Went to the Bellaire Coin Show in Houston on Sunday
joefro
Posts: 1,872 ✭✭
This was my third time attending this show, and was pretty disappointed this time around. The show was Saturday and Sunday only, and was supposed to go until 3:30pm on Sunday. I arrived at 1pm and about half of the dealers were already gone or packing up their inventory. I was hoping to look for a few Lincolns that I could upgrade my business strike set, but there was next to nothing available. I ended up picking up some gold and silver just so I didn't leave empty handed.
I know at large shows like the Houston Money show that a lot of dealers pack up early because they are catching a plane home or to the next show. However, it is beyond me why half the dealers at a local show like the Bellaire coin show would leave halfway through the second day of a two-day show. It seemed to me like there were still plenty of customers walking around, myself included and I wanted to spend some money!
I know at large shows like the Houston Money show that a lot of dealers pack up early because they are catching a plane home or to the next show. However, it is beyond me why half the dealers at a local show like the Bellaire coin show would leave halfway through the second day of a two-day show. It seemed to me like there were still plenty of customers walking around, myself included and I wanted to spend some money!
Lincoln Cent & Libertad Collector
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I've attended toy, comic, antique, gun, orchid, bird, and other shows that I've forgotten about and by far coin shows seem to take the cake when it comes to closing up early. I know time is money, but when you've already paid for your table I just don't understand why so many pack up early when buyers are still in the building. I can understand the, "I've already made my money so I'm leaving" mentality, but IMO dealers who pack it in are leaving something on the table.
*FWIW I'm speaking from the point of view of someone who has traveled across the state to set-up at shows (not a coin show though) so I realize how draining it can be.
I understand if you don't have the choice of days and have to go on Sunday, so be it, but if you can choose, definitely go the first day.
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I've wanted to go this show several times, but it seems there's always a conflict (RV show this past weekend). How many dealers do you think set up Sat? Is it worth making in the fall?
Thanks
Corky
50% of my sales were on Thursday night during dealer set up.
40% of my sales were on Friday once the show had opened to the public.
10% of my sales were on Saturday.
0% of my sales were on Sunday.
Most shows are too long. Dealers are there to make sales, not to sit around while the nearly empty aisles of the hall are occupied by a few tire kickers.
<< <i>Joe
I've wanted to go this show several times, but it seems there's always a conflict (RV show this past weekend). How many dealers do you think set up Sat? Is it worth making in the fall?
Thanks
Corky >>
It's always worth going in my opinion, even this one although I was disappointed in the dealer motivation. I don't travel for coin shows, so the Bellaire Coin show a couple times a year and the Houston Money Show are really all I get. There is also another Bellaire coin show on May 5-6th if you didn't want to wait for the Fall one. I could be way off, but I'd guess about 50 dealers are usually there. Great place to pick up some bullion, looking for specific coins can be hit or miss. I usually try to pick up a small newp or two, but if it is something rare and expensive I may wait for the HMS.
Joe
Jacob
<< <i>Wow bummer. I live in Houston (Pearland) and didn't even know about this show. Can you fellow Houstonians educate me on where these shows are advertised and any local coin clubs that you may be a part of? Thanks for the help.
Jacob >>
This is where I generally find info on Houston shows:
Coin Show Link
Houston does have a Coin Club, I saw them advertising at the Houston Money Show. A google search turned up this link for the Greater Houston Coin Club.
I have both attended and set up at this show and it has always been a poisitve experience for me. As a two day show I would urge you to come on the first day. Usually about 75% of my selling is done on Saturday. Then on Sunday I will look around the bourse for buys. There is always a nice selection of material.
<< <i>I'll top you...we had a one day show yesterday, from 11:00-5:00...I stopped back in at 4:00 to pick up something I had eyeballed and EVERYONE was gone. They were actually putting stuff in their cars in the parking lot. People with 45 minute to 1 hour drives...poof!!! The show was very busy from 11:00-1:00 when I was there...so maybe they all made all they needed. >>
You make coin dealers look like a pretty unprofessional group. I've had similar disappointments attending shows.
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection