How would you collectors respond to this?

mrearlygold · September 11, 2006 1:59AM

Everyday I get a wide variety of inquiries ( Thank you ), via telephone, email and on my assorted contact forms from my website. One of them this morning after calling me with something pretty stupid actually called me back after I quickly qualified the call and terminated it by telling her to find a local coin shop that her material is not what is in the line of what I do. ( english half pennies? Now where did she draw that conclusion from my website? ) Anyway she called me back and said " I just wanted to tell you that you are a rude man"

In any event I'd like to share a typical communication from someone like that , that generally comes in the form of an email and ask you all, the collector, how you would respond, but please imagine that you generally receive at least a dozen of these a day.

Hi, I have a rare nickel and many other older rare silver coins I would like to sell.Would you please help me sir in this endeavor for I do not know the value and the rare nickel is important.A local coin dealer tried to hood wink me out of it but daddy did not raise a fool.
Respectfully,
Michele XXXXXX

I am not making this up, I promise

Clankeye · September 11, 2006 2:06AM

It's kind of on a par with me, as a musician, getting asked to play "Margaritaville" or "Freebird" all the time. It's the unhappy price of doing business.

Dog97 · September 11, 2006 2:10AM

If I were a coin dealer I would have replied with "Yes mam. I can get you whatever you want. How many would you like?"

The guy in the email would have received a reply back with a link to an online price guide. If a local dealer tried to hoodwink him out of it then it must be valuable. Well maybe, who knows.

saintguru · September 11, 2006 2:12AM

FREEBIRD!! FREEBIRD!!

JrGMan2004 · September 11, 2006 2:13AM

<< Everyday I get a wide variety of inquiries ( Thank you ), via telephone, email and on my assorted contact forms from my website. One of them this morning after calling me with something pretty stupid actually called me back after I quickly qualified the call and terminated it by telling her to find a local coin shop that her material is not what is in the line of what I do. ( english half pennies? Now where did she draw that conclusion from my website? ) Anyway she called me back and said " I just wanted to tell you that you are a rude man"

In any event I'd like to share a typical communication from someone like that , that generally comes in the form of an email and ask you all, the collector, how you would respond, but please imagine that you generally receive at least a dozen of these a day.

Hi, I have a rare nickel and many other older rare silver coins I would like to sell.Would you please help me sir in this endeavor for I do not know the value and the rare nickel is important.A local coin dealer tried to hood wink me out of it but daddy did not raise a fool.
Respectfully,
Michele XXXXXX

I am not making this up, I promise >>

I only deal with a fraction (Maybe 20%) of the calls that come into the office, and 50% of the calls I deal with, are very similar to this... it's always frustrating trying to deal with someone who has their mind made up that their coin is incredibly rare...

Did I ever tell you about the voicemail I got on a Saturday? Some lady calling about her magical coin that had special powers...

We didn't call her back...

Cladiator · September 11, 2006 2:14AM

<< Hi, I have a rare nickel and many other older rare silver coins I would like to sell.Would you please help me sir in this endeavor for I do not know the value and the rare nickel is important.A local coin dealer tried to hood wink me out of it but daddy did not raise a fool.
Respectfully,
Michele XXXXXX >>

Hello Michele,
I'd love to take a look at your coins and let you know exactly what it is you have. There are a couple options for you.

1. You can bring the coins to my shop where I can look at them in person with you. You'll need to call me to set up an appointment to do this as my days are pretty busy. I typically charge $50 for an appraisal of a small collection. The $50 fee is waived if I end up purchasing any of your coins. I will tell you what your coins are and what the approximate value of each of them is. Once the appraisal is finished I will let you know if I personally have any interest in purchasing any of your coins. At this point it would be solely up to you to decide how you want to proceed.

2. If you are not within driving distance you can ship the coins to me and I will do the appraisal when they arrive. Same rules as stated above will apply. If you take this route I require that you take a physical inventory of each coin (including denomination, date and rough condition) before you ship the coins to me. A copy of this inventory must be included with the shipment and you should keep the original. The same fee of $50 is applied to this type of appraisal with the addition of an extra $5 to cover my shipping costs to send you back your coins. All $55 is waived if I purchase any of your coins. I will ship back all of your coins regardless of whether I'd like to purchase any or not. If I end up purchasing some they will have to be shipped to me again (I will pay for the shipping).

