Hello- I am attending the FUN show for the first time in Orlando this year. Since Ive never gone to The FUN show and have attended only smaller semi local shows, can you veterans give me any tips or pointers from your past experiences? Thank you in advance!
I've been many times. Won't be going this year, but here is some quick advice: 1. Don't get overwhelmed, it is huge! 2. Have a general plan, but don't stay married to it. Know what you want, and what dealers you really want to visit... but be willing to get sidetracked. 3. Take notes of coins and dealers you want to come back to. You might really like a coin, but want to wait to think about it or see if there is one you like better. Write down the coin and dealer so you don't forget where you saw it. 4. Look at the schedule and try to attend some of the lectures and seminars. There are some world-class numismatists who want to share their knowledge with you. If there are any of the classes that interest you, definitely check them out. They are all free. There are many club meetings as well, if you are thinking about joining a club. 5. Don't skip the exhibits! You'll see a bunch of really talented exhibits, well put together with great descriptions. You'll see coins that you didn't know existed. And you can vote on which one you like best! 6. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Dealers usually love to help educate you. Now, if they're slammed and got a line 3 deep maybe wait until they aren't so busy. But if they have a few minutes, ask to see a couple coins that you haven't been able to hold before. Be very clear that you are just looking and curious, but if they aren't busy they'll get it out and let you look.
One more caveat..... Dealers like to haggle. Nothing in the world wrong with haggling with a dealer for a better price.... However, do not haggle then pull out a credit card. That credit card transaction costs that dealer another 3%. You will always get your best deals at these big shows using cash.
Keep the haggle to, “What do you need for this piece?” You might make a counter offer, but that’s it. Don’t be a pest. Also, as others said, keep the credit card in your wallet. Cash offers and credit card offers are not the same thing. Finally, go in with a want list, and have some idea about what you are willing to pay. Also, if you know any dealers you like who are there, check them out first. A show that size can be very overwhelming for a beginner. Also, if you would like to learn something about $5 gold pieces, you might check out my presentation at 12:45 PM on Thursday, January 8. There, I got a pug in!
Know what you are looking for before you walk in those doors. If you pay with a credit card, let the dealer know up front. It’s best to pay with cash.
I hope you are arriving before Sunday. A lot of dealers leave, and it ends up being a very nice regional show at that point. Thursday and Friday are the best.
oh, I will attend some of the seminars, I am just not there for yours, as my plane lands right about the time yours starts.......I will be at the St Gaudens seminar though.
I have written personal checks which have worked just fine for transactions. I have never been to FUN but been to ANA, Central States and Great American which are large shows. Based on my experiences there, the remarks from Physics are spot on.
If a coin is expensive and you’re paying with a check, the dealer may want to wait until the check clears and then ship you the coin. This is standard procedure unless you’ve done business with the dealer recently. It’s also safer. That way you’re not carrying around an expensive coin that can be stolen or lost. I like to bring a computer, paper pad, magnifier, flashlight, reference book or two, bottle of water and snacks. I use a small, wheeled piece of luggage for this … the size that can fit under an airplane seat. It’s much handier than a backpack and no strain on the body. Backpacks on other folks can be annoying. I’ve been slammed more than once when someone with a backpack made a quick turn near me. The little wheeled case has caused me to be mistaken for a dealer. It’s led to interesting conversations with real dealers. They often ask me if I have coins to sell, and it goes on from there. Once when I was waiting with my case at the door of a show before regular opening time, a guard waved me in thinking I was a dealer. Who was I to argue? Mike
Ha... Reminded me of when I took my grandson to see a drag race featuring the cars from that old "405 Street Outlaws" TV show. We took our old hot rod to the event and we got waived in to the racers entrance. Same thing. Who was I to argue?
This is such a large show, I like to take notes of the isles I have already walked. Don't bother the dealer if he is in the middle of working with a customer. Some dealers will ask if there is anything special you are looking for. He may have other coins under the table. Don't forget your magnifier. I did that once and had to buy one from the supply store at the show.
Oooh. Really good point. I forgot to mention that. I did the same one year! Got a really nice loupe, but it ate into my budget!
