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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,734 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2609 Posts |
I'm getting ready to go to a larger coin show this week and it has probably been five years since I last attended one, either a major or a local show. I looked through old threads and found the following advice to be the most common: 1. Bring cash 2. Take a lap around the floor before buying anything 3. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price and haggle 4. Bring your necessary tools (i.e. loupe) and detailed list with grades/prices 5. Be safe and watch for thieves 6. Have fun! Is there anything else you would recommend? Do you only look for specific coins / focus on one series, or just see what is available that you need? Do you limit yourself in how much you will spend, say (hypothetically) $100?  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
True there have been many posts about going to a coin show. You already covered some of the more important ones. However, I'd like to add: 1. Do not wear a back pack. If aisles are small, it will hit people constantly. 2. Keep cash in a front pocket. 3. Do not bring a Red Book. No purpose since all prices are not real 4. Never pay what they are asking since most have already jumped up prices due to they know people will haggle for a better price. 5. Make sure you are not followed when leaving. 6. Keep cash in several piles so you don't pull out a large bundle. 7. Have fun. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
937 Posts |
Quote:
2. Take a lap around the floor before buying anything Do not hold this rule hard and fast. If you see something you like at a good price buy it when you see it, it will most likely not be there by the time you are done 'taking a lap'. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1316 Posts |
Put a smile on your face and hope it can pull a smile out of the grumpy dealers along the way :) I suppose this is part of having fun.
Remember that rapport is a big part of haggling, so take some time to be conversational if the dealer isn't too grumpy to chat.
(As you can tell, I've been left with a perception a lot of dealers are grumpy from the shows I've been too big and small. But the friendly ones more than compensate for it. Enjoy your day with them!)
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Moderator
 United States
187862 Posts |
Quote:
Do not hold this rule hard and fast. If you see something you like at a good price buy it when you see it, it will most likely not be there by the time you are done 'taking a lap'. Not a bad idea. I typically do a lap before I buy anything, but I am always aware of the risk. If the price were really good I would not hesitate. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5854 Posts |
 I have seen it from both sides. I remember looking at a nice 1910-S cent for my type set and decided that I would walk around the show to think about it. By the time I returned to the dealer looking to purchase it, it had been sold. Then at the same show but many years later, I had agreed to purchase a 1866 2 cent and while I was looking at a few other of his coins, 3 teenagers came up asking to look at that 1866 2 cent again with one of them expressing the intent to purchase. The time between when I had agreed to buy and when they showed up was no more than 5-10 minutes and the coin was still on the table. I would also like to add good manners and etiquette. So that would be things like please and thank you; waiting your turn if a dealer is busy; not hogging the entire table or the dealer's time if a customer approaches; etc. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3843 Posts |
Talk to dealers about the series you are interested in. They may have more inventory behind their table that they can offer to you -- at the last show I attended I was looking for Classic Head cent and was chatting with a dealer who despite not having any in their display cases was able to produce a dozen examples from their inventory.
Edited by Joe2007
05/31/2017 7:08 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2609 Posts |
Thank you all for your advice!
Do you normally look for a specific coin (like one key date for instance) or stick with one series, or do you look for anything you need?
Also, do you limit yourself in how much you will spend, say (hypothetically) $100?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4589 Posts |
If this is the TNA show in Arlington, have fun. Nice wide aisles and decent lighting. Two chairs per table (I just finished covering the tables).
Normally at a big show, the high-end dealers pay extra for the front tables.
-----Burton 50+ year / Life / Emeritus ANA member (joined 12/1/1973) Life member: Numismatics International, CONECA Member: TNA, FtWCC, NETCC, EveryCountry (online) coin club Owned by three cats and a wife of 40+ years (joined 1983) Author: 3rd Edition of the Sample Slabs book, https://www.sampleslabs.info/ |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3843 Posts |
Quote:
Do you normally look for a specific coin (like one key date for instance) or stick with one series, or do you look for anything you need?
Anything I'd want to add to my collection that is priced reasonably. Quote:
Also, do you limit yourself in how much you will spend, say (hypothetically) $100? I set aside an amount of cash that I'd be comfortable spending part or all of and spend out of that portion on coins/currency/precious metals. Of course I keep other cash available for gas, food, and any other costs incurred in getting to the show separated. Edited by Joe2007
06/01/2017 7:07 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2609 Posts |
Thank you Joe2007 and everyone! The show was a success, and I'll be posting pictures in the newest acquisition threads soon!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3184 Posts |
do a show report if you can along with pics
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4211 Posts |
Glad you enjoyed the show... Looking forward to seeing the pics |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,734 |
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Posted 05/31/2017 09:20 am
