You should have written down prices 20% under ask, slid it across the counter and said, "I'll take them all but you get what I give you or you sell nothing."
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
I would say calling ahead is important if the place doesn't know you. Because of our experiences with Marty at the shop, we know he is either fun conversation or quiet at the counter as appropriate for other people at the store. He is respectful of the packaging and when there is something he wants, he tends not to dicker about the price. Because of that, he gets more patience to cherrypick freely. There are other people who come in with a poor attitude and sense of entitlement; they get less patience. Maybe Marty should write a book about cherrypicking etiquette. Working title "Picken with Chicken"
I like going through dealer foreign coin books. I will look at hundreds of coins to find one or two that I like. It's time consuming, but it's mostly harmless and I always feel obligated to buy something, even if it's just a few dollars.
On the other hand, a stranger walks into your shop and asks to see hundreds of your proof sets. He's shown himself to be picky, and you've already gone through the sets and picked out the best ones yourself, so you suspect there is little that will interest him. The proof sets are somewhere in the back of the store and you don't want to dig them up unless you really expect to make a decent sale.
Specific to this particular coin store, I have done business with their online version and have no complaints, they provided good service.
<< <i>Having worn the collector hat for a long time, to wearing a dealer hat now, I've come to realize it's a fine balance between bending over backward to accommodate clients and spending too much time for too little return.
It's not so much a "fear" of being cherry picked, it's a matter of time vs money. If the OP were to pick through 100+ sets to find a few he wanted, that would probably take an hour or so. The dealer would have to stand watch (or have an employee stand watch), to make sure there's no funny business going on with his stock.
Best case scenario the OP finds a few sets he likes, pays bid+20% and goes on his way. The dealer ends up with what, $10-20 extra in his pocket? Compared to punting out a large lot at wholesale for not much less, it isn't worth the time.
Worst case scenario, this unknown (to this dealer) collector mishandles some sets and then doesn't buy anything at all.
In short, there is no upside for the dealer to allow for cherry picking in this case. If you have rapport with the dealer and have done business before, MAYBE then he'd allow it out of courtesy. >>
Said it better than I was going to!
I have existed since the creation of this world and will exist until its end. Only my form will change. For these 80 human life years, I have the benefit of having a functioning body and consciousness. I will not waste this opportunity.
This makes me long for the days when I lived in the Cleveland area in the late 1960's and 1970's. There were a lot of good coin dealers - a couple downtown in the old Arcade, and several in my neighborhood in the southwest suburbs; Southland Coin, World Coin, Michael Coleman and Harry Jones, and Ohio Estates (great selection of Darkside coins). I was able to go to all of these dealers and browse their inventories, take my pick of coins, including cherry picking original rolls going back to the 1930's, and was never hassled. When I later worked for a dealer in Denver that handled lots of BU rolls and proof sets, customers were allowed to take as long as they wanted to find coins they wanted, with some even being put in offices so they could be comfortable while searching rolls. Our usual charge was the Grey Sheet ask price per coin plus 15-20%. Collecting was fun and certainly more affordable without worrying whether a coin would be slabbed as MS64, MS65 or whatever. Buying on the internet today may be easier, but you don't get the chance to hold the coins in your hands before buying and inspect them up close, and the photos used by many sellers leave you wondering what a coin really looks like in-hand.
The hobby (or business) has evolved to a point where dealers should still be able to allow collectors to search their inventory, but the buyers should expect to pay more for cameos, FB, FS, FBL, etc. if the coins are raw. Sadly, a "one price for all" on things like 1950-1964 proof sets is no longer reasonable.
<< <i>The past couple days I had to do some work at our Cleveland Ohio office. Yesterday I had the chance (1st time in a very long time) to do some coin hunting. 1st stop, Emerald City Jewelers, they have a listing under coins but they only buy. But the people there were very nice! 2nd & 3rd stops, just a couple more local shops, not a lot to buy. 4th stop Carat Coin, great store and they were very nice. Finally got to buy some proof sets!! While talking to the owner about what I collect (brown envelope proof sets), he tells me I HAVE to visit Executive Coin Company in Stow OH, they have lots of proof sets. So I set off on the hour trip.
I get to Executive coin, ask if I can see proof sets, I get the typical what years, and I say 56-64s. They proceed to write me out a price list, all priced at about 20% over ask. I think to myself, OK if I'm picking, that is the price I have to pay. So I say, OK let's start with the 56s. He goes in the back and comes back with 5 sets, all plain old sets. I ask if there are more, he answers how many I want? I answer, all the ones I like.
Well, he says if you want 100 I'll get them, but you have to take them all. I explain that I want to pick the sets. (this is where it gets interesting) He takes the sets, and says. Sorry, that's not how we work. You take what we give you or you get nothing. Needless to say, I got nothing.
So after 2 hours driving time, $2.50 in tolls, gas and fees for the cash station (yes, I brought lots of cash), I came up empty.
I would have thought at 20% over ask he would be happy to sell sets, I guess not.
I did find a nice 56 Type 1 set though and it was a nice day for a drive!!! >>
Heh Heh! You scenario has been played pout countless times by me in the past.
What are you looking for? How many do you want? Sorry, we don't do that.
It's like the dealers don't want to give you the opportunity to buy the coin or proof set that "you like" but instead, expect you to simply buy "blindly" (at 20% over ask of course!)!
I went to a Coin Show and asked to look at some 1971 Brown Box IKEs. The dealer had plenty but didn't want me to look at them. I said, I guarantee I'll buy at least one regardless of what I find. He pulled them out and I looked, chose one then asked if he had any 72's? He expected me to buy at least one of the 72's as well. I paid for my coin and moved on. I mean, why have them, why bring them, if you don't really want to sell them.
On the same token, I've had dealers let me look through HUNDREDS of IKE's in a single sitting just because they wanted to get rid of them! I was happy to oblige.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>I really believe the average dealer does not want to sell to those who know what they are doing, and especially to those who know more about it than they do. Say what you want, they can't deal with the possibility of someone ripping them back.
