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 Replies: 21 / Views: 3,578 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1081 Posts |
I've been collecting for a while now, but really haven't been to many coin shops. I wanted to ask what etiquette should I exercise? Can I bring my own loupe? Can I make offers or is that more frowned upon? I don't want to insult the owner/employee, but I also want to closely inspect any purchases and if I feel a coin isn't graded properly, I want to be able to make an offer without insulting them. I found a nice coin store and plan on visiting it soon. I would like to frequent it if I like their service and inventory, but I also don't want to be known as "that guy" every time I walk in who will give them a hard time etc. Any input is appreciated.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
I see no problem with bringing a loupe. As for making offers I would "feel" the place out first. Go there a few times and make a small purchase and you should be able to get a feel of how the place is. John1  |
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Moderator
United States
187940 Posts |
You can bring your own loupe and you can make offers. How the dealer responds to the offer will tell you a lot; that is, whether or not want to do further business there. Be polite, of course, and do not get upset if your offer is refused. Always be ready to agree to disagree.
You can avoid being "that guy" by making purchases. If you make an offer and the dealer accepts, you are (in my opinion) obligated to complete the purchase. That is, do not make an offer on anything that you are not ready to buy.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3345 Posts |
YOU are the customer. YOU are the one who makes the dealer's living for him. If they don't like you, you won't come back, and they won't get moolah.
Feel free to offer what is appropriate, but don't openly insult the dealer by telling him his coins are in AU when he grades them MS-67.(some do that)
Bring a loupe by all means! If he asks why, (which he won't) tell him you want to see what you're buying.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3276 Posts |
nice questions. I have yet to make an offer on a coin in a shop because I wasn't sure if you could do that. I did buy an overpriced large cent that I wanted when I first started collecting, if only I knew I could try to haggle. it was way overpriced now that I look at the coin.
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Moderator
United States
187940 Posts |
I will add that it is definitely easier (and more comfortable) making offers at coins shows, where the competition can be just a few inches away.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
Bring your own loop, you can also bring notes .. list .. price guides ..etc
I have been going to coin shops for many many years. I think a person should.
- treat owners/workers as someone you just met, friendly and polite.
- Don't try to beat them down in price on a high dollar coin the first stop into the shop.
- Pick up some supplies maybe a couple common coins or some melt silver, with out trying
to get a better price. (On the first trip)
- If they are not busy, let them know that you are looking for a coin shop you can
frequent and what type of coins you like to collect.
- Once you develop a good relationship, you should be able to talk more about price
and grades. If you become a good customer and it is a good shop, I think
you will see them start to make you some good offers .. or hold coins for you.
There is nothing wrong with looking over a coin with your loop, checking price guide
and making a fair offer on any coin. as long as it is a fair price. If you have access
to a grey sheet (CDN) and feel okay about grading, I would not try and go below CDN price.
Of course if there are problems with a coin .. cleaned or scratched ..etc .. then
I would want a much better price then CDN.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1081 Posts |
Thanks for all of the input, it really helps.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
500 Posts |
I'm also very new to the scene. My favorite new shop, because they paid me a fair price for junk silver, offers me a loupe everytime I want to see coins - so that is obviously fine etiquette-wise. After selling them a lot of silver, I have bought a few Walkers out of their "AU bin" and looked at some other coins. I made them a couple offers they didn't take but I don't think I'm being annoying YET. I do make sure not to ask a lot of questions when they are really busy - I've seen the owner "snap at" some people who pester him with stupid questions when he's measuring gold and working with a "hi dollar" client.
I've also bought "supplies" - even in small quantities - so as not to be window-shopping-only every trip.
IMO, it is the absurd customers ( ones that argue about worthless coins ) or annoying never-buy but ask a million question types they probably would get most tired of.
I hear ya on the etiquette tho. I do feel that is the right attitude - not wanting to be a pest/nuisance/"that guy" and it is such a missing element in a lot of walks of life these days - rudeness and mememe prevails! Excellent topic!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Quote:
...at coins shows, where the competition can be just a few inches away  That's the nice thing about shows--it mellows out some "home turf rules" dealers have in their shops. Regarding loupes, I've met a few dealers (in their shops) who got testy when I pulled out a loupe to inspect raw coins. In those cases, their inventory showed a lot of cleaning/tooling--which may explain their reaction.  Good dealers shouldn't feel "insulted" by questions or scrutiny of their inventory. I buy the most from dealers who let me search through inventory with minimal hassle. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2049 Posts |
I used to work in a coin shop so I will throw my 2 cents in....
-Bringing a loupe of your own should be no problem
-Making a counter offer to the listed price is usually ok but don't be a jerk about or low ball them. Dealers are in the biz to make a profit and not to hold merchandise they purchased and then turn it over to you for the same price they paid for it. So use good judgement, and be respectful about it.
-Dont beat up dealers on pricing EVERY time you go in. We had a guy do that and he wore out his welcome very quickly.
-Dont take up a good chunk of their counterspace while you cherrypick through wheats or junk silver. That keeps other customers from looking at coins in that area.
-If you have kids, dont let them run amuck in your store. We had a few that did that including letting their kids leave candy wrappers all over the store.
I guess the common theme here is to be respectful and use some common sense. Treat the dealer how you would like to be treated. If they are grumpy time and time again, then it's time to find another store. Good luck!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2602 Posts |
I don't think a coin dealer/shop owner should be offended at all by a loupe. They do it themselves and if they have a love for the hobby like so many of us do, they would welcome it.
I agree with feeling the store out before trying to make offers. However, I do think most coin dealers want to move merchandise. It does no good sitting on the shelf collecting dust, so I think most are willing to negotiate. A few are not and you can take your business elsewhere.
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Valued Member
United States
262 Posts |
Worse thing that can happen to a dealer is he/she not make a sale, the worse thing that can happen to you is you walk out the door.
It's nice being the buyer!
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
Quote:
Can I bring my own loupe? Loupe? As long as it's not a garou, that's fine. I had one guy ask if he could bring in his stereo microscope. Paid me full Unc RedBook for a 67 IHC missing most of one of the words, and lots of detail on the back. It was AG details. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
One thing never to do, and that's try to steal a customer. That's the fastest way I know to get thrown out of a shop or a show. I don't care if the dealer's offering $5 for Morgans or you were offered $20 for a coin that the dealer is showing a similar one for $100, either catch the guy before or after he sets foot on the dealer's property.
I was at my friend's pawn shop one day when a guy brought a station wagon full of DVDs and other goodies. I would have gladly paid more, but I'm not paying his six-figure overhead or carrying a million dollar inventory.
When they were done, my friend turned to me and said "we don't do toys, wanna see what he has?" I went to his car and bought almost everything at a few cents on the dollar.
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Valued Member
United States
59 Posts |
I have found that the shops I go to, are friendly and knowledgeable. I don't never have any magnify with me, but they always do and don't mind me using it. I almost always get extras with my purchase, so I don't try to do much dickering, once they know you are going to be a full time customer they will do things that will make you fill good about going back. I go to several coin shops and they are all the same as for working with you. Most are not just dealers but are collectors themselves. They are in business to make money and pay their overhead. Knowing about small business will give you in-site to what it takes to pay overhead and replace inventory. It is hard. I know I had a small business for three years in a shopping plaza. I try to support my local small businesses as much as possible. Saving a few cents or dollars is good but, if you can spend the little extra and keep it local you are adding to your own back yard. Just my opinion.
Thanks Big Ed
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Replies: 21 / Views: 3,578 |
Posted 06/13/2011 3:32 pm
