What would you do? Coin show etiquette.

I think you handled the situation well.

 

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We have discussed ethical issues many times here, and it always amazes me how often people "fail to meet the test". Instead of adhering to the golden rule of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", it seems that more and more people are adopting the "Do unto others before they do unto to you".

True! I wouldn't have cared to do business with that dealer, but just how hard would it be for you to simply take the notes to the dealer and tell him that you didn't want to leave these unattended and move on. There is no reason for you to bring yourself down to that level, and for that reason, I wouldn't want to have some of you as customers either.

Chris

 

I agree with a couple of others here who posted you should not have walked away. Listen, you are a smaller customer for the guy, which is why he was talking to the other dealer, (maybe talking about a deal), and left you unattended with the notes. Maybe poor customer service, but if he had a deal brewing that may be much more valuable to him than the sale of a few blue seals. I am not saying this is true, but its possible.

He gave you the notes to look at, effectively entrusting you with his merchandise. Even if he was exhibiting poor customer relations with you, its your duty to return them to the dealer. Personally, (and I have experienced this before at shows), I would have walked all of the notes over to the dealer and handed them to him. At that point you could have said something to show your displeasure with not being waited on, something like, "I am sorry the sale of these are so unimportant to you, so I will look elsewhere" or something else to make you feel better.

 

I've only been to a few shows, but I suspect that most dealer (especially the larger ones) are there not to sell to the general public ; but rather to other dealers. Last time I was well dressed with a pocket full of money, yet most dealers wouldn't even look up from their phone or laptop to acknowledge my presence. But on the other hand, I got to meet some genuinely nice people- Larry. Goldberg and Kaminsk Coin come to mind. They will get my future business.

 

I don't think there is anything wrong with picking the best or even cherry picking a variety. As to the original issue - it depends on the situation. I can be real patient for something I want or I think is a deal. I also know I am small potatoes to most dealers so I usually do not mind waiting - I actually prefer that, then a dealer sitting there working me to sell something by telling me what good deal it is and how great the coin is. Just my opinion.