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 Replies: 15 / Views: 1,155 |
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Valued Member
United States
420 Posts |
Hello, I'm going to be attending my first coin show in exactly one week. I'm very excited and a little unsure what to expect. I'm taking the following items. My backpack to hold... pen paper my want list W/ " Red Book" prices Loupe Camera Cash Are cameras allowed? Anything else I should or should not take? Any Advice? Thanks, Rich |
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
My advice to you is this. Looks like you have your essentials covered. Don't let your backpack out of sight. If you see a coin you like and the dealer is talking with someone else, be patient, he'll get with you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Dealers enjoy talking with you. After all, you are a potential sale and can sometimes get a better deal on a coin your looking at. Don't lean over anyone examining a coin. Photography is allowed on static displays but I would not photograph any dealer items. Have fun. Generally 99.9% of folks at coin shows are good people. Enjoy yourself and let us know how it went.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
Quote:
Generally 99.9% of folks at coin shows are good people. I would agree--my favorite place to buy coins are shows. Many dealers are truly excellent, professional people. As for the others...the venue makes it easy to walk to another dealer. I was first intimidated by shows, until I got really casual about the whole thing. I've only done perhaps 5 shows so far, but now I've dropped into a comfortable habit of browsing albums on tables. That way I go at my own pace and let dealers cater to the people buying the slabbed stuff. And I've found a lot of great coins. Have fun!  Edited by KurtS
10/25/2008 10:45 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
819 Posts |
Here's a little hint; many dealers have catalogues or newsletters that they send out. Rather than wasting time and energy writing your name and address that many times, just take some of those free address labels you get from advertisers. ;)
Have fun! Look at everything before you buy anything. Most dealers will hold an item for you if you ask.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Here is a bit of warning. DO NOT TAKE A BACK PACK. I've been to coin shows were the security people tell back packers to leave or get rid of the back pack. At most coin shows aisles are small and a back pack constantly hits people. Old people as a rule don't like to be constantly hit with a back pack. At one coin show I was hit by a back pack twice and told security to tell that idiot to dump the thing. They asked him to leave or put the thing in his car. Many dealers have chairs for customers. If you sit on a chair with a back pack it sticks into the aisle. Again, a real irritation. DO NOT TAKE A BACK PACK. Check about the usage of a camera at the show. Many coin, gun, knife shows do not allow cameras. If they do, they will ask you to only take photos in certain locations. I've been going to coin shows for well over 20, 30 or more years. 2 to 4 shows a month. So far I've only seen a Red Book used once by a customer. Keep all money in a front pocket. Do not take a credit card or personal check. While using one you do not know who is behind you with a camera phone. Always watch for someone following you as you leave the show. DO NOT TAKE A BACK PACK. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
1943 Posts |
Here is something else from someone who has been the chairperson for our local coin show for the last several years. If the show is run by a club like your local club, then buy one of the chances they are selling. I can tell you from our local experience, the cost to the dealers to rent the tables barely covers the cost of the show. Each year the cost of the location goes up and the security goes up. So the dealer table rentals cover the show and the chances are where the club gets its yearly operating costs. Support the club who caused this show to happen for you.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
I do not wear a backpack, but I have a shoulder briefcase that I take to shows with me. It is less obstructive than a backpack and I have never had a problem with security. Here is something similar to what I have-  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2540 Posts |
Note: Feel free to haggle over the prices, just don't get obnoxious.
I usually just say: :how much is the non-tourist price?" They get the idea quickly.
Then if it isn't to your liking, or too far off base, just walk away, don't insult the seller.
I will usually say something like "thanks, but that it too far off for me." and they will either continue to talk or put the coin away.
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Valued Member
United States
83 Posts |
Hi Rich, it really depends on the show... many promotors dont like people just taking picutres at least without asking forist.... Hope your show is fun andif your in the NY, CT, NJ area...remember Coinfest is Nov 7,8,9 hope to see you there! Jon
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
I have never taken a camera to a Coin Show but when I had an Antique Shop, I would ask people to not take images without asking me first. I dunno, I guess I just felt like I wasn't running a museum or didn't want my stuff listed on ebay and if the seller made a profit on it they would come in and buy it from me afterwards. The cameras of today though really make it difficult to deter taking pictures. I would ask the people at the entrance to the coin show if things are allowed and what the camera policy is. If they don't want you to take certain things in, take them back to the car and lock them in your trunk. I never take a picture of somebody or some-body's property without asking first. Go with a list of things you want to look for. Once you get in, it will be easy to get overwhelmed with everything you'll see. If you find a great deal on something you are looking for or even a pretty fair price, it might be sold when you shop around for a better deal. Keep that one in mind and don't wander too far or somebody else will grab it if sales are brisk that day. Have fun and relax. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1231 Posts |
I use the same type of shoulder briefcase that biokemists uses. I have never had a problem either.
I agree with others to ask at the door about cameras. Alot of shows don't allow it because of possible security issues. And I agree you should also ask to take pictures of a coin or banknote that a dealer has.
Just remember to have a good time. If you don't find anything you like at this show, there will always be others.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
986 Posts |
Know what you want and at what prices you're willing to buy. Don't settle for a subpar example because chances are, unless you are buying an ultra rarity, there will always be a better example out there that can be found with due diligence.
Do not conduct any business on the floor with someone who isn't a dealer. The dealers have paid money for their tables and the right to conduct business. If you want to privately buy a coin with another collector, do it outside of the bourse. Otherwise, show security will ask you to leave.
On that same note, do not disrupt any transactions you see going on. If you see somebody about to pay for a coin that you just saw at another dealer's table for a cheaper price, don't say anything to mess up the transaction. Otherwise, you will become very unpopular very fast and soon no dealers will want you near their table.
I have never had a problem taking my backpack into a show, and I've been to a lot of major coin shows.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2540 Posts |
How big a show are you going to attend? At the ANA last year, 2007, I took pictures without any problem. [I got one of Ken Bressett, and another of us together.] Also, of the Whitman booth and the bourse floor. So, just ask. |
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Valued Member
 United States
420 Posts |
Hello,
I'm not sure at the size of the show but the information shows 140 tables it is also mixed with sports cards and stamps. I'll take my camera just in case and keep a lookout for signs about pictures.
Thanks,
Rich
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2540 Posts |
Rich:
Or, just ask when you go in the door.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Forgot to mention I too take an over the shoulder type of bag. Mine is actually a camera type case with several small pockets and it does not get in anyones way.
As to cameras. One of the reasons they are not allowed in some shows is a security problem. If you have anything like a check book or credit card being used it is to easy to just photo that info right over someone's shoulder.
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Replies: 15 / Views: 1,155 |
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Posted 10/25/2008 10:44 pm
