Anyone got some "good trade" stories? Show tips?

mojorizn · August 30, 2003 8:10AM

I'm heading up to St. Augustine on Sept.6th to the show and am thinking of taking a few coins to trade. I've never been much of a trading collector, mostly just straight out purchasing. I would welcome any feedback!

Mojo

mojorizn · August 30, 2003 8:22AM

C'mon! I'm serious, da**it!

Mojo

BigD5 · August 30, 2003 8:27AM

Most dealers are wiling to take coins in trade towards a purchase. I set up as a dealer last week for the first time, and made a couple of trades with buyers. I think everyone was happy when all was said and done.
A lot depends on what you have, and what you feel it's worth, and what you are looking to purchase. I know that isn't even close to specific, but it's true!
If you come in with common Washington quarters (example) in ms/65, and want full retail.......forget it. Dealers can buy that stuff real cheap, and won't take it unless they can flip it by shows end. If you have appealing coins (to them), you can expect a much better deal and negotiation. Walking into the show with some Bust dollars, for example, will give you plenty (or should) of negotiating leverage.
I would suggest having a basic idea of what the coins you are planning on trading in are worth, to a dealer and retail and be realistic with the values, and don't be shy in negotiating the price of the coin you would like to purchase, and things will probably work out.
If the dealer doesn't seem excited about doing the trade, you may want to find a different dealer to do a transaction with, depending on what type of coin you are looking for.
Post some of the coins you are considering trading in, and I'm sure plenty of opinions will be heard pertaining to value of the item. Heck, you may even be able to sell them outright on the BS&T board before the show, and use cash instead!
Good luck!

nwcs · August 30, 2003 8:28AM

Well, my experiences with trades is that most of the time you get less than you want. Sometimes much less. Depends on the quality of what you have. The better items you have to trade, the better off you'll be in a trade. Dealers will also give you better value for your items in a trade than in a purchase. Most of the time.

My advice is to know what you want from the items before you go and don't settle for any amount below it. Always be ready to walk away from a deal. Or at least have that attitude.

Neil