Has anyone ever done business with Harbor Coin, in IL?

abitofthisabitofthat · February 7, 2011 7:57PM

Hi - just wondering if anyone has had any dealings with Harbor Coin. I believe that they are a B&M in Illinois. Any info appreciated. Thanks.

WTCG · February 7, 2011 8:14PM

They're fine to deal with.

abitofthisabitofthat · February 7, 2011 8:20PM

Thanks, Wei - appreciate the info.

Walkerguy21D · February 7, 2011 10:29PM

I would NOT second that....I had a pretty significant problem with them on Ebay, and I believe others have also.
I will PM you the details if you wish.

bushmaster8 · February 7, 2011 10:39PM

I generally avoid their table on the bourse. I think they are primarily a husband/wife team. I don't much care for their attitudes and am not too impressed with their inventory.

Exception might be their circ Barber material. Some nice originals but fully priced.

Patches · February 7, 2011 10:46PM

they're fine, I've done a half dozen transactions with them...both buy and sell side, never an issue. I will just say their collector coins are usually fully priced.

goldman86 · February 8, 2011 12:21AM

Shocked to hear anybody has ever had a problem with harbor coin... they are A+ in all my dealings with them...

DIMEMAN · February 8, 2011 12:38AM

No problems here.

agentjim007 · February 8, 2011 12:44AM

I go to their shop about once a week. No problems. Very friendly.

MadMarty · February 8, 2011 12:46AM

I have never had a problem with Brian and Kevin. Nice B&M store...

Greeniejr · February 8, 2011 12:58AM

They are great people. We have done a lot of business with them and they are always on the straight and narrow. They are actually a father and son team and it was the son (Brian) who started the business and his father helps him out at the store.

Shortgapbob · February 8, 2011 2:13AM

I have had several good dealings with Brian. They do buy some tough coins.

abitofthisabitofthat · February 8, 2011 2:17AM

Thanks, all - they bought some coins from me, and requested expedited shipping so that they would have them for the next show. I just wanted to make sure they were legit, because I will be shipping before the check clears.

RichieURich · February 8, 2011 3:28AM

There are a lot of threads about Harbor Coin. Just do a search for "Harbor Coin" in the body of the thread and you can read two pages of threads.

howards · February 8, 2011 8:13AM

I had huge problems with them, to the point of having to file an ANA Mediation complaint. At no point did they show any interest in resolving the issue peaceably.

PawPaul · February 8, 2011 8:41AM

...........I had a small problem or two with them ...........petty stuff , but I choose to take my money elsewhere

bstat1020 · February 8, 2011 8:55AM

No problems here ever. I was doing a water park project up in that neck of the woods a couple of years ago, and stopped in there all the time.

Great dealings with Brian.

roadrunner · February 8, 2011 9:19AM

Definite issues with them on eBay. They at one time specialized in calling most everything they owned high end and PQ...such as the use of old holders with average coins and pushing for a heavy premium using fuzzy photos and suggesting upgrades No returns on slabs. I got taken the first time on 2 fairly inexpensive rattlers that forced me to eat about $150. Lesson learned, I wasn't going back to bid on any Harbor Coins in the future. But ironically, I didn't know Brian Timmons was also offering coins for the store on eBay or through his personal account under his own name. So they were using 2 different names. I got burnt a second time on a raw VFish 1795 half where the seller (id BrianTimmons) at my written request agreed to offer me a return priv. if I didn't feel it was full VF. They even showed an empty VF-20 ANACS insert that the coin used to reside in (who knew if that was reality or from some other coin). But I had no idea this was the same Brian from Harbor Coin a few months later. Well, the half arrived and I didn't like it for full VF money. It was a decent Fine, nothing more. They ignored my emails for a month until they finally responded. Then claimed the time limit had run out....LOL. They even had the nerve to mention in their FeedBack that I had waited 5 days to notify them...when if fact it was 30 days when they finally decided to reply to me. I always wondered how using the same email addresses didn't work for 4 weeks but then magically got through to them after a month? I had started emailing within a couple of hours of receiving the coin. Didn't realize these were guys who wouldn't honor their word. I take my own word very seriously as most around here know. That half was a >$500 loss. But I'm sure they are great guys otherwise.

They are probably fine to deal with....but only in sight-seen, face-to-face transactions.....since most everyone here seems to love these guys. But on ebay? Forgeddaboutit!
Coin Lieutenant also had a similar experience. Yeah, just do a forum "search" for Harbor Coins or Brian Timmons. We're just some of the guys who have spoken up. Only goes to show that few people were willing to take the return neg to let others know about problem sellers (this was before the recent rule changes).

Hey, I've only had great dealings with my local B&M because they are always face-to-face. But I also know they've bought many superb rare coins worth over $10,000 each from unknowledgeable sellers for 20c to 30c on the dollar...coins that I would have loved to have paid 95c on the dollar just to flip them. Doesn't make them nominees for Sainthood because I've had good transactions with them. I get nightmares thinking of all the widows and orphans they've purchased from over the years. But as they have said to me, "you have to score big several times a year to pay the rent," as if that justifies anything.

