FUN Question - payment methods

hof1998

I was wondering if anyone knew roughly what percentage of dealers will take personal checks? I am trying to figure out how much money I need to take to the show and I know traveling with cash isn't always the safest method. I also understand that dealers don't want to pay credit card fees and also can't trust everyone to use good checks.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Catbert

Most dealers will accept checks if they know you or you have references (or they will mail the coin to you later). Cash is king though and that is what I prefer to bring.

bolivarshagnasty

For what it's worth, most will take a personal check if you can provide solid references. If you haven't dealt with any of the major dealers at the show, you might ought to load up on cash.
p.s. For courtesy, might inform the Dealer(s) you will use for reference before making any deals on the floor.

Kove

Many dealers will take personal checks from people they don't know (but that seem knowledgable and trustworthy) up to $1000-$2500. If you have references that the dealer at hand knows and trusts, and who will vouch for you, the check limit will often go higher. For more expensive coins, many dealers are willing to take a check and ship the coin to you when the check clears.

That said, cash is always king.

RYK

Cash is king, maybe, to a point. Many dealers do not want to be carrying around a lot of cash, any more than collectors do.

I have had no problem buying coins at FUN and other large shows from dealers new to me with references. It is beneficial to have a good relationship with a large firm like Heritage. Everyone knows and respects Heritage, and if you are in good graces with Heritage, you are good to go for the show.

BryceM

Lots of people are happy taking generic gold too. If they're not, it's a simple thing to turn gold into cash at a big show when you need it.

The best though is to be in solid with a few good dealers. A quick phone call or walk across the bourse will be all it takes.

Kove

If you bring cash, just make sure it's in large bills. I had someone at the October ANA in Dallas pull out two huge bricks of $2 bills to pay. While it was kind of cool, I had to turn him down as there was no way that was fitting in my take-home space. Even the $20s from the ATM get annoying if there are too many of them.

WTCG

Cash makes things easier but many dealers will accept checks when presented with valid identification and positive references from other dealers. Some dealers, although not many, might accept credit cards or Paypal.

2ndCharter

I only carry enough cash to pay for my incidentals - food and parking for example, and anything I buy on the floor, I pay by check. It's worked for me for thirty years at shows.

johnny9434

cash is king unless ya know the dealer or who ever else is there.