I'm wondering this because not too long ago, I boycotted a relatively big show (don't remember the exact count but it was about 125-150 tables) due to personal beef with the show's runner, which I have since put out of my mind, and in turn has made me feel better, and may actually go next year (likely just to shop around). If you've been in this situation, where you've boycotted a show, what are some of your stories?
I was put off last time at our local show by all the dealers ignoring what I was looking for and instead pushing gold while throwing all the old tropes at me about fiat money, financial meltdown etc. It didn’t rise to the level of boycotting it in the future, but I didn’t go this year because last year was such a waste of time.
Late 70's early 80's Sweetwater, TX had a coin, gun and knife show but stopped going as it was right next to the rattlesnake roundup. A little too close for comfort.
Not a coin show but I’m boycotting my LCS. It’s a shop with good coins and a large selection. The owner is nice but he has several employees and I called one day to speak with the owner about something only he could help answer. The young guy that works there answered the phone when I called, and when I asked to speak to the owner, by name, of course, all I heard was a very rough tone that said he’s busy and he hung up. That was over a year ago and I haven’t been back since. There are other places to buy from and sell too, but the shop was close to the house.
I quit going to a local show after many years. It was fun for many years but fewer dealers were making the show and I was just not finding much I wanted. Many of the dealers I knew were older and just didn't care for all the work of setting up at shows.
No, but I have boycotted manufacturers in my business whom I didn't agree with their business practices. One manufacturer exists in my city and has begged me for twenty years to buy his product. I won't do it and forbid my staff from doing it.
Boycotted dealers? A few. Boycotted a whole show? Nope. Not that I go to that many shows anyway. I might do a January FUN show in Orlando once a year, and even then not every year.
Never boycotted a show but quit business with one dealer. He is a well-known dealer in Florida, and I had bought some coins from him. So, he calls and asks for my want list, which I emailed to him. Few months later, he calls and says he has a coin on my want list in the grade and holder I want. He sent me the pictures. The grade (AU) was right with regard to wear, but it had a huge number of dings including on the portrait face. I told him I didn’t like the coin. Few months later he calls and says he’s binning my want list. OK, but this year, he has a new young employee who calls and asks for my want list. Mike
Employees, especially new ones, can be unpredictable with regard to client relations. And although the supervisor/employer is ultimately responsible for the employee’s dealings with customers, it’s easy to hire someone who seems personable and has good recommendations. And yeah, you can explain your policies and procedures in detail to new employees. But I know from experience that hiring mistakes can be made even with good diligence. You might try going to the shop and talking in person with the owner. Chances are the employee will be corrected or let go. But yeah, I often address problem businesses with my feet. Not my job to fix their problems. Mike
I once attended a regular show in my area that runs for 3 days. Came across a dealer there that had several obvious fake Chinese key date coins. 16D dime and quarter, 1909 svdb cent etc. I brought it to the attention of one of the people running the show and when I went back the next day nothing had been done about it so I boycotted the show for several years.
I totally agree with you on your reasoning. I get dealers attempt to sell gold if that's what they have, but in your case, the dealers attempting to shove the "fiat money apocalypse" down customers' throats is way too much; if I experiencing that at a show, I would likely point out to them that I hear such sales tactics on the radio every night (which is true). I don't blame you for that one. At shows, I already get bit by deals, and those thankfully aren't venomous. Perfect way by that shop to repel customers, what an awesome strategy! In all seriousness, some people do need to greatly improve their etiquette on the phone. The young guy should've asked you for some call-back details if you wanted to talk specifically to the owner. Betcha he didn't tell the owner that he hung up on you because that should've got him at least a stern talking. It still puzzles me why some dealers go to a show to set up but don't want to bother with setting up. Even with dealer-to-dealer wholesale, you gotta still set up somewhat. I guess those specific dealers would just label me as "different" and move on, as when I'm at shows, I like dealing with the public considering that's where most of my sales come from. He's still trying to get you to buy his product after 20 years? I have no idea what to even say to that. He probably doesn't have much better to do with his time. But my main question is, if his business practices are (very likely) questionable, how has he even been in business for the past 20 years? I wonder, for reference - how much is admission for the January FUN show? I'd like to eventually go down there. Sounds like the dealer bought the coin thinking it was a guaranteed sale, then got mad when you didn't buy it and shafted you. Dealers like that are what give coin dealers such a negative image that we honest dealers constantly have to debunk. Sounds like a show where as long as the dealers got their money, they didn't care. I've seen some scary good counterfeits of super rare dates, so neglecting to do anything about obvious counterfeits of key dates is a humongous red flag. If I were you, I would have done the same boycotting-wise.
