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As a coin collector at a coin show....What do you want a dealer to say to you? Anonymous poll..

Coin FinderCoin Finder Posts: 7,530 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited September 23, 2017 8:04AM in U.S. Coin Forum

You are a coin collector, you have some money to spend, its saturday morning, the bourse is fresh with coins.. You approach a dealer, see the coin you want, it is not priced. What do you want the dealer to say to after your inquiry "how much?":

As a coin collector at a coin show....What do you want a dealer to say to you? Anonymous poll..

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  • CuKevinCuKevin Posts: 1,744 ✭✭✭✭

    No preference

    Zircon Cases - Protect Your Vintage Slabs www.ZirconCases.com
    Choice Numismatics www.ChoiceCoin.com

    CN eBay

    All of my collection is in a safe deposit box!
  • 291fifth291fifth Posts: 24,846 ✭✭✭✭✭

    "I want to encourage collectors so you can have this 1793 Chain Cent for free." >:)

    All glory is fleeting.
  • OldEastsideOldEastside Posts: 4,602 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Ahh yes, I see you have a good eye for eye appeal, So I tell ya what I'm gonna do for you and you only, it's your's for 10 cents, that ten pennys or two nickels or one thin dime (of course this guy looks and sounds like W. C. Fields)

    Steve

    Promote the Hobby
  • MorganMan94MorganMan94 Posts: 1,331 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I don't see any option that involves any negotiation? Unless it is too good of price to pass up I am going to make a counter-offer.

  • ZoinsZoins Posts: 34,401 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think a recent thread mentioned a response like "you can't afford it."

  • mannie graymannie gray Posts: 7,259 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MorganMan94 said:
    I don't see any option that involves any negotiation? Unless it is too good of price to pass up I am going to make a counter-offer.

    I agree-- as a seller, I usually factor in a price that includes a negotiation number; that way, the buyer feels like he "beat me."
    Unless, I know the buyer and have dealt with him/her in the past and we have an established relationship that has excluded BS.

  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 35,058 ✭✭✭✭✭

    When I was dealer, it seemed like everybody expected a discount. I would post a retail price on the coin based on "Trends" or some other retail source. "Coin Facts" did not exist when I was a dealer. I would like at the Gray Sheet before I made a quote to see if it had moved. The Gray Sheet had more clout 10 years ago, and sometimes it could move quite a bit in a couple week's time. Therefore it was prudent to check it out before I made a quote.

    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • Bob1951Bob1951 Posts: 268 ✭✭
    edited September 23, 2017 10:17AM

    .

  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 47,082 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I ask for the dealer's best price and then play or pass. I don't like game playing that haggling involves.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • tommy44tommy44 Posts: 2,320 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I voted for number 1 since there were only three choices. My preference would be having the option to negotiate if I though the price was a little high or I had dealt with the dealer in the past and felt comfortable making a counter-offer.

    it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide

  • JimnightJimnight Posts: 10,846 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I don't care for game players, just quote me the price.

  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,509 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 23, 2017 10:47AM

    "..you have some money to spend, its saturday morning, the bourse is fresh with coins"...

    Is this supposed to be some sort of throwback thread or are we just a bit delusional today?

    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • HydrantHydrant Posts: 7,773 ✭✭✭✭✭

    To the best of my knowledge, I have never asked for the "best price." Until the last Long Beach show. I asked. The dealer, who I buy from often, knocked off a considerable amount. Then, I felt like I'd be a real jerk if I didn't take him up on it. Result....bye-bye three thousand bucks. Oh well, I did want the coin. I don't think I'll ask that question again. Then again.....

  • topstuftopstuf Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭

    You're supposed to ask, "What's ROCK?" :#

  • HydrantHydrant Posts: 7,773 ✭✭✭✭✭

    As in, "BOTTOM?" I'm afraid the result would be the same. As in, "Bought 'um."

  • gtstanggtstang Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Nothing wrong with asking what the best price is especially if you are purchasing multiple coins from the dealer.

  • TeamDennisTeamDennis Posts: 108 ✭✭✭

    The last show I attended I only purchased from dealers who had his product clearly marked.I will try to negotiate from there especially with multiple items. One dealer did not even make eye contact with me on an item I asked about. He grabbed his grey sheet,mumbled a price, and went back to his IPhone.