I know of such a dealer who started pulling coins back if I showed interest in them. One time I really played this Trade dollar up, studying it, acting like I was on my iPhone doing research, and then I offered him 100 bucks more than he had on the flip. I knew he was going to say "not for sale" after all that. This guy thought I (now he) found a treasure. 2 months later. while going through his town, I stop and ask him about the Trade dollar. He condescendingly says, I thought you knew what you were doing. It came back counterfeit!
I still chuckle to this day. >>
I'm not sure who this mythical "average dealer" is, but as far as I'm concerned, if someone finds something cool in our inventory, good for them; I guess I should have done my homework better. Just don't take 2 hours doing it. Also, pickers seem to forget that knowledgeable dealers have copies of the CPG and specialty references too. When the picker crowd sees our dog-eared, bookmarked CPGs on the reference shelves of our library they generally don't stay very long. Can't understand why.
Bottom line...I am here to buy/sell stuff- and I respect my customers... but I don't have a lot of patience with people who look at us as a playground rather than a business. You know the type: won't buy it unless it's a pick or a rip, won't sell unless you're willing to pay retail, think buying two of something is a wholesale deal, have no respect for your time, overhead or investment, and as a bonus occasionally butt into deals. Those "customers" I neither need nor want.
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
Taking forever to go through dozens or hundreds of coins/sets whatever and then not buying anything because there were no rips? Hogging stock boxes doing same when others want to look? Taking up limited space at a show spreading inventory across the showcase doing same? Thinking that picking is some kind of God-given right?
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
That is a valid concern. If somebody is going to be looking at stuff for two hours in a shop you either have somebody sit with him or hope that he is not stealing stuff. Mad Marty we could trust.
However, we had one regular that used to come in on his lunch hour and go through our foreign boxes. We would just give him the next one from the day before and ignore him. He always bought a coin or two.
Then one day our foreign person got suspicious and we watched some video tapes and caught him pocketing stuff. When confronted with the evidence he offered several thousand dollars restitution if we would not prosecute.
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
<< <i>I know of such a dealer who started pulling coins back if I showed interest in them. One time I really played this Trade dollar up, studying it, acting like I was on my iPhone doing research, and then I offered him 100 bucks more than he had on the flip. I knew he was going to say "not for sale" after all that. This guy thought I (now he) found a treasure. 2 months later. while going through his town, I stop and ask him about the Trade dollar. He condescendingly says, I thought you knew what you were doing. It came back counterfeit!
I still chuckle to this day. >>
I damned near spit coffee all over my keyboard!
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
Taking forever to go through dozens or hundreds of coins/sets whatever and then not buying anything because there were no rips? Hogging stock boxes doing same when others want to look? Taking up limited space at a show spreading inventory across the showcase doing same? Thinking that picking is some kind of God-given right? >>
2 and 3 are inexcusable but I don't have a problem with 1 and 4.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
That is a valid concern. If somebody is going to be looking at stuff for two hours in a shop you either have somebody sit with him or hope that he is not stealing stuff. Mad Marty we could trust.
However, we had one regular that used to come in on his lunch hour and go through our foreign boxes. We would just give him the next one from the day before and ignore him. He always bought a coin or two.
Then one day our foreign person got suspicious and we watched some video tapes and caught him pocketing stuff. When confronted with the evidence he offered several thousand dollars restitution if we would not prosecute. >>
That is a concern.
If I were the dealer, I would engage the picker in conversation while s/he were looking. When I pick and dealers ask me what I'm looking for, I always say I'm looking for that rare die variety that I can sell for $250,000. If they have any business insights at all, they'll know that I'm just "looking" which is the guidance that ALL new folks get when they come into the hobby. "Look" at a LOT of coins before you buy.
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
If the customer had a personal recommendation from someone the dealer knew, the dealer would have probably been much more likely to allow the customer to observe the sets at their own pace instead of needing to spend one on one time while the customer perused the wares. As a customer be sure to balance the time the dealer spends with the profit to the dealer. They need to cover insurance costs, facility costs, salaries, and turn a profit on the small fraction of coins transacted.
Every single business is going to have the couple thieves or the whack jobs who just sitting around all day wasting time. By not even allowing someone to look at inventory, especially when you don't even know who they are, seems unreasonable. You know that guy who buys one Ike dollar. He "might" tell a bunch more collectors who buy high end stuff about the great dealer he knows. He "definitely" will tell a bunch more collectors to not go to a rude dealer he knows.
I think drinking is a detriment to the hobby @ large. After all, for the cost of a six pack, I can buy 2 silver quarters, or a fairly decent half dollar on ebay with a decent cup of coffee. Don't mind the nerd.
Here is an interesting tidbit for those who are curious what some dealers expect to make. Back in the early 90's before I started dealing I was in a shop of a dealer I had recently been acquainted with. Out of the blue he says: "It's not worth my time unless I am making at least $200 per hr." What does that become nowadays with inflation?
<< <i>I know of such a dealer who started pulling coins back if I showed interest in them. One time I really played this Trade dollar up, studying it, acting like I was on my iPhone doing research, and then I offered him 100 bucks more than he had on the flip. I knew he was going to say "not for sale" after all that. This guy thought I (now he) found a treasure. 2 months later. while going through his town, I stop and ask him about the Trade dollar. He condescendingly says, I thought you knew what you were doing. It came back counterfeit!
I still chuckle to this day. >>
I damned near spit coffee all over my keyboard! >>
+1
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
Some interesting replies. Dang that MadMarty for being such a troublemaker!
I can see *some* of the things from the dealer side of it. However, it's obvious from some of the replies just here that it is very one-sided and there is a certain viewpoint about the person doing the looking. Yes, MM is a cherrypicker, and a good one (when he doesn't take a picture of a pick before he pays for it...sending said pic to Russ and bragging, only to have a kid call him out on it before it is paid for and so losing said pick ).
