Chairs in shops/at shows...

telephoto1

This topic came up as a result of something posted on another thread where someone mentioned in passing that a given dealer did not have chairs for customers to sit upon while perusing coins.

On putting out chairs at shows or in a shop... I obviously get the customer courtesy idea of it all but have mixed feelings about it.

At shows, especially busy ones- frankly when I'm walking the floor, chairs help clog up the aisles and make it harder to see what someone's offering...and on the other side of the table, it often encourages talkers/non buyers to stay and nest. And yes, there are some legit buyers who like to sit... but frankly if someone's coming to a show to buy, they will buy with or without chairs at the table. Folks with mobility issues, etc., that's a different story and they should of course be reasonably accommodated...but that excepted, in general it seems like I can find as many if not more negatives than positives as far as having chairs at shows is concerned.

In the shop-we don't do it except for elderly or handicapped customers who request or obviously need one, and when they leave the chair goes back into the back room again.
A local competitor had chairs out in their store...for a time... but the learning curve kicked in quickly when members of the all talk/no buy crowd looked at them as an invite to hang, kill time and stick their noses into deals.
We know this because we've ended up selling to/buying from miffed former or would-be customers who gladly related the stories; some even thanked us for not having "sketchy looking nosy people" in our shop.

Frankly I've never seen anyone lose or make a numismatic deal based solely on whether there was a chair in front of the showcase or table... and I highly doubt too many folks use chair availability as a criterion when going to either venue, show or shop.

(Although by stating this I'm sure to get the obligatory anecdotal contradictory stories about "this one time at a shop in Paramus" or "I was at this one show in Waxahatchie"...be they true or not... Just wait for it!).

So I guess this thread is for opinions. Pro? Con? Don't care either way?

19Lyds

Chairs would only be appropriate where needed. Specifically, if a seller had "books" of coins in 2x2's or perhaps "boxes" of 2x2's.

Chairs might not be appropriate at "bullion only" tables or perhaps "slab only" tables. You either want the stuff or you don't.

I do appreciate having a chair while perusing books or boxes and try to make myself as small as possible without appearing like I'm trying to steal stuff.

For me, I get a little irritated at having to negotiate my way through a bunch of folks sitting in chairs and chewing the fat with dealers. I get irritated when folks put their books and checklists and crap all over the dealers table while they're going through books and boxes and sitting in chairs.

But then, at my age, a lot of stuff irritates me anymore.

CaptHenway

Having been on both sides of the aisle or the coin counter, I feel qualified to say that chairs are sometimes a nuisance, but because of my polio I do need one if I am stopping for more than a few minutes, and I would be less inclined to stop at a table with no chairs.

pakasmom

I can see why a B&M would not offer seating. Too much down-side in that case.

But it would be nice to have perimeter seating at the big shows.

Someplace to rest, gather your thoughts, refer to lists and reference materials, come to your senses, etc.

StrikeOutXXX

I typically only have 2 allstate cases, then a few feet of bins/folders/loose misc stuff at the end. I like to put a char in front of the bins (At least a dozen folks go through the junk bins a show and like to sit) but I don't like them in front of the cases. Most folks need to stand to see in them, and use the light anyhow it seems.

I always have an extra behind the table (I seldom sit myself) so if anyone asks for one for a bevy of valid reasons, I can put it out front in a hurry.

LindeDad

Hand held devices have sure lessoned the need, a lounge and refreshment area is nice though.
Have made some pretty good deals while seated though.

koynekwest

As the collector base gets older, chairs, especially at shows, will be needed more and more. I, for instance, have a bad knee from an injury sustained while in the military. This makes it quite difficult for me to stand for more than 5 or 10 minutes. If a show doesn't have chairs available I will no longer attend such shows.

Manorcourtman

My biggest pet peeve at coin shows involves chairs. There is nothing more irritating then a vest pocket dealer or some know it all with a briefcase who has his wares covering a dealers case while sitting dead center in front of it. I have no idea why dealers let this happen. Not only do they lose so many potential eyes from seeing their coins but they tick off J6P by seemingly ignoring him. NOTE TO OFFENDERS READING THIS............PLEASE DO NOT COVER DEALERS COIN CASES WITH YOUR BRIEFCASE, MAGAZINES, FOOD OR OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS.

J6P = Joe six pack

Cameonut

When I set up at shows I make sure that there are at least two chairs available. I want people to sit down and take a look. Plus, you never know what they might have to sell. Rarely is there a need these days for more than two chairs.

Now, occasionally you will get a "Klingon" - the type that will sit and shoot the $hit for way too long. As long as they don't interfere with my business, no problem. But if they overstay their welcome, I simply ask them if they could move on and let others peruse the merchandise. I've never had a problem when you treat people with respect.

