My Very Unscientific Coin Show Observations

I agree. I much prefer the shows. Having a coin in hand makes purchase decisions much easier.

To those of you who are concerned about making an in person offer on a coin, my advise is do it. The seller may or may not accept your offer but they will explain why the didn't if they don't. You'll know right away why your bid was declined if the seller says no which gives you the chance to either walk away or sweeten your offer. Losing an auction on-line always leaves you wondering why.

I don't go to many shows, but I actually like haggling. The coins shows are one of the only retail environments I can go and negotiate a price. I enjoy watching Pawn Stars and American Pickers and I think watching those has made me more comfortable with the idea of negotiating a price.

Also I should note that in no way was I implying that the coin collecting business is dying. Far from it. It was held at an American legion post in Independence Mo. I thought is was busy but I don't have much to compare it to. I would say the parking lot was about 60% full and it was a good-sized parking lot. As far as the crowd was concerned the most notable takeaway was the volume difference between the tables. Some tables were so busy that I couldn't find an opportunity to knife in and ask questions. Others like I said were a ghost town. I now wish I would have been more assertive on the busy tables and found out what they were selling that was in such high demand.

I have been to a few small shows.




I've thought about trying to trade but my wife doesn't like the idea of getting rid of any of our stuff.

Haggling certainly takes some practice and getting used to, but it is very worthwhile, even if all you say to the seller is, "is that your best price" on ANY item you are seriously interested in, even low ticket stuff.
As a thirty year veteran of the [automotive] flea market circuit, haggling is second nature to me. It is not always successful, but sometimes the discounts a dealer is willing to give are surprising. But you will never know unless you ask. Always be friendly and polite. Insulting merchandise or asking prices will quickly gain you a reputation as someone not worth the time and effort.
Like others have said, nothing beats having the item in hand. Sure, the internet has changed everything-- except human nature. It seems that pure greed has overtaken ebay and other online outlets. Haggling via the keyboard is a hassle. Lots of dealers seem to have forgotten the concept of 'room' in their pricing. A buyer wants to feel secure that if that high ticket item he just acquired had to be turned loose tomorrow due to some unforseen circumstance, he could get back at least what he paid for it. So there is always going to be that dynamic between buyers looking for a bargain, and sellers wanting 'tomorrow's price today'. Do not be hesitant about passing up an overpriced specimen that you really like. There are always going to be more items available in most everyone's price range, especially today with so much generational changeover taking place. Also the more outlets one explores, both local and online, the more choices one has. If the seller is too firm and most prices seem way over the top, simply walking away might be the best message you can send.

There are law enforcement officers at the coin shows here. I doubt anyone running towards the exit could leave without being stopped. I would be more concerned about legerdemain than a brute force "smash and grab."

My budget is the low, low triple digits and I never leave a show unsatisfied. I suppose I am fortunate that my local shows have a diverse group of dealers who can satisfy both the high and low end collectors.