Not everyone is though, and some of us have learned to be picky BECAUSE of dealers just shoving a proof set, SAE, etc, at us for our collection early in our time, and then getting more informed and finding out that we bought low quality coins originally. Now, we get a bit more picky and want to see more sets. If wanting good quality coins for the money is "cherrypicking" and a "sin" for the dealer way of thinking, then I am guilty as well. Having dogeared CPGs within sight, means nothing to me, for people like me want a certain look/quality and just handing us a handful that don't meet our desire won't cut it.
Yep....I'm probably a customer that some of these dealers don't want. My money is good, and I don't whine when I buy, and I don't hog table/counter space rudely, nor do I steal from the dealers or bother them or other customers (aside from asking the dealer for other sets/coins to look at), but I no longer just take crap given to me and buy it as if I were a lemming.
Maybe some of the dealers should look at it from that perspective as well and not just think that everyone is a bad cherrypicker (I went off tangent from the OP because others have posted outside of just the OP as well).
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
Mad Marty we could trust.
>>
It's the chicken you have to keep an eye on
mark
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Thank goodness for the internet. This would be all of our experiences without the world wide web.
In fifteen years, my collection of coins is maybe 1-3% of coins found locally. The best find ever locally? An AU55 1893-S Barber half purchased raw for $500.00.
I normally don’t have the opportunity to visit Collector’s Forum. My friends at The Reeded Edge alerted me to this situation. I felt a response was appropriate. I appreciate the concept of visiting coin shops hoping you can cherry pick a 1956 type 1 Franklin for $40 when they are currently worth $200. However, I don't appreciate the fact that you feel the need to public criticize our company for not allowing you to attempt to do it our store. We are aware of the value of that coin as well as the value of cameos and other varieties contained within 1956 to 1964 proof sets. I overheard the tail end of the conversation you had in our store the other day. It was very obvious that you are a cherry picker. Nothing wrong with that. I have made thousands of dollars over the years because of the knowledge that I possess that others do not. Please don't make it sound like we were rude to you. You were shown 5 sets from 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. You bought one 1959 set because "you had and order for pennies.” Just be honest. Walk in to the shop and tell the shop owner you are a cherry picker and that you'd like to look at their proof sets to see what you can find. You're willing to pay ask plus 20% for the privilege. Many dealers will gladly accept. Others will appreciate your honesty and perhaps share with you that they have already taken the time to look for the things you are looking for. They may also suggest that it would be a waste of your time and our time to show you 500 proof sets for you to pick out 6 sets. Please be respectful of the business owner's time. We were honest with you. Please don't mistake our honesty for rudeness. We care very much about our customers and about treating people the way we would like to be treated. After being here for 25 years I’m hopeful that most people feel differently than you do. I truly am sorry that you had a bad experience in our store. I hope that my response will be helpful in understanding our thought process and may help you somewhere down the road. I appreciate the opportunity to get our side of the story out there.
David Miholer President The Executive Coin Company Stow, OH 44224
I normally don’t have the opportunity to visit Collector’s Forum. My friends at The Reeded Edge alerted me to this situation. I felt a response was appropriate. I appreciate the concept of visiting coin shops hoping you can cherry pick a 1956 type 1 Franklin for $40 when they are currently worth $200. However, I don't appreciate the fact that you feel the need to public criticize our company for not allowing you to attempt to do it our store. We are aware of the value of that coin as well as the value of cameos and other varieties contained within 1956 to 1964 proof sets. I overheard the tail end of the conversation you had in our store the other day. It was very obvious that you are a cherry picker. Nothing wrong with that. I have made thousands of dollars over the years because of the knowledge that I possess that others do not. Please don't make it sound like we were rude to you. You were shown 5 sets from 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. You bought one 1959 set because "you had and order for pennies.” Just be honest. Walk in to the shop and tell the shop owner you are a cherry picker and that you'd like to look at their proof sets to see what you can find. You're willing to pay ask plus 20% for the privilege. Many dealers will gladly accept. Others will appreciate your honesty and perhaps share with you that they have already taken the time to look for the things you are looking for. They may also suggest that it would be a waste of your time and our time to show you 500 proof sets for you to pick out 6 sets. Please be respectful of the business owner's time. We were honest with you. Please don't mistake our honesty for rudeness. We care very much about our customers and about treating people the way we would like to be treated. After being here for 25 years I’m hopeful that most people feel differently than you do. I truly am sorry that you had a bad experience in our store. I hope that my response will be helpful in understanding our thought process and may help you somewhere down the road. I appreciate the opportunity to get our side of the story out there.
David Miholer President The Executive Coin Company Stow, OH 44224 >>
I normally don’t have the opportunity to visit Collector’s Forum. My friends at The Reeded Edge alerted me to this situation. I felt a response was appropriate. I appreciate the concept of visiting coin shops hoping you can cherry pick a 1956 type 1 Franklin for $40 when they are currently worth $200. However, I don't appreciate the fact that you feel the need to public criticize our company for not allowing you to attempt to do it our store. We are aware of the value of that coin as well as the value of cameos and other varieties contained within 1956 to 1964 proof sets. I overheard the tail end of the conversation you had in our store the other day. It was very obvious that you are a cherry picker. Nothing wrong with that. I have made thousands of dollars over the years because of the knowledge that I possess that others do not. Please don't make it sound like we were rude to you. You were shown 5 sets from 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. You bought one 1959 set because "you had and order for pennies.” Just be honest. Walk in to the shop and tell the shop owner you are a cherry picker and that you'd like to look at their proof sets to see what you can find. You're willing to pay ask plus 20% for the privilege. Many dealers will gladly accept. Others will appreciate your honesty and perhaps share with you that they have already taken the time to look for the things you are looking for. They may also suggest that it would be a waste of your time and our time to show you 500 proof sets for you to pick out 6 sets. Please be respectful of the business owner's time. We were honest with you. Please don't mistake our honesty for rudeness. We care very much about our customers and about treating people the way we would like to be treated. After being here for 25 years I’m hopeful that most people feel differently than you do. I truly am sorry that you had a bad experience in our store. I hope that my response will be helpful in understanding our thought process and may help you somewhere down the road. I appreciate the opportunity to get our side of the story out there.