  • Owen1793Owen1793 Posts: 368 ✭✭✭✭

    Just don't be rude is all. Not a fan of negotiating whatsoever neither as a seller or a buyer- but some dealers really feel it's a necessity so whatever.

  • mannie graymannie gray Posts: 7,259 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @PerryHall said:
    I ask for the dealer's best price and then play or pass. I don't like game playing that haggling involves.

    @PerryHall said:
    I ask for the dealer's best price and then play or pass. I don't like game playing that haggling involves.

    I don't either, but you are in the minority.
    Most buyers want to feel that they got the best of you.
    If that need wasn't there it would be simple...I quote a price, you buy or move on.
    And after you build relationships with your buyers, the need to feel like a winner goes away and it's "I'm offering you my best number. Your decision."

  • mannie graymannie gray Posts: 7,259 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @OwenSeymour said:
    Just don't be rude is all. Not a fan of negotiating whatsoever neither as a seller or a buyer- but some dealers really feel it's a necessity so whatever.

    @OwenSeymour said:
    Just don't be rude is all. Not a fan of negotiating whatsoever neither as a seller or a buyer- but some dealers really feel it's a necessity so whatever.

    The dealers feel it's a necessity because the buyers want to look like they hammered you into submission because of their shrewd negotiating skills.

  • Owen1793Owen1793 Posts: 368 ✭✭✭✭

    @mannie gray said:

    @OwenSeymour said:
    Just don't be rude is all. Not a fan of negotiating whatsoever neither as a seller or a buyer- but some dealers really feel it's a necessity so whatever.

    @OwenSeymour said:
    Just don't be rude is all. Not a fan of negotiating whatsoever neither as a seller or a buyer- but some dealers really feel it's a necessity so whatever.

    The dealers feel it's a necessity because the buyers want to look like they hammered you into submission because of their shrewd negotiating skills.

    Hahah for some people that is absolutely unfortunately true.

  • lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,894 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I buy 90% of my coins from six or eight dealers. They know me and remember our business. I simply ask the price and take it or leave it.
    Lance.

  • ldhairldhair Posts: 7,372 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @lkeigwin said:
    I buy 90% of my coins from six or eight dealers. They know me and remember our business. I simply ask the price and take it or leave it.
    Lance.

    Same here.

    Larry

  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,999 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I like dealers that have a few coins I want at a fair price. I then purchase those and make an offer on any coins that I consider no more than 40% overpriced. Usually I get all the coins I make offers on as well.

    If they don't have anything at all at a fair price it can be hard to strike any deals.

    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • mustangmanbobmustangmanbob Posts: 1,894 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I DETEST the Graysheet or anything like it. If a Dealer is a sheeplike person who does not know what his/her stuff is worth, and follows some quasi-benevolent faceless entity who psychically pronounces a price with Cherubs singing from Mount Olympus, then I have no reason to deal with that person. Either you know what your stuff is worth or not, and deal from a position of strength, instead of following blindly without personal knowledge. How far "off" would the price have to be for the dealer to contest the graysheet price. What would happen if someone "hacked" the greysheet data base and selectively raised or lowered prices buried deep in the columns of data?

    In a time LONG ago, I used to work for a company that still makes Calculators. It was pretty scary how far off a calculator could be programmed before a person would stop using it, drag out pencil and paper, to validate the answer.

    Likewise, it is incumbent on me to know what is an acceptable price to me to pay for an item before I step up to the plate.

    I own my own business, deal in stuff that does not have a "greysheet" so the price is set by whatever my customer and I agree on, with assistance from Ebay, Craigslist, experience, etc. I can find the exact same item ranging from $50 to $200 on ebay, as no one is "in charge" of prices. It is more of a Wild West approach.

  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,707 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 23, 2017 6:18PM

    "Hello" would be sufficient.
    "See anything you're interested, feel free to ask" would be okay. Typically, I like to introduce myself, first. I think dealers are generally happier than the crowd shuffling through.

  • cameonut2011cameonut2011 Posts: 10,181 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Hmm... Great coins need no introduction for an in-hand inspection. If a dealer needs to tell a story usually either 1)it is a problem coin or otherwise tough to move or 2) the piece is ridiculously overpriced. If neither scenario is immediately obvious, it would make me suspicious that I missed something, and I would be even more conservative than I normally am.