3. You can email me detailed photographs of each coin. I will then do a "preliminary" assesment of your coins for no charge. I won't be able to give you nearly as much detailed information about them and the pricing will not be as accurate. You will, however, get a good grasp on whether or not your coins require a more detailed appraisal. If they indeed do, we can go to either of the above two options. Since this option is offered for no charge I can not garauntee you a time line on completion. I always do my best to complete these things as quickly as possible but please understand that my paying customers will have to come first.

I'm sorry that you had a bad experience with your local dealer. There most definitely are bad seeds in the numismatic industry, just as there are in any industry. I can garauntee you that you will not have a bad experience with me or my staff at "MrEarlyGold Inc.". Thank you for contacting us and I hope to hear back from you.

Sincerely,

MrEarlyGold

Russ · September 11, 2006 2:18AM

I get similar eMails and calls all the time. In every case I take the time to provide a little education about their coins and make suggestions as to how they should proceed. Yesterday's eMails included one that was a couple jars of circulated wheaties and IHCs, and another that was a set of circulated Peace Dollars.

Russ, NCNE

Clankeye · September 11, 2006 2:20AM

<< Yesterday's eMails included one that was a couple jars of circulated wheaties and IHCs, and another that was a set of circulated Peace Dollars. >>

And I appreciated the patience you showed me, Russ. I was very disappointed though.

IGWT · September 11, 2006 2:20AM

-- "Hi, I have a rare nickel and many other older rare silver coins I would like to sell.Would you please help me sir in this endeavor for I do not know the value and the rare nickel is important.A local coin dealer tried to hood wink me out of it but daddy did not raise a fool.
Respectfully, Michele XXXXXX" --

Hi Michele --

I'd certainly like to help; but, of course, I need to see the coins before offering any advice. The value of a coin depends on many different variables, principally rarity and condition. Give me a call to make an appointment. Thanks for your interest, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Tom

Edited to add: Nevermind. Use Cladiator's letter.

Longacre · September 11, 2006 2:28AM

<< -- "Hi, I have a rare nickel and many other older rare silver coins I would like to sell.Would you please help me sir in this endeavor for I do not know the value and the rare nickel is important.A local coin dealer tried to hood wink me out of it but daddy did not raise a fool.
Respectfully, Michele XXXXXX" --

Hi Michele --

I'd certainly like to help; but, of course, I need to see the coins before offering any advice. The value of a coin depends on many different variables, principally rarity and condition. Give me a call to make an appointment. Thanks for your interest, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Tom

Edited to add: Nevermind. Use Cladiator's letter.

>>

I like this short response. If she calls, you will get more information.

stevek · September 11, 2006 2:31AM

I'm guessing it's probably only one of those common 1913 V nickels.

Cladiator · September 11, 2006 2:32AM

<< I like this short response. >>

You wouldn't have to type out my long response each time. Just use it as a form letter. Plug in the name of your current customer and you're good to go. Would take about 30 seconds and it looks a hell of alot better from the collector's persepective.

Longacre · September 11, 2006 2:34AM

<< 

<< I like this short response. >>

You wouldn't have to type out my long response each time. Just use it as a form letter. Plug in the name of your current customer and you're good to go. Would take about 30 seconds and it looks a hell of alot better from the collector's persepective. >>

OK, then. I thought that mrearlygold's staff would be swamped with typing these responses all day.

Cladiator · September 11, 2006 2:36AM

<< 

<< 

<< I like this short response. >>

You wouldn't have to type out my long response each time. Just use it as a form letter. Plug in the name of your current customer and you're good to go. Would take about 30 seconds and it looks a hell of alot better from the collector's persepective. >>

OK, then. I thought that mrearlygold's staff would be swamped with typing these responses all day. >>

Nope. Just a few seconds of fine tuning to make the email specific to the individual customer.