As a buyer at shows, I welcome the opportunity to sit down and look over inventory. Realistically, I only sit down at about 1 out of 15 dealers as most have coins I have no interest in. If there are no chairs, I take a quick look and 99% of the time I move on.

What a brick and mortar owner does is up to them. I rarely do business at one anymore.

Type2

I don't know when I park my butt and start looking I drop a lot of Cash if you have good stuff. But it has to be good for me to park my butt for any time and maybe if they push in there chaires after they get up it will not clog up the aisles. I see it all the time they get up and let it sit there in the aisle. I can do what I do sitting or standing it's all the same to me.

MrHalfDime

Coin collecting is an old man's hobby. Old men like to be able to sit down at a coin show. I know this because I am an old man. I fully agree with those who state that chairs present an obstacle in narrow aisles, and they almost encourage collectors to sit at a dealer's table and chat. But these issues can perhaps best be dealt with in a discussion of bourse etiquette, rather than taking the drastic measure of removing the chairs altogether.

MGLICKER

<< <i>Having been on both sides of the aisle or the coin counter, I feel qualified to say that chairs are sometimes a nuisance, but because of my polio I do need one if I am stopping for more than a few minutes, and I would be less inclined to stop at a table with no chairs. >>



Yes. Plenty of numismatists do need a place to sit for a longer spell.

My post office removed the benches from the very busy location about 8 years ago. Quite a hardship for many with lines lasting up to 30 minutes or so.

CoinZip

My new years resolution is to slow down, chairs help me to stop and smell the roses or chew the fat..........

coindeuce

I find it extremely annoying when at a show with busy aisles where a shopper takes a seat at a dealers table by plopping their fat ass on the edge of the chair, with the chair taking up 2/3 of the aisle space. I've purposely put a hip into the back of chairs positioned like this just to express my displeasure about this self centered display of poor manners. It usually gets the full attention of the slobs who are completely oblivious to everyone else, including paraplegics in wheelchairs and elderly who use a walker or cane, and cannot possibly maneuver past.

telephoto1

<< <i>Having been on both sides of the aisle or the coin counter, I feel qualified to say that chairs are sometimes a nuisance, but because of my polio I do need one if I am stopping for more than a few minutes, and I would be less inclined to stop at a table with no chairs. >>



Tom, with your numismatic resume' not only would I give you my chair, I'd let you sit behind the table.

As I mentioned in the OP, I'm totally on board with accommodating anyone with mobility problems, etc... but for those for whom it is not a need, do we need 3-4 chairs in front of every guy's setup at a show? I've been to shows like that and they are a nuisance.

Cameonut

<< <i>I find it extremely annoying when at a show with busy aisles where a shopper takes a seat at a dealers table by plopping their fat ass on the edge of the chair, with the chair taking up 2/3 of the aisle space. I've purposely put a hip into the back of chairs positioned like this just to express my displeasure about this self centered display of poor manners. It usually gets the full attention of the slobs who are completely oblivious to everyone else, including paraplegics in wheelchairs and elderly who use a walker or cane, and cannot possibly maneuver past. >>



I feel sorry for you Mr. Moose-aliciousness. Your language and actions leave a lot to be desired. If someone was hogging some space, perhaps you yourself ought to use some of the common sense and manners you were hoping they had - simply ask them to scoot in. I'd bet if you asked nicely you would get 100% compliance. I can say with 100% certainty if you put a hip into the back of my chair, you would be hearing about it. Then again, I try hard not to take up too much space for the intolerant.

Perhaps you ought to make a New Years' resolution to chill out and have fun at shows. In my humble opinion, you have offended a great many people with your post.

There, I feel better.

BryceM

At a dealer's table I like to sit, relax, look through a few coins, and chat for up to 4 or 5 minutes at a time. If chairs weren't available I'd probably find a way to deal with it. No big deal either way for me.

As for people without manners, they're are a PITA in many of life's venues.

BryceM

Double post, again. Sigh.

PerryHall

I always found it much easier to write a big check while sitting down on a chair at the dealer's table.

TopographicOceans

Take a cue from casinos - when somebody is at your table making you money, you want them to be comfortable and stay a long time.

DollarAfterDollar

Watching others seated looking through boxes or folders is perfectly understandable as is a chair for old timers. My biggest rub is Dealer to Dealer transactions where a vest pocket Dealer plops down and has boxes and slabs scattered all over one case and the Dealer has his Grey Sheet opened on another. Both are totally oblivious to the fact that this is suppose to be a bourse.

Even smaller shows have Dealer to Dealer hours, in my judgement this is disrespectful to the public.