  • hchcoinhchcoin Posts: 4,839 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mannie gray said:

    @OwenSeymour said:
    Just don't be rude is all. Not a fan of negotiating whatsoever neither as a seller or a buyer- but some dealers really feel it's a necessity so whatever.

    @OwenSeymour said:
    Just don't be rude is all. Not a fan of negotiating whatsoever neither as a seller or a buyer- but some dealers really feel it's a necessity so whatever.

    The dealers feel it's a necessity because the buyers want to look like they hammered you into submission because of their shrewd negotiating skills.

    Some dealers have items in their case that they priced 2 years ago so unfortunately I am going to negotiate till they come down to reality or I walk away. Sometimes the coin is close to what I think it is worth so I try to get the price I am comfortable with not because I want to feel like I got a deal but that is what I am willing to pay. Other dealers have realistic prices to begin with and it is a matter of shopping like I am picking up a loaf of bread for the missus.

    I love to negotiate with the best of them but it really depends on the dealer and their pricing. I love sitting at a table with a good dealer and telling them my offer and they say yes/no and then we go to the next coin. I love net pricing and it makes it easy but that just isn't how shows work.

  • morgandollar1878morgandollar1878 Posts: 4,006 ✭✭✭✭✭

    To those that are irritated about dealers looking up prices on their own coins. Prices do fluctuate, all of my coins are marked with prices, and sometimes I check to see if prices have changed. Prices up or down I usually come off some of what I have the coin priced at. If the guide price goes down I would just likely come off the price even more.

    I didn't vote because there was not a selection for negotiation. I love negotiating and always have. Call it feeling like you got a "win" or whatever but I have always been that way. I also make it a point to acknowledge everyone that comes up to our table, it's just good manners. Of course I always hated it when dealers just completely ignored me as a collector in years past, so I make it a point to not be that way. I will say however that most dealers at not that way and I do not intend to make it sound like that.

    Instagram: nomad_numismatics
  • KccoinKccoin Posts: 1,086 ✭✭✭✭✭

    When I ask to look at a coin, I may have a value in mind if I know the type/grade, etc. Honestly, sometimes I don't.

    After in hand inspection, I can try to set a range for what I may pay.

    When I ask "how much"? , I am hoping that the dealer prices the coin in my range. I have had a pretty wide range on some coins. (I'm playing poker at that point, hoping the seller cannot tell he has me)

  • JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @ldhair said:

    @lkeigwin said:
    I buy 90% of my coins from six or eight dealers. They know me and remember our business. I simply ask the price and take it or leave it.
    Lance.

    Same here.

    I'm in this camp but with probably 4-6 dealers

    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......
  • BruceSBruceS Posts: 1,356 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think most buyers that are looking for a specific coin in a specific grade range have a very good idea already, what the price range they are willing to pay. Now a lot of of other factors come into play. When making an offer . Of course eye appeal, slab generation, tonning etc.....and there is nothing wrong with haggling a little bit to come to a mutually agreeable price. And the dealer imo shouldn't have to waste too much time looking up auction results and or gs prices. Be prepaired and have a high and a low sale price ready. If you can't come together move on to the next guy.


    eBay ID-bruceshort978
    Successful BST:here and ATS, bumanchu, wdrob, hashtag, KeeNoooo, mikej61, Yonico, Meltdown, BAJJERFAN, Excaliber, lordmarcovan, cucamongacoin, robkool, bradyc, tonedcointrader, mumu, Windycity, astrotrain, tizofthe, overdate, rwyarmch, mkman123, Timbuk3,GBurger717, airplanenut, coinkid855 ,illini420, michaeldixon, Weiss, Morpheus, Deepcoin, Collectorcoins, AUandAG, D.Schwager.
  • MartinMartin Posts: 999 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I want him or her to tell me, you can't afford it.

    Geez I really need to give up on 1804 dollars and 1913 liberty nickels

    Martin

  • AstroJoeAstroJoe Posts: 309 ✭✭✭

    I would really like a dealer to say "Hi Joe, I remember you."

    Joe

    Everything is all right!
  • BustDMsBustDMs Posts: 1,706 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Hello, may I help you?

    Q: When does a collector become a numismatist?



    A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.



    A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
  • astroratastrorat Posts: 9,221 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I am a bit fan of a simple "hello."

    At a show this weekend, I was carrying a cardboard box under my arm as an exhibit for an educational seminar. It was funny how many folks were really interested in what I was selling. I am not one who shops coins from table to table at a show, so I was somewhat surprised.

