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 Replies: 15 / Views: 1,314 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1418 Posts |
When I am looking at a coin in person that I like, I seem to buy it without hesitation. But, if it is online, I take time to think about it. Do you do the same thing, or am I just being weird?  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I tried on line a few times a long time ago. Rather dissapointed. Never tried ebay or other on line auctions since I have access to 3 coin shows a Month, every Month and sometimes more. Numerous coin stores, hobby stores, etc all over my area. Really no need for on line coins. |
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
Sadly, because I live in a very remote location, I have the opposite situation when compared against "just carl" => I have zero opportunities to attend live shows, coin stores, hobby stores, etc, so I am forced to search for coins via my computer ... so in my unfortunate predicament, I must rely on two things:
a) "hopefully" the coin grading companies have enough skills to protect me from being shagged
b) that the folks that purchase coins on sites such as e-bay, give reliable ratings to the sellers
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Moderator
 United States
14463 Posts |
90% of the coins I bought were online. Mostly from online dealers, a few through online auctions. Also bought some from other CCF members.
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Valued Member
United States
266 Posts |
Only one coin store in my area. I can get a few things there, but its mostly for supplies, and the atmosphere, and being able to talk about coins. I have a few places where I order from online, with pretty decent prices, but I feel safe because they have good return policies.
I am leery about e-bay, because of a few scammers out there, it has soured me on it. It hurts the reputable people out there who are trying to sell honestly, but unfortunately thats where we are today in the world.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
716 Posts |
I have to buy almost all my coins on line. There are no stores anywhere close to me, and occasionally there will be small coins shows within 50-75 miles from me. I have been buying all raw coins, mostly IHC. I buy almost exclusively on ebay and I am extremely cautious. The seller must have good pictures, description and, of course, have a good return policy. If I have any doubts about a coin I will email the seller and if I don't get a satisfactory answer I go elsewhere. Even with all this I am still leery every time I bid on a coin. Nothing beats having that coin in you hand before making an offer. I am very envious of those of you who can build up a trusted relationship with a local dealer. |
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Valued Member
United States
266 Posts |
Only one coin store in my area. I can get a few things there, but its mostly for supplies, and the atmosphere, and being able to talk about coins. I have a few places where I order from online, with pretty decent prices, but I feel safe because they have good return policies.
I am leery about e-bay, because of a few scammers out there, it has soured me on it. It hurts the reputable people out there who are trying to sell honestly, but unfortunately thats where we are today in the world.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2661 Posts |
Yeah I tend to think about it for a while and weigh in shipping costs and such along with the probability of being ripped off by the seller or the USPS. If I think I can get it cheaper else where I'll pass it on by. 90% of the time I can always seem to find a better coin at a better price and have it in hand when I pay for it.
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Moderator
United States
16677 Posts |
Believe it or not, the last place I buy coins is in a coin shop. I attend all the major shows in the So. Cal area, and yes, I buy online as long as there is a clear return policy in place. I have only been disappointed once with online purchases, that includes ebay purchases. swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1817 Posts |
Online & some reputable mail order dealers with which I've developed a relationship. A clearly outlined return policy is essential. Never buy a raw or graded coin from a seller that has a "no returns accepted" policy, major red flag warning of a possible fake.
I don't do the coin shops in the area as someone could be casing the store and rob you en route to your car. I go to three coin shows a year, never bring a backpack or large bag, makes dealers nervous and you could be followed leaving from one.
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
Other than annual proof sets from the mint, I have never bought a coin online. I prefer to buy all of my coins in hand, with my preferred venue being a coin show. However, if I saw something in the "pocket it now" section that I liked, and was for sale by a member I feel comfortable with, I might not hesitate to buy it.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I really feel sorry for those not in an area of frequent coin shows. Nothing like looking at many, many coins and being able to check them out carefully. So many use a magnifying glass at those shows to really look for little details. One of the great things about frequent coin shows too is the ability to get to know dealers personally which leads to some really good deals. I've had dealers look for certain coins for me and when found, some really low prices. Many of the dealers at the coin shows I attend are from coin stores in the area which also comes in handy. If they say I have what your looking for at my store, then it's usually only a short time to get there too. And then too when visiting one of their stores, you get welcomed as if you were a long, lost relative.
A long time ago I started asking dealers at coin shows what they do with Albums they acquire from people. They mostly told me they take out all the coins for flips for the shows. So many have started to bring me those Albums. Many hundreds over the years and all FREE.
Just so many things about a coin show that no on line situation can compare with. I really do feel sorry for those in those areas of no coin shows, hobby stores or coin stores.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
716 Posts |
just carl,I guess thats the price you have to pay when living in a rural environment. Lots of room to roam around to hike, fish and hunt, but you have to travel 1 hr to get to a mall, and even then no coin stores.
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New Member
United States
8 Posts |
Count me with those who have to buy online often. We have 1 show a year here, and one comic book store that also has some coins. I haven't been burned online yet, but I am fairly new, and have only been buying lower cost stuff till I get more experience. Even so I make sure the seller/store has a good reputation and return policy
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Especially with ancients I really do prefer to have the coin in hand before making a decision to buy, suspicion of fake or not. In the whole of my collecting life, I have only bought high value ancients without having coin in hand from dealers with an internationally recognised reputation. Having that sort of purchase information lends creedence to the provenance of the coin. Mind you, that sort of situation is a fairly rare event in my numismatic life. I have retained all of the documentation associated with such purchases. It is a bit like buying a second hand Mercedes with a full service history. I would think that very few coins purchased via ebay have proven provenance attached to them, but I guess that slabbing would help. What would really help if provenance of a coin is desirable, in this regard is the paperwork and invoice associated with the slabbing submission. That would help get around the problems of fake slabbing. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
just carl,I guess thats the price you have to pay when living in a rural environment. Lots of room to roam around to hike, fish and hunt, but you have to travel 1 hr to get to a mall, and even then no coin stores. Where we all live has advantages and just the opposite. By me in the large city invironment, we have gun shows, coin shows, camera shows, knife shows, dog/cat/computer/car shows, etc. Shows all the time. We have carnivals, food fests, street dancing, museums, zoos, planatariums, aquariums and on and on and on. All sounds fantastic BUT what good is all that if you can't go out at night? Can't show anyone your coins, guns, cameras, etc. Can't even tell anyone about them. You pay to get in to most of those places too. You pay to park almost everywhere. Barred up windows, alarm systems on your car and home. So some win one way and other win other ways. |
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Replies: 15 / Views: 1,314 |
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Posted 07/23/2011 11:04 am
