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When visiting a local coin shop for the first time, is it better to start slow, or swing for the fen
Longacre
Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
Things are going to be quiet at the office this week and next. The Man is traveling, and the office has taken on almost a carnival atmosphere in his absence. Even the secretary (oops, I mean executive assistant 
), rolled in at 9:45 AM this morning. I think I might be allowed to sneak out during lunch one day and visit the local brick and mortar coin shop down the street. This coin shop is much better than your average shop and they attend all of the major shows on the coin circuit.
My question is this-- when visiting a new coin shop, do you typically start out slow, or do you swing for the fences and immediately ask to see the excessively rare coins that are probably kept in the back, away from the eyes of the common riff-raff? I was thinking of asking to see some half cents, rather than jumping straight to the Southern gold. Based on what they show me, I might get an indication of how they are feeling me out, and what else I should ask for. Does anyone have any thoughts?
PS. This coin shop is also pretty high class, because they also sell belly-button rings and toe rings. I will try to snap a picture of the sign announcing this if I remember.
), rolled in at 9:45 AM this morning. I think I might be allowed to sneak out during lunch one day and visit the local brick and mortar coin shop down the street. This coin shop is much better than your average shop and they attend all of the major shows on the coin circuit.My question is this-- when visiting a new coin shop, do you typically start out slow, or do you swing for the fences and immediately ask to see the excessively rare coins that are probably kept in the back, away from the eyes of the common riff-raff? I was thinking of asking to see some half cents, rather than jumping straight to the Southern gold. Based on what they show me, I might get an indication of how they are feeling me out, and what else I should ask for. Does anyone have any thoughts?
PS. This coin shop is also pretty high class, because they also sell belly-button rings and toe rings. I will try to snap a picture of the sign announcing this if I remember.
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
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Comments
I didn't know that your new job is in New Jersey!
I knew it would happen.
"do you...immediately ask to see the excessively rare coins that are probably kept in the back, away from the eyes of the common riff-raff?"
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I wouldn't know, since I'm part of the common riff-raff.
~
"America suffers today from too much pluribus and not enough unum.".....Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
<< <i>This coin shop is much better than your average shop and they attend all of the major shows on the coin circuit.
PS. This coin shop is also pretty high class, because they also sell belly-button rings and toe rings. I will try to snap a picture of the sign announcing this if I remember.
Surely the first part of that is in jest? I doubt that a coin shop that attends all the major shows would also carry an assortment of belly button rings.
You wouldn't believe how long it took to get him to sit still for this.
I have seen the dealer at local shows, a nice guy. The stuff I really wanted was old literature that he had in a display, was not for sale. I don't know if he had better stuff in back, he was friendly enough that I probably will return.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
<< <i>If this is a place that you think might become a hang-out, pick a coin you might reasonably buy and buy it even if it a couple of dollars than you would normally pay(and this could be a $20-$30 coin whatever). Money talks and once you start laying some down you will likely be looked at more favorably. Also, if you want to establish a long term relationship with them, don't go in with the attitude that they are the enemy as is the general sentiment here. It is nice working at a shop when certain regulars come in to chat. Even if they buy a coin once in a blue moon, a friendly non-confrontational and non-schizophrenic is always welcomed (and yes, some schizo homeless people do frequent our store) >>
Good advice. That's how I started with mine. When I buy stuff now he always does me really good on the prices.....he just makes it up on the people that come in every now and then
and why not, belly rings are hip these days.......
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
<< <i>belly rings are hip these days....... >>
unless you happen to have a belly!
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
The BMs around here only allow bunts.
<< <i>would anyone feign ignorance, just to see their honesty? >>
I know a few collectors that wouldn't have to feign ignorance.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>would anyone feign ignorance, just to see their honesty? >>
I am sorry but this is probably the most obnoxious suggestion I have heard in a while. What exactly is to gain. If you play ignorant and they try and screw you then what? You run to these boards and cry that the dealer didnt treat you right? I hope you don't need that to validate your life. And say they treat you the same as anyone? Then you will likely have a similar experiance as being straight forward. Bad apples will be bad apples to you no matter what. Why risk a potential positive relationship to give yourself something to complain about on the internet to strangers. End Rant,
David
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<< <i>
<< <i>would anyone feign ignorance, just to see their honesty? >>
I am sorry but this is probably the most obnoxious suggestion I have heard in a while. What exactly is to gain. If you play ignorant and they try and take you then what? You run to these boards and cry that the dealer didnt treat you right? I hope you don't need that to validate your life. And say they treat you the same as anyone? Then you will likely have a similar experiance as being straight forward. Bad apples will be bad apples to you no matter what. Why risk a potential positive relationship to give yourself something to complain about on the internet to strangers. End Rant,
David >>
I will respond in a civil manner to your quadruple "rant"
If I was treated honestly, I would buy from them
If not, I would not buy from them
<< <i>I usually ask several questions I already know the answer to in order to 'test' the staff . >>
well said, and I think a good idea
Developing a relationship is not very easy. I have been turned off by more dealers, just trying to just that. I give three chances, if the first attempt goes bad, I figure maybe they were constipated or hungry or something........the second chance with the dealer goes wrong and I put it up to half me and half them (more them).....the third try goes bad and I usually dont go back in.......unless its to sell junk gold or silver or just to cherry pick when one of thier clueless helpers is there and just loaded the cases with new purchases.
One thing I learned and will rarely do, unless I am so hard up for cash, is to ask ask a dealer if they want to buy my coins. I want to swing for the fence on the sale and its just not gonna happen with a dealer. I will either sell them here, or on flea bay, or sit on them forever or let them rot/oxidize in their plastic tombs or 2X2 holders. Oh I may run a finger across the slab or mylar, but I will sling burgers and McDoogles before I let a dealer EFF me with lowball offers and belittle my precious disks.
<< <i>
<< <i>I usually ask several questions I already know the answer to in order to 'test' the staff . >>
well said, and I think a good idea >>
Better idea but still flawed. It really depends on the dealer and their staff. I know our company is fairly unique in that the entire staff is well versed. Many places has sales reps that arent long time coin people If you came in and started asking questions "testing us" I know it would only serve to annoy us and make us think that you only want to waste our time. And even moreso, you might get offended by some of the smart aleck remarks because Tom is a walking encyclopedia.
What ever happened to friendly conversation. Dealers have to do the same at shows to size up other dealers. The way they talk to you and their displays can tell you a lot. If every coin has a sticker that says PQ+++ (not referring to CAC) or looks next grade up it will be hard to buy from them. You can sit and talk to someone in a friendly and polite way and you can get that information. If you come in grilling the people, the result will be bad.
JUST ACT NORMAL
Seems to me that most local coin shops wouldn't even have the Southern gold you want to jump for. If that's what you are really seeking out though,why not just ask them about the gold soon after you enter the store?
If you want to be mystery man then ask about the half cents and get your belly button pierced...
Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you. For there
is nothing hidden which will not become manifest." --- Gospel of Thomas (Lamdin translation)
That's a lot to ask of the people who hang out at coin shows/shops, on BOTH sides of the table/counter.