Toolhaus FB - plenty of people here had problems with Harbor...must be all be complainers

I see Duke801 had an identical experience to me with a coin claimed to be 95+% red. His turned out to be 30% RB or borderline Brown! The ogh rattler 1867 MS63 RB two cent piece sent to me and claimed to be 95% RED with blazing luster and no marks turned out to be a very low end RB with absolutely dead luster but clean surfaces. It was worth 63 BN money. Hyped as 95% blazing red and 64+++?...you've got to be kidding. The poor photo really only showed that it was an 1867 2c piece in a rattler. Then Harbor hides behind the assigned PCGS grade (rather than erroeneous and puffed up description) and says the buyer doesn't know anything. The photos on the 1867 2c were really poor but based on the description but I figured the worst the coin could be was a 50% RED and a strong 63+. It would still be worth $225. Wrong. The coin was a very low end 63 turd. I sold the coin to Vince Blume for $150, below listed wholesale 63RB money. Total dog of a coin and a lesson learned....some ogh's really stink regardless what a seller like Harbor hypes about them. But it does seem most of Harbor's negative feedbacks are more in the past...a blessing for today's eBayers. Hopefully they learned that shafting eBay buyers was not conducive to long term relationships. You just don't get dozens of neg/neutral feedbacks by being a "Saint" or a "great dealer."

roadrunner

Walkerguy21D · February 8, 2011 10:02AM

And I was beginning to think I was the only one.....
I won a nice early walker in an NGC holder in one of their Ebay auctions, at a very favorable price. They sent notice, I promptly sent my check. Two days later they tell me, sorry, but we had sold the coin prior to the auction ending, and forgot to pull the listing. I was disappointed, but said Ok, and they responded they would return my check.....a week went by, I checked my account, and saw that they had cashed it! So I emailed them, and said I guess that means they must be sending me the coin afterall. No, why do I ask? Because you deposited the check you were going to return to me.....the I got attitude - well, I can't keep track of everything that goes on around here, this is a busy place, I guess I'll just have to mail you a new check for the amount......a week goes by, still no check. Then no reply. So I notify Ebay....and Harbor turns it around to being MY problem, but 'graciously said they would take care of it'....so I did get a check a few days later.
Then the icing on the cake - they relist the SAME walker in a PCGS holder a couple weeks later!

Now, maybe all their fans have had better dealings face to face with them.....but I know that if ANYONE pulled something like this on the BST, they'd be run out of town with torches and pitchforks!

roadrunner · February 8, 2011 10:14AM

Well, Walkerguy21d at least you didn't lose any money off those guys. That's doing pretty well in my book. They like to play the coin game fast and loose with those who they don't know or who can't make any lasting trouble for them. They certainly would not treat WTCG or other dealers whose business they depend on like this....nor local customers who walk in the shop and can bad mouth them all over the county. Hence the number of people that swear by them....rather than swear at them.

How many fully reputable eBay sellers need to add multiple ID's for the B&M to keep the negs hidden? After using Harborcoin and BrianTimmons, these guys added Harborcoin1 to try and bury the past and make things look quite a bit rosier....

These are only the ID's I know about. There might be others lurking out there.

Harborcoin1 Toolhaus FB

BrianTimmons Toolhaus feedback

roadrunner

coindeuce · February 8, 2011 10:24AM

Geez. I'd hate to be in the OP's shoes right now. I'd have my heels pointed at Harbor Coin. As I was running away. Fast.

BST transactions: ao39,Bajjerfan,Barndog,Batman23,Blackhawk,
Braddick,brokezorro,cohodk,CoinsAreNeat,Coinlearner,cucamongacoin,dizzyfoxx,DoubleEagle59,dpvilla,
dsessom,Ducky1100,EvilEmpire,eyoung429,greencopper,grip,jakeblue,JonathanB,Kalshacon,
Keets,kryptonitecomics,KSteelheader,LasVegasTeddy,LeeG,
LucyBop,mach19,MisterTicToc,
Nocerino18,Numisma,oldwestgold,oreville,PreTurb,
Rob41281,Robb,robkool,RPMHunter,RTS,
SeaEagleCoins,steelielee,Stone,sToner,smittys,tydye,Walkerguy21D

roadrunner · February 8, 2011 10:33AM

Holy crap, I give up. The more I dig the worse it gets.

There is a BrianTimmons1 account as well as a Harborcoin2!

This seems a bit excessive to me or is this standard practice for dealers?
These are just the easy ones to find, who knows if there are others better hidden? Nothing here to see, just some routine admin and cleaning up of the books.

Seems eBay may have wised up to this stuff as one of the accounts was merged.

roadrunner

coindeuce · February 8, 2011 10:36AM

toolhaus.org is your friend.

