1st Time Attending Show:Advice
cypher
Posts: 173
Ok, I know this has been talked about in the past a couple times but I searched and gave up after a few pages of the archives. Plus I'm too anxious. 
So I'm attending my first show this Sunday (East Peoria, IL ) and have asked 1 or 2 others in PM's what to expect. Any advice from the forum and individuals that have been around for a while on do's and don'ts? Anything I should make sure to take besides want list, sheets, glass?
I have no idea and I don't want to go unprepared or forget something. Plus, is there a certain ettiquitte one should follow as far as dealing with dealers or other individuals? Is it very common to see someone looking in a case at something to pull their sheets out and check prices and what not? Wouldn't that insult the dealer? Is it better to have a separate want/need list and just walk up and hand it to the dealer? lol I dunno.
Any comments are appreciated as Im sure there's something Im not thinking of cuz I really have no clue
Edited for typo.
So I'm attending my first show this Sunday (East Peoria, IL ) and have asked 1 or 2 others in PM's what to expect. Any advice from the forum and individuals that have been around for a while on do's and don'ts? Anything I should make sure to take besides want list, sheets, glass?
I have no idea and I don't want to go unprepared or forget something. Plus, is there a certain ettiquitte one should follow as far as dealing with dealers or other individuals? Is it very common to see someone looking in a case at something to pull their sheets out and check prices and what not? Wouldn't that insult the dealer? Is it better to have a separate want/need list and just walk up and hand it to the dealer? lol I dunno.
Any comments are appreciated as Im sure there's something Im not thinking of cuz I really have no clue
Edited for typo.
0
Comments
Lance.
Secondly the best negotiation advice is having the ability to just walk away.
Also, tilt the coin you are looking at in the light, the lighting is not good and rotating it can help make up for the lighting a little bit... and don't be afraid to pull out price guides or your own notes.
Is this the Illinois State show..................I have been to that one many times, but not lately!
Good luck and happy hunting!!!!
Have fun!
If you know ahead of time what coin or coins you want, know the price you're willing to pay. Don't be afraid to negotiate or simply say something like I'm going to walk around the hall once and think it over.
Also remember that few coins are truly rare and that if you don't get your coin at your price this time, there will be many, many more opportunities to do so.
<< <i>My only other problem is negotiations. I'm horrible at it... >>
If you find something you like, one thing you can do that's pretty simple is to ask "What's the best you can do on this one?"
<< <i>Yeah, I've got my current grey sheets I was taking. I already can see Im going to have a problem sticking to my want list. I'm very picky and particular about what I buy anyway, but I've never been someplace with this much material.
I like to prioritize the list, and have all that information on my top priority items on one small sheet of paper or index card. Only when I am sure those top items aren't available, then I move to the next tier. Sometimes I have handed that list to dealers and ask them if they have anything on the list. At all but the largest shows, you'll have plenty of time to at least walk through the entire bourse.
As for the coins, look with the naked eye first, obverse, reverse, rim. Only after that take out the loupe and go over it more closely. The exception would be if your eyesight is terrible and you need the loupe to see anything.
Carry cash, it is the best way to go. Watch your personal belongings at all times, especially any coins that you have purchased. Pickpockets and petty thieves sometimes work coin shows. Stick to your budget. There will be other shows. A few people suggest buying nothing at the first show, just go to look and listen. I wouldn't go that far, but it isn't the worst advice that I've heard.
<< <i>A few people suggest buying nothing at the first show, just go to look and listen. I wouldn't go that far, but it isn't the worst advice that I've heard. >>
I've heard this advice many times and I sort of understand the logic of it, but really- where's the fun in going to a coin show with the intention of not buying anything?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Good: "May I see that 21-S Walker in VG?" <point to coin in case>
Bad: "May I inspect that used half dollar coin made in 1921?"
Wear comfortable shoes. Don't cover the dealer's cases with your books and papers even though you'll see other people doing it. Don't be afraid to ask a dealer if they have something you're looking for because it's not unusual for them to have more coins behind the table. Cash is the preferred medium of exchange. Don't assume every dealer will take a check, though some will. Credit cards are very uncommon.
If you finish examining a coin you aren't going to buy, never just set it down on the case and walk away. Always hand it back directly to the dealer (with a "thanks").
Don't bicker about grades. It gets you nowhere. So if you looking at a coin that's marked 65 and you just don't agree with the grade, don't try to convince the seller that the coin is really a 64. Talk price, not grade.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
<< <i>While most dealers are helpful and nice, there are some real jerks and a-holes out there. Just a friendly warning. The most important thing is to just have fun.
+1 on this point.
Some dealers act as if they could care less if they make a sale, some won't even bother to acknowledge you at times. Very frustrating and I make a point to not do business with them. But most dealers are very helpful and a can offer a wealth of information. Be sure to pick their brain a bit if they aren't too busy, maybe make a courtesy buy as well in this scenario.
