Question for Dealers: At a show, how do you treat customers who look at coins that are less than $10

Gator5220 · September 13, 2005 2:24AM

Just curious. Do you judge them that they are a "small fish" and not give them the same service that you would someone looking at a $1,000 coin?

Please be honest.

KurtHorn · September 13, 2005 2:34AM

I spend so much time sitting there bored, that I try to be conversant with everyone that comes along.

Gator5220 · September 13, 2005 2:36AM

<< I spend so much time sitting there bored, that I try to be conversant with everyone that comes along. >>

Now that's honesty!

Anyone else?

Millertime · September 13, 2005 2:38AM

I think all the dealers from this board should put together their own coin show. Then we could see some honest dealers.

Millertime

Russ · September 13, 2005 2:42AM

<< I think all the dealers from this board should put together their own coin show. Then we could see some honest dealers. >>

And, they should do it here in my area so I could find something more to buy than a package of cookies from the vending machine.

Russ, NCNE

WTCG · September 13, 2005 2:42AM

I treat them as best as I can, no different than any other customer. Usually if the coin is under $100 it is something that I want to get rid of fast, so I may be a very motivated seller, thus service may be even better than usual.

You never know, that $100 a year customer may become a $100,000 per year customer in the future.

coinguy1 · September 13, 2005 2:46AM

A coin which is less than $100 often weighs as much (and takes up as much space in inventory) as a more expensive one - enough said.

KurtHorn · September 13, 2005 2:48AM

<< A coin which is less than $100 often weighs as much (and takes up as much space in inventory) as a more expensive one - enough said.

>>

And is more of a pain to lug around... I agree totally.

MadMarty · September 13, 2005 2:59AM

Even with proof sets, I have had dealers be very nice. Every item you buy is one less item they have to shlep home.

rhedden · September 13, 2005 3:04AM

You never know, that $100 a year customer may become a $100,000 per year customer in the future.

True. When I was 10 years old, a local dealer kindly spent 30 minutes of his time to sell me an 1885 Indian in Good, a 1931-S nickel in Fine, and a 1909 V-nickel in Good, for a total sale of $3.50. 22 years later, I am still buying from him and I have spent more with him than the amount listed above.

ScarsdaleCoin · September 13, 2005 3:12AM

I love all customers...no matter if its $100, $1,000, or $10

PerryHall · September 13, 2005 3:15AM

<< A coin which is less than $100 often weighs as much (and takes up as much space in inventory) as a more expensive one - enough said.

>>

That $100 coin may be a he11 of a lot easier to sell than some of your expensive coins.

AgMe · September 13, 2005 3:25AM

<< ... that $100 a year customer may become a $100,000 per year customer in the future. >>

I've heard many dealers say this.

~g

zkcoins · September 13, 2005 6:47AM

<< I treat them as best as I can, no different than any other customer. Usually if the coin is under $100 it is something that I want to get rid of fast, so I may be a very motivated seller, thus service may be even better than usual.

You never know, that $100 a year customer may become a $100,000 per year customer in the future. >>

Very true. For the next year or so I am still on a limited budget. In a year or so when I finish school I will be making 4 or 5 times as much as i am now. Sure I buy $25-200 coins now.....but when I make 60-100k??? Who knows how much I might spend. Given my addiction and love of this hobby I could see spending 1-3k per month for life if I were fortunate enough to have the job!!

Regulated · September 13, 2005 6:51AM

I do my best to spend as much time as possible with anyone that comes to my table, regardless of the value of the item they are interested in. What can I say, I like to hear myself talk...

BigE2 · September 13, 2005 2:13PM

Most of my coins are under $100! and no $1000 ones. Just a little fish

busterwilson · September 13, 2005 2:36PM

I once went to a coin shop back about 20 years ago. I was looking to buy scrap wash quarters to fill my book. I was just starting to get more serious with this hobby. They let me look thru their scrap once and acted put out. The next time I went they wouldn't even look at me. I was thinking about just not collecting anymore. Anyways, you know that they lost my business. Now, 20 years later and accruing about $150,000 collection, I still won't go back. PAYS TO BE KIND!!!
-Buster

Fletcher · September 13, 2005 2:48PM

In my limited experience, generally, dealers treat you the same whether you are spending $1,000 or $10. In short, dealers tend to be 4$$holes or not, regardless of the amount of money spent. What do I derive from this observation ... that the stereotypical dealer's primary motivation is not profit. This, IMHO, is both a positive and a negative. The positive: that dealers tend to do what they do for the love numismatics. The negative: that dealers tend to be 4$$holes

WTCG · September 13, 2005 3:17PM

<< In my limited experience, generally, dealers treat you the same whether you are spending $1,000 or $10. In short, dealers tend to be 4$$holes or not, regardless of the amount of money spent. What do I derive from this observation ... that the stereotypical dealer's primary motivation is not profit. This, IMHO, is both a positive and a negative. The positive: that dealers tend to do what they do for the love numismatics. The negative: that dealers tend to be 4$$holes

>>

I believe it is absolutely unfair to form a general opinion on all dealers based on a few negative encounters. There are plenty of charismatic, and friendly coin dealers out there. I know hundreds of dealers who are absolutely great people.

raycyca · September 13, 2005 3:25PM

I usually only purchase low dollar coins from a dealer to "fish them out", so to speak. I wouldn't start off with a high dollar deal right away. That way, I can see how they will do in the future. If treated badly, I don't go back(MOST TIMES!). That's why E-bay and on-line auctions get most of my buisness. I do have 2 VERY nice dealers that I frequent as mush as possible. About 70% of my collection is from on-line deals. 25% from these 2 dealers, and the remaining 5% or less from trying dealers or flea markets, etc. When asked if they had any PCGS graded coins, several dealers have responded" I don't carry that kind of crap, all of my stuff is raw!" I just turn and walk away, NEVER to return.

TheNumish · September 14, 2005 1:00AM

I have a little timer I use. If someone is going to spend $10 they get 2 minutes of time. If the spend $100 they get 5 minutes. If the spend $1,000 or more they get 15 minutes. If they go over the time limit I keep a basket of rotten fruit and just start throwing it at them. I usually run out after the first day of the show and have to resort to throwing peanuts.

vinman · September 14, 2005 1:08AM

We treat all of our customers the same. In my opinion they all should be treated equally. People who are nice to me I'm nice to them people who are rude I treat them rudely

RNCHSN · September 15, 2005 11:13AM

I treat everyone the same because I want them ALL to come back!

I'd rather deal with a polite, pleasant customer on $50 coins than a jerk on a $500 coin!

I take care to pay attention to the kids too. Many kids leave my table with a complimentary coin. It sparks an interest that may develope into a collection.

Many customers have come back to my table to buy after looking around because I treated their kids with respect. (whether I had the best price or not!)

Question for Dealers: At a show, how do you treat customers who look at coins that are less than $10

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