David Miholer President The Executive Coin Company Stow, OH 44224 >>
Thanks for coming and posting. You listed a couple reasons why a dealer might not permit searching proof sets. If you don't mind, I'd be curious regarding your specific reason for this policy.
I normally don’t have the opportunity to visit Collector’s Forum. My friends at The Reeded Edge alerted me to this situation. I felt a response was appropriate. I appreciate the concept of visiting coin shops hoping you can cherry pick a 1956 type 1 Franklin for $40 when they are currently worth $200. However, I don't appreciate the fact that you feel the need to public criticize our company for not allowing you to attempt to do it our store. We are aware of the value of that coin as well as the value of cameos and other varieties contained within 1956 to 1964 proof sets. I overheard the tail end of the conversation you had in our store the other day. It was very obvious that you are a cherry picker. Nothing wrong with that. I have made thousands of dollars over the years because of the knowledge that I possess that others do not. Please don't make it sound like we were rude to you. You were shown 5 sets from 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. You bought one 1959 set because "you had and order for pennies.” Just be honest. Walk in to the shop and tell the shop owner you are a cherry picker and that you'd like to look at their proof sets to see what you can find. You're willing to pay ask plus 20% for the privilege. Many dealers will gladly accept. Others will appreciate your honesty and perhaps share with you that they have already taken the time to look for the things you are looking for. They may also suggest that it would be a waste of your time and our time to show you 500 proof sets for you to pick out 6 sets. Please be respectful of the business owner's time. We were honest with you. Please don't mistake our honesty for rudeness. We care very much about our customers and about treating people the way we would like to be treated. After being here for 25 years I’m hopeful that most people feel differently than you do. I truly am sorry that you had a bad experience in our store. I hope that my response will be helpful in understanding our thought process and may help you somewhere down the road. I appreciate the opportunity to get our side of the story out there.
David Miholer President The Executive Coin Company Stow, OH 44224 >>
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
Mad Marty we could trust.
>>
It's the chicken you have to keep an eye on
mark >>
That was Brewster, the Goebel Rooster!
Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
Guilty as charged, I was going to cherrypick everything I could, and I do realize that picking comes with a price. Most dealers don't want to bother with proof sets. usually a dealer will get burned on a PCGS submission and never want to submit a proof coin again. Several points taken, I should have called, but when 4 Cleveland dealers say this is the place to go... Well I went!! As for spending hours and hours looking through sets, those of you who have seen me in action know I go through sets like crap through a goose! So David, I'm sorry for calling you out. It was more as a "Well there went 3 hours of my day" then anything else. We have a few dealers here that just won't deal with us damned cherrypickers.
As for going through sets and only picking a few, I remember a trip to a show in Ft. Lauderdale, a dealer had 500 1965 SMS sets. I asked if I could look through them, he said you pay a nickel for every one you look through and if you buy enough I'll wave the fee. Ended up buying 150 sets. If you look through and pull sets, that is all you had to say. BTW, the 1959 set I wanted had a very nice cameo Lincoln.
It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!
Marty, as I indicated in my PM, you should probably represent yourself as the Vest Pocket Dealer that you are, not some country bumpkin collector who likes to look at Proof Sets to see if he likes them. you obviously fooled the owner of Carat Coin but not the owner(s) of Executive Coin. they understand the value of the Varieties you were hoping to find and at least attempt to search their sets prior to sale. after having read the OP and spoken face to face with Dave I have a different understanding of what actually happened. perhaps it is safe to say that this was an experience where all three parties --- Marty K., Carat Coin, Executive Coin --- made mistakes/judgements which could have resulted in another outcome if done differently.
the worst mistake, however, was posting the thread. what did you hope to accomplish??
<< <i>Marty, as I indicated in my PM, you should probably represent yourself as the Vest Pocket Dealer that you are, not some country bumpkin collector who likes to look at Proof Sets to see if he likes them. you obviously fooled the owner of Carat Coin but not the owner(s) of Executive Coin. they understand the value of the Varieties you were hoping to find and at least attempt to search their sets prior to sale. after having read the OP and spoken face to face with Dave I have a different understanding of what actually happened. perhaps it is safe to say that this was an experience where all three parties --- Marty K., Carat Coin, Executive Coin --- made mistakes/judgements which could have resulted in another outcome if done differently.
the worst mistake, however, was posting the thread. what did you hope to accomplish?? >>
"Just be honest" implies that not divulging your motivations as a buyer is being dishonest. Perhaps "straightforward" is a better choice?
Are dealers always honest? Do they tell sellers that I would have paid more than you asked or that the guy on the other side of town will pay more than I do or that unless I can rip it I'm not interested in spending time looking at what you have?
I think some are making a mountain out of a molehill. I gleaned that the OP was simply telling us about his day and did a little griping about how the end of it was a bust. I enjoyed it.
I can't see where he tried to take down the empire with a flame thrower. But the Bat-Light went up. The Bat-Phone was rung and people scrambled to join here and defend the kingdom.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
sparky, you summed it up nicely. oftentimes here we get half the story, make assumptions and think somebody needs to be defended., in truth, half the story is just not and often slanted.
In an alternate universe, this thread was about all the picks and rips MM found, about how they graded out, with implications of how much money was made in the process.
MadMarty has shared a very interesting experience and made us all more informed b/c of it. I enjoyed reading it. If dealers don't want to sell---it's their loss, as some are more concerned about volume and the almighty buck and don't care for the small time collector. Move on to others that appreciate your business more. This was a good thread and I found no harm in it.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
Looks like this coin dealer has thin skin. I don't see anywhere that the MadOne dissed this shop. If the coin dealer feels his telling what happened resulted in a negative view of his shop, then I might suggest he look at his business model. And unless I missed it he never called anyone rude. He said the manager was cold, which is entirely different.
I've known Marty for years. Back when he was active on this forum he often shared posts on his coin shop visits without complaints. And the assertion that he should just be honest about his intentions is laughable. He doesn't have a dishonest bone in his body and he never hides the fact that he is at a shop to pick the best. My read of the post is he was disappointed that he was steered to this shop in hopes of being able to pick some proof sets, but in the end he wasted several hours because they would not let him.
