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 Replies: 14 / Views: 2,632 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
520 Posts |
So this weekend, I had planned on going to the flea market to get some coins and pick up my collecting some again. What do you guys suggest I look for, and what should I take with me a like a "price checker"? I typically carry a 2012 Red Book with me. Should I take that to the market tomorrow, or what? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3843 Posts |
Flea markets tend to have lots of junk, problem coins, and overpriced items intended for casual collectors so be on your guard. Also I'm not sure if carrying a RedBook is a very good idea especially with dealers that don't price their items beforehand since if they see a RedBook they might up their prices to full retail. If you have a smart phone that could be useful to check numismedia more descreetly and to look up comparable coins on ebay. I have found that it is hard to get deals from flea market dealers that exclusively have coins and that it is better to look for the dealer that might only have one display case of coins and whose focus is mainly in other items, you might be able to negotiate some good deals. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
520 Posts |
Ya, I have had pretty good luck at the flea market here in Nashville. I'm sure that all are different, but this one tends to be pretty good with faily cheap and underpriced coins.
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Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
Joe, very good information.  |
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Moderator
 United States
187934 Posts |
There is a flea market near me that used to have an actual coin dealer. He moved to there (after they renovated his old building and tripled his lease) and his steady customers followed him. He was there until he retired, at which point I stopped going. So, I have not been there in a long time, but now I am wondering if someone ever took his place in that market.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5854 Posts |
If you have a smart phone, I would use that for looking up prices. From the flea markets that I have gone to, the lighting is usually sub-optimal for looking at coins. A lighted magnifier or a small flashlight may come in handy. From what I have seen, coins tend to be fully priced or overpriced but good deals can still be found.
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Valued Member
United States
187 Posts |
I go to flea markets quite often. If I find some coins, I just rely on my very amature experience and basic judgement. It really is easy. If I like it, and I think it is a good deal, I get it. If I think it is not, then walk away. You never know but you may find a better deal at the next table.
Edited by regularguy
10/25/2012 7:34 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1088 Posts |
I have found that flea markets are tough around my area. Dealers are trying to prey on the more common folks just looking for a decent deal. I have also found that some flea market dealers think that their merchandise is the best that there has ever been. they think they have "gold" when all they really have is some junk token. Be careful at all flea markets. Know your coins, know their worth, and know what you would pay for them in different conditions. Also, be ready to grade coins. I have found that some will write a much higher grade than what they truely are.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
520 Posts |
So basically I am getting the drift that I shouldn't waste my time there lol.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3843 Posts |
Quote:
So basically I am getting the drift that I shouldn't waste my time there lol. I wouldn't automatically discount flea markets although the majority of the time they are not great places for coins. Depends on how much you enjoy the thrill of the hunt. A lot of my relatives collect and resell antiques so when I go to a flea market I'm usually not looking for coins but if I stumble upon some that I like at a decent price I buy them. It also depends on the flea market there are a few year round indoor flea markets near where I live right off the interstate that are terrible for coins and really anything that is antique. A local vendor at one of these flea markets actually purchases problem coins and currency from a local brick and mortar coin shop (that I frequent) at retail prices to sell to unsuspecting flea market attendees that are not proficient in coins. Now I have been to flea markets at fairgrounds that are held a few times a year that are slightly better and have dealers that have real antiques and not just discount store items. Just remember anything at a flea market is highly negotiable and the vendors will likely offer steep discounts. On a piece of art pottery I bought a few weeks ago I negotiated a 60% discount and at one point the dealer was following me down the aisle offering to lower his prices. Edited by Joe2007
10/26/2012 12:54 am
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Valued Member
United States
70 Posts |
Quote:So this weekend, I had planned on going to the flea market to get some coins and pick up my collecting some again. What do you guys suggest I look for, and what should I take with me a like a "price checker"? I typically carry a 2012 Red Book with me. Should I take that to the market tomorrow, or what? You'd be better off taking a recent copy of the CDN, or Grey Sheet, as the prices are more accurate than an annually published guide like Red Book. |
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Valued Member
United States
61 Posts |
Casutherland where is this flea market? I live in that area and I would like to check it out sometime too.
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Moderator
United States
187934 Posts |
Quote:
So basically I am getting the drift that I shouldn't waste my time there lol. You will not know for certain until you go see it for yourself. I would hate for you to miss something. |
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Valued Member
United States
158 Posts |
Flea markets I have gone to I never see coins, just a bunch of cheap yardsale type stuff and food vendors.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1721 Posts |
My 2 Cents:
When I used to set up at the flea market or antique shows, I always became annoyed with the 'book checkers.' Do your research out of the view of the seller. If you are afraid of missing a good deal then do your homework at home. When I was a newer dealer, people who did their item research at my table made me nervous. Was I giving something away? Did I make a mistake? Just for fun, I would ask to see their book after they found what they were looking for. The buyer would become agitated and not want to share their new found information. I guess it was 'Top Secret' information and I did not have a 'Need To Know.' Now it's the IPAD or Smart-Phone crowd. I realize in this business/hobby you need every advantage possible. Just be tactful and respectful.
When I shop shows, flea markets or yard sales, I'm not a one item or one category kind of guy. I hunt for all kinds of collectibles. Having over 25 years experience helps. If I hunted just for coins, watches, pottery or other individual items I would have starved to death.
My Motto: Learn as much as you can about everything, then expand on that.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 2,632 |
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Posted 10/25/2012 4:50 pm
