Thinking of setting up at a show, but...
shorecoll
Posts: 5,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
Which of my "children" can I part with? Not sure I can pull the trigger on letting nice stuff go...and likely dreck won't sell...Arrgghhh!!!!
ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
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Just do it.
Everything has a price and anything can sell.
After you let a few go, it's no longer a big deal.
You are still more collector than seller....
Not an easy transition... Cheers, RickO
Agree. Just price them high and also put up a sign you're interested in buying coins if you want to do that too.
It would be funny hearing dealers try to lowball me on VF Barbers, but I'd still be afraid someone would agree to my prices.
My sentiments exactly! Don't do it.
ANA LM
USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
I set up a table at one show and would like to do it again. It is very educational. Good luck!
Please share your experiences after the show.
Some people on this forum boast that they "have never sold a coin". That is certainly their right.
However, if you have bought coins for a number of years and never sold any, there are two possibilities:
1) Your collection is not nearly as good as it could be.
2) You haven't learned anything in your collecting experience.
PM me a price on dem VF Barbers!
OH NO!
NOT a Barber!
Be still my heart!
BHNC #203
It is hard at first to part with some of your favorite coins buts gets much easier over time until it hurts no more.
The really cool thing about being a dealer/collector is buying new inventory (with profits from your personal collection) as you get to "handle" way more super cool coins than you could ever as a collector.
Just show the "dreck" and price it accordingly. Don't even bring the "good stuff" with you.
No point in being a dealer if you can't bear to part with inventory. Your reference of your coins as "children" tells me you're not so much interested in selling them as you want to show them off.
Nothing wrong with it but folks who truly DO want to buy your coins will not like it.
Unless the coins are unique, they are replaceable.
Love them and let them go!
This statement very much reminds me of the times you are at a show and see collectors turn inside-out nearly sweating and shaking when they see a coin and fall in love with it. As easy as it may be for anyone to say that once you sell a few prized coins that it all gets less stressful---we should take the time to remind buyers they may not like it when a "dealer" has more of a museum, than stuff for sale. For the vast majority of collectors there are and always will be a never-ending supply of widgets to fill our checklists or sets. Completion of sets, or finding a tough or high grade may be great to get an award or a ribbon and plaque at a show or be in the top 10 of a registry set, but does anyone "need" these foolish discs?!? Having a hobby is great, but not lying to yourself as a collector and understanding what is really important and crucial in life is a lesson that I am sure many credit card companies and collateral loan givers hope that a lot of guys never get the chance to understand.
Chance favors the prepared mind.
That's what I would do. Great way to learn being on the other side of the table. I'm sure the first time would scare the heck out of me.
The first show often the hardest because the dealers often descend on "the new guy." That can be very stressful. As a dealer you need to develop a thick skin and learn to say, NO! Don't let them grab stuff before you are fully set up. That's when things can get stolen.
Just do it.
Note: do not forget a good supply of cards, a lupe, a magnet and cash.
u will have the "tire Kickers" and the "know it all better long time collectors (so they say)", the braggers of what they also have or better have. and the sarcastic smilers. You will meet the Grand parents who want to leave it to the Grand kids....
I hand them all my home printed card and ask for their # and name if they wish to give it...be polite to all of them as you at this point do not know who is testing you.
actually happened to me a couple years back. a older fellow in his early 80ties and his wife quizzed me with dumb questions ,,,I answered politely hoping they would go away.. They did, it made me happy. a few days later they made an apt. and dropped by my home. They were for real, really real. I bought their whole collection for a high 5 figure number as there was one of Canada's key 50 cent pieces involved. except the 50, most coins were EF40 and better and all were from 1850 to 1950
I asked them "why me?" simple he said. we knew we were bugging you. But you were nice and polite and gave us your full attention and time from the time we met you until we left. you answered all our questions very honestly.
We chatted with 3 other buyers before and did the same.... You won.
Take a friend along if you are alone... this will allow you to have a break.. for whatever.
Good luck... you will have fun
One thing no one has asked about, but I will; is this a small, local show on the weekend? If so, you likely have to take your coins home with you and will easily be followed. Have a plan and insurance.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
You're obviously not ready to sell yet.
If you're that attached to your coins, then keep collecting.
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)