Marty, good to see you post again.
Joseph J. Singleton - First Superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega Georgia
<< <i> And the assertion that he should just be honest about his intentions is laughable. He doesn't have a dishonest bone in his body and he never hides the fact that he is at a shop to pick the best. My read of the post is he was disappointed that he was steered to this shop in hopes of being able to pick some proof sets, but in the end he wasted several hours because they would not let him. >>
Totally agree and think this is a great point.
Based on that request most people coming into a shop should be stating:
"Excuse me Mr. Coin Dealer, I'm looking for some high priced examples for my collection, can you help me out?" vs "Excuse me Mr. Coin Dealer, I'm looking to use my knowledge to find something you missed to add to my collection".
It's laughable to think that these dealers with experience need some sort of declaration to know your intentions.
The shop decided they didnt want to waste their time showing a customer the products they were looking to sell and got called out on it.
I feel this dealer attitude of "We dont want to waste our time" (when they'll most likely otherwise be sitting on their stool for a couple hours) is bad business and bad customer service.
I think part (or all) of this situation could have been resolved had the dealer simply asked "what are you looking for?" If he is aware of the varieties and values, then he could have just said. "Look through what you like, but I am aware of the differences in valuation and will charge you accordingly." or "I have already looked through these myself. I don't think you're going to find anything uncommon."
The situation when the dealer does not know exactly what he has is a bit trickier.
What MadMarty said would not have stopped me from going to Executive Coin. What Executive Coin said would stop me from going to Executive Coin. Calling customers dishonest simply because they want to look at your coins and pick out the best ones they can find? When I go buy steaks I pick the best ones to my eye. Am I dishonest then? Could you imagine a meat department telling you that you will only get the ones they pick out? Whatever.
Comments
I use to go to all the shows and shops,,,, look thru the coins and I bought alot of stuff,
I use to really enjoy hunting coins,,,,,,,, not so much any more.
DPOTD-3
'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'
CU #3245 B.N.A. #428
Don
. . .yawn. . .
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.americanlegacycoins.com
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
I like going through dealer foreign coin books. I will look at hundreds of coins to find one or two that I like. It's time consuming, but it's mostly harmless and I always feel obligated to buy something, even if it's just a few dollars.
On the other hand, a stranger walks into your shop and asks to see hundreds of your proof sets. He's shown himself to be picky, and you've already gone through the sets and picked out the best ones yourself, so you suspect there is little that will interest him. The proof sets are somewhere in the back of the store and you don't want to dig them up unless you really expect to make a decent sale.
Specific to this particular coin store, I have done business with their online version and have no complaints, they provided good service.
<< <i>Having worn the collector hat for a long time, to wearing a dealer hat now, I've come to realize it's a fine balance between bending over backward to accommodate clients and spending too much time for too little return.
It's not so much a "fear" of being cherry picked, it's a matter of time vs money. If the OP were to pick through 100+ sets to find a few he wanted, that would probably take an hour or so. The dealer would have to stand watch (or have an employee stand watch), to make sure there's no funny business going on with his stock.
Best case scenario the OP finds a few sets he likes, pays bid+20% and goes on his way. The dealer ends up with what, $10-20 extra in his pocket? Compared to punting out a large lot at wholesale for not much less, it isn't worth the time.
Worst case scenario, this unknown (to this dealer) collector mishandles some sets and then doesn't buy anything at all.
In short, there is no upside for the dealer to allow for cherry picking in this case. If you have rapport with the dealer and have done business before, MAYBE then he'd allow it out of courtesy. >>
Said it better than I was going to!
The hobby (or business) has evolved to a point where dealers should still be able to allow collectors to search their inventory, but the buyers should expect to pay more for cameos, FB, FS, FBL, etc. if the coins are raw. Sadly, a "one price for all" on things like 1950-1964 proof sets is no longer reasonable.
Jim
My YouTube Channel
<< <i>The past couple days I had to do some work at our Cleveland Ohio office. Yesterday I had the chance (1st time in a very long time) to do some coin hunting.
1st stop, Emerald City Jewelers, they have a listing under coins but they only buy. But the people there were very nice!
2nd & 3rd stops, just a couple more local shops, not a lot to buy.
4th stop Carat Coin, great store and they were very nice. Finally got to buy some proof sets!! While talking to the owner about what I collect (brown envelope proof sets), he tells me I HAVE to visit Executive Coin Company in Stow OH, they have lots of proof sets. So I set off on the hour trip.
I get to Executive coin, ask if I can see proof sets, I get the typical what years, and I say 56-64s. They proceed to write me out a price list, all priced at about 20% over ask. I think to myself, OK if I'm picking, that is the price I have to pay. So I say, OK let's start with the 56s. He goes in the back and comes back with 5 sets, all plain old sets. I ask if there are more, he answers how many I want? I answer, all the ones I like.
Well, he says if you want 100 I'll get them, but you have to take them all. I explain that I want to pick the sets. (this is where it gets interesting)
He takes the sets, and says. Sorry, that's not how we work. You take what we give you or you get nothing. Needless to say, I got nothing.
So after 2 hours driving time, $2.50 in tolls, gas and fees for the cash station (yes, I brought lots of cash), I came up empty.
I would have thought at 20% over ask he would be happy to sell sets, I guess not.
I did find a nice 56 Type 1 set though and it was a nice day for a drive!!! >>
Heh Heh! You scenario has been played pout countless times by me in the past.
What are you looking for?
How many do you want?
Sorry, we don't do that.
It's like the dealers don't want to give you the opportunity to buy the coin or proof set that "you like" but instead, expect you to simply buy "blindly" (at 20% over ask of course!)!
I went to a Coin Show and asked to look at some 1971 Brown Box IKEs. The dealer had plenty but didn't want me to look at them. I said, I guarantee I'll buy at least one regardless of what I find. He pulled them out and I looked, chose one then asked if he had any 72's? He expected me to buy at least one of the 72's as well. I paid for my coin and moved on.
I mean, why have them, why bring them, if you don't really want to sell them.