    Numismatist Ordinaire
    See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,484 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Let's start with pulling your face out the sudoku book and acknowledging my presence.

  • WildIdeaWildIdea Posts: 1,880 ✭✭✭✭✭

    When it comes to my series, I pretty much have the grades, dates, toning premiums, difference in services, accurately graded, strike quality for date, photographic potential, etc already memorized. I can basically glance at a group of them through a case and guess the rough price. I won't even ask unless it's something in my crosshairs. If I'm looking for 4,5,6s I won't look at AU or 67s let's say. If interested in the obv. I'll ask to see one basically to see if the reverse matches or has a problem etc. and then ask the price if not marked.

    If it's priced at shot money I don't even try to buy it, but if it's realistic to current trends and we're close then I'll ask if "x" would get it bought offering a serious number first. Usually between 5-10 % or to the lower round number. That likely isn't offensive to a seller and the play or pass is on them. Asking for more than that usually gets a no as your not the only one in the room with money.

    A hunt through a show boils down to finding a coin priced correctly and before someone else does. That's where knowing your series helps, so your not tied up talking to dealers at every table. Sometimes I find a coin priced below what I've seen or would have guessed or the comfort level, but mostly coins at shows are priced past bearable or buriedable. Just gotta have it coins and money to burn folks, God bless ya.

    Folks say if a coin is raw there must be a reason, maybe...I say if a coin is still in a dealers case it must be priced too high, or it wouldn't be there.....the exception is what the hunt is about. Relationships and how you speak to others is a huge factor.

  • ColonelJessupColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 24, 2017 2:30PM

    @opportunity said:
    One thing that gets on my nerves is having to wait for a dealer to look up the price on a coin. If I had a table, I'd have my stuff priced already or I wouldn't put it out.

    But you're not a dealer. And while cost codes count, sell prices aren't recoded every week or month.

    See below:

    @BillJones said:
    When I was dealer, it seemed like everybody expected a discount. I would post a retail price on the coin based on "Trends" or some other retail source. "Coin Facts" did not exist when I was a dealer. I would like at the Gray Sheet before I made a quote to see if it had moved. The Gray Sheet had more clout 10 years ago, and sometimes it could move quite a bit in a couple week's time. Therefore it was prudent to check it out before I made a quote.

    If I see a market value indicator has gone up or down, I will share it with anyone across the table. So will 95% of the ethical dealers around. If I have a 1941-S 50 MS66 with a genuine full head and thumb, any decent definition through the center of the bird, please understand that 66+ money may or may not be relevant to a specialist.

    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
  • cameonut2011cameonut2011 Posts: 10,181 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Anything other than "you cannot afford that..." >:)

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    In many things, I negotiate.... I am trained and skillful in that area.... Car dealers hate to see me come in... at a gun show, I am deadly as well.....That being said, at a coin show, I really do not negotiate. For me, a coin is something I enjoy... They are not functional, do not serve any purpose other than the pleasure of owning them and knowing the history. When I see a coin without a price, most times, I will just move on... if it attracts me, I will ask once.... then I expect an answer, without the trimmings....At which time I will either buy or walk. Cheers, RickO

  • divecchiadivecchia Posts: 6,700 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 25, 2017 8:41AM

    A "Hello" is all I need. It makes me feel welcomed, like when you enter someone's home.

    Donato

    Edited to add:

    As far as negotiating goes, I believe that it is a part of this hobby. I've been to about 1/2 dozen or so local coin shows (in MA and NH) in the last 4 months since I've been back to coin collecting. My brother-in-law and I have asked well over 20 times between the two of us if the price of a coin could be better and only twice did a dealer say "NO". At least with the dealers that I've dealt with that tells me that there is room to move on price more than 90% of the time.

    As far as dealers looking at the Gray Sheet goes, I have no problem with that. As long as they don't have a problem with me countering with my own price based on the coins eye appeal to me.

    Donato

    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
  • Coin FinderCoin Finder Posts: 7,530 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @ColonelJessup Hey, where can I get a value market indicator?

  • ColonelJessupColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 25, 2017 9:46AM

    The exact same places you might get a indicator of market value or a market-value indicator? :*
    The answers you get will be in coherent English. Mine. not so much :p

    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell

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