Do any of you sell coins in those Antique Mall type stores?

tincup · May 11, 2007 2:26AM

You know the kind of store I'm talking about... the antique malls that you see everywhere you go, and where you can rent a cabinet or floor space to sell you items. If you do this, how well do you sell items? I'm kind of curious, since I've thought about giving it a try. But the fees for rental seems so high for so small a space, I question whether it would be worth while.

A friend of mine has been renting a spot for some time, but sells boy scout items instead of coins. He has some good monthes, and some bad ones. But averaged out, seems the best he does is about break even with the fees, percentage of sales fees, etc. So seems like a lot of work to maintain, and not much return.

Any experience out there?

eyoung429 · May 11, 2007 2:28AM

See Lord M......

Frankcoins · May 11, 2007 2:32AM

A local dealer I have known for some years tried that....the expensive stuff mysteriously disappeared.

BlackBeard · May 11, 2007 2:39AM

I was subletting a spot from my sister to sell some other collectibles and the rent was killing me. I had a collection I purchased around that time and decided to try some coins. I priced it at Red Book prices and sold nearly everything fast, even sold some foreign proof sets (Virgin Islands, Bahamas). But I didn't really make much off of it as it mostly went to rent and there is a 10% commission on sales. I just used it to cover the rent as the other stuff was painfully slow. I pulled out shortly afterwards but felt there was certainly room for coins there if it was done right and on a larger scale.

It can be a good place to check for coins as dealers in antiques occasionally run across coins and aren't overly familiar with pricing or grading them.

Edited to add: It was all common stuff, nothing high grade either.

tincup · May 11, 2007 2:44AM

<< A local dealer I have known for some years tried that....the expensive stuff mysteriously disappeared. >>

You know, I wouldn't be surprised. The attendees that open the cases, etc, to show items.... do not own the items. So just how much care do they observe individuals with? That would also be a concern of mine. A coin or two can be easily slipped away......

StopMotion · May 11, 2007 3:41AM

I do it and average $100 to $200 a month. I rent 2 shelves from 2 different malls.
SM

tincup · May 11, 2007 6:37AM

<< I do it and average $100 to $200 a month. I rent 2 shelves from 2 different malls.
SM >>

Is that before rental fees, and commission taken out, and the cost of the coins? The amount you mention sounds ok... but if it is not a net amount of profit, still makes me wonder if it is worthwhile. (hmm... but then again, eBay sure takes it's cut when I sell there......

)

StopMotion · May 11, 2007 6:46AM

<< 

<< I do it and average $100 to $200 a month. I rent 2 shelves from 2 different malls.
SM >>

Is that before rental fees, and commission taken out, and the cost of the coins? The amount you mention sounds ok... but if it is not a net amount of profit, still makes me wonder if it is worthwhile. (hmm... but then again, eBay sure takes it's cut when I sell there......

) >>

Most of the time this amount is after rental fees and comission. Correct, this is not all profit, but its a good way to move unwanted stuff and make some money along the way.

SM

P.S. How much are you looking at paying in rent?

tincup · May 11, 2007 7:58AM

It's been awhile since I checked, but the seems the antique mall closest to me was charging $75 or so for a cabinet per month? Can't remember for sure...

StopMotion · May 11, 2007 8:23AM

<< It's been awhile since I checked, but the seems the antique mall closest to me was charging $75 or so for a cabinet per month? Can't remember for sure... >>

Ok, I know what your talking about. See if they have smaller glass shelves. I rent a shelf for $25 a month and you can fit a good bit of stuff. I have handmade stadium like stands that hold 2x2 in rows.
SM

rjsvt · May 11, 2007 8:38AM

I'm not a dealer, but I've shopped at those antique malls. I'd love to see more dealers display coins at those places.
The potential theft would scare me too. One of my favorite places always has the same employees there, possibly the owners and family. When I look at coins, they always remind me that the dealer has a shop in the next town. If you can find a place like that, your goods might be a little safer, and you get a little extra advertising (if you've got a shop).

Bob

cmerlo1 · May 11, 2007 9:17AM

I cherrypicked a proof Indian Cent for $25.00 at an antique mall in Dallas...I love 'em!

--Christian

tincup · May 11, 2007 9:21AM

<< I cherrypicked a proof Indian Cent for $25.00 at an antique mall in Dallas...I love 'em!

--Christian >>

Very good find! I've not found anything like that.... but have found some nice trade tokens at times. One of the neatest I've found was a Norfolk? Nebraska centennial medal made of silver, approximately 1 ounce. Was able to get that at about half the price of the silver....

Usually the sellers know what they have and are usually overpriced.... but you never know....

ttown · May 11, 2007 9:39AM

I don't see much here that isn't junk in these malls. I do know I look for pocket watches for rare movements but most of these folks have very common broken watches that would sell on Ebay for maybe $50 for $150 or $200 dollars. Not many bargins that I see here in all the malls I frequent.

jobiwan115 · May 11, 2007 12:53PM

There are a few antique malls around here that also sell coins, and I've frequented 2 of them especially. Most of the coins are raw, but I feel good about the purchases I've made at them. There are only 2 good coin dealers near me, and the antique malls have been a good bonus.

BAJJERFAN · May 11, 2007 12:58PM

Generally there are locals who hit up those antique malls like the Brass Armadillo in Omaha and scarf up most of the good stuff just about as soon as it is put out.

tincup · May 11, 2007 11:35PM

" Generally there are locals who hit up those antique malls like the Brass Armadillo in Omaha and scarf up most of the good stuff just about as soon as it is put out. "

I don't doubt that one bit. Same thing for yard sales.... get there before the official opening time, while things are being set up, and get the bargains and good stuff before anyone else even knows they are there!

Do any of you sell coins in those Antique Mall type stores?

Comments

Leave a Comment