Pricing at coin shows and coin shops

csdot

Why is it that coins are not priced in coin shops and coin shows? I realize that prices fluctuate periodically in this industry, but is that the only reason coins are not marked with a price in the case? I always wonder if the dealer is sizing me up, wondering how much I can pay? Suit, Rolex, clean cut = $1,000. Unshared, jeans, Timex = $500.

I know I would love to see prices so I would know whether to inquire or not. If coins can be priced on ebay, then why can't the same be done in the shop of at the show? Maybe even a grouping by price levels! There are times when I see an interesting coin only to learn it is ten thousand plus. All I learn is I have rich tastes.

DennisH

I have bought a lot more from dealers who price coins than from those who don't.

Timbuk3

I agree with you csdot. It's easier to
view coins then having to continuously
ask the dealer on the prices !!! :-)

Jinx86

I try to price out most of the coins we put out. We only do 2 shows a year and almost all our sales are bullion related so prices change to fast on those to even think of putting out prices. As for numis buying Ive never had trouble asking the price for things that are not marked, especially if the dealer is using CDN Greysheet.

Last sale I made today was $7500 to an unshaved jean wearer much like myself.

CoinRaritiesOnline

This question has been asked and answered in the forum many times through the years.

Many dealers at shows do not post prices on the front as a security precaution.

DaveG

I think that dealers with rapid turnover and those who sell a lot of bullion-related material may not have a lot of time to put prices on their coins.

I generally buy coins at shows and most of the dealers do put prices on their coins (except the above categories). I still ask for a "best price" anyway, even if the coin is priced.

I wouldn't worry too much about dealers sizing up customers and then deciding how much to ask - especially at shows, where it's way too easy to comparison shop. As for a dealer in a shop, even they know that collectors talk to each other and nothing gets around faster than news about a dealer who charges by how a customer dresses.

While you shouldn't be shy about asking for a price, you should know about how much to pay from your research, so you shouldn't need to ask prices for coins you're only slightly interested in. After all, the more time you spend asking for prices, the less time you have to spend looking at coins at another dealer's table.

OldIndianNutKase

Start by just offering them greysheet + 5%.

OINK

Bochiman

At a show, I can understand both sides. I prefer seeing the price just so I know if I, and the dealer, are even close enough to talk about it without me insulting them, or feeling insulted upon hearing the price.

At a coin shop.....really not much of an excuse if it isn't a bullion play item. When I see coins that don't have prices, my interest goes down as I don't want to have to wait for other people to be helped first (if there are more customers than workers at the shop) as I don't know how long that will be. Nor do I want to ask to see a coin/price, figure we are too far off, move on to another coin and have to do it all over again....and again...and again. I am sure the dealer wouldn't be happy with me, thinking I am wasting their time and being cheap, and I don't want to waste MY time on a dealer who is way off (way off meaning the coin likely sits for quite awhile at that price).

I have also found that, at least at one particularly local B&M, the price WILL vary depending on who I ask. Maybe they each size me up differently...I don't know and I don't care. I just know if worker X is working the counter, I want nothing to do with him. And, it isn't just the pricing.....I have grown to not want to deal with him at all due to a few reasons. Pricing, however, is a key one.

puffer

P.O.R.

ricko

When coins are not price marked (except bullion - at shows or shops) I tend to just walk on by - unless, it is something I am very interested in... then, I may ask.... Cheers, RickO

TwoSides2aCoin

Haven't bought or sold a coin in 50 years that wasn't priced at transaction time. I think that's the best time to get the price , anyway.

LindeDad

I used to know a millionaire that wore Overalls and Gum boots when he went car shopping. Coin dealers who don't price their wares remind me of car dealers.

rawteam1

Lol, yes it's so hard to price bullion...
Of course one can't write spot +$1, +20, etc... Lol

A few good dealers at long beach did it... I wonder how they did it?!!!... Lol

ebaybuyer

knowing the asking price up front saves a great deal of time, some people feel uncomfortable "feeling" the dealer for a price.

PerryHall

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Priced Over Retail