Im sure there's others here who have yet to attend a show and will be in the near future so I think a lot of this advice is great for all sorts of individuals. Right on with the advice. I'll have to post my finds and some pictures on Sunday eve. to see how I did lol
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
It makes your eye very big and he will laugh.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>don't be afraid to walk up to a random booth and ask the dealer what you are looking for. often times they don't keep everything on the table, there's just not enough room. also, other dealers nearby might overhear you and will show you what they have without you having to ask again! >>
This is great advice. Some dealers will ask you what you're looking for when you walk up to their table. Don't be afraid to tell him, you never know what gems might be hiding behind the table, especially if you're on a lower budget.
On the flip side of that though, don't annoy a dealer that has all currency in his case by asking him if he has morgan dollars, or a dealer with all bust coins in his case if he has statehood quarters.
You will find that some dealers are happy to chat for a little bit, especially if the show is going slow but some just don't like to talk. Don't take it personally, it's just the way some dealers are. Not everyone has perfect people skills.
<< <i>Don't bicker about grades. It gets you nowhere. So if you looking at a coin that's marked 65 and you just don't agree with the grade, don't try to convince the seller that the coin is really a 64. Talk price, not grade. >>
This is good advice. Remember that grading is subjective. The old axiom about "ownership adds a grade" is really true. The price is what counts.
Another point - get to the show early if you can. More dealers will be there (they often pack up early), and they'll have more in their cases.
Most of all, enjoy yourself!
<< <i>In regards to walking around a few times first checking out everyone's inventory, I had planned on that. My want/need list is extensive so I figured I'd check out the place and see who has what so that I could compare prices, dealers, and quality of material offered. Lots of awesome advice. Ugh, now I just wish Sunday would hurry up and get here.
Im sure there's others here who have yet to attend a show and will be in the near future so I think a lot of this advice is great for all sorts of individuals. Right on with the advice. I'll have to post my finds and some pictures on Sunday eve. to see how I did lol
Go ahead and post what show it is. This is a huge forum. It is likely that one or more forum dealers and/or several collectors will be there. If they are veteran collectors, they will likely be glad to meet and greet and share a few tips on dealers to see and avoid. There are quite a few part time dealers, that were once collectors. Some dealers do shows only, some have store fronts.
Bob
Lordmarcovan, WTCG, YogiBerraFan, Phoenin21, LindeDad, Coll3ctor, blue594, robkoll, Mike Dixon, BloodMan, Flakthat and others.
Ray
If you see something you think you might like to come back to, make sure to remember where you saw it.
Might sound dumb, but I have been to some larger shows and had a heck of a time after looking around remembering where I saw a coin I was interested in.
<< <i>Don't buy the first thing you see.............unless it is really nice and it is something you have been looking for for a long time and you are afraid someone else will get it. Walk the floor and see how many coins fit your collect and how many you can afford.
Is this the Illinois State show..................I have been to that one many times, but not lately!
Good luck and happy hunting!!!! >>
This is very good advice. I would go further and say do not buy anything until you have walked the whole floor and confirmed that whatever you do decide to buy is the best available for the price you will be paying.
Look at coins and respect dealers who have real customers. Look, listen and learn. Meet dealers.
Consider this-- learn to talk to dealers and find the ones that you trust and enjoy conversing with. And take notes.
It makes your eye very big and he will laugh.
Take along a large container of petroleum jelly.
Both excellent ideas!
<< <i>Bring cash, cash is King....... >>
<< <i>Best advise I can give you is to leave your money at home. >>
<< <i>Go with lots of money >>
<< <i>Don't bring any coins and do not bring any money. >>
I've read all the advice here, and I am going to follow all of it.
<< <i>Take along a large container of petroleum jelly. >>
Attending shows with this attitude is certainly one way to help ensure that you'll need it.
<< <i>Go ahead and post what show it is. This is a huge forum. It is likely that one or more forum dealers and/or several collectors will be there. If they are veteran collectors, they will likely be glad to meet and greet and share a few tips on dealers to see and avoid. There are quite a few part time dealers, that were once collectors. Some dealers do shows only, some have store fronts. >>
My bad, I thought I had added a link in the original message. Like to Post about Show I posted it a couple days ago but it got buried quick. Hoping to meet some people out at the show to talk to, just don't know how many usually attend.
Yeah, I'm much better informed now
<< <i>
<< <i>Bring cash, cash is King....... >>
<< <i>Best advise I can give you is to leave your money at home. >>
<< <i>Go with lots of money >>
<< <i>Don't bring any coins and do not bring any money. >>
I've read all the advice here, and I am going to follow all of it. >>
Now see what you've done with your advice wise guys.
Everything's going haywire.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
Once you are finished walking the floor and talking prices, return to those dealers on your final pass to close the deals.
Of course, if you see the coin of your dreams at the price you like, jump on it immediately!
Coin shows are a blast!
