What happened at JJ Teaparty?

shorecoll · January 17, 2019 1:35PM

Can one of you industry insiders provide a view of the re-org at Teaparty over the past few weeks? I have the message from Gail, but that doesn't seem to tell much of the story.

lkenefic · January 17, 2019 1:40PM

I'm not an "insider", just a collector that visits their table at most Baltimore shows. I saw that Gail was not at the last show, but Liz was there as well as other management. I just thought she retired. Their website is still up.

amwldcoin · January 17, 2019 1:42PM

My guess is the move is due to sales tax.

shorecoll · January 17, 2019 1:43PM

Gail just temporarily unretired, and Liz isn't mentioned on the website or the email I received from Gail. Hmmm?

lkenefic · January 17, 2019 1:46PM

Well... it looks like they moved their operation to MD... now I get to pay 6% sales tax on purchases of less than $1000...

MrEureka · January 17, 2019 1:53PM

@lkenefic said:
Well... it looks like they moved their operation to MD... now I get to pay 6% sales tax on purchases of less than $1000...

If all of my problems could be solved by just spending a little more money on coins, I would consider myself the luckiest man in the world.

BuffaloIronTail · January 17, 2019 1:55PM

@lkenefic said:
Well... it looks like they moved their operation to MD... now I get to pay 6% sales tax on purchases of less than $1000...

First I heard.

Pete

lkenefic · January 17, 2019 2:00PM

@BuffaloIronTail said:

@lkenefic said:
Well... it looks like they moved their operation to MD... now I get to pay 6% sales tax on purchases of less than $1000...

First I heard.

Pete

Yeah, I just read it on their website. Their main office and corporate headquarters is now:

PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023.

Coinstartled · January 17, 2019 2:02PM

@MrEureka said:

@lkenefic said:
Well... it looks like they moved their operation to MD... now I get to pay 6% sales tax on purchases of less than $1000...

If all of my problems could be solved by just spending a little more money on coins, I would consider myself the luckiest man in the world.

Books too.

Broadstruck · January 17, 2019 2:04PM

I can't tell them apart... So one retired and the other set up shop in Maryland.

But tax wise Delaware might have been better.

mrearlygold · January 17, 2019 2:10PM

Florida is warmer .

PerryHall · January 17, 2019 2:11PM

@lkenefic said:
Yeah, I just read it on their website. Their main office and corporate headquarters is now:

PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023.

Their new office must really be cramped.

PTVETTER · January 17, 2019 2:22PM

There is NO sales in PA.
Why, if moving, move to a state that collects sales tax on coins and bullion?

chesterb · January 17, 2019 2:32PM

Liz appears to be out. She’s not listed anywhere on the website. I was wondering too if this was forced or her choice. Usually there is an announcement and transition but that doesn’t appear to be the case here.

abcde12345 · January 17, 2019 2:32PM

@PerryHall said:

@lkenefic said:
Yeah, I just read it on their website. Their main office and corporate headquarters is now:

PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023.

Their new office must really be cramped.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I think that is only where they receive their mail. Their storefront is a pretty decent size location and is an open floorplan, friendly and inviting. I think. I havn't been there nor have I heard what it is like.

BillJones · January 17, 2019 2:34PM

@Broadstruck said:
I can't tell them apart... So one retired and the other set up shop in Maryland.

But tax wise Delaware might have been better.

Although Delaware has no sales tax, it does have a high and progressive state income tax. It's not the best place to go if you are making a good income.

PerryHall · January 17, 2019 2:37PM

@abcde12345 said:

@PerryHall said:

@lkenefic said:
Yeah, I just read it on their website. Their main office and corporate headquarters is now:

PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023.

Their new office must really be cramped.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I think that is only where they receive their mail. Their storefront is a pretty decent size location and is an open floorplan, friendly and inviting. I think. I havn't been there nor have I heard what it is like.

Thanks for the clarification.

lkenefic · January 17, 2019 2:38PM

@PTVETTER said:
There is NO sales in PA.
Why, if moving, move to a state that collects sales tax on coins and bullion?

According to the website, one of the owners (Scott Sparks) lives in MD. Perhaps that's the impetus for moving here...

