First Coin Show Advice

Just be polite and don't get in the middle of someone else's transaction between a customer and dealer. And whatever you do, try to go into these events with an action plan in mind. Sometimes if you keep things too broad, it's going to make it harder for you to get the good deal because you're caught up in the "gotta have it" moment. And don't be afraid to cross shop the coins you want. Hope this helps.

Most definitely. Without one you can find yourself spending hours there without accomplishing much or buying more things than you really want or need.

There's only one constant in my visits of coin shows: the spending limit. I bring the exact amount of cash I'm willing to depart with, and when it's gone my shopping is done. Although I may continue to browse for a while longer (or wait for raffle drawing).

We were all in your position at one point in time ... so hoping our collective input is helpful ..

Some additional thoughts ... perhaps re-stating the wise advise already given:

Decide what coins you are after ... and limit your search to them. The first show can be overwhelming if you don't have a plan for what you want.

Be polite and bide your time at the table if the dealer is busy.

Mind your manners when handling the dealer inventory ... keep the coins above the table and handle one at a time.

Decide on the max $ you want to spend ... and walk away when that limit is reached.

Enjoy yourself ... engage the dealers ... they truly appreciate enthusiastic collectors ... and you will find 95% of the dealers willing to take the time to offer advise and wisdom.

Have a great time ... looking forward to your report after the show.

David

1. Always ask if that is your best or cheapest price. Coin shows are basically flea markets for coins. Haggling is expected. Many dealers know this and raise their prices accordingly. Many will raise their prices as much as 20% and then tell you your getting a 20% discount because:
They like you
You look like a nice person
The sky is clear
You have nice shoes.
Etc.
2. Always remember to put any cash in a front pocket. Always check to see if it is still there
3. Do not use a check or credit card for any reason. With todays camera phones, someone can easily photo your personal info.
4. Do not use a back pack. Nothing is irritating as someone walking through the aisles bumping everyone. And in some coin shows you would be told to take it off or leave.
5. Always wander around before purchasing anything. You could find the same coin later for lesser price. Of course you might miss a good deal doing that also. Tuff choice.
6. Be carefull purchasing any expensive coins that are not slabbed.
7. Try to talk to as many dealers as you can but don't make a pest of yourself doing that. If those shows are repeditive, talking to dealers may let you get to know them and they you.
8. Take along something to put any coins in such as a small Zip Lock bag. And too have a place to put that where it can not VANISH.
9. When leaving a coin show, check to see if anyone is leaving when you do. If so, go back inside to see if they do the same. Do this a few times and if they continue, find someone in charge to report that.
10. When leaving, if you drove there, see if any cars follow you out and if so, again, drive right back into the parking place. See if they do the same.
11. Look for flyers at a table for info on other shows.

And have fun.

Thanks just carl, your list was really helpful, especially these two about safety. The last think I want is to be robbed or have my house broken into. And thank you to everyone else who responded.

I think I'll have to leave all my cards at home so I dont get into any trouble And I think my plan will be to walk around and get comfortable before I go into the fray. I'm not sure what I'm after, but I'll set the spending limit.

And of course, I'll just go to have fun!

A continuation.
12. If you start or someone starts a conversation, make sure you do not give out personal information.
13. If you have a list of possible coins, try not to show it to dealers. Many experienced dealers can read your list upside down since they've been doing this for a long time
14. Do not flash large bills around. Keep your money in several different places so you do not show a lot of cash at one time.
15. Ask dealers if they have a coin store and if so, where. Get a buisness card from them if they do. You do not have to go there but it sounds a lot more like your interested in their coins. But if you do visit their store, some really appreciate that and helps to make a getter deal sometimes.

Nice, you weren't digging in the junk bins, I see.