Confessions of a Wannabee

So much to tell, I am not sure where to start.
First a little history.....

I was a collector who's ambition was 125%.......I learned alot ( I thought) then figured I would be a dealer in coins to supplament my collection. Easy right? Read on..........

Started taking tables at my local Scottsdale show every month. I had loads of fun, met some great peeps.

The reality of how hard this biz is didn't hit untill I thought I was ready for regionals, Long Beach, some Bick shows etc etc. It was then that I discovered how hard these " dealers" work.

You get to play ball with the biggies, rock stars in the coin world, Rick Snow and Charmy are the most amazing folks out there. Eating hotwings with Brian Wagner, Rick and Charmy was my first " groupie " experience. You have made it......ya think?

Let me tell you starters how hard this is. It is gruelling. Time away from family, costs are astronomical, the deadlines and expectations are out of this world.

This is my goodbye thread to to the " coin dealer" world. I have gained the utmost respect and learned many a hard earned lesson, BUT, let me add, I have had loads of fun.

I think Jack is best off as just a collector. Those of you whom begrudge dealers and think they are all crooks, think again. They work hard for the money. It is a bust edited business. I am a bust edited guy and it wore me out quickly. I never traveled nationwide, I stuck to close to home shows, and it still wore me out. It is not all glory and luxury. There are some edited motels, some crappy meals and loads of expenses you cannot think of.

There is also a lot of fun, but thats IF you can afford it. Dont think it is easy getting into the coin biz, it IS easy getting IN, but to sustain is a VERY difficult job.

I want to say Kudos to those who have made it, and thanks for the welcome. I have never met a greater bunch of nicer people, and kudos to all of you. You know who you are. I am going back to my collection and thank all of you who have made my last 3 years as a " Wannabee " dealer so fun filled and exciting.

Not done, I'll just be on the other side of the table from now on.

Kudos, coin dealers
Aj

 

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At least you tried. It's better to try and fail than to not have tried at all, or as the great Teddy R. would say...

"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."

 

Well, at least you tried and it sounds like you didn't lose your shirt in the process...more than I can say for most.

Now...get back in the kitchen and start brewin' some sauce! I have a hankerin' for the Death in the Desert.

 

Im sure you will have some great memories………when i retire if coins are still a industry i would love to travel the US and sell some Non dimes i have accumulated

 

Thanks for the info Jack.
I love the dealers I know.

 

I know that feeling.

 

Three years isn't bad. I bet you lasted twice as long as 90% of them that tried it. I know I could never do it.
Guy~

 

Congratulations on your successful 3 year run as a coin dealer. TC

 

Cogratulations on a great effort on your part, Jack. I know my limitations, and realize that I could not do what you have accomplished over the last three years.

 

Hey, Jack..... knowing your limitations, and acting on it in a positive way, is the mark of a true professional... much respect, bro.

 

Jack, you did your part and did it good. Memories are for ever but collecting is priceless. Do as you please cause at the end, that's what it's all about.

Best of luck! :bow:

 

Jack,

I really hate to hear that but I completely understand your point of view. I have always appreciated reading your postings and find you to be quite knowledgeable not the mention that I think you have a great "eye" for coins. I'm sure no matter what side of the table you are on that you'll always be a very respected member of this community.

All the best!

 

Jack:
Sorry to hear that you gave up, but I can understand.

However, while you have time now--

how about writing up some of your stories over the past couple of years and posting them.

 

Jack, as long as you never regret having tried it out, its all good in the end.

And welcome back to being a collector.

 

Wow, Jack. I'm really surprised by all of this. I thought you were doing very well from everything I could see.

It has been a pleasure doing business with you, and I hope to still see you around.

 

Jack you did not fail you just moved on.but 1 thing I know I have always learn something from you with each post!!they say 95% of the gold in Arizona is yet to be found that worth checking out!:thumb:

 

Well, I don't know you, you sound sincere, too bad things did not work out for you in the long run. At least you tried, that's more than some people can say....then owning up to things not totally working out should give you some much needed respect and that your not a failure, just smart enough to get out before it was all hands over board.

Stay frosty...

 

Jack, a suprise to say the least but understandable. Hope to see you again someday, maybe a visit to family around Thanksgiving, the MSNS show. :thumb:

 

I bought a coin or2 from you , never knowing you weren't one of the big dogs. From my perspective, you did it well and if you had fun, you might be back. Adversity turns to adventure with the passage of time.