First Time Going To A LCS... Any Tips?

If you're looking to sort through 'junk' silver, you have a good chance of doing that at a jewelry store that buys silver. There's a shop where I live that I've been going to for 15 years. Nothing wrong with telling the owner you'd like to cherry pick some silver. Ask what his price is per coin and pick away...

Take your loupe or you'll end up using some of that 20 bucks on one. Don't be afraid to haggle that's half the fun.

One that I go to has binders on display for cents, nickels, clad, 40%, and foreign coins. They keep 90% in the safe (both numismatic items and "junk") and will bring out whatever you want to look at. Morgans and Peace, ASE, silver rounds and bars, gold, etc, are all in counter display cases. This has the best selection of places I've been to; my bone with this one is that unless you're one of those guys who comes in weekly to spend his paycheck on silver, they don't seem that interested in helping you.

Store #2, which is the one I most enjoy going to, has nothing in binders. Everything is beneath counter glass, or in various places behind the counter. They don't seem to do as much with junk as Store #1 (for example, last time I was in there, they had a ziplock bag of junk quarters at the time and that was about it). And their customer service is awesome, which to me more than makes up for any shortcomings in their offerings.

Store #3 is the closest to my house and work. I think it is just an older gentleman running the place himself. There is minimal organization to the place (except for the collecting supplies, albums, folders, 2x2s, etc). He has some binders on the counter, but again the stuff in them just seems kind of random. He does have Ikes, Franklins, Kennedys, Sacs, SBA, and I think Prez dollars on display in some kind of funky horizontally rotating case. Also has some random dusty stuff under counter glass. The only things I've purchased here were a 2008 Sac, a 1970 Kennedy, and a few packs of 2x2's. Very nice guy though and will take the time to sift through everything to find you what you need. You can easily tell he is an old collector himself, who is genuinely interested in sharing his knowledge with you, rather than being some silver pusher/buyer behind a desk.

My first LCS trip was to Store #1, with the intent of purchasing a 2013 mint or proof set for my (at the time) soon-to-be-born daughter. The guy mentioned the prices, and then suggested an ASE instead which, admittingly, was not only far more appealing (anything beats dead presidents!) but was also silver and a bit cheaper!

So what is the point of this long, sordid novella? Even in my limited experience, I can tell you that LCS's come in all types, and vary widely in the type of service they provide. Please let us know how it goes, and have fun!

Bring a hot female friend. Most coin dealers haven't seen a hot woman in person since Reagan was President. Or, make sure you know exactly what you want beforehand. Check all the price guides you can get your hands on. Spend more time listening than talking. Bring a loupe. Also, I generally keep a list of 'wants' on me at all times, and I update the prices, etc. on the list just in case I come across something I've been looking for, but haven't seen in a while (like a 09 s penny, which I used to see all the time, and now I haven't seen one since I've decided to buy one!)

Most importantly, see if it's a silver dealer that deals in coins, or a coin dealer that deals in silver. There's a difference, and you'll know it when you see it. Have fun, and good luck!

Try to remember that your going to a place where all the proceeds go to support the store and at least one family. Possibly the store owner does not have a large family or the prices he charges would be higher. May sound funny but imagine yourself with that store. And no other income but what you sell at that store. Now you have to pay for gas, electric, water, phones, internet, possibly rent and the same where you live. Unless you live in the store of course.
Now you go there and want to spend $20. And your just about the only customer of the day. Think you'll get a deal?
It's not like Walmart where profits are made on a zillion items sold every minute.
Look up in the internet for a coin show in your area. Usually on a Saturday or Sunday. Great place to take the whole family. AND your $20 may well go a lot farther than you could imagine.
Nothing wrong with a small coin store. Just remember that the owner has to make a living too.

Most LCS's will have a bin of coins that are half price (mine has several ) This is where most of my purchases have come from. Some stuff is decent, while other stuff is just junk. Do not be afraid to haggle (it's part of the fun) and make sure you have a Red Book with you.

Above just enjoy yourself.

The trick will be figuring out the good dealers from the bad ones which is obviously easier said than done.

To be on the safe side though if you hang around asking a bunch of questions buy something even if its just some supplies. Dealers are pretty hit or miss with how much time they will want to spend with you, some enjoy the conversation others its like pulling teeth. If you make some sort of purchase though the good ones will appreciate the gesture.

Theres definitely nothing wrong with asking a bunch of questions, but try and do it during a down time. If youre the only one in the store youre a lot more likely to get a positive response then if theres a lot of other customers there.

Make friends with the owner/workers. You'd be surprise what they'll do for it once they know you.

Don't object to prices or comment they are too high or whatever. That will just make them mad. It's perfectly acceptable to bring a Gray Sheet and refer to that after they give you a price....but if the price is out of whack, just say "no thanks" and move on. It's the "polite" way to bargain and once they see you're an informed shopper, they may offer you better prices (i.e. closer to CDN) on the next coin.

Take the opportunity to LEARN. The vast majority of BM dealers know their stuff pretty well. Don't be afraid to ask and learn. Hopefully, they are friendly and want to talk coins. Keep in mind, a lot of dealers I know come off as grumpy and act like you're bothering them....but they open up once they see you're a paying customer. Just make sure you buy something...anything....each time you come in. It will really open up the rapport.

Take off your coat and always keep anything you're looking at in plain view on the counter. Don't reach in your pockets - keep your hands on the counter at all times. Anything that looks like a "slight of hand" move will make them nervous. Dealers get ripped off all the time and if they don't know you, they will probably treat you like you're a criminal. Trust has to be EARNED!