On the same token, I've had dealers let me look through HUNDREDS of IKE's in a single sitting just because they wanted to get rid of them!
I was happy to oblige.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>
<< <i>You take what we give you or you get nothing. >>
I think I can predict where this business will be in a year or two. >>
ECC has actually been around for a long time. I purchased from their ebay store 10 or so years ago.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>I really believe the average dealer does not want to sell to those who know what they are doing, and especially to those who know more about it than they do. Say what you want, they can't deal with the possibility of someone ripping them back.
I know of such a dealer who started pulling coins back if I showed interest in them. One time I really played this Trade dollar up, studying it, acting like I was on my iPhone doing research, and then I offered him 100 bucks more than he had on the flip. I knew he was going to say "not for sale" after all that. This guy thought I (now he) found a treasure. 2 months later. while going through his town, I stop and ask him about the Trade dollar. He condescendingly says, I thought you knew what you were doing. It came back counterfeit!
I still chuckle to this day. >>
I'm not sure who this mythical "average dealer" is, but as far as I'm concerned, if someone finds something cool in our inventory, good for them; I guess I should have done my homework better. Just don't take 2 hours doing it.
Also, pickers seem to forget that knowledgeable dealers have copies of the CPG and specialty references too. When the picker crowd sees our dog-eared, bookmarked CPGs on the reference shelves of our library they generally don't stay very long. Can't understand why.
Bottom line...I am here to buy/sell stuff- and I respect my customers... but I don't have a lot of patience with people who look at us as a playground rather than a business.
You know the type: won't buy it unless it's a pick or a rip, won't sell unless you're willing to pay retail, think buying two of something is a wholesale deal, have no respect for your time, overhead or investment, and as a bonus occasionally butt into deals. Those "customers" I neither need nor want.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting?
The name is LEE!
<< <i>
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
Taking forever to go through dozens or hundreds of coins/sets whatever and then not buying anything because there were no rips?
Hogging stock boxes doing same when others want to look?
Taking up limited space at a show spreading inventory across the showcase doing same?
Thinking that picking is some kind of God-given right?
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
<< <i>
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
That is a valid concern. If somebody is going to be looking at stuff for two hours in a shop you either have somebody sit with him or hope that he is not stealing stuff. Mad Marty we could trust.
However, we had one regular that used to come in on his lunch hour and go through our foreign boxes. We would just give him the next one from the day before and ignore him. He always bought a coin or two.
Then one day our foreign person got suspicious and we watched some video tapes and caught him pocketing stuff. When confronted with the evidence he offered several thousand dollars restitution if we would not prosecute.
<< <i>I know of such a dealer who started pulling coins back if I showed interest in them. One time I really played this Trade dollar up, studying it, acting like I was on my iPhone doing research, and then I offered him 100 bucks more than he had on the flip. I knew he was going to say "not for sale" after all that. This guy thought I (now he) found a treasure. 2 months later. while going through his town, I stop and ask him about the Trade dollar. He condescendingly says, I thought you knew what you were doing. It came back counterfeit!
I still chuckle to this day. >>
I damned near spit coffee all over my keyboard!
The name is LEE!
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
Taking forever to go through dozens or hundreds of coins/sets whatever and then not buying anything because there were no rips?
Hogging stock boxes doing same when others want to look?
Taking up limited space at a show spreading inventory across the showcase doing same?
Thinking that picking is some kind of God-given right? >>
2 and 3 are inexcusable but I don't have a problem with 1 and 4.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
That is a valid concern. If somebody is going to be looking at stuff for two hours in a shop you either have somebody sit with him or hope that he is not stealing stuff. Mad Marty we could trust.
However, we had one regular that used to come in on his lunch hour and go through our foreign boxes. We would just give him the next one from the day before and ignore him. He always bought a coin or two.
Then one day our foreign person got suspicious and we watched some video tapes and caught him pocketing stuff. When confronted with the evidence he offered several thousand dollars restitution if we would not prosecute. >>
That is a concern.
If I were the dealer, I would engage the picker in conversation while s/he were looking. When I pick and dealers ask me what I'm looking for, I always say I'm looking for that rare die variety that I can sell for $250,000. If they have any business insights at all, they'll know that I'm just "looking" which is the guidance that ALL new folks get when they come into the hobby. "Look" at a LOT of coins before you buy.
The name is LEE!
Every single business is going to have the couple thieves or the whack jobs who just sitting around all day wasting time. By not even allowing someone to look at inventory, especially when you don't even know who they are, seems unreasonable. You know that guy who buys one Ike dollar. He "might" tell a bunch more collectors who buy high end stuff about the great dealer he knows. He "definitely" will tell a bunch more collectors to not go to a rude dealer he knows.
Don't mind the nerd.
<< <i>
<< <i>I know of such a dealer who started pulling coins back if I showed interest in them. One time I really played this Trade dollar up, studying it, acting like I was on my iPhone doing research, and then I offered him 100 bucks more than he had on the flip. I knew he was going to say "not for sale" after all that. This guy thought I (now he) found a treasure. 2 months later. while going through his town, I stop and ask him about the Trade dollar. He condescendingly says, I thought you knew what you were doing. It came back counterfeit!
I still chuckle to this day. >>
I damned near spit coffee all over my keyboard! >>
+1
Dang that MadMarty for being such a troublemaker!
I can see *some* of the things from the dealer side of it. However, it's obvious from some of the replies just here that it is very one-sided and there is a certain viewpoint about the person doing the looking.
Yes, MM is a cherrypicker, and a good one (when he doesn't take a picture of a pick before he pays for it...sending said pic to Russ and bragging, only to have a kid call him out on it before it is paid for and so losing said pick
Not everyone is though, and some of us have learned to be picky BECAUSE of dealers just shoving a proof set, SAE, etc, at us for our collection early in our time, and then getting more informed and finding out that we bought low quality coins originally. Now, we get a bit more picky and want to see more sets. If wanting good quality coins for the money is "cherrypicking" and a "sin" for the dealer way of thinking, then I am guilty as well. Having dogeared CPGs within sight, means nothing to me, for people like me want a certain look/quality and just handing us a handful that don't meet our desire won't cut it.
