DEALERS: How can the ANA to improve their shows?

I've had the same experience a number of times as Silverhouse...being ignored by dealers. Not because they were doing a deal with someone else, which I understand, but because they were chatting with their partner or a friend behind their table, eating, or for no other apparent reason. They knew I was there but ignored me completely. In that case I move on and DON'T come back later.

My second criticism is actually with the collectors. Some sit in front of the dealer's case and spread out their references, want lists, brief case, etc. and block the view of other potential customers. At times , they effectively take up the better part of two cases. I will come back later in the show to see what the dealer has because I know it's not their fault. I'm not sure if there's a solution to the problem, but maybe the dealers can make more of an effort to keep their cases clear. It would be to their benefit as it wouldn't discourage potential buyers.

Bruce

 

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I am glad that you posted this, since I am new to the hobby I have already noticed this. I attended my first two coin shows this month and encountered similar situations.

As for the first experience of being ignored by dealers, I don't think that there is much you can do about that except keep doing what you are doing if that is your moral decision. Others may look at the situation that business is business and they are there only to offer a product. For myself, I was expecting and experience and interaction with experienced individuals in the field, and I did find that with most of the dealers.

As I was browsing from dealer to dealer, I recognized this second situation of people hijacking the dealers displays as they would do their research. I though maybe it would be nice to have a "viewing/research" table as part of the dealers setup. This way the buyer can perform their due diligence as they like with out interfering with other potential buyers.

Just my thoughts from a fresh set off eyes coming into the hobby.

Let me know what you think.

Craig

 

Having said what I did, I do find most dealers attentive and friendly but there are a significant number who appear to have little interest in collectors. Some are there mostly to buy but that's no excuse to be unfriendly or ignorant to potential buyers. I've been to many shows over the years, both large and small, and have noticed this since day one.
As far as a viewing table is concerned, that probably isn't feasible as space is at a premium at these shows. It's also very costly to set up which naturally is an important consideration. Maybe some dealers on the forum can weigh in on this. Thanks for your post Craig.

Bruce

 

Dealers are like any other group or cross section of people. There are the outgoing talkers [extroverts] and the quiet, shy type [introverts].
There is nothing wrong with starting a conversation by just saying Hi.
Or simply asking "Do you have a 1914-D Lincoln cent?"
You may find that initiating a short conversation may alter any feelings of being ignored.

 

Being extroverted or introverted isn't the point here Victor. Ignoring someone who is obviously interested in what you're selling is ignorant and unfriendly plain and simple. I'm a laid back guy myself but understand the difference between being shy and being rude. There have been many occasions where I've initiated conversations or have said hello and have only been treated like I was a bother rather than a possible buyer. Rudeness is rudeness and has nothing to do with being shy......Besides, I can't afford to buy a 1914-D Lincoln Cent.

Bruce

 

I think this thread has been hijacked.

 

Definitely.

 

So one out of ten people would be a sale? Sounds like good odds to me for. Why not increase your odds by networking with the most people you can. Dealers should treat everyone as there best customer. You never know who you are talking to or who that person knows. Word of mouth is the best publicity.

 

No one out of ten would have something specific they are looking for, not a guaranteed sale.

 

Exactly. One out of ten might engage you if you ask them if they need help, would like to see anything or just generally say hello. I typically face the bourse so folks know I am not ignoring them and then I politely and gently mention that I would be happy to help them if they need any help. Alternatively, I ask them if they would like to see anything in particular. Most folks give a very quick nod or glance and then keep moving. One in ten might say thank you and then move on. From that one in ten there is a smaller pool that will open up a bit or ask to see a coin. I would imagine it is close to one in one hundred folks who stop by the table actually purchase a coin.

 

Well im all excited, the coin club i recently sought out is having their fall show this weekend and I am making the drive tomorrow mid morning to see what I can sniff out. Hoping for a nice variety of coins and to sell a few so I can buy a couple for the collection.

The test will be if I can profit off of my current coins and snag a deal on what im looking to buy, i will update in my own thread accordingly.

I will also keep an eye out for the 'feel' of the show and take mental notes on the dealers and how they are generally operating

 

I'd like someway to make it easy to identify dealers by their specialty. I'm primarily a Lincoln collector and a lot of dealers just don't care about them or sell them. I end up checking every setup for Lincolns which takes too much time. I'm sure this applies to other collectors and their favorite coin type.

Most collectors specialize in a single type/series and being able to identify dealers selling what they're after would make browsing MUCH more enjoyable. Also, grouping together similar dealers would make shoppers happy. If I was at a giant show and I knew all the people seriously selling Lincolns were in the same area, I would be VERY happy. I waste a ton of time looking though inventory I'm not interested in at all....and I always end up asking if they even have what I'm after.

I also like when a dealer puts all their higher-end coins by type together. A lot of the dealers I regularly buy from have binders or albums of more expensive Lincolns. I love this so I don't have to wade though the lower priced "junk" I'm not interested in.