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 Replies: 20 / Views: 3,340 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1189 Posts |
I have that experience every time I've been to a coin shop. As much as people bash it, I get way better prices on ebay. Seems like every coin or pawn shop I go to prices right at PCGS value for slabs. Go to ebay (auction) and you'll get the same item for 25% less. You can find good things by digging through junk bins though (assuming the owner is friendly and will let you spend some time looking). |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
589 Posts |
I visit LCS once a month and that is if I'm in that part of town. I may buy few silver or gold bullion but have not bought anything for my coin collection in many years.
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Valued Member
United States
125 Posts |
I still haven't broken the ice at store near me, kinda frustrating. Only going to keep them in mind to submit coins to be slabbed through them.
First visit just talked for a little bit and felt like I was patted on head and sent home, second visit bought random low grade IHCs with people not interested in conversation, last visit took some stuff into shop for them to look at and was told it was worth nothing. Guess I won't get attention until I spend hundreds of dollars...
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2843 Posts |
I have a great relationship with my LCS. Two nice older guys eagerly greet me on my weekly visits.
I get stuff for way below retail. I don't spend that much, but I am steady.
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Valued Member
United States
343 Posts |
I think a relationship does help the prices you get. I have been going to the same shop for a couple years now, and he always knows what we're looking for. We never buy huge amounts but he knows we don't go to any of the other shops in town. Not positive but pretty sure I get lower premiums than non-regular customers.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
It's been a long time since I've been to a coin shop, but I often had that frustration. But in my case it was typically because they didn't have anything I could use. (You collect oddball stuff and you don't find much in local shops very often.)
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
As others are posting, to get the good coins and the good
prices, you have to develop a good relationship.
Some people are better at that then others.
It is a slow process, with many doo's and don'ts's
But is really different for everyone, because of
so many different personalities.
Do
Act like a good adult
Find some coins or supplies you need and buy them.
Pay the price they ask
Don't
Tell jokes
Talk politics
Talk religion
In anyway sound like a "no it all"
Be a cheapskate
I am not sure developing a relationship can be taught.
You have to be very observant. If you see yourself doing
something that is being taken as negative, stop doing that.
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Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
I have 4 shops I deal with, 2 are bigger than the other 2 and they all treat me fairly good. Sometimes I just stop in to say hi but, most times I buy something.
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Pillar of the Community
Sweden
1078 Posts |
BadThad, I share your experience completely. The first couple times I came to the shop I was an average customer who was offered the standard retail deals every time. For example, I could buy half dollar coins for 5 SEK each, they were worth about 3.50 SEK at the time. Nowadays I buy them for a measy 80% exchange rate. Same thing goes for the occasional Ike. Every time I walk in the dealer immediately knows what I want and rounds prices down to the nearest 5 SEK despite buying junk silver or currencies. I come in weekly but usually spend only $10-$15 worth.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
As with any smaller retail store their survival depends on the people running the shop. Good people know how to make everyone feel welcome. Conversation is best started with questions about an inventory item.
If the retailer takes time to answer your questions, you are in the right place. Buy SOMETHING. And thank them.
Next time, if they love their business, they will remember you positively.
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Moderator
 United States
188560 Posts |
I have not been to a coin shop in years. I prefer coin shows, with multiple dealers competing for your business.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1191 Posts |
My first coin shop experience was terrible. I walked in to the shop, the dealer didn't greed me. I browsed the display cases for a while without getting any attention. They workers were sitting in front of a computer watching YouTube I think, they were laughing and commenting about something. I ended up calling them to help me, which they were not happy with. I ended up buying some silver for not a small amount of money (in my opinion). They gave me a coupon for 10% next purchase. I came back a week later to buy more silver, and the same thing. They didn't interact with me, didn't ask if I needed help, were sitting in front of the screen again. When I asked for help, one of the workers have me the look. I ended up picking some more silver. When the time came to pay, I said that I forgot the coupon at home (the coupon didn't have a bar code to scan) and if they could give me the 10% . His reply was "too bad". I ended up walking away from the shop empty handed, left them a bad review online, and decided to never return there.
That is why I prefer coin shows. You get to brows more coins and get more attention because everyone wants you to buy something from them. And you get to negotiate prices without any coupons.
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Moderator
United States
188560 Posts |
Quote:
That is why I prefer coin shows. You get to brows more coins and get more attention because everyone wants you to buy something from them. And you get to negotiate prices without any coupons. I concur, of course.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2637 Posts |
My experience is the opposite. I've been going to the same LCS for a few years. They know what I like, and what they don't have an interest in -- and I sometimes get first crack. If they show me something that has substantial value, I give them a heads up, and they sometimes set it aside for E-bay; sometimes sell it to me below retail. It's a win-win.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3540 Posts |
Did not read all of the responses, but....
You do need to develop a relationship with any "business" partner. Treat your collection as a business - you mentioned availability and price.
Thad hinted at something else - quality. WHY does he prefer to see the coin in hand?
Occasionally (timing being the biggest factor), I have the opportunity to haul/view/review AND select from collections/recent purchases of a somewhat local dealer. Have purchased a couple coins at excellent prices...that are a couple cornerstones in some series that I collect.
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Replies: 20 / Views: 3,340 |
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Posted 04/06/2016 6:54 pm