Yep....I'm probably a customer that some of these dealers don't want. My money is good, and I don't whine when I buy, and I don't hog table/counter space rudely, nor do I steal from the dealers or bother them or other customers (aside from asking the dealer for other sets/coins to look at), but I no longer just take crap given to me and buy it as if I were a lemming.
Maybe some of the dealers should look at it from that perspective as well and not just think that everyone is a bad cherrypicker (I went off tangent from the OP because others have posted outside of just the OP as well).
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
Mad Marty we could trust.
>>
It's the chicken you have to keep an eye on
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
In fifteen years, my collection of coins is maybe 1-3% of coins found locally. The best find ever locally? An AU55 1893-S Barber half purchased raw for $500.00.
Tyler
I normally don’t have the opportunity to visit Collector’s Forum. My friends at The Reeded Edge alerted me to this situation. I felt a response was appropriate. I appreciate the concept of visiting coin shops hoping you can cherry pick a 1956 type 1 Franklin for $40 when they are currently worth $200. However, I don't appreciate the fact that you feel the need to public criticize our company for not allowing you to attempt to do it our store. We are aware of the value of that coin as well as the value of cameos and other varieties contained within 1956 to 1964 proof sets. I overheard the tail end of the conversation you had in our store the other day. It was very obvious that you are a cherry picker. Nothing wrong with that. I have made thousands of dollars over the years because of the knowledge that I possess that others do not. Please don't make it sound like we were rude to you. You were shown 5 sets from 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. You bought one 1959 set because "you had and order for pennies.” Just be honest. Walk in to the shop and tell the shop owner you are a cherry picker and that you'd like to look at their proof sets to see what you can find. You're willing to pay ask plus 20% for the privilege. Many dealers will gladly accept. Others will appreciate your honesty and perhaps share with you that they have already taken the time to look for the things you are looking for. They may also suggest that it would be a waste of your time and our time to show you 500 proof sets for you to pick out 6 sets. Please be respectful of the business owner's time. We were honest with you. Please don't mistake our honesty for rudeness. We care very much about our customers and about treating people the way we would like to be treated. After being here for 25 years I’m hopeful that most people feel differently than you do. I truly am sorry that you had a bad experience in our store. I hope that my response will be helpful in understanding our thought process and may help you somewhere down the road. I appreciate the opportunity to get our side of the story out there.
David Miholer
President
The Executive Coin Company
Stow, OH 44224
<< <i>Dear MadMarty,
I normally don’t have the opportunity to visit Collector’s Forum. My friends at The Reeded Edge alerted me to this situation. I felt a response was appropriate. I appreciate the concept of visiting coin shops hoping you can cherry pick a 1956 type 1 Franklin for $40 when they are currently worth $200. However, I don't appreciate the fact that you feel the need to public criticize our company for not allowing you to attempt to do it our store. We are aware of the value of that coin as well as the value of cameos and other varieties contained within 1956 to 1964 proof sets. I overheard the tail end of the conversation you had in our store the other day. It was very obvious that you are a cherry picker. Nothing wrong with that. I have made thousands of dollars over the years because of the knowledge that I possess that others do not. Please don't make it sound like we were rude to you. You were shown 5 sets from 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. You bought one 1959 set because "you had and order for pennies.” Just be honest. Walk in to the shop and tell the shop owner you are a cherry picker and that you'd like to look at their proof sets to see what you can find. You're willing to pay ask plus 20% for the privilege. Many dealers will gladly accept. Others will appreciate your honesty and perhaps share with you that they have already taken the time to look for the things you are looking for. They may also suggest that it would be a waste of your time and our time to show you 500 proof sets for you to pick out 6 sets. Please be respectful of the business owner's time. We were honest with you. Please don't mistake our honesty for rudeness. We care very much about our customers and about treating people the way we would like to be treated. After being here for 25 years I’m hopeful that most people feel differently than you do. I truly am sorry that you had a bad experience in our store. I hope that my response will be helpful in understanding our thought process and may help you somewhere down the road. I appreciate the opportunity to get our side of the story out there.
David Miholer
President
The Executive Coin Company
Stow, OH 44224 >>
Welcome aboard.......
Coin Club Benefit auctions ..... View the Lots
<< <i>Dear MadMarty,
I normally don’t have the opportunity to visit Collector’s Forum. My friends at The Reeded Edge alerted me to this situation. I felt a response was appropriate. I appreciate the concept of visiting coin shops hoping you can cherry pick a 1956 type 1 Franklin for $40 when they are currently worth $200. However, I don't appreciate the fact that you feel the need to public criticize our company for not allowing you to attempt to do it our store. We are aware of the value of that coin as well as the value of cameos and other varieties contained within 1956 to 1964 proof sets. I overheard the tail end of the conversation you had in our store the other day. It was very obvious that you are a cherry picker. Nothing wrong with that. I have made thousands of dollars over the years because of the knowledge that I possess that others do not. Please don't make it sound like we were rude to you. You were shown 5 sets from 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. You bought one 1959 set because "you had and order for pennies.” Just be honest. Walk in to the shop and tell the shop owner you are a cherry picker and that you'd like to look at their proof sets to see what you can find. You're willing to pay ask plus 20% for the privilege. Many dealers will gladly accept. Others will appreciate your honesty and perhaps share with you that they have already taken the time to look for the things you are looking for. They may also suggest that it would be a waste of your time and our time to show you 500 proof sets for you to pick out 6 sets. Please be respectful of the business owner's time. We were honest with you. Please don't mistake our honesty for rudeness. We care very much about our customers and about treating people the way we would like to be treated. After being here for 25 years I’m hopeful that most people feel differently than you do. I truly am sorry that you had a bad experience in our store. I hope that my response will be helpful in understanding our thought process and may help you somewhere down the road. I appreciate the opportunity to get our side of the story out there.