CCGGG · January 17, 2019 2:38PM

Gail Watson retired Sept 28, 2018... At least that what she told me she was planning in an email late last summer. I haven't seen Teaparty setup at a show since then but I would assume they are still around.

lkenefic · January 17, 2019 2:39PM

@PerryHall said:

@lkenefic said:
Yeah, I just read it on their website. Their main office and corporate headquarters is now:

PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023.

Their new office must really be cramped.

lol!! yes, and they're being "micro"-managed...

lkenefic · January 17, 2019 2:48PM

@abcde12345 said:

@PerryHall said:

@lkenefic said:
Yeah, I just read it on their website. Their main office and corporate headquarters is now:

PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023.

Their new office must really be cramped.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I think that is only where they receive their mail. Their storefront is a pretty decent size location and is an open floorplan, friendly and inviting. I think. I havn't been there nor have I heard what it is like.

I was wondering about that. From their website:

Wow have things changed in the three months since I retired! The company has a new database that is up and running, which should make it much easier to post new purchases onto the revamped website. It is so nice to see the fruits of all the labor that went into this massive project over the last 18 months. It is so innovative on the backend that all of the staff will have to relearn the system, so we ask for your patience when ordering, updating your personal information and your Want List needs. Also, we have moved our main office and corporate headquarters to Maryland. Our New address is PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023. So please ship any coins or payments to this address. If you are wondering why, it is because Scott Sparks, an owner of 17 years, wants to be closer to the action! The good news for you MA residents is NO MORE SALES TAX!! J. J. Teaparty, Inc is growing quickly and we are all very excited for the upcoming year.

In the future when you call us on either 1-800-343-6412 or 1-877-772-4245 you will have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Gene Gress. (Just call him Dr. Gene or Gene-we do!) He will be the knowledgeable voice on the other end of the phone and will be more than happy to assist you in any way he can. Occasionally, if Gene is crazy busy, you may be lucky enough to speak with Rachel, his valuable assistant and head of Customer Service. Even though I am retired officially, I have volunteered to give them a hand for the next few months to make this transition as seamless as possible. You can reach me via email at gail@jjteaparty.com.

Have a great day
Sincerely, Gail Watson

amwldcoin · January 17, 2019 3:06PM

They closed their storefront several years ago. I'm also beginning to suspect a breakup might be the case. I will say I will be surprised if this is the case!

@abcde12345 said:

@PerryHall said:

@lkenefic said:
Yeah, I just read it on their website. Their main office and corporate headquarters is now:

PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023.

Their new office must really be cramped.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I think that is only where they receive their mail. Their storefront is a pretty decent size location and is an open floorplan, friendly and inviting. I think. I havn't been there nor have I heard what it is like.

JBK · January 17, 2019 3:26PM

I was in their store in Boston a few times over the years. I knew they shut that down but carried on via mail order.

The changes as outlined above seem much larger. Seems Gail was brought back as a familiar face to carry the old customers into a dramatically new set-up.

blu62vette · January 17, 2019 3:52PM

They were at FUN. No Liz, and Gail was back to help, but that was a temporary thing. Several other people working there. Maybe with Liz and Gail gone they are moving closer to where the other people are.

I don't have any magical insight or knowledge as to what has happened.

specialist · January 17, 2019 3:52PM

Liz resigned.

Sad to see it go from a very popular store to this.

amwldcoin · January 17, 2019 3:57PM

Wow, just Wow! I don't think Teaparty will ever be the same.

@specialist said:
Liz resigned.

Sad to see it go from a very popular store to this.

chesterb · January 17, 2019 5:04PM

@amwldcoin said:
Wow, just Wow! I don't think Teaparty will ever be the same.

@specialist said:
Liz resigned.

Sad to see it go from a very popular store to this.

Unfortunately I think this may be true.

ThePennyLady · January 17, 2019 5:17PM

Gail told me that Liz just wanted to spend more time with her family and resigned (she said Liz specifically did not retire). Gail retired a few months back also to spend more time with family and do some traveling, but she will now help out at shows from time to time. Gene is taking the opportunity to update and reorganize since they've been doing things the same way for quite a while and want to modernize their business.

