Coin Show Etiquette?

coinpictures · February 15, 2006 1:30AM

Since CICF will be the first show I attend outside of our little hick town, I want to make sure that what I'm planning to do won't annoy "heap bigtime show dealers".

Whenever I've attended our local show, I've always brought along all 50 pounds of current Krause catalogs, which I carry in an over-the-shoulder gym bag. When I sit down at a dealer's table, I only pull out one catalog at a time (i.e., I don't stack all my catalogs on their table), and put the bag with the others under the chair.

I just feel more comfortable having all my reference data at hand. I guess I don't automagically trust sellers' attribution or pricing.

Any chance this will miff some of the big boys?

ajaan · February 15, 2006 1:41AM

<< <i>Any chance this will miff some of the big boys? >>

Probably, but who cares?

ccrdragon · February 15, 2006 1:52AM

gotta agree with the fungus on this one - you are the buyer and it is totally unreasonable to expect you to have the whole Krause memorized, do take the books and use them as you like. if the dealer gets miffed, then you don't want to be dealing with them anyway... (at least in my opinion)

drjules · February 15, 2006 2:06AM

I agree with the above, feel free to have whatever ref material you like.

Dr J

tbirde56 · February 15, 2006 2:28AM

They feel less 'threatened' if you carry an older edition. I've been carrying a '96 edition to shows forever because its the last to have the 19th and 20th centuries together. I've got marked what is in my collection so I can avoid duplications.

Ricke · February 15, 2006 3:01AM

you know, I always just copy down what I am looking for, and what grades I want them in. Then I write down, in a personal code, what I want to pay. A little note pad is a lot easier to use than a big krause.

If I come across something fancy that I have to have, and it's not on my list, I can go with experience, or listen to my gut. These sort of purchases are generally low ticket items.

coinpictures · February 15, 2006 3:26AM

<< <i>you know, I always just copy down what I am looking for, and what grades I want them in. Then I write down, in a personal code, what I want to pay. A little note pad is a lot easier to use than a big krause.

If I come across something fancy that I have to have, and it's not on my list, I can go with experience, or listen to my gut. These sort of purchases are generally low ticket items. >>

This works if you *know* what it is you're wanting to purchase. While I specialize in a few areas, I'm still a general collector... I never know if something will catch my eye. Also, I've seen enough misattributed coins that I'm anal-retentive enough to want to doublecheck myself...

Seems the general consensus is "No problem, and if the dealer squawks, eff 'em!"

That's kinda my thought too, but just wanted to make sure there wasn't some unwritten rule of propriety that would have people tsking at me...

CIVITAS · February 15, 2006 3:45AM

Just don't spread your stuff out over the dealer's cases and it shouldn't be a problem. Nothing is more irritating than someone who unnecessarily blocks your merchandise from the view of others with a pile of Greysheets/Krauses a briefcase or their jacket for extended periods of time. Also don't be offended if you get suspicious stares from dealers if you're constantly swapping books under the table while you are looking at their merchandise as it is a common cover for theft. Otherwise, look at a lot of stuff and have fun doing it. Be sure to stop by our table too, Krauses and all.

koincollect · February 15, 2006 5:52AM

Many of the world dealers I deal with have a Krause at hand and sometimes I ask them for the same and they duly oblige! This though is with dealers I know. Karl Stephens for one keeps the book on the table near the bargain lots. I guess there would be others who would not mind much you looking at your reference material.

Enjoy the show!

danglen · February 15, 2006 6:03AM

I echo the sentiments of Josh. Just try to keep the books off the display cases as much as possible and if your going to be going through a lot of "bargain bin" material see if the dealer will let you sit at one end of the table so that you don't block the main portion of his display for lengthy periods of time. (Krause bearers as well as Darksiders) are always welcome at our booth.

mact · February 15, 2006 7:05AM

It is my experience that most dealers will not mind if, as stated above, you do not "move-in" to their table. I think a lot of dealers will have Krause with them. I do know that Karl Stephens has pretty much all the Krause books handy and he does not mind if you look at them.

Matt

rhound1977 · February 15, 2006 9:09AM

I am annal and build quite comprehensive want lists with KM #, price ranges etc, but I have been known to take me Krauses/Spinks with me. I try to keep most of that stuff in my lap while looking.
My regular dealers are quite tolerant of me spending hours going through their stock with all my SH-- spread around....

However if they are really busy or I have been there more than 2 hours, I will take a break clear my stuff, ask them to hold the coins I selected and come back later....

All in all I have not had a bad experinece, keeping in mind not to block the view of the cases too much.

coinkat · February 15, 2006 10:10AM

Do not, under any circumstances, put anything... ANYTHING... on the display case of a dealer and keep your things on the floor or under your chair if chairs are available

worldcoinguy · February 15, 2006 12:41PM

I say take the books......there is no point in having buyer's remorse. Follow the etiquette offered here and enjoy the show.

Also - coinkat is correct about excercising caution around the dealers cases. I saw a man put his hand through the glass of a case last year at the Sharonville coin show in Cincinnati. Of course it was an accident and I dont think anybody was hurt, but I felt a bit sorry for both parties involved.

Aethelred · February 15, 2006 12:54PM

I say take your books, but don't use them anymore than you need to, don't place them on the cases and ask the dealer if he/she mind if you use them before you take them out.

Burks · February 15, 2006 1:02PM

I always bring at least two, maybe three books with me. There's a few rules I try to hold myself to:

#1. Always be polite. I've had a few discounts and "freebies" thrown in because of this.
#2. Always ask before just grabbing a coin or touching anything. Just shows some respect toward the dealer.
#3. Don't hog the table. If you are going to check on a coin's price at a small table, move away and do so. I hate standing there waiting to look at a case when someone is messing with a book. I'd expect they would feel the same if the roles were reversed.

Never had a problem at a show and have met some wonderful dealers too. Now shops on the other hand.......

docday2003 · February 15, 2006 11:01PM

I agree with the general sentiment which has been posted. I suggest being courteous and cautious around dealers you don't know. It never occured to me when I was a newbie that someone might wonder if I was a thief. One time, I was viewing coins at a Torex auction, and (with coin in hand), bent over to take out a Cornwell Report from my bag. Immediately the auctioneer informed me that that error would have caused me to be thrown out if I was at a US auction. Fortunately I had bought a significant amount of coins from this auctioneer at the previous auction...so he instructed me on how to behave. It never crossed my mind up until then that people would try to steal the coins before the auction.

WhiteTornado · February 16, 2006 1:19AM

I usually just take photocopies of pages or handwritten notes, all in a binder. But binder or books, the general ideas presented here should serve you well. I am careful to always keep the dealer's coins at table level or higher. I never let them go below the table or into a bag or pocket unless I've paid for them. It's common sense, I know, but easy to forget in the glee of the moment at a show.

And danglen's point is correct regarding bargain bin stuff. The dealers usually let me sit on one end and fish through their boxes. Overall, as long as you are courteous and mindful of other customers, you should be fine. Enjoy!

Coin Show Etiquette?

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