David Miholer
President
The Executive Coin Company
Stow, OH 44224 >>
Thanks for coming and posting. You listed a couple reasons why a dealer might not permit searching proof sets. If you don't mind, I'd be curious regarding your specific reason for this policy.
<< <i>Dear MadMarty,
I normally don’t have the opportunity to visit Collector’s Forum. My friends at The Reeded Edge alerted me to this situation. I felt a response was appropriate. I appreciate the concept of visiting coin shops hoping you can cherry pick a 1956 type 1 Franklin for $40 when they are currently worth $200. However, I don't appreciate the fact that you feel the need to public criticize our company for not allowing you to attempt to do it our store. We are aware of the value of that coin as well as the value of cameos and other varieties contained within 1956 to 1964 proof sets. I overheard the tail end of the conversation you had in our store the other day. It was very obvious that you are a cherry picker. Nothing wrong with that. I have made thousands of dollars over the years because of the knowledge that I possess that others do not. Please don't make it sound like we were rude to you. You were shown 5 sets from 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960. You bought one 1959 set because "you had and order for pennies.” Just be honest. Walk in to the shop and tell the shop owner you are a cherry picker and that you'd like to look at their proof sets to see what you can find. You're willing to pay ask plus 20% for the privilege. Many dealers will gladly accept. Others will appreciate your honesty and perhaps share with you that they have already taken the time to look for the things you are looking for. They may also suggest that it would be a waste of your time and our time to show you 500 proof sets for you to pick out 6 sets. Please be respectful of the business owner's time. We were honest with you. Please don't mistake our honesty for rudeness. We care very much about our customers and about treating people the way we would like to be treated. After being here for 25 years I’m hopeful that most people feel differently than you do. I truly am sorry that you had a bad experience in our store. I hope that my response will be helpful in understanding our thought process and may help you somewhere down the road. I appreciate the opportunity to get our side of the story out there.
David Miholer
President
The Executive Coin Company
Stow, OH 44224 >>
Bravo.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
When posting more than a sentence or two, the "Enter" key is your friend. Paragraphs make long posts easier to read.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>The dealer has clearly had bad experiences with cherry-pickers. I don't blame him for having that attitude/policy. >>
What bad experiences might a dealer have with a cherrypicker other than shoplifting? >>
Mad Marty we could trust.
>>
It's the chicken you have to keep an eye on
mark >>
That was Brewster, the Goebel Rooster!
As for going through sets and only picking a few, I remember a trip to a show in Ft. Lauderdale, a dealer had 500 1965 SMS sets. I asked if I could look through them, he said you pay a nickel for every one you look through and if you buy enough I'll wave the fee. Ended up buying 150 sets. If you look through and pull sets, that is all you had to say. BTW, the 1959 set I wanted had a very nice cameo Lincoln.
the worst mistake, however, was posting the thread. what did you hope to accomplish??
<< <i>Marty, as I indicated in my PM, you should probably represent yourself as the Vest Pocket Dealer that you are, not some country bumpkin collector who likes to look at Proof Sets to see if he likes them. you obviously fooled the owner of Carat Coin but not the owner(s) of Executive Coin. they understand the value of the Varieties you were hoping to find and at least attempt to search their sets prior to sale. after having read the OP and spoken face to face with Dave I have a different understanding of what actually happened. perhaps it is safe to say that this was an experience where all three parties --- Marty K., Carat Coin, Executive Coin --- made mistakes/judgements which could have resulted in another outcome if done differently.
the worst mistake, however, was posting the thread. what did you hope to accomplish?? >>
ZING!
https://www.omnicoin.com/collection/colind?page=1&sort=sort&sale=1&country=0
Are dealers always honest? Do they tell sellers that I would have paid more than you asked or that the guy on the other side of town will pay more than I do or that unless I can rip it I'm not interested in spending time looking at what you have?
I am here to buy coins and I have money. "If you want to buy my coins, you MUST follow this set of rules and regulations."
"Oh, and that's even if I decide to show them to you!"
I gleaned that the OP was simply telling us about his day and did a little griping about how the end of it was a bust.
I enjoyed it.
I can't see where he tried to take down the empire with a flame thrower.
But the Bat-Light went up.
The Bat-Phone was rung and people scrambled to join here and defend the kingdom.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I've known Marty for years. Back when he was active on this forum he often shared posts on his coin shop visits without complaints. And the assertion that he should just be honest about his intentions is laughable. He doesn't have a dishonest bone in his body and he never hides the fact that he is at a shop to pick the best. My read of the post is he was disappointed that he was steered to this shop in hopes of being able to pick some proof sets, but in the end he wasted several hours because they would not let him.
Marty, good to see you post again.
Joseph J. Singleton - First Superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega Georgia
Findley Ridge Collection
About Findley Ridge
<< <i> And the assertion that he should just be honest about his intentions is laughable. He doesn't have a dishonest bone in his body and he never hides the fact that he is at a shop to pick the best. My read of the post is he was disappointed that he was steered to this shop in hopes of being able to pick some proof sets, but in the end he wasted several hours because they would not let him. >>
Totally agree and think this is a great point.
Based on that request most people coming into a shop should be stating:
"Excuse me Mr. Coin Dealer, I'm looking for some high priced examples for my collection, can you help me out?" vs "Excuse me Mr. Coin Dealer, I'm looking to use my knowledge to find something you missed to add to my collection".
It's laughable to think that these dealers with experience need some sort of declaration to know your intentions.
The shop decided they didnt want to waste their time showing a customer the products they were looking to sell and got called out on it.
I feel this dealer attitude of "We dont want to waste our time" (when they'll most likely otherwise be sitting on their stool for a couple hours) is bad business and bad customer service.
"I have already looked through these myself. I don't think you're going to find anything uncommon."
The situation when the dealer does not know exactly what he has is a bit trickier.
What MadMarty said would not have stopped me from going to Executive Coin. What Executive Coin said would stop me from going to Executive Coin. Calling customers dishonest simply because they want to look at your coins and pick out the best ones they can find? When I go buy steaks I pick the best ones to my eye. Am I dishonest then? Could you imagine a meat department telling you that you will only get the ones they pick out? Whatever.