Garrow
11th Early Spring Coin Show
Date: Sunday, March 8th
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location: East Peoria Event Center
Street Address:
4200 East Washington
East Peoria, IL 61611
Dorancoins is going, anyone else? 70 tables is pretty big for a one-day show.
<< <i>If you cannot negotiate, bring lots of cash.... dealers will love you. The marked price is always negotiable. I have never paid sticker price. Cheers, RickO >>
Gag Order !!! Don't tell them how easy it really is, RickO. People might actually start coming out
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
Be sure to sign up for the free (coin) door prize on your way in, and pause to look at your ticket stub when they announce the winner(s). You may win a really nice coin! Also, politely ask for free sample slabs at any major TPG tables that are there.
Unless it's a humongous show, walk through the entire bourse first, jotting down the table #'s of those dealers who are displaying coin series that you are interested in and appear to have fair prices.
- Jim
<< <i>
<< <i>Go ahead and post what show it is. This is a huge forum. It is likely that one or more forum dealers and/or several collectors will be there. If they are veteran collectors, they will likely be glad to meet and greet and share a few tips on dealers to see and avoid. There are quite a few part time dealers, that were once collectors. Some dealers do shows only, some have store fronts. >>
My bad, I thought I had added a link in the original message. Like to Post about Show I posted it a couple days ago but it got buried quick. Hoping to meet some people out at the show to talk to, just don't know how many usually attend.
Yeah, I'm much better informed now
There are plenty of shows here in the Land of Lincoln, from Collinsville and Dupo in the south to Gurnee and Rockford in the north. Some of them club-sponsored, others commercial. Lets not forget the big shows - Chicago Paper Money Expo, Chicago Int'l Coin Fair, Mid-America Show, and, of course, the bigger and better Illinois Numismatic Association Fall Coin Show and Convention (with over 220 tables).
Going to a coin show for the first time is a fascinating experience. When I attended my first coin show 22 years ago, all the stuff that the dealers were selling just blew my mind. The 1991 ANA was, IMHO, the show that left a lasting impression on me. The main thing that you need to do at any coin show is just have fun.
<< <i>The advice I always give is until you feel comfortable with the sights, sounds, and smells of a busy coin show, you're far more likely to make a costly mistake. >>
Oh god, the smells! Some of the stenches you will encounter are bad enough to make you fall into a dealer's case in agony, which yes, is a VERY costly mistake!
* arrive early if possible
* wear a Hawaiian shirt if you want to fit in
* if the coins you seek are relatively common (many U. S. coins are), patience is truly your best friend
* pack water and a snack--that saves $5 to $10 at coin show food prices
* look at lots of coins, learning to grade requires looking at lots of coins and shows are the best place to do that.
* listen (but don't butt in to other's transactions) you'll be surprised at what you might hear if you just listen
* be polite but firm, be willing to walk (patience is your friend)
* sometimes buying from a nice guy is much more rewarding in the long run than saving a buck and buying from a jerk
With this in mind, Dorancoins is going to have a table at the show and might be a good first stop, with your want list in hand. Odds are that even if he doesn't have the coins you want, he will have a good idea which dealers are the good guys and which are the jerks, though your impressions might end up being different. Information and contacts are worth a lot in the hobby. By all means don't buy at the first stop.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
So I arrived early as told. However, at 8:30am, there were quite a few others sitting in their cars waiting for the doors to open. I had my want lists, personal notes, glass, and my grey/green sheets. Finally walked in and signed up for some sort of door prize I guess? Either that or Im now on a mailing list for something. I began to walk table by table looking at dealers inventory. I could quickly tell who's grading was pretty accurate, and who's was off. I made some notes as to some pieces I saw and after about an hour, I circled back around and grabbed some things that I believed to be sweet deals. I also found out that 99% of the individuals I overheard talking to dealers said the same thing "Whats your best price on this." Made my haggling easier
After the 2nd walk through, I started sitting down at tables going through inventory. I would say most of the dealers were pretty nice, asked what sort of sets I was working on, would dig through their stuff for me and pull things out, etc. One was more interested in talking on his cell phone to talk to me or anyone else. And another would tell people "What's marked IS my price, you don't like it, find another table" lol
Go with lots of money, and take a loupe. When a dealer quotes you a price, put the loupe up to your eye and look at him through it. I tried this, he looked at me and asked if I was alright.
Bring cash, cash is King....... Ok, I did. Best advise I can give you is to leave your money at home. Ok, I did.
Take along a large container of petroleum jelly. I did, didn't need it.
Wear comfortable shoes Oops, note to self for next time
Eat just before you go to the show and use the mens' room on your way in,
Oh god, the smells! Some of the stenches you will encounter are bad enough to make you fall into a dealer's case in agony I totally agree and understand where you're coming from on this one now.
Walk with a limp and carry a cane that you don't actually use. Wear an eye patch. Always begin every conversation by stating that you want to view the chuck e cheese proof sets I had initially tried this too however these 2 very large individuals in shirts that said security started walking towards me, so I ran away and changed out of my disguise.
Post some pics of those newps!