Southcounty · January 17, 2019 5:32PM

@PerryHall said:

@lkenefic said:
Yeah, I just read it on their website. Their main office and corporate headquarters is now:

PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023.

Their new office must really be cramped.

Yeah, I would be po'ed if I lived in a box too.

abcde12345 · January 17, 2019 5:32PM

JJ Teaparty was the BEST in original, uncleaned, unadulterated raw classic coinage. Perhaps Bowers & Merena was right up there with them.
I loved their inventory and their coin descriptions back in the 1980's when they'd send out catalogs/pricelists.

Currin · January 17, 2019 5:39PM

I received this notice form them yesterday. It appear all is well.

Teapot
January 16, 2019
Fun was FUN

The FUN show this past week was one of the busiest coin shows I have seen in 33 years. I heard it referred to several times as being White Hot. Collectors were purchasing from a single coin to multiple groups of coins. It was incredible! Thanks to all of you who stopped by as I loved reconnecting with so many of my customers.

Wow have things changed in the three months since I retired! The company has a new database that is up and running, which should make it much easier to post new purchases onto the revamped website. It is so nice to see the fruits of all the labor that went into this massive project over the last 18 months. It is so innovative on the backend that all of the staff will have to relearn the system, so we ask for your patience when ordering, updating your personal information and your Want List needs. Also, we have moved our main office and corporate headquarters to Maryland. Our New address is PO Box 168, Butler, MD 21023. So please ship any coins or payments to this address. If you are wondering why, it is because Scott Sparks, an owner of 17 years, wants to be closer to the action! The good news for you MA residents is NO MORE SALES TAX!!

J. J. Teaparty, Inc is growing quickly and we are all very excited for the upcoming year.

In the future when you call us on either 1-800-343-6412 or 1-877-772-4245 you will have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Gene Gress. (Just call him Dr. Gene or Gene-we do!) He will be the knowledgeable voice on the other end of the phone and will be more than happy to assist you in any way he can. Occasionally, if Gene is crazy busy, you may be lucky enough to speak with Rachel, his valuable assistant and head of Customer Service. Even though I am retired officially, I have volunteered to give them a hand for the next few months to make this transition as seamless as possible. You can reach me via email at gail@jjteaparty.com.

Have a great day

Sincerely, Gail Watson

Moldnut · January 17, 2019 6:09PM

Too bad, for many years they were my favorite place to buy collector grade coins.

I think I lost interest when they attempted that “pay to play” fake auction thing.

Gazes · January 17, 2019 6:16PM

I remember going to the store in the 80s as a very young man and new collector. Cant remeber who I talked to but I remember he was Adamant that there were coins in the $10,000 range that he felt would go through the roof value wise. He said this knowing I couldn't afford those coins at the time---it was just his honest belief. Looking back he was right. The type of coins he recommended are mostly 6 figure coins now.

RYK · January 17, 2019 6:32PM

Coin dealerships suffer from "key man risk" (with apologies to the ladies). Gail and Liz were the faces and embodiment of JJ Teaparty. Without the key man, the company would suffer greatly. Can you imagine "Bowers and whoever" without Bowers? CRO with John? Legend without Laura? DWN without DW? Etc.

Years ago, I remember Gary Adkins retired and sold Gary Adkins Numismatics to one of his clients. It appeared to be a bust. A couple years after that the real Gary Adkins was back in business, seemingly competing against the company that bore his name.

specialist · January 17, 2019 7:12PM

I am sure what ever happened, Liz is taking the high road. She has more then put in her time.

GotTheBug · January 17, 2019 7:20PM

.

Walkerguy21D · January 17, 2019 7:24PM

I always had great respect and appreciation for Liz as a top notch dealer and numismatist since meeting her back in the late ‘80’s.

lkenefic · January 17, 2019 7:51PM

Liz was great. I sold a portion of my collection about 6 years or so back to her... many of those coins were purchased from JJTeaparty. She gave strong money knowing "I'd be back"... and she was right.

I'm still going to frequent their table at the next Baltimore-Whitman Expo... it'll be interesting to see what they have.