Last coin show

doglips57 · New Member

I believe I went to my last coin show on Saturday. I went to the Northwest coin show in Brooklyn Center Minn. as I have for many years. I was looking forward to examining coins that I normally don't have access to, and in conditions you can't typically find in circulation. I proceeded to sit at a table with my lens in hand and started to look over a tray of Indians and early Lincolns. But after a couple of minutes the dealer stated loudly that I only had a few more minutes then I'd have to leave because she didn't want me variety hunting at her table. She made me feel like a thief. I was so embarrassed that I left her table immediately. I wandered around the show for a while longer, but I wasn't comfortable so I left. This happened at one other show about ten years ago, I was asked to leave a table for "cherry picking". I have always been polite and never pushy. This time I had the enjoyment stolen from me.

Steven · Expert Member

I don't quite understand the mentality behind the dealer comments. Wouldn't a sale be a sale or are they not wanting the coins to be examined. I have only been to, I think one, coin show. I was shoved around the tables, stared at, and treated in a very unwelcome manner. I didn't think I was doing anything others weren't doing. Maybe this thread could help if some of the members would explain coin show ediquite. I for one would like to know for future reference.
Steven

Bob P · Site Admin

It's easy to understand why you felt uneasy after the dealers little tirade. I wouldn't let her kick you around though. She doesn't want or need your business, so be it! There are other dealers who aren't idiots. Don't quit going to shows because of her. Sometimes, it doesn't hurt to ask a dealer if they mind if you cherry pick. If they do...move on until you find an accommodating dealer.
In the future, it might also be prudent to let the organizers of that particular show know about the dealer and their attitude toward potential customers. I have been to many shows where dealer weren't invited back because of things like that.

carlb · Advanced Member

Just one more reason to move to Chicago. There is a minimum of 3 coin shows a month here. Several more of the rather big ones that run a few days. There is for example a International Coin Fair here on April 26 to 29. However, back to your treatment. Must be the atmosphere. Around here I've never heard a dealer say anything except just the opposite. Myself and many others are asked to sit down and check out everything. Actually at times it makes me irritable that I can't get to a table because someone is sitting there shooting the breeze or inspecting every coin with a microscope. Exagerating about the scope but every form of magnifiers. Although I too am guilty of the same thing. At a coin show in a place called Coutryside I usually spend about a half hour talking to one dealer about my health, thier health, the weather, etc. and at every show there. Every dealer there has numerous chairs and it's a game of musical chairs to see who gets the next one. Just one of the reasons I get there at 8:30AM and leave about noon.

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

My method is that I do tell the dealer that I am searching for varities, even before I search one coin. It also helps to kick back a variety to a dealer, making him aware that he does have something of interest, WITHOUT BUYING IT.

I have done that a couple of times, just lately on a Lincoln cent, 1946 S/D, F-12, that I did not have any interest in since I have two in the AU-50 range. You would be surprised to know how well that goes and helps to cement a temporary and some times permanet bond with the dealers.

Just a little trick of the variety (cherry picker) collector. If you are met with any type of resentment or the brunt of a snide remark, tell one of the club's members (those who are running the show) of the incident. Remember, dealers who are rude to potential customers have a habit of loosing their spaces to dealers who are more compatible to the public.

BJ Neff

smed · Senior Member

I don't know how many times I've been standing in front of a table with coins I was interested, usually with a few hundred or more to spend in my pocket, and went to other tables because the dealer was an ass.

Earwig · Veteran Member

I usually just walk up and ask and if they havr a problem they get none of my money. Most dealers have no problem letting you look

Eric

creilly · Veteran Member

OMG DOGLIPS YOUR IN MPLS.......
So am I
I have Thousands... I mean THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS of coins you could cherry pick through....

We should get together.......

doglips57 · New Member

Cathy, it would be fun to meet another variety hunter, we should get together sometime. By the way I check this site daily, the reason I don't post more is I'm a bit shy and a horrible typist.

creilly · Veteran Member

Then I take it you KNOW what my grandfather left me... from reading posts......

doglips57 · New Member

I think so

Matt Dinger · Advanced Member

That is silly and unprofessional and it makes me mad! Do you know who this dealer was? If the dealer doesn't bother to check for varieties and offer them for sale they should expect people to look for them and buy them. This dealer obviously has more money then they ever will be able to spend because they chase off paying customers.... the same customers who keep them in business. That is sad... and I would hope that you don't let it discourage you that much. At my tables I encourage people to look through my boxes for varieties as I know I don't have enough time to check every coin and usually miss something when I do. As long as I make a little money I don't really care...

just my 2 cents as a dealer who would have walked right up to that dealer and gave them a piece of my mind...

carlb · Advanced Member

As I mentioned previously I have so far never had a problem with any dealers at any shows with ignorance or lack of patience. However, I was referring to US type coin shows only. Right about the time this was posted I received my invitation for the Chicago International Coin Fair on April 26 to 29th, 2007. Now talk about ignorance, you just have to try that place. The ones I've gone to previously are a little different than US Coin shows. The dealers are dressed like they are selling a Rembrant. Most customers look like they just came from church. Many people carry Leather cases. It cost $5 to get in and the parking is rather expesive but I don't remember exactly. The thing that gets me there is I will ask almost any dealer if they have any US coins and almost always told those THINGS are not allowed here. You should try a lesser valued type show. IF you want to meet some ignorant dealers, go there.