Cladiator · September 11, 2006 2:37AM

ps. If any of you dealer types use my example email in real life I expect $5 royalty fees each time

mrearlygold · September 11, 2006 2:39AM

I'm thinking of saving canned responses and just emailing accordingly. It's time consuming.

I was called into "the bosses office" once for how I responded to someone when I worked in Dallas

coinguy1 · September 11, 2006 2:40AM

Tom, you might consider writing a form letter/email or two, to have on file for such inquiries.

stman · September 11, 2006 2:40AM

For a start I'd probably getting rid of all advertising I do. I'd probably start with deleting my name, name of my company/link to my website, and phone number on the PCGS boards. Then I'd be able to post here without the chance someone might contact me from here. Next, I'd change my phone number and if I had any current ads in the coin rags, I'd cancel them as well. Oh, and if I was in the local phone book it wouldn't matter as I have already changed my number. Then, alas, I wouldn't have to mess with these "stupid" calls and emails. I would be able to relax, and when the doorbell rings, hopefully they weren't tire kickers. And if they were I'd kick them all the way down my driveway off the property. Hope this helps!

Ooops, better edit and add the

.

ColonialCoinUnion · September 11, 2006 2:43AM

<< For a start I'd probably getting rid of all advertising I do. I'd probably start with deleting my name, name of my company/link to my website, and phone number on the PCGS boards. Then I'd be able to post here without the chance someone might contact me from here. Next, I'd change my phone number and if I had any current ads in the coin rags, I'd cancel them as well. Oh, and if I was in the local phone book it wouldn't matter as I have already changed my number. Then, alas, I wouldn't have to mess with these "stupid" calls and emails. I would be able to relax, and when the doorbell rings, hopefully they weren't tire kickers. And if they were I'd kick them all the way down my driveway off the property. Hope this helps! >>

Good answer.

I found the original inquiry from Michele to be innocuous, and more or less typical for the kinds of things we receive.

nankraut · September 11, 2006 2:45AM

Russ sed:
get similar eMails and calls all the time. In every case I take the time to provide a little education about their coins and make suggestions as to how they should proceed. Yesterday's eMails included one that was a couple jars of circulated wheaties and IHCs, and another that was a set of circulated Peace Dollars.

Russ, NCNE

I agree (again) with Russ on this one. Most non-collectors are not knowledgeable; there's no reason to be rude to them.

Leiana · September 11, 2006 2:48AM

Re Stman's answer, if I was Michelle and I found you through these boards, I think there would be a high probability I could see this thread.

I do not imagine I would feel very good about that, since it seems you take her request for information lightly.

If I was a coin dealer, I should think I would try to be patient and explain about coins and what makes them rare/valuable. Perhaps a new numismatist would result from my taking the time to be patient.

I know I have really enjoyed and appreciated the people here who have been patient with me.

-Amanda

mrearlygold · September 11, 2006 2:52AM

Amanda, I've emailed "Michelle" the thread.

Cladiator · September 11, 2006 2:53AM

<< Amanda, I've emailed "Michelle" the thread. >>

Cool. I hope she joins and responds. Then we'll really get a good idea of how someone who's not experienced in numismatics would like to be dealt with.

mrearlygold · September 11, 2006 3:16AM

RedTiger · September 11, 2006 3:30AM

Best to have a polite form letter, and fill in a name and maybe one or two details. For emails, links to other sites with basic information are a good idea. Here is one decent one with answers to the most common questions:
http://www.acoin.com/whatworth.htm link
(though the secondary links to coin identification seem to be down)

Try and tell them that common old coins are worth a bit of money, but not a lot. That the odds of them having a truly rare coin are low. Coins in collector holders such as albums and capital plastics or even 2x2's have a better chance than coins in a cigar box or a coffee can.

Also suggest a trip to the local library to look for a Redbook or ask the librarian for help. That way they know it isn't some kind of dealer conspiracy to rip them off (anyone can set up a website to dupe people).

mrearlygold · September 11, 2006 3:34AM

I'm about to launch a totally redesigned website hopefully within a week and I like how Laura put it in her what we buy and don't buy area although I reckon that might have changed now that Laura's competing with Ebay?

