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 Replies: 16 / Views: 2,683 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1261 Posts |
I made a trip to my local coin shop today and left very disappointed. I was ready to buy, something, anything, even junk silver. I first asked to see the type coins. The owner grabs a few things out to show me which were crap. I then asked to see other stuff and he asks me what I was looking for. I had to explain I had a bunch of holes in my 7070 album so I was looking for a little of everything. He pulls out a few more things which were better but still nothing I was interested in. I then asked to see some Peace dollars. Same poor reaction by him. Finally I inquired about ASE's and he was selling them for $27 each. I just left at that point. I have noticed this type of behavior at other shops before and it's usually the owners. It's not like I am just a gawker, either. I buy and don't usually haggle unless I think something is overpriced. It just seems like shops don't want to deal with collectors anymore. The quality of coins seems to be very poor and the shops seem to cater to only bullion or they keep the collectors coins in the back hidden from collectors. I'm glad for online auctions and stores because that's the only way to acquire decent material anymore or so it seems. OK gripe session is over. |
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Valued Member
United States
403 Posts |
wish I had a lcs close by, nearest one is 90 miles
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Pillar of the Community
United States
688 Posts |
I am very lucky. I have a great coin shop less than 2 miles from my house. The owner and his family are great to deal with and are very fair. They show me whatever I want, always very chatty. Last time I was in there he just randomly said he wanted to show me something and pulled out a PCGS certified MS-64 1885 Liberty nickel and let me drool over it for a few minutes. Whenever I purchase anything, he automatically knocks 5% off the price marked on the 2x2 for me. And it isn't like I am in there all the time, I am there maybe once a month. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1554 Posts |
I guess my suggestion would be to come with a more specific list with the type of coin and with the approx. grade you are looking for. Sometimes their nicer coins or less asked for coins are in a safe in the back room. Inquiring to see type coins could have meant a variety of things to the store owner. Maybe try to develop a relationship with the owner as he just may bend over backwards to acquire coins for you that you want. Store owners like repeat customers.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
844 Posts |
I think that until a store owner gets to know you, they're going to be leery. So much crime and all. My LCS is so familiar with me now, he lets me get into the cases behind the counter now. Granted, I don't just go and do it. He usually just says go ahead. Anytime I go into a new place, I feel the nervousness from the employee/owner. I don't blame them though. I just keep it happy and easy going. There is a shop I used to frequent quite a bit in the early 90's. Hadn't been there in years until about 2 years ago. Wow had they changed! Bars on the windows, super beefy door, had to be buzzed in, and a max number of two customers. Atmosphere was very tense. Employee seemed very impatient. I do not see this as a trend that will lighten up anytime soon. Just a sign of the times I'm afraid.  Gain their trust and they'll treat you like a king.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Quote:
I have noticed this type of behavior at other shops before and it's usually the owners. It's not like I am just a gawker, either. I buy and don't usually haggle unless I think something is overpriced. It just seems like shops don't want to deal with collectors anymore. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who act like theyre doing you a favor selling you coins. Its not unique to that store and happens all over. In my opinion its one of the reasons why a lot of stores struggle. At the time time there are a lot of good stores out there even though that one doesn't sound like one. I would have left as well and I would never go back. Just like you mentioned with whats available on the internet now people are no longer at the mercy of their local store which some owners havent seemed to realize. Theres plenty of other places to spend your money to get what you want without having to inconvenience them so its a win win all around. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1584 Posts |
I think more and more online sales are making it tougher for brick and mortar coin shops. The ongoing economic slump doesn't help either.
The guy isn't doing himself any favors.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1200 Posts |
+1---noD and bb21 summed it up perfectly. I don't know if your guy has a terminally rotten attitude, simply doesn't want to deal with you or maybe both, but
something is definitely wrong with this picture. It sounds like a "no sense going back there" scenario to me.
1893S had a good idea, too. Going into a LCS with a specific list of what you'd like to see is better than going in without a specific focus. If I dealt with my LCS
on a let me see this/now let me see that/now let me se the other thing basis, their hospitality toward me would probably dry up pretty quickly.
