<< <i>So I attended the show on Sunday and have decided that I took most of the advice from here, but may have overlooked some. (I was warned though).
So I arrived early as told. However, at 8:30am, there were quite a few others sitting in their cars waiting for the doors to open. I had my want lists, personal notes, glass, and my grey/green sheets. Finally walked in and signed up for some sort of door prize I guess? Either that or Im now on a mailing list for something. I began to walk table by table looking at dealers inventory. I could quickly tell who's grading was pretty accurate, and who's was off. I made some notes as to some pieces I saw and after about an hour, I circled back around and grabbed some things that I believed to be sweet deals. I also found out that 99% of the individuals I overheard talking to dealers said the same thing "Whats your best price on this." Made my haggling easier
After the 2nd walk through, I started sitting down at tables going through inventory. I would say most of the dealers were pretty nice, asked what sort of sets I was working on, would dig through their stuff for me and pull things out, etc. One was more interested in talking on his cell phone to talk to me or anyone else. And another would tell people "What's marked IS my price, you don't like it, find another table" lol Kinda funny. There was another dealer who wouldn't stop talking to me so I finally had to just walk away. All in all, I had fun. Made some nice purchases I believe. Scanning my notes tonight and will eventually figure out how to take a decent pic of a coin My highlight purchases were a 1900-O MS64 Morgan in a PCGS holder (took forever in that place to find a decent one), and an 1864 Large Motto 2C in MS63BN in an NGC holder. I purchased quite a few raw coins for a few album sets and type sets I have going on. Spent a couple hours pouring over Mint sets and PF sets for some album sets also. And the rest of my purchases consisted of currency. I probably purchased more currency than coins. I'd list the notes on this forum, but I'd have rocks thrown at my head for doing so haha I picked up quite a few things at the end while dealers were packing up. There were a few who had some deep discounts going on. Anyway, all in all, fun.
Go with lots of money, and take a loupe. When a dealer quotes you a price, put the loupe up to your eye and look at him through it. I tried this, he looked at me and asked if I was alright.
Bring cash, cash is King....... Ok, I did. Best advise I can give you is to leave your money at home. Ok, I did.
Take along a large container of petroleum jelly. I did, didn't need it.
Wear comfortable shoes Oops, note to self for next time
Eat just before you go to the show and use the mens' room on your way in,
Oh god, the smells! Some of the stenches you will encounter are bad enough to make you fall into a dealer's case in agony I totally agree and understand where you're coming from on this one now.
Walk with a limp and carry a cane that you don't actually use. Wear an eye patch. Always begin every conversation by stating that you want to view the chuck e cheese proof sets I had initially tried this too however these 2 very large individuals in shirts that said security started walking towards me, so I ran away and changed out of my disguise. >>
I was at the show looking at coins and trying like heck to sell tables for my show. I think cypher survived his first show unharmed, if his posting indicates anything. I did see the 2009 $20 UHR gold piece from a dealer. Maybe because I'm used to the standard-size $20 gold piece, but this new version is smallish. I must admit that the mint did a wonderful job with the details. I would've bought it but the wifie was with me and threatend to do bodliy harm if I so much as even think of buying it. Anyways, the show was busy yet fun. Driving home was an experience - it was so windy that I though someone in the heavens actually took up God's dare on pulling his finger, if you know what I mean! Went to Sam's Club in Bloomington-Normal and when I got out of the car the wifie and I was blown in by the winds - literally! We had more trouble getting out - the winds were so strong that I thought I was going to fall on my rear. And then there was the intersection where letters from a readerboard were flying all over the place (projectiles?). Needless to say, the winds made driving very interesting.
DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 10/8/2023 - Fairfield, IL, 11/5/2023 - Urbana, IL., 12/3/2023 - Mattoon, IL.
Wow, nice show report. Maybe I had the wrong impression, but you know a lot more than you let on, in terms of grading, pricing and negotiating. Sounds like you stayed from before the open until dealers were packing up, and got some nice coins that you really wanted and some bargains at closing time. Can't beat that with a stick. If you keep at it, soon, you'll be taking a table to sell at a show .
Take a loop or make that your first item to look for if you don't already have on.
A brief list of your main wants with a don't pay more than notation. If there is a live auction, it's always nice just to spend some time pre=viewing the auction items. Even if you don't win any you at least got to see them first hand.
Comments
<< <i>So I attended the show on Sunday and have decided that I took most of the advice from here, but may have overlooked some. (I was warned though).
So I arrived early as told. However, at 8:30am, there were quite a few others sitting in their cars waiting for the doors to open. I had my want lists, personal notes, glass, and my grey/green sheets. Finally walked in and signed up for some sort of door prize I guess? Either that or Im now on a mailing list for something. I began to walk table by table looking at dealers inventory. I could quickly tell who's grading was pretty accurate, and who's was off. I made some notes as to some pieces I saw and after about an hour, I circled back around and grabbed some things that I believed to be sweet deals. I also found out that 99% of the individuals I overheard talking to dealers said the same thing "Whats your best price on this." Made my haggling easier
After the 2nd walk through, I started sitting down at tables going through inventory. I would say most of the dealers were pretty nice, asked what sort of sets I was working on, would dig through their stuff for me and pull things out, etc. One was more interested in talking on his cell phone to talk to me or anyone else. And another would tell people "What's marked IS my price, you don't like it, find another table" lol
Go with lots of money, and take a loupe. When a dealer quotes you a price, put the loupe up to your eye and look at him through it. I tried this, he looked at me and asked if I was alright.
Bring cash, cash is King....... Ok, I did. Best advise I can give you is to leave your money at home. Ok, I did.
Take along a large container of petroleum jelly. I did, didn't need it.
Wear comfortable shoes Oops, note to self for next time
Eat just before you go to the show and use the mens' room on your way in,
Oh god, the smells! Some of the stenches you will encounter are bad enough to make you fall into a dealer's case in agony I totally agree and understand where you're coming from on this one now.
Walk with a limp and carry a cane that you don't actually use. Wear an eye patch. Always begin every conversation by stating that you want to view the chuck e cheese proof sets I had initially tried this too however these 2 very large individuals in shirts that said security started walking towards me, so I ran away and changed out of my disguise. >>
I was at the show looking at coins and trying like heck to sell tables for my show. I think cypher survived his first show unharmed, if his posting indicates anything. I did see the 2009 $20 UHR gold piece from a dealer. Maybe because I'm used to the standard-size $20 gold piece, but this new version is smallish. I must admit that the mint did a wonderful job with the details. I would've bought it but the wifie was with me and threatend to do bodliy harm if I so much as even think of buying it.
You sound "alright" in my book, cypher !
Thank you for this thread. A great read.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
A brief list of your main wants with a don't pay more than notation.
If there is a live auction, it's always nice just to spend some time pre=viewing the auction items. Even if you don't win any you at least got to see them first hand.