BST transactions: ao39,Bajjerfan,Barndog,Batman23,Blackhawk,
Braddick,brokezorro,cohodk,CoinsAreNeat,Coinlearner,dizzyfoxx,DoubleEagle59,dpvilla
Ducky1100,EvilEmpire,eyoung429,greencopper,grip,jakeblue,JonathanB,Kalshacon,
Keets,kryptonitecomics,KSteelheader,LasVegasTeddy,LeeG,
LucyBop,mach19,MisterTicToc,
Nocerino18,Numisma,oldwestgold,oreville,PreTurb,
Rob41281,Robb,robkool,RPMHunter,RTS,
SeaEagleCoins,steelielee,Stone,sToner,smittys,tydye,Walkerguy21D

roadrunner · February 8, 2011 10:37AM

Me like Toolhaus.org

Just another few pages more to add to the Harbor records.

roadrunner

WTCG · February 8, 2011 10:38AM

I usually buy something from them whenever I go to shows in their area and I have never experienced any difficulties dealing with them but the old adage of different experiences for different people rings true. It sounds like there have been some chronic problems involving them especially through EBay transactions.

roadrunner · February 8, 2011 10:40AM

WTCG, why don't you pick a current or future Harbor eBay auction where you sense the coin might not be all that the description says it is. Complete the transaction and see how well it goes. Might be instructive. Like I said. They are probably good old boys on transactions in the store and on the bourse.

But I don't think they are doing all that many eBay auctions anymore.

Just noticed that 4 of the 5 accounts are listed in the USA. BrianTimmons1 is listed as "in Canada." What's up with that?

roadrunner

truthteller · February 8, 2011 11:08AM

<< <i>WTCG, why don't you pick a current or future Harbor eBay auction where you sense the coin might not be all that the description says it is. Complete the transaction and see how well it goes. Might be instructive. Like I said. They are probably good old boys on transactions in the store and on the bourse.

roadrunner >>

LOL. Years ago there was a florida dealer who set up at the Long Beach show. I used to buy a few coins from him at the show every so often. Very nice and courteous. One time, I purchased a $500 commem from him on ebay. Apparently, he didn't recognize my ebay handle. I responded nicely that the coin would be returned because of problems. He replied in the most obnoxious way and said the coin was sold and to not bother to return it.

My reply was "I look forward to seeing you at Long Beach". He always took extra steps to avoid me thereafter.

TRUTH

66RB · February 8, 2011 11:52AM

I bought one coin from them once............................once.

I won it on ebay. I remember seeing $2.50 for shipping and thought it was quite reasonable. What I didn't notice was the part on the bottom of tbe page in the payment info section that said $13.50 insurance required. I think the coin was around $75.00, so $16.00 for shipping seemed outlandish! Of course, it was my fault for being so hasty and not reading everything on the auction page.

I did call them on the phone to explain that I felt his shipping charge was a little high and I politely asked him if there was any way to lower that at all. Now, I am a subscriber to the 'more bees with honey' theory, and I know I was very cordial and hopeful that the charge could be reduced. What spewed forth from his mouth and with such hostility shall not be repeated here, but suffice to say that was the one and only time I will deal with Harbor Coin. Very unprofessional in my book, even though it was a one time deal, first impressions are everything

roadrunner · February 8, 2011 1:08PM

Darn, they alienated a customer for life over a < $20 shipping fee. Incredible.

roadrunner

bushmaster8 · February 9, 2011 12:38AM

That kind of phone abuse/attitude reminds me of the Sarosi's. No excuse for that.

PawPaul · February 9, 2011 8:06AM

.thats what I remember about Harbor - loud, rude, and take it- or leave it -or shove it - attitude

roadrunner · February 9, 2011 1:49PM

<< <i>I bought one coin from them once............................once.

I won it on ebay. I remember seeing $2.50 for shipping and thought it was quite reasonable. What I didn't notice was the part on the bottom of tbe page in the payment info section that said $13.50 insurance required. I think the coin was around $75.00, so $16.00 for shipping seemed outlandish! Of course, it was my fault for being so hasty and not reading everything on the auction page.

I did call them on the phone to explain that I felt his shipping charge was a little high and I politely asked him if there was any way to lower that at all. Now, I am a subscriber to the 'more bees with honey' theory, and I know I was very cordial and hopeful that the charge could be reduced. What spewed forth from his mouth and with such hostility shall not be repeated here, but suffice to say that was the one and only time I will deal with Harbor Coin. Very unprofessional in my book, even though it was a one time deal, first impressions are everything

>>

Here are their published website shipping w/insurance rates. Apparently a $75 coin normally gets sent out for $3.50.....not $16.00.

Shipping rates for packages shipped within the United States:
For values up to $100 = $3.50; $200 = $4.50
$300 = $5.50; $400 = $6.50
$500 = $7.50; $600 = $8.50
Values $601 to $1500 = $12.50; For values over $1500 = $18.50

Shipping rates above include insurance. Contact us for international shipping rates.

roadrunner

Has anyone ever done business with Harbor Coin, in IL?

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