Most interesting observation at the Spring Baltimore show and suggestions for PCGS:

oreville

I was not at the Baltimore show.

However, my friend who I have nutured along in this hobby reported back to me the scene that developed at the PCGS grading tables where collectors and dealers alike submitted their coins for grading. PCGS isn't even aware of the situation and it was not even their fault but I will state the story and then make some very minor, very inexpensive suggestions and even some customer service improvements which could be discussed since it is all for the benefit of PCGS.

My friend was waiting behind a woman collector who was submitting a small batch of coins and noticed that PCGS customer service were accepting submissions from well known dealers that showed up AFTER this lady (and my friend). Well, my friend being the straight-forward no nonsense guy he is finally barked and said to a well known dealer how dared he stomp in front of this lady for his large submission order. Once the PCGS rep properly recognized that this well known dealer pushed his way up to the front, he gave the preference to the lady and then to my friend while the dealer sulked and sulked loudly.

It was not a huge big deal and as I said before, PCGS is not even aware of this unless their bigger submitters or collectors have complained directly to PCGS.

Here are some possible suggested improvements; some are in lieu of others:

(1) Perhaps for PCGS to bring a mechanic supermarket numeric pull ticket order (the kind you see in busy deli or bakeries) when things start getting real busy.

(2) Create a private and discrete dealer only table in which no one else is aware of so that dealers can drop off submissions quickly and not lose any time way from their tables.

(3) A call back from the PCGS tables if the wait is too long and the dealer can not be away from his table until the PCGS tables slow down.

(4) An clearly delineated and well marked express line in which only same day show and or show express submissions can be submitted.

(5) Investigate the possibility of a call ahead service for dealers so that dealers could meet with a PCGS CSR quickly.

These are just some ideas to help making submissions work more smoothly for all.

The reason I posted this here is others may disagree or make further refinements to my very minor suggestions.

Of course, I was pissed after listening to my friend's story more because he could not even remember who the dealer was!!!

291fifth

How dare your friend complain. Big dealers are part of the numismatic elite. They shouldn't have to wait in lines like the peasants.

WTCG

The line-cutting is something that definitely happens at the PCGS and NGC tables, especially during busy periods. Most of the time it happens inadvertently and I know I have probably been guilty of committing that act on at least a few occasions. However, there are a few dealers who are universally known for being complete jerks and believe that they are more important than everybody else and will refuse to wait for assistance (some of those guys are on meds or have been diagnosed as having manic personalities...no kidding). Those guys also tend to be the ones who will mouth off and verbally assault the staff when their grading results do not meet their expectations.

The "pull a number" system is possibly a feasible idea. The call back methods I believe will take too much time and energy and there's no telling how promptly somebody will arrive once they are called over. The dedicated express line method has been tried by PCGS in the past and from what I have witnessed it really isn't any faster.

ksteelheader

If they need a bouncer at Baltimore, I'll be more than glad to volunteer.