Anyway I'm adding something like that on the new site

tpfnar · September 11, 2006 3:54AM

Adding "we don't buy junk" like Legend's site might stop some calls.

But you should just say "I'm sorry but I don't deal in that type of material. To try and help you out, I'd reccommend you take your coins into a local coin shop so they can see what you have."

At least it would cut down on the number of call backs saying how rude you are.

mrearlygold · September 11, 2006 3:55AM

And still another email from Michelle:

Oh my goodness, I finally logged in and it is amazing how many people are involved in nothing but chatter. ha ha especially the ones who are in dyer need of a stiff one in more than one way. Goodness gracious life is too short for the innocuous nonsensical opinions as well as my so called innocuous statements. Anything for a laugh they always say.
So ha ha, in the meantime I found someone to purchase them for the value in the timely fashion of emailing you and viewing all of that someone came through.
So thanks for the humorous time while working
lots of luck
Michele

Clankeye · September 11, 2006 4:06AM

I have to admit the first time I saw this forum, it kind of scared me.

I'd never seen one before.

Jcarney · September 11, 2006 4:15AM

<< Once the appraisal is finished I will let you know if I personally have any interest in purchasing any of your coins. >>

Might want to strike this line. I believe it's unethical to do a paid appraisal and then offer to purchase the items being appraised.

RotatedRainbows · September 11, 2006 4:18AM

<< And still another email from Michelle:

Oh my goodness, I finally logged in and it is amazing how many people are involved in nothing but chatter. ha ha especially the ones who are in dyer need of a stiff one in more than one way. Goodness gracious life is too short for the innocuous nonsensical opinions as well as my so called innocuous statements. Anything for a laugh they always say.
>>

Lucky she did not see the old open forum she might have gone screaming into the night.

stman · September 11, 2006 4:25AM

Hmmm, perhaps something I said?

keets · September 11, 2006 4:28AM

It's kind of on a par with me, as a musician, getting asked to play "Margaritaville" or "Freebird" all the time. It's the unhappy price of doing business.

For a start I'd probably getting rid of all advertising I do. I'd probably start with deleting my name, name of my company/link to my website, and phone number on the PCGS boards. Then I'd be able to post here without the chance someone might contact me from here. Next, I'd change my phone number and if I had any current ads in the coin rags, I'd cancel them as well. Oh, and if I was in the local phone book it wouldn't matter as I have already changed my number. Then, alas, I wouldn't have to mess with these "stupid" calls and emails. I would be able to relax, and when the doorbell rings, hopefully they weren't tire kickers. And if they were I'd kick them all the way down my driveway off the property. Hope this helps!

the answer probably lies somewhere between these two responses and close to what IGWT said-----I'd certainly like to help; but, of course, I need to see the coins before offering any advice. The value of a coin depends on many different variables, principally rarity and condition. Give me a call to make an appointment. Thanks for your interest, and I hope to hear from you soon.

unfortunately, what appears as obvious to the intiated collector may be jumbled to someone who doesn't know any better, so it seems you need to take those calls from Michelle right along with the ones that net you $10k in profit , otherwise you come off looking like an impatient whiner. this actually seems typical of some bourse stories where the dealers are fine with making sales but don't actually care to do all the other things associated with being a retail dealer. it makes it painfully clear to me that a lot of coin dealers aren't necessarily good bussiness men/women even though they succed.

i know for a fact that i wouldn't do well in any kind of retail sales, that's why i stay away from it.

ScarsdaleCoin · September 11, 2006 4:29AM

I steer them in the direction of a Redbook

ccr · September 11, 2006 4:30AM

Good to hear she is able to solve her problem. We need more people like that in the world.

mrearlygold · September 11, 2006 4:37AM

i know for a fact that i wouldn't do well in any kind of retail sales, that's why i stay away from it. >>

It becomes almost an art after awhile Keets and you are right, it's not for everyone. To separate real from nonsense spending time with those who deserve it. Give somewhat atruistically when able to do so. Get rid of the time wasters as soon as they are recognized as such. Learing to recognize them QUICKLY is important. Then the qualifying begins.

