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 Replies: 7 / Views: 1,663 |
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Valued Member
United States
277 Posts |
  What I have here is a 1625 Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg 1 thaler piece depicting Johann Philipp I, Friedrich VIII, Johann Wilhelm IV, and Friedrich Wilhelm II. This is the first thaler I've ever purchased, and not knowing whether it was real or not, I've been asking different online numismatic forums for second opinions. Since asking, I've received many mix messages of both "the coin looks good" and "this characteristic tells me it's a forgery." So, I've decided of maybe taking it to a few coin shops in my local area and getting an in-person analysis. The reason I'm asking about good coin store etiquette is because I'd think it to be in-polite to go to a coin store, talk to them a bit, get the coin examined, get their opinion, and then just leave. Most coin stores in my area will examine coins for free. Is it common for many people to go to coin stores just to have their coins examined for free and not give anything to the coin shop? I've heard of stories in the old days when coin shops were a gathering place for numismatists to talk about the hobby, although that culture has slowly gone away over the years (so I've heard).
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
If there is a deal going on between the dealer and his client,
stay out of it.
Unless there is an obvious attempt at some sort of dishonesty.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
7933 Posts |
I don't spend a lot of time in coin stores ... mostly I buy supplies at my LCS and occasionally fish something that catches my eye out of the world coin bin.
But I think it's the same etiquette as in any other store. Be respectful, wait your turn, etc. From the store's viewpoint you are a potential future customer. From your viewpoint, the store has expertise and technology of which you would like to avail yourself. If they help you gratis on this coin, a small purchase of some kind would be a nice gesture, though it is not obligatory.
I work part time in a retail shop (not coins). The occasional person who walks in off the street and asks to use the restroom is never begrudged that service if they walk out without buying anything. The person who does the same, then makes a token purchase, is appreciated for the gesture.
The guy who used to walk in the store every day, ask for a dog treat (we have a big jar of freebies behind the counter), and never bought anything was tolerated (he lived in the neighborhood, and much of our business is with neighbors), but not appreciated one iota.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8938 Posts |
Quote:
think it's the same etiquette as in any other store. Be respectful, wait your turn, etc Quote:
If there is a deal going on between the dealer and his client,
stay out of it.
Unless there is an obvious attempt at some sort of dishonesty. Pretty much this. Rules differ from store to store, but at the shop I work at we don't like customers talking unless they're together, mainly for security reasons. There was an incident a few years back where a person who was a "customer" and chatting up another patron was more or less casing the guy and him and his buddies ended up robbing him right after he left the store. Basically use common sense, and if the dealer asks you not to do, or to do something, accommodate as best as possible. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
And never, never try to conduct business with someone else in a dealer's shop.
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Pillar of the Community
4628 Posts |
Also don't pile up the dealer with inane questions about common coins or any coin you don't intend to buy.
When examining a coin, particularly a nice one, do not smudge or mark the coin.
Don't insult the dealer of staff member personally, especially if you feel their prices are high or if they have stock that is clearly fake.
Don't ask for huge discounts on cheap (Under $10 items) or if you are a first time customer only buying cheep cheep stuff.
If you have racial or cultural issues with a dealer - walk out and get a life - don't let them know or if the dealer harasses you for the same reason - walk out.
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
5391 Posts |
To get respect , show respect .
The primary reason the door is open,
the business is there to make money .
As a customer , client , first time visitor
Be brief and pleasant , you should expect the
same in return .
If you walk in on a " mission " expect the " bums rush "
real fast .
Oh . a final word , try to make a small purchase if
feasible.
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Valued Member
 United States
277 Posts |
Thank you to all of you for your thoughtful responses :). I'm sure some of you may have had some interesting interactions during your careers as coin enthusiasts in the past, and I appreciate the wisdom some of you have shared. Good etiquette is universal no matter the situation.
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Replies: 7 / Views: 1,663 |
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Posted 07/01/2021 06:58 am
