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 Replies: 18 / Views: 1,045 |
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Valued Member
United States
485 Posts |
Hey everyone, it's been a while since I've posted here (college did its job and kept me busy). Anyways, I'm going to be setting up at a coin show this Friday and Saturday. I've attended two coin shows in the past, but this will be my first time setting up as a dealer. I wanted to see what tips you all had. Some things that might be relevant:
- I'm dealing primarily in U.S. type coins, especially 19th century but with some 18th and 20th century mixed in. I've got about 300 or so coins that I'll be bringing to the show ranging in price from $20-$10,000. About 15% of those coins are professionally graded.
- There will be a young man shadowing me on Friday and then I've got a family member coming on Saturday, so I will have another set of hands each day.
- I have lights, a loupe, coin storage bins, my business cards, and cases will be provided.
- I plan on accepting only cash; should I advertise this? Would you recommend accepting personal checks?
- I plan on bringing about $10K in cash including small bills to the convention.
Thank you all so much for your tips and advice!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19108 Posts |
Are you selling only, or will you also be buying?
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Moderator
 United States
15381 Posts |
I have a friend who has been a professional numismatist for decades now who has advanced to being the organizer/promoter for about 6 coin shows per year in addition to dealing at them. A very experienced dealer, so I pay attention to what he says. The number one item he always mentions is pay attention to your security. Keep your expensive coins in locked cases and only hand over one coin at a time Make sure the customers keep their hands above the table when examining coins Keep you cash in a cash box out of view Arrange for on-site security to escort you to/from your vehicle when you carrying your coins for the start and ending the show Drive directly home after the show and don't leave your vehicle unattended at any time when your coins or cash are in it You can likely add some additional common sense items to this list. Best of wishes to you for your show success. Let us know how it goes. Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.artEdited by nickelsearcher
02/17/2026 2:19 pm
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Moderator
United States
94636 Posts |
What is the location of your show?
Nickelsearcher pretty much gave a good list of things to watch/prepare for.
as for accepting checks - I would say no on that, but Zelle, PayPal or other electronic means of payment would be good.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1227 Posts |
Nickelsearcher gave great advice on safety. If you have high end expensive coins not a lot of people carry 10,000$ in cash. Other forms of payment might be advised as mentioned by others. And I say no to checks as well. That is just a setup for a bad day if the check bounces. Good luck hope you do well.
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Valued Member
United States
216 Posts |
I don't come to shows with a wallet full of cash, nor does anyone else I know. If a dealer doesn't accept checks and doesn't have a way to accept cards (don't these incur fees to the dealer?), then buying something for more than a nominal amount (say, over a couple hundred dollars) is off the table for me.
Since you mention stock at $10k and that you want to only accept cash, then the chance of selling anything at that price point is around zero. Flashing that many bills around your table during transactions is going to catch the eyes of anyone looking for an easy mark after the show. (And do wallets even hold 100+ notes?)
Edit: Would you feel more comfortable accepting a check from someone with an industry affiliation card (e.g., ANA, PNG, or even a club like EAC) where the name matched their driver's license?
Edited by samoth
02/17/2026 4:56 pm
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
In my experience, it seems that coin show dealers who will not accept electronic payment are now the exception. YMMV.
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Valued Member
 United States
485 Posts |
Great input, thanks everyone! Answering the questions that were posed:
1. I will be buying if I find any good deals. The primary goal is to sell though.
2. The show is located in South Carolina.
3. Thanks for the input regarding credit cards. I looked into getting a Square credit card payment apparatus, and there is a simple one that I was able to get for free that just plugs into my phone. I'll pick it up tomorrow and figure out how it works before the show.
4. I suppose I would accept a check if another dealer could corroborate that this was a trusted buyer and/or if they let me take a picture of their driver's license.
Please, keep the advice coming. I'm eager to soak up as much as I can!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2850 Posts |
Bring a wholesale price sheet. Also, be ready for people to try to haggle. If you can't take anything off on the sticker price, and it doesn't make sense for you to sell at their offer, don't feel pressured to accept. Mark items fair, but also where you can take a little off in the event of negotiation. On the topic of sticker price, I always have my items priced where they can be seen. (When I am on the buying side, I tend to pass over those who have nothing priced). That's like walking into the grocery store and you have to ask what the price of the items are on the shelf.
Everyone should assume cash, and that's usually how I take payment. However, if they ask, I do electronic payment as well. Greet those looking at your table. I also bring cheap items to give away to kids. We have to get the younger generation interested too!
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
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Moderator
United States
15381 Posts |
Quote:
I looked into getting a Square credit card payment apparatus Good call on accepting credit cards. My wife and I share a Square account when we sell our work at art shows. Be mindful that Square will charge you a 2.39% fee (plus 39¢ per transaction) so factor that into your pricing if you have some coins that are sold on thin margins. Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1887 Posts |
I have sold a lot (not coins, but this works with any small items) at outdoor shows and flea markets over the years,
and my policy regarding personal checks was as follows:
I will accept your check for the agreed sale amount and hold your item until the check has cleared.
Then your item will be mailed at your expense, or mine, depending on prior agreement and/or amount of sale.
Never has there been a problem with this policy. And buyers usually opt for cash payment because they are impatient.
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Valued Member
United States
485 Posts |
Thanks for the additional tips. I'll plan on having a small sign that states 3% convenience fee for card payments to mitigate those processing fees. And yes, it is the Upstate Coin Show that I'll be setting up at!
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
Quote:
And yes, it is the Upstate Coin Show that I'll be setting up at! Excellent!  |
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Valued Member
United States
485 Posts |
Finished selling today. Overall, it was a good first show. I was able to sell a decent amount of inventory - nearly $3,000 worth - and network with some of the dealers. Bullion, Pokemon cards, and gold were selling like crazy. It doesn't seem like there are as many collectors interested in type coins. Nonetheless, I was able to sell some large cents, a 1794 Half Cent, 1806 half dollar, 1872 Seated Liberty dollar, and a few other earlier type coins. Additionally, it was refreshing to see that there were a lot of young collectors on Saturday in particular. I had a young girl, probably 11 or 12 years old, buy a Shield nickel from me. I also had a young man around the same age who bought a Three Cent Silver and Flying Eagle cent from me. It was only 10-12 years ago that I was in their shoes, saving birthday and Christmas money as a kid to buy coins at the show. With that said, it was such a full-circle experience to be the one selling coins and giving the kids a good deal! Edited by CoinEnthusiast
02/21/2026 10:23 pm
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Moderator
United States
15381 Posts |
Nice report, thanks for sharing an update. |
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Replies: 18 / Views: 1,045 |
Posted 02/17/2026 2:18 pm
