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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,453 |
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Valued Member
United States
122 Posts |
I have decided to go to my first convention at Long Beach coin & collectibles expo in 5/31/12 - 6/2/12. I am really excited but I'm not sure what to do when I go. I have a few questions and if anyone has advice that has been to a coin convention please let me know. 1) I will be buying coins that are certified, however if I do end up buying coins that are not I want to get them certified at the pcgs booth. At that point do I have to pay a membership on the spot or at a convention is it just a flat fee pcgs will do because it is a special event ? 2) I have been reading about conventions of what would be the best day to go. so far it appears that the first day is when I should go because dealers usually start to leave the second day? 3) since there will be many dealers there, am I able to talk a cheaper price than what is displayed and how do I go about that? 4) I will be going by myself and will be bringing my coin book with me. By doing that is it tacky ? Please remember that I am new and not afraid to ask. I have been reading and have gone to a coin dealer to see the coins and purchased a 1878 s Morgan silver dollar at the dealer and I am very happy about it. I just know I am going to the convention to complete my first phase of my brand new hobby. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1150 Posts |
I can't answer any of the PCGS questions but I do have some answers from experience. Some dealers will work with you if you are reasonable in your offers. Some just won't. But above all, it never hurts to make a REASONABLE offer that you can live with and you know they would not be offended by. As a matter of fact, I've had dealers, after I already agreed to pay the asking price, give me hundreds off the sticker price because the latest 'grey sheet' showed a lower price. I never asked them to do it, but they did it and its also rare that they do. Do your homework on coins you want and bring lists. Look on ebay for completed listings on coins you want and get an idea for what they've been going for. If you can get a grey sheet, do that. And no, its not tacky to bring your book, you'll see lots of people with all kinds of books and paper lists. I've even seen folks bring in their Danso 7070 to show off their type set to dealers and other customers (now if he were trying to sell them to customers, he'd be booted. Thats a BIG no-no). Everything is fair game! The best piece of advice I can give you is, if a dealer is busy with a lot of folks, DO NOT try to chat their ear off. Some dealers are friendly, some aren't. Some are ok with talking if they aren't busy, some aren't. Depends on the dealer. I also don't take up too much of any dealers time without buying something, as a courtesy. You just got to feel out the individual dealers. Most of all, enjoy yourself. The coolest part about the shows for me is seeing (and in some cases, holding) coins I don't think I'll ever buy (like my dream 1836 Gobrecht dollar). I was overwhelmed at my first big show and rushed around...and spent A LOT of money, too! I also met some really nice folks. Have fun! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
1. I am fairly sure you will have to pay for a membership up front to submit even at shows. On the other hand if there is someone else there that you know who has a membership you may be able to have them submit for you. 2. I've always found the first day to be the best. 3. I don't like to haggle. Once I have the ones I am interested in I will ask either "So what do you need on these?" or "What's the best you can do on these?" Then I either accept or pass. (I've done sales and when someone asks my best price that's what I give. If they try and get me down further I consider it insulting and the price I quote starts going UP.) In some cases if there is something I really want I will get a price on just that item. Typically when you ask I find the price comes down by 5 to 10%. 4. Nothing wrong with it lots of people carry books with them. (I have a suitcase full LITERALLY.) One thing to consider, carrying a RedBook does tend to mark you as a novice collector and a potential mark for some of the shadier dealers. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1554 Posts |
Go on the first day. If you like a coin tell the dealer you would like to look at it, if you like the coin ask him how much he needs for the coin. If it's too much don't buy it! Don't ask the dealer how much he wants for it without looking at it. A lot of coins aren't slabbed and are real good buys, I wouldn't get ahead of yourself and slab any raw coin you buy unless it's worth alot of dough$$$. I've been buying raw coins at shows since 1968 and have never slabbed a one. By all means bring a price guide, dealers use them also.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
There was a post called First Coin Show Advice posted 03/29/2012. Read that one. I don't know how to make Links to other posts so if you scan the listings of recent posts, you'll see that one.
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Moderator
 United States
188213 Posts |
Quote:
There was a post called First Coin Show Advice posted 03/29/2012. Read that one. I don't know how to make Links to other posts so if you scan the listings of recent posts, you'll see that one. https://goccf.com/t/115237  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2295 Posts |
Here are some additional tips:
- Look up in advance what forums and workshops you'd like to attend. Some require advance notice and can fill up very fast. Especially ones with famous authors, dealers, and topics.
- Write up a want list. You can include some comparative prices if you don't have a grey sheet with you. Some dealers will have one and will look it up, to give you their price. Some dealers have a price already on the coin though.
- Shows are great for buying supplies and books too, so add what you need to your want list.
- Bring a backpack to put in all of your books and goodies.
- Bring a pad and pen/pencil to write down table #s. There can be a ton there and each table should have a #. Then you can write the table # down with what you were looking for and their price. A great thing for shows is to compare prices and find your best deal.
- Bring a bottle of water and any snacks (like a few granola bars). You will get thirsty/hungry and prices are expensive there.
- Bring a loupe (on a lanyard) or magnifying glass.
- Learn to cherrypick. Most dealers don't like cherrypickers, since they tend to hog the table, so you have to remember to be aware of others that want to view too.
- Bring a Cherrypick guide or other reference books
- Bring some flips or currency holders, since you might get some loose items.
- Also, most people don't know this, but you should rub your hands together before sticking them in your pocket, to show the dealer that your hands are empty. It is out of respect for the dealer too. You don't have to make it real obvious, but just to make a point that your hands are empty. I heard that from JT Stanton.
- If there are any authors there, you can have them autograph your book. A nice little memento.
- Bring plenty of cash and your checkbook. Almost all dealers won't take plastic, since they can't do a credit card check. I would think they could do it, if they had a wireless laptop with them, but last big show for me was 2007 and they didn't take plastic. Which is really good for me, because I would have spent quite a bit more money there.
- And lastly, have a great time and enjoy the show.
Let us know how it goes and what you bought. Edited by wquinn
04/10/2012 1:44 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
A word of warning about back packs. If you do take one, leave it in your car until you've checked inside to see if permitted. In most of the ones I've been to, individuals with a back pack have been told to leave or put it in their car. They are an announace as they constantly bump others.
Also, if you do bring a check book. Be really, really carefull not to let others see any info on your checks. Many people have their names, addresses and/or phone numbers on a check. A camera phone can photo that info.
Cautions are always something to remember in crowded places.
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Valued Member
 United States
122 Posts |
To everyone that has and will post more for me to learn thank you very much ! I already submitted my request at work to have the day off so I can go to the first day of the expo. The guys at work are getting a kick out of me having a great time with my new hobby.
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,453 |
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Posted 04/07/2012 12:48 pm
