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 Replies: 19 / Views: 2,821 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1911 Posts |
I will be moving to the Peoria area and was wondering how people find it best to find a good LCS and get involved with it (and preferably without spending a ton of money since it will take a while for my allowance to grow  ). Thanks for the advice! |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Go in and be friendly and introduce yourself. Feel the place out,if you get a bad gut feeling you probably should look for another shop. Ask questions and make a small purchase. John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2850 Posts |
Be friendly, feel it out, and make a few small purchases each time so they get to know you and what you like to collect.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
937 Posts |
Maybe a few things not to do;
Do not inform the dealer that you are an expert on anything.
Do not belittle his stock or call things junk (even if they are junk).
Do not brag about how good your collection is.
Do not be the smartest one in the conversation (even if you are).
The relationship with your local dealer is a fragile and important thing. Start it off on the right foot and your local dealer can become the best friend your collection ever had. Start it out on the wrong foot and you will likely miss out on everything.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Life lessons there, not just numismatic ones.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1911 Posts |
Thanks guys I like to think that I am always friendly and polite, but definitely have to make sure that I don't appear arrogant like Tryna said. Do you guys go to a LCS due to proximity, people, or just plain prices?
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
I went the coin shop closest to my home for a while, buying inexpensive coins from time to time. But before I bought an expensive coin -- or what passes as expensive for me -- I searched the shop's reputation online. I've been shopping there ever since. He does not have the best prices but he is honest and I have no fear of being sold a fake.
Another thing you might consider is looking for a local club. Also there is a show in East Peoria in the spring. You might want to check that out to find clubs and meet dealers.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1911 Posts |
@Buddy is there somewhere I can find more information about this show in East Peoria? Thanks!
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Valued Member
United States
283 Posts |
Check out Westlake Rare Coins. It's a nice LCS.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19947 Posts |
In addition to what the others have said, I'll emphasize the point: At least buy something small when you go in the first time. It will let him know you're a buying customer. Also, make sure you don't wear a big coat with a lot of pockets and make it painfully obviously you're not there to rip him off, i.e. keep all coins on the counter and hands in plain sight. Personally, I think the #1 fear of dealers is thieves. Once they see you're friendly, a serious buyer and not a thief, you'll be good.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1192 Posts |
Yeah I always buy a few dollars worth of stuff if I plan on coming back and be friendly. I collect junk silver dimes and transportation tokens so usually they always buy some stuff. Then I surprise them and spend like $50 haha. I go to places about once a week so it's hard to spend much each visit.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
I can't find out any more about the East Peoria show. I just saw it here http://www.coinshows.com/illinois.html. Scroll down to the listings in green. I expect there will be some informatio once the date is settled and I expect that should be soon. It's listed as their 54th Anniversary Show -- and I think it has been 54 years since the founding of the Illinois Numismatic Association. I guess you'll just have to keep checking the net every week until the info. appears. |
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
Quote:
Do you guys go to a LCS due to proximity, people, or just plain prices? People first. There are two shops about an hour from me and I only go to one of them because of the owner and his wife.He has been my "shop" for about 40 years. There is another one farther away that is nice but don't go there much because of the distance. As far as prices,I pretty much know before hand what to pay and if there is something I really want I can always make a fair offer. John1 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1911 Posts |
Ok so I will definitely make sure that I buy something small as I first come in and get to know the people more. And @Dith I saw Westlake online and was going to give it a try too! Thanks! Hopefully I can find a good one and actually start a relationship with them instead of just being a "customer".
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1109 Posts |
Again, BadThad beat me to a point (stop reading my mind!) Show them you are a customer, not just a browser, the first time you're there. And yes, set their minds at ease by not reaching into pockets or acting in a way they may think is intended to conceal something. My LCS trusts me so much at this point, mostly because of the things I (and BadThad) mentioned, but also a few other reasons, that they will sometimes step into a back room and ask me to keep an eye on things up front. A good relationship from the beginning is key.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3843 Posts |
Try to create pleasant, hassle-free transactions. Don't get into prolonged negotiations, ask for a best price on an item and then either pass or purchase it. I try to always pay in cash since credit card transactions cost them $$$ and cut into their profits.
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Replies: 19 / Views: 2,821 |
Posted 01/09/2015 11:11 am
