Where Does The Collector Have The Most Leverage

Nice analysis.

I chose coin shows. Setup costs aside, many of them prefer leaving without most of what what they brought.

The collector has leverage - massive leverage - when he knows what he wants and has the expertise to accurately evaluate and price what he's looking at. The greatest of the considerable wisdom presented in the initial post is that there are so many outlets for coins these days, so many different coins visible to the average buyer, that there is no reason not to settle on exactly what you want at the exact price you wish. All you need is patience while you find that coin.

I still think nothing beats a coin show. You see exactly what is there and if you don't like the prices, just move to the next seller. Unlike anything on the internet, no postage, no handling, no wrong coin sent, no insurances, just the coins at a show.

I will say, Carl, if I could do 100% of my trading in a show environment I absolutely would. Large numbers of coins all in one place, competition for everything, and human interaction with eventual proof that the vast majority of us are solid people to deal with. And cash talks. Can't beat the combination.

With exception to US Mint products...

For the last fourteen years I have bought exclusively at shows, since it has been that long since I visited a LCS. About five years before that I bought my last coin through mail order and I have never purchased one over the internet.

Again, this excludes US Mint purchases.

A couple of years ago gold was very under represented in trout1105's collection.
I see that, that has now been corrected.
Best of British luck to you, fella!

Coin shops - being a regular is good, and spending some money each visit will get you points.
Shows - Sunday is your best buying day. Think of it as a Coin Shop Mall, and keep moving on down the line, then come back to start point and begin buying the bargains.
Auctions - know your upper limit and quit bidding when you reach it. Don't forget the bidder fees, too.
ebay - bid the amount you want to pay and forget it. Some you win, some you don't. Check the Buy It Now items for that beauty you can't live without.
Pawn Shops/Antique Shops - generally far overpriced, but check them anyway. Lots of non-collectors will buy here and pay their prices.

Bottom line, if you have the cash in hand, literally, and the seller sees it, he's going to want to deal with you to get it.

I say the coin buyer has the most leverage on... the internet. You can price check in advance to places and things and be ready for shows or anything else. Everyone and their brother has an ebay now so all coin stores probably have a shop, and if not you can sort ebay by recent ended for what you are looking for.

as GI Joe said "Knowing is half the battle." So the more you know beore you go anywhere to buy, then the more leverage you have. This is also based on "the customer is always right." because at the end of the day it is the customer who decides where to spend his money and they can choose NOT to spend it as well.