Otherwise you waste huge amounts of time and money.

stman · September 11, 2006 4:53AM

<< i know for a fact that i wouldn't do well in any kind of retail sales, that's why i stay away from it. >>

It becomes almost an art after awhile Keets and you are right, it's not for everyone. To separate real from nonsense spending time with those who deserve it. Give somewhat atruistically when able to do so. Get rid of the time wasters as soon as they are recognized as such. Learing to recognize them QUICKLY is important. Then the qualifying begins.

Otherwise you waste huge amounts of time and money. >>

I can certainly understand your points here.... I'm not in retail sales but am self-employed and get all kinds of folks that try and waste my time.
I certainly am good at weeding them out as well. But I try and steer them in the right direction. My business doesn't really have the luxury of the INTERNET, by being able to simply hit a reply button and give a quick decent response. I have a service business, and sometimes even though I'm quite sure it's a tire-kicker on the phone, I take a chance and go give a bid anyway. Or, as I stated earlier, I steer them in the right direction (if possible) and have spent a lot of time doing so. They may call me back sometime for my charming personality

, and we may indeed do some business.

Dealers hate tire-kickers and say we collectors shouldn't waste their time. Well, when y'all have no customers and no attendance at the shows you can blame us right?

I'd be curious to see you post your responses to these emails, as we've really only seen one side of what happened on these numerous occasions you speak of. I also feel, if someone gets so frustrated and hates what they do that goes along with doing business. TIME TO GO.

keets · September 11, 2006 5:13AM

Or, as I stated earlier, I steer them in the right direction (if possible) and have spent a lot of time doing so. They may call me back sometime for my charming personality, and we may indeed do some business.

this is the part of small business operation that nets most of the business from what i observe and have done myself. if a dealer is helpful to me or at least "takes the time" i know i at least remember and will pay a visit to his table the next time i see him. the guys that seem bothered by me are also remembered. one aspect of the slabbing game that never gets mentioned is that it certainly offers protection for the coin and worry free viewing by customer after customer at a show------yet some guys use the lame excuse that "you can't afford it" instead of climbing off the chair for a moment!! while the wad in my pocket won't often choke a horse i generally go pretty well armed at shows with enough backup in the bank to be aggravated by that type of arrogance. courtesy to a non buyer also brings the enevitable referral which builds business.

BTW, Steve, i think i'd get a kick out of you turning on the charm!!!

but probably not as much as hearing what you're thinking as you walk away!!

Cnitas · September 11, 2006 5:14AM

I get a fair number of 'What's this old medal worth?" questions from my website. There is usually not much on the 'other side'. If I am lucky I get a 'thank you' note back.

Gemineye · September 11, 2006 5:27AM

All coins have a value.Some are based on a value of sentiment and some are based on a prescribed book value which is determined by their visual grade and metalic content.

stman · September 11, 2006 5:37AM

<< i think i'd get a kick out of you turning on the charm!!! but probably not as much as hearing what you're thinking as you walk away!! >>

I even tell them thanks for calling, or thanks for your time

. Now you may be on to something about what I'm thinking afterward though. Heh

quattrocoins · September 11, 2006 6:19AM

<< It's kind of on a par with me, as a musician, getting asked to play "Margaritaville" or "Freebird" all the time. It's the unhappy price of doing business. >>

Consider yourself lucky.

If I were in the audience, I'd be yellin' "WHIPPIN' POST"!

keets · September 11, 2006 6:26AM

If I were in the audience, I'd be yellin' "WHIPPIN' POST"!

i once saw a guy in concert, a black blues singer/harmonica player who was at Woodstock, and he did a rousing version of Whammer-Jammer and followed it up with Whippin' Post. we couldn't stop laughing because it sounded like he was saying Whiffin' Post through the whole song. that was a classic!!

mrearlygold · September 11, 2006 6:54AM

Quattro where you been man?

How would you collectors respond to this?

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