LindeDad

<< <i>I always found it much easier to write a big check while sitting down on a chair at the dealer's table. >>




POTD

hchcoin

I know a dealer who owns a B&M not too far from me that has plenty of chairs but no coins His coin shop looks like an office with everything kept in the back safe. He asks what you are looking for and then brings out only those items if he has them. Very interesting setup but it works for him. He deals in high end coins for high end customers. Needless to say, it eliminates the riff raff for him because there is nothing to look at

TwoSides2aCoin

Sit down, put your feet up. Spend money.

stman

I have no mobility issues..... yet. But I am one of those PITA that likes a chair and here is why. I like the light above me when viewing a coin especially at a show where I try and be as quick as possible to buy what I'm interested in. I'm sure the dealers want me to have a good look and be totally satisfied with my purchase when I walk away. Plus I don't like to write checks standing up. And yes the dealers have always been glad to take my checks. You don't want to talk? Hey that works for me just go by my SIG line and we'll be good.

BLUEJAYWAY

<< <i>I can see why a B&M would not offer seating. Too much down-side in that case.

But it would be nice to have perimeter seating at the big shows.

Someplace to rest, gather your thoughts, refer to lists and reference materials, come to your senses, etc. >>

I like this idea.

Coinosaurus

<< <i>Coin collecting is an old man's hobby. Old men like to be able to sit down at a coin show. I know this because I am an old man. >>



Yes, this is the right thinking

Seriously - coin shows are partly social affairs - that means sitting down.

DRUNNER

Wow.

Simply -- a great question. Unique, thought-provoking, and quite interesting!

I have never attended a show that has not had plenty of chairs. The aisles are a factor of bourse administration trying to jam too many dealers into a confined space -- don't pin that on chair issues !!

But wow -- I am a slightly younger guy -- but my back starts to scream when hunched over looking at cases and/or coin books after about 30 minutes or so. I guess too much of the HS and college athletics . . . I know what you are all talking about with the guy who hangs out at the front tables in a big show just chatting about his collection of Wheaties his grandma gave him . . . . ---- but really? This is an exception.

When I buy, I like to use the available lights at the table. I sit down, check out the coin, and make the decision to pull the trigger. Often, I see something else (like every time), and look at another piece and buy. I also like the camaraderie -- the information -- the education -- picked up by sitting down. Most of the tables I am at are not "WHITE HOT NUCLEAR" just loaded with rips and cherries you all would clamor to get and flip, then post here for a "YOU SUCK", but I have fun and buy from every dealer I sit down at. They make money, and I am very aware of the time I am there and the potential traffic and sales.

Still . . . . . the chairs at a show seem to me to be a given. Wow . . if we are just going to pump the public through, I think we are encouraging them to just head to eBay all the more !!!! Do you want to set up at a "coin show" -- get it -- "COIN SHOW" -- or just have other dealers plow through your stockboxes behind the table ??? Pick it. Either way. I don't care. But if it is a "coin show" -- set up with chairs so the people you are SHOWING TO --- have a chance to look.

The NYSE doesn't have chairs -- they just move money. We have a hobby where the appreciation of coins, the nuances of coins, the history of coins, the intangibles (birth years, anniversary years, teachers using them in classrooms, etc.) actually make people want to sit down and learn and buy -- that means CHAIRS, folks !!!!!!!

Or -- let's just all hasten the move to eBay or the internet and quicken the demise of the local coin show . . . . why do we need chairs -- or coins, for that matter.

Drunner

SoCalBigMark

Here here.

TwoSides2aCoin

<< <i>Here here. >>



If you're referring to the post above yours from DRUNNER



Amen. I want that guy in my shop or at any show … I'll put the coffee on.

Now I think the dealers should stand (as a proper way to greet), personally. But if a guy wants to sit and chat, a dealer might take liberty to sit and chat for a few minutes, too.

OldIndianNutKase

I think that there should be chairs for anyone who would like to purchase a coin, but not in the aisles. The layout of shows is too focused on the lowest cost / sq. ft. and not about a great coin buying experience. The "bourse" at most coin shows is irrational at the best from a collector's standpoint. Bullion dealers are parked right next to rare coin dealers. I think collectors do not want to view the whole bourse just to find the specialties that they are interested in. Take a lesson from Vegas, put the high end stuff in one area, the bullion in another and the moderns in another. You only need chairs in the "high end" area, and it should be not adjacent to the aisles. FWIW.

OINK

pcunix

I bring my own chair to the Internet.

