are going to the coin show just to socialize with your coin friends, and that actually buying something is not likely. NEVER take you wife along to the show.

jmski52 · March 10, 2008 6:47AM

Get a good night's sleep, and decide in advance to learn something as you go. Chat "coins" with a few dealers who might otherwise be bored.

Bring the checkbook, and once you locate the coin you want, look at a few more of the same type and make some critical comparisons between them. Allow the dealer to educate you about the differences between the coins you are looking at.

Leave the table and spend some time enjoying the show, then come back and see if the coin is worth the best price you can establish. If the dealer has decided that you are meat, leave and don't come back. Otherwise, buy the coin and see if there is potential for a longterm relationship.

ScarsdaleCoin · March 10, 2008 6:57AM

along those lines you can buy the coin and ask if the dealer would offer you a buyback if you wish to return it.... on an expensive coin a $50 or $100 might be cheap insurance should you change your mind...

Cratylus · March 10, 2008 7:48AM

Now you're touching on something that is a HUGE irritant of mine:

Do NOT sit down at a dealer's table and then proceed to spread out your want list, price guide, briefcase, coin album, and pads of paper on top of the entire surface of the dealer's cases. By doing so, you are doing three things:

1) You are preventing other coin buyers from seeing the dealer's inventory. This means...
2) You are preventing the dealer from making another potential sale while you look through his inventory. This demonstrates that...
3) You are an oblivious, self-absorbed, rude, arrogant a$$, and if I see you doing it I have no qualms about saying something to you about it.

I encourage other collectors to say something as well. Nothing ticks me off more at a show than seeing some rude schmuck who thinks he's the "king of the hobby" covering up half of the dealer's inventory with his crap while he takes his own sweet time "wheeling and dealing".

Bottom line: Keep your crap off the dealer's table.

giardinop · March 10, 2008 8:10AM

<< Take your badge off when you leave the show. No point in getting mugged on the way to your car. >>

I always put mine on my belt......makes the crooks think twice. The Glock helps too. Oh wait.....that's not the badge you were talking about......

giardinop · March 10, 2008 8:14AM

<< Now you're touching on something that is a HUGE irritant of mine:

Do NOT sit down at a dealer's table and then proceed to spread out your want list, price guide, briefcase, coin album, and pads of paper on top of the entire surface of the dealer's cases. By doing so, you are doing three things:

1) You are preventing other coin buyers from seeing the dealer's inventory. This means...
2) You are preventing the dealer from making another potential sale while you look through his inventory. This demonstrates that...
3) You are an oblivious, self-absorbed, rude, arrogant a$$, and if I see you doing it I have no qualms about saying something to you about it.

I encourage other collectors to say something as well. Nothing ticks me off more at a show than seeing some rude schmuck who thinks he's the "king of the hobby" covering up half of the dealer's inventory with his crap while he takes his own sweet time "wheeling and dealing".

Bottom line: Keep your crap off the dealer's table. >>

That same guy ususally buys nothing or an MS 66 1990 Jefferson

ricko · March 10, 2008 8:18AM

" The Glock helps too." I agree heartily... I do not think people took my previous post seriously.. I ALWAYS carry my weapon to coin shows... Cheers, RickO

notwilight · March 10, 2008 8:29AM

If you get a chance to walk from the parking lot to the show with Ricko, take it.

Mercury10c · March 10, 2008 8:57AM

Stop by Harry Laibstain's table if you want to see some hot chicks.

giardinop · March 10, 2008 9:04AM

Ricko- Nobody takes me seriously, I mean I only have 50 posts

I do however carry my firearm if I'm going to be in possession of something valuable. In my part of the country too many things have happened and I am fortunate to have the ability to be prepared. Don't know of any coin related stuff but the crooks are wise and it's only a matter of time. Burglaries used to be a big problem, now it's home invasions. Ten years ago I never would have guessed that criminals would be so bold. NJ has some tough concealed carry laws but as law enforcement I'm in the clear.

Post your best tip when going to a show....

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