This is sadly the age of barred windows, buzz-in doors, security cameras, central station reporting alarms and wary, edgy staff in urban American LCS's. If they
weren't that way, they'd get robbed blind and shot dead. Unfortunately for us, we have to live in and deal with that framework.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Just one of the problems with many local shops for almost anything is that the people working there have to wait on people and people are people. Many customers are ignorant, rude, stupid and not really willing to buy, just like to look and talk dumb. After a very short time such people wear on the people in the stores so they too get a bit of the same. Trying to make ends meet with so much competition via purchases on the internet, also doesn't help with a sellers attitude.
Not trying to make excusses for a poor store selling person though. Dealing with the public may not be easy but a seller should try and try anyway.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1554 Posts |
Kind of like owning a small grocery store. The owners want your business and they also want you to return. But when a customer is just browsing for groceries or etc. and not buying, the owner may get a little crotchety. Don't expect him to be over friendly until you are a repeat customer. When I was a kid I don't remember the clerks and owners being overly friendly when I was buying my comic books or car models, the rule was basically pick out what you want, pay the man, and leave. It never bothered me if they weren't friendly, I just wanted my stuff. Even now when shopping for whatever and including coins I ask for what I specifically want and could care less how the owners mood is. Of course if he's totally unwilling to help me I probably wouldn't want to return. Just remember he's probably got other things on his mind such as deliveries, other customers that may not even be in the store yet, balancing his books, etc.
Edited by 1893S
02/01/2014 12:03 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1584 Posts |
Yes I agree it can be super tough to keep a game face on after dealing with a challenging customer or month of low sales etc. Quote:
Dealing with the public may not be easy but a seller should try and try anyway. |
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Valued Member
United States
337 Posts |
We have two really good shops in the area, and they are both run by people I know. Join the local coin club, and get to know the dealers. I think they are nice to everyone, but they are definitely willing to help other club members, even knowing items are for ebay sale. However, I can relate to what you are saying. About 40 years ago I needed a certain coin, and had only $10 bills on me. The price was $15. The dealer asked for exact payment, and when I could not provide a $5 bill he tore a $10 bill in half and handed half to me. The same dealer had 30 silver dollars, and refused to sell them except 10 or 20 at a time. He seemed not to like the fact that I bought 10, then went back and bought the other 20. Then, he closed. This is where your LCS is headed. |
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Valued Member
United States
83 Posts |
My lcs owner was kind of the same way as you stated chesterb. First time I went in there he didnt even get out of his chair when I asked about some of the coins. But as I went back the secknd and third time, each time spending about $50, he became friendlier and started asking me what I was looking for today and usually pulls out all his trays from his safe or shows me what hes gotten in since the last time I was in. I think it just takes a few visits and purchases for them to realize your a serious collector and not just someone wandering in off the street.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7620 Posts |
I made an arrangement to pick up some coins from the former owner of a shop a few weeks ago. The former owner is a good guy and I hated to see him sell out but that's just the way it is. Anyway, stopped at his old shop and got the stuff the old owner left for me but felt like the new owner could have at least said hello and took the time to introduce himself. His lady assistant waited on me while he never even looked up with his face buried in a pile of junk silver dimes.
This is one time I really hope a coin shop fails. I hate feeling that way, too.
All the other shops I frequent are great and seem to be glad to see customers.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2850 Posts |
Quote:
My lcs owner was kind of the same way as you stated chesterb. First time I went in there he didnt even get out of his chair when I asked about some of the coins. But as I went back the secknd and third time, each time spending about $50, he became friendlier and started asking me what I was looking for today and usually pulls out all his trays from his safe or shows me what hes gotten in since the last time I was in. I think it just takes a few visits and purchases for them to realize your a serious collector and not just someone wandering in off the street. I noticed this at my LCS as well. When I first started making visits I would just look around and not buy much, just to get a feel of their prices and inventory and they really didn't have much interest in me. I then started buying a few things and they became more friendly with me and have even given me a few price breaks. I go almost every Saturday and I never walk out empty handed and they know this too. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4409 Posts |
I am lucky the coin/jewelry store I frequent has always treated me well. I remember the first time I went there with my dad I just looked. The older gentleman working behind the counter was patient and let me look to my heart's content.
I try to go at a time when the shop isn't going to be super busy so I can take my time---my mom was surprised the first time she took me to the coin shop---we were there for 2 or 2.5 hours--looking, chatting, learning, and buying.
I always try to buy something when I'm there as it is my favorite.
-MV
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Replies: 16 / Views: 2,683 |
Posted 01/31/2014 7:34 pm
