I live in an area where we have 4 coin shows a Month, every Month, all year long and even on Holidays. AND someimes even more than that. All are withing 15 miles of me so I try to go to about 2 to 4 every Month pending the weather. From my virtually hundreds of coin shows I've come to the following conclusions:
The larger the show, the more there is to see. The more there is available to purchase. The more dealers there are from all over the country and sometimes even from other countries. Prices of almost everything is higher than small shows. Usually there is a entry fee. Usually there is a parking fee. Usually any food or drinks are expensive. The cost of a dealer to rent a table is higher than small, local shows. In some of the larger shows dealers are even charged for electric for lighting. No lights? They can rent them also. Most dealers have traveled great distances to get there so must rent a room in a hotel or motel. Many have a relative or helper with them so that too cost money. This and much more are all paid for by the sales of coins so all prices must be higher than a small local show. The dealer you may buy from, you may never see or hear from again, ever. Large coin shows are fun but expect to pay more for everything.
Many small local shows are with dealers from the area. They just drive there and then home so no hotels or motels. Many can bring food or drinks with so not have to spend on that in the area. Many have a coin or hobby store in the area so they don't want to make enemies of customers since their store's profits may depend on good will. Small show dealers too want to get to know you so you will be steady customer. Table rentals are usually much cheaper too at small shows. Most have electric free. Many small shows have candy, flyers for other shows and stores in the area on a table. Some have copies of coin magazines free too. If you have that many shows in your area it is nice too that when you walk in, your greeted by many dealers as if you were the only person there.
As an example of cost differences, at one of the smaller shows a dealer sells the
Red Book for $10, hard cover. The larger shows usually sell them for what is on the book. As you get to know dealers at the small shows, you can actually have dealers look out for certain coins for you. At one show I asked a dealer I now know well if he ever gets used Albums and what does he do with them. He told me he normally throws them out so I asked him to bring me some. At the next show he gave me over 40 Albums free.
I really like small shows.
Posted 01/16/2011 07:37 am
