To use a check at a show, what kind of references do you need?

Longacre · February 26, 2006 9:45PM

On the outside chance that I get to the Baltimore show, I plan to pay for any purchases using a check, rather than cash. The main reason is I need to transfer trains from Grand Central to Penn Station (probably walking between the stations), and I don't want to get rolled in the early morning hours of the Big City with 100K in my pocket. If I use checks at the show, I know that many people have said that they will be accepted with the proper references. What exactly would be a proper reference? Do you think it is silly to take a copy of an invoice from another dealer for a previous purchase and a copy of the cancelled check to prove that the check I am paying with is most likely good? And before someone suggests that I "hit the ATM machine" when I get to the show, my coin funds are in a super secret "black account" that is only accessible through checkwriting and accounted for outside of the budget that Mrs. Longacre provides to me; it doesn't have an ATM card attached to it. Any advice would be appreciated.

ColonialCoinUnion · February 26, 2006 9:50PM

I've never had an issue writing a check with just some verbal references from another dealer. Most times not even that has been asked. And these weren't small checks.

kranky · February 26, 2006 9:52PM

You'll want a dealer who is attending the show to vouch for you. If for some reason none of the dealers who know you are at Baltimore, you can always tell them they can take your check and mail you the coin after it clears.

MrEureka · February 26, 2006 9:54PM

I've never had an issue writing a check with just some verbal references from another dealer.

Like CCU said. And on the off chance that you run into someone that's more difficult, you should be able to write a check and have them ship you the coin.

ColonialCoinUnion · February 26, 2006 9:57PM

And by the way, carrying cash is a terrible idea even if you aren't walking between Grand Central and Penn Station in the early morning.

Aside from the obvious security concerns in Anytown, USA, I know plenty of dealers at shows that would not want to do a significant cash deal lest they end up with the security risk.

jayboxx · February 26, 2006 11:01PM

I wrote several checks at the last Long Beach show and just used my ID.

mozin · February 27, 2006 2:44AM

As a collector, I have never had a problem writing a check while at a show. Most any dealer wanted was a nod from another dealer who says he knows me. Come to think of it, in most cases all I needed was to mention the names of some dealers I knew.

Reece · February 27, 2006 2:52AM

A check should do OK, I bought a rather expensive coin from Audy Lustig at Long Beach who I had never met before and he took a check from me without any info, I just mentioned that I deal with Doug Winter and that I was a Heritage Legacy client.

Reece · February 27, 2006 2:52AM

By the way I hope that the check cleared!!

Pistareen · February 27, 2006 3:12AM

I have actually heard my name yelled across the aisles, looked up, seen a friend/customer at another friend/dealer's table, and been asked IS HIS CHECK OK?

The "OK" sign by hand was enough. Most dealers are happy to take a check as long as someone else knows the person. When taking a check from someone I don't know, I usually just check an ID, make sure the addresses match (and get the right one if not), and take down a license number.

WTCG · February 27, 2006 7:54AM

<< <i>I have actually heard my name yelled across the aisles, looked up, seen a friend/customer at another friend/dealer's table, and been asked IS HIS CHECK OK?

The "OK" sign by hand was enough. Most dealers are happy to take a check as long as someone else knows the person. When taking a check from someone I don't know, I usually just check an ID, make sure the addresses match (and get the right one if not), and take down a license number. >>

Hi J.K.,

Was that me who yelled over to your table at shows past for a reference? I know I've done that with ANR before.

Offer to take the dealer who is questioning you to several dealers who will vouch for you. A dealer who still will not take a check after numerous references by reputable dealers is probably not worth your business.

To use a check at a show, what kind of references do you need?

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