I Remembered Today Why I Stopped Going To Coin Shows

I did a show a couple of years ago and also have worked in and run a coin shop so I will give my Two Cents here.

First, there is no rhyme or reason why any dealer should treat anyone rudely. You are 100% right, you may have a few bucks to spend or you may have alot and can turn into a great customer plus give referrals.

With that said, there are alot of low end collectors who are there kicking the tires, that do take up alot of time and attention. If a dealer doesn't have someone else helping to watch over his inventory and you have a small timer looking at the $5 and $10 coins, taking up table space and alot of time, then I can see where a dealer might get irritated. Until you have been on the other side of the table, you really won't understand fully what I am saying here.

As far as prices go, the industry and prices are dynamic so it can be alot of work to keep prices up to date on stickers. I haven't done a show in a couple of years, but spent the past week going through some coins I had for the show that I still have now. It is a TON of work to go through and re-price them. So unless dealers are turning over inventory completlely every month, the possibility exists that prices will have to be redone. So from that standpoint, I can see where a dealer would not bother putting the price on it.

I agree with you though, that it can be frustrating when you have to ask the price of items. Usually I tend to shy away from those tables and go to ones where prices are clearly marked.

Let me ask you this, when you went was it extremely busy or later in the day? Just trying to get a feel for the situation as well.

I hope this helps. I am trying to answer your questions while showing an alternate view from the other side, but at the same time agree with alot of things you have said...lol.

CoinHunter, it was about noon of the 2nd day very few non dealers present. Their link on the web wasn't working, they changed the location of the show at the last minute according to the door men. Took me 1 1/2 hrs to find it after entering the town that hosted the show. Wasn't even in that town. Maybe they were not to pleased the way everything went.
I guess I didn't realize the keeping up with the prices thing. But I was ready to spend $$$ and left with it too.

I consider myself very fortunate to have a regular coin show with a lot of great dealers. It could be because I have been going for so long and the same dealers have been coming to these shows.

Hang in there and do not give up. To be optimistic, those three dealers are a good start. I believe you will eventually find some more dealers to work with.

I've met a few of these guys; I suspect some of them prefer volume deals; then there are cranky ones who should just retire.

But most of the dealers I meet are great. As for those few who are wiseguys, I say nothing and walk over to the next table.

I would only give my money to those people.

There have been a few times where I told a dealer "you know what, never mind. I'm no longer interested." If they ask why;

"well I feel you've been quite rude to me for no real reason. So I'm choosing to take my business elsewhere."

Simple as that.

Anybody have any suggestions of a favorite dealer in the Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit triangle?

I would have just said I thought I'd stop by for a good laugh. Your STUFF is funny.
As far as coin shows go. People are people and they are different and/or the same everywhere. If you find your at a coin show where everyone treats you like dirt, it could be you or all of them. I go to coin shows about 2 to 4 times a Month. I always try to talk to every dealer at any show. I spend the time trying to get to know them. I've mentioned to many dealers about the no prices on coins and that is why I seldom stop at their tables. Some have actually started to put prices on the flips since then. So far I've only met a few dealers that were either rude of ignorant and usually if they stick to the dealer job, they eventually change. Other dealers usually mention to them about their attitude.
I really love coin shows. Over the years I've gotten to know many dealers and some of their regular customers by just sitting at their table and looking at everything.
I get all my Albums free from several of them. Of course by me there are some coin shows that are repetitious so you meet basically the same dealers most of the time.
Like anyone, anywhere, as you get to know them, some are OK and some just stay idiots.