This appears to be more irritating to others than it has struck me. However, had I been in your shoes I likely would have politely told the other customer that the tray was taken out for me to inspect coins and that I felt liable for the contents of the tray. Therefore, this other customer would have to back away from the tray while it was out for me so that I could feel secure that nothing would disappear.
Fair enough Chris, but what I would have done is just walk up as close to the table as I could and asked to see the medal. Coin shows can be frustrating, as they get very busy, somewhat different than most coin shops. I have done this before, if I see a coin I am really interested in, just get the dealer's attention. The incident at a show where I lost it was when I was looking at a tray, going over the coins, and a guy came up and just grabbed a couple. One, I was taken aback by his rudeness. I was actively looking at these. Two, I wanted to make dang well sure the dealer saw and knew this guy had possession of these coins, since the tray was full when it was given to me. I did not wish to hand back a tray missing two coins and the dealer assuming I had them. A "middle situation" that I am still mad about but still not quite sure how I feel is when a similar thing happened. I was looking at a tray of coins, (not long, maybe 5 minutes), and the DEALER came over and took one out and handed it to someone else to look at. I got mad, gave the tray to the dealer and muttered "I guess you simply do not want my business then" and walked away. Was I right to get mad? I could see if I had the tray for 20 minutes or something, or was not actively looking at the coins in the tray, but I just thought it rude of the dealer to take one out while I was looking at them. Chris(2)
I'm sure there would be a number of ways that I could have handled my situation, but I just went with the first thing that came to mind. I didn't want to stand there and ponder my options and risk losing out on the medal. In your situation with the man who helped himself to coins from the tray and the OP's situation which was the same as yours happens because...... Chris (2-3/8)
I would have done the same thing. Even though they are the dealer's coins to do with what he wants, it's rude for anyone to just pull anything from anyone still interested in it (I am constantly yelling at my kids for this). At the least, if he wanted to show to someone else, he should have said something like "I know you're looking, but another customer is interested in something in this tray, mind if I show him while you continue to decide?". To me, that would be the proper way for the dealer to handle it. What's the old saying, more bees with honey than vinegar?
I've experienced something like this as well from older people. I've actually found that the younger people tend to be more polite than older people in the hobby (from my own personal experiences).
I have the same person nudge into my trays at the local coin shops every time I go. I have to learn to put up with him though. For my dad is my ride home. :yes:
When did this thread turn into a Weight Watchers meeting? Chris, (cpm9ball) you did nothing wrong. All you did was jockey for position at the dealers table. From what I understand the items were still in the dealers case. In the OP's situation he was actually looking at a tray of coins. If the couple that you mention were looking at the medal that you wanted........had it out of the case and in hand.....and you tried to wrestle it away from them, well that's a different story. Ya know what really bugs me though? People tryin' to eat out of my cereal bowl........
I'm in a bit of a cranky mood today Juan, so if you're as smart as I think you are then sticking to numismatic topoics would be the best move.
I have no issues dealing with rude people. Most say I have a short-fuse, but the truth is I have a very low tolerance for bs. And if a certain someone here on time CT goes back on their word again about shipping my package, its not going to be like a Sunday episode of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood were smiles and understandings. Note to people doing business with me: Do what you say you're going to do.
I would of said something like.. Hey honey, did I take my leprosy pill before we left today? But I like the crop dusting idea too.. Perhaps something nice and subtle like "hey stupid your in my space" and start rolling your eyes back and forth..
I would have taken the tray and said "hey grandpa, I was here first. D'unt your momma teach you better?"...
That's a great idea !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The night before the next coin show I attend I'm gonna eat a large can of navy beans and a dozen boiled eggs and some bacon. Simmer 12 hours and I'll be ready, those SBDs can do a grown man in.
Really. Dude, can of beans and a dozen boiled eggs? Geez, I would be afraid to be driving myself in a car. You might pass out!