marketing strategy of the US mint

ebaybuyer

as bad as it is, why do people keep trying to buy their junk ? I just don't get it. over and over they prove that the interest of the collector is far from the principle sales model. so why do collectors insist on being abused ? history has proven two things, A. the mint couldn't care less about the average collector, and B. most mint offerings cost less money on the secondary market. are you a new product junkie ? does it bother you at all that the mint markets its junk with the sole purpose of fueling your addiction ?

tincup

The US Mint feeds the flippers; the flippers feed the ebay buyers and the ones who seem to have to have the latest, greatest, first strike, early release, mint state 70, and so forth.

It is a sales model that is working for the US Mint. Their premiums have crept up to reflect it, and will probably do so until the flippers/buyers start to dry up. The MO for the US Mint is now very similar to the old Franklin Mint and the USPS.... gimmicky items that very seldom held any additional value after the issue faded....

But that is just my opinion. That being said, I have been known to participate in the US Mint offerings.... must... feed.... addiction....

tincup

And it is not just the ebayer.... the telemarketers on cable seem to be very active in these items also.

291fifth

There is a hard core of buyers of US Mint products who buy nothing else. Many have done so for decades. However, even these buyers now have to be selective as the cost of buying one of everything is very high.

MedalCollector

Just wondering: what do you suggest that their marketing department change, specifically, to resolve your two points? It seems to me that it would be difficult to improve on one point without hurting the other.

Also, how would you define "average collector"? The mint sells "collector products" to a variety of demographics including advanced and early stage collectors, dealers, flippers, and others buying for the purpose of gifting or novelty.

lasvegasteddy

could be a perception problem here...yes...no..?

there's collectors who only collect from circulation and pride themselves in such fact
in the same breathe they also religiously await the mints new offerings and buy a new redbook every year
some of this stature in collecting have never used a computer nor ever seen a slabbed coin

for the most i fully agree with you
if a demand strike took place...the mint may return to a less greedy stance and marketing

but i do not see that changing
as they're just as addicted to their addicts so there is care and concern afforded to both sides of that relationship

ebaybuyer

Im not naïve enough to believe the mint would change one aspect of their marketing campaign which currently alienates collectors from their offerings, my plea would be to the junkies to get help. and STOP BUYING THE JUNK !

BillJones

I am one of those rare collectors who likes the modern stuff raw and in the original mint package. I especially like multi coin sets in the boxes.

Since most of the high grade coins are certified, it's hard to get what I want sometimes. That's why I buy some things from the mint.

The trouble the mint's quality control has not been very good for the annual Proof sets. That's why I buy them in the secondary market. I was getting too many pieces with toning, scratches and finger prints.

The mint really makes me angry when they limit the mintages and sell most of the coins to the flippers in 15 minutes. There is no consideration at all for the loyal customers who have stuck by them through thick and thin.

Cougar1978

Whatever it is seems to be working. I believe they are the worlds biggest coin seller.

New issues every year, affordable for the most part.