PerryHall

<< <i>I have no mobility issues..... yet. But I am one of those PITA that likes a chair and here is why. I like the light above me when viewing a coin especially at a show where I try and be as quick as possible to buy what I'm interested in. I'm sure the dealers want me to have a good look and be totally satisfied with my purchase when I walk away. Plus I don't like to write checks standing up. And yes the dealers have always been glad to take my checks. You don't want to talk? Hey that works for me just go by my SIG line and we'll be good. >>



Great post and I've always liked your sig line. They express my feelings exactly. The simple reality is that the vast majority of collectors will not loiter at a dealer's table for the simple reason that there are too many coins to look at on the bourse floor and too little time to do so.

BillJones

I have bought the vast majority of the coins in my collection at shows. For me it is far easier to sit in a chair to examine inventory and to write a check when the time comes to settle up a transaction. Looking back though the years, there have been only a limited number of times when I had to bend over or kneel down in an uncomfortable position to write a check to complete a transaction.

I guess I'd put this way. If you don't have a chair in front of your table, that is a good chance you might not do business with me. Since I've spent a lot money on coins through the years that might tell you something.

When I was dealer I always tried to have at least one chair in front of my table, and I preferred it if I could get two. I know dealers at shows who get very upset when other dealers grab the chairs from in front of their tables, and I understand why that is. In short the smart dealers make things comfortable for good customers.

DMWJR

A dealer should have seating for customers.

More importantly, a dealer should also know how to manage the people sitting in them.

astrorat

<< <i>I think that there should be chairs for anyone who would like to purchase a coin, but not in the aisles. The layout of shows is too focused on the lowest cost / sq. ft. and not about a great coin buying experience. The "bourse" at most coin shows is irrational at the best from a collector's standpoint. Bullion dealers are parked right next to rare coin dealers. I think collectors do not want to view the whole bourse just to find the specialties that they are interested in. Take a lesson from Vegas, put the high end stuff in one area, the bullion in another and the moderns in another. You only need chairs in the "high end" area, and it should be not adjacent to the aisles. FWIW.

OINK >>

While an interesting and nicely accommodating idea, bourse layout at larger shows is based on the cost of the tables. The better the positioning, the more expensive tables, regardless of what is for sale (or not for sale).

BTW ... I agree with you that a "better coin buying experience" would be a great approach. It's tough, however, to gauge what such an experience would be for the variety of folks who attend. It seems to be much easier to do the same thing over and over. I am trying to get my local show to make some modest changes and you would think I am asking for people to renounce food.

CaptHenway

Well said Drunner.

I guess the bottom line is that chairs are a necessary part of coin shows that can be abused by people insensitive to their surroundings.

And, we need them to put up on top of the cases at night! As the old joke goes: How do you tell when a coin dealer is on vacation? There's a giant sheet over his house, and two chairs up on the roof!

BarberFanatic

<< <i>My biggest pet peeve at coin shows involves chairs. There is nothing more irritating then a vest pocket dealer or some know it all with a briefcase who has his wares covering a dealers case while sitting dead center in front of it. I have no idea why dealers let this happen. Not only do they lose so many potential eyes from seeing their coins but they tick off J6P by seemingly ignoring him. NOTE TO OFFENDERS READING THIS............PLEASE DO NOT COVER DEALERS COIN CASES WITH YOUR BRIEFCASE, MAGAZINES, FOOD OR OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS.

J6P = Joe six pack >>



This is my biggest pet peeve as well. I've gotten to the point where I don't sit idly by anymore and I confront the b*st*rds who do it. I figure they're either:

(a) oblivious that they are doing it, in which case I am helping to educate them and to think about somebody other than themselves and what their actions are doing to other collectors and to the dealer, or
(b) doing it intentionally, in which case I don't care if I offend the rude b*st*rd by pointing out their rudeness for all who are in ear/eye shot.

coinkat

Chairs are necessary for a chow show- Just be mindful of your surroundings, the interests of dealers and other collectors that should have a clear view to see what coins are in the case.

Several dealers have boxes of 2x2's- and one never knows what might be there unless you ask and look. Dealers expect those customers to sit. And as others have noted, just show respect to the Dealer and others.

Last thing- ALWAYS move the chair back tucked under the front of the dealers table after getting up to keep the aisles clear.

These simple steps make the coin show experience better for everyone.

telephoto1

<< <i>Take a cue from casinos - when somebody is at your table making you money, you want them to be comfortable and stay a long time. >>



Yes, but when they're merely sitting and not spending money, they are politely asked to vacate the seat to make room for another player. Just saying.

MGLICKER

<< <i>

<< <i>Take a cue from casinos - when somebody is at your table making you money, you want them to be comfortable and stay a long time. >>



Yes, but when they're merely sitting and not spending money, they are politely asked to vacate the seat to make room for another player. Just saying. >>



My father lived in Vegas and enjoyed playing craps. His knees were shot so standing for more than ten minutes was a problem. One ingenious casino put seating around a dice table and it was always packed.

Similar logic applies to coin shows.