I'm going to my first big show this weekend (FUN) and I'm trying to figure out what sort of bag to take. I'm putting in a full day, from open till close (and maybe a little later...) I want to bring a couple of guides, some print outs, water and then have room for some purchases. I have a currier bag, basically a bag with one big pocket, and I was thinking of using that, but I didn't want to look silly... What sort of bags do people take to these things? David
Make sure it's comfortable and "out of your way". I think a backpack is the way to go (on your back). A backpack (on your back) also makes the dealers less suspicious about you trying to slip something in that courier bag that's sitting at your feet.
a valet walkign behind you carrying your bags always works best ... at least, thats what i hear from those who have personal valets
Just remember if you take a backpack and are wearing it, be careful when you turn around. Most larger shows are crowded and it's easy to bump people.
I take my bike messenger/courier bag. Ironically enough, though, I'm always more worried I'm going to lose the bag (handmade in NH, $140) rather than the coins I purchase and put in it (which are never that expensive)! I'll have to try using our laptop case next time; certainly looks more professional.
I suggest going to the african Embassy and hiring a safari group just in case you purchase numerous items at the show. This way you could have one person carry you cash, one carry your purchases, one carry the tents and sleeping bags in case it takes you the entire day and naturally the gun bearer. To keep prices down you could look up escort services on the internet and hire a small contingent of sharp looking girls in bikinis each with a small bag for your coins and money and guns.:goof: In reality just carry what makes you convertible. At coin shows there are people with carts, back packs, brief cases, camera bags and on and on and on. I myself like a small camera type bag with over the shoulder strap. Most camera bags have numerous small pockets so there is a place to put coins, small papers, etc. Remember a back pack is accessible to other people without your ability to see them. A brief type case can only be handled by the handle. Even a camera bag could be lost with a snip of a scissors. If the show is large note the following: 1. Keep wallet or cash in a front pocket of jeans or pants. Make sure a tight pair so anything could be felt. 2. Not only look at all the coins but watch for anyone paying more attention to what people are doing than looking at coins. 3. If someone sort of starts to leave when you do, go back inside and see if they do the same. 4. Keep different amounts of money in different places so you don't have to expose a large amount of cash during a purchase. 5. Prior to going to any coin show, attempt to locate the nearest police station. When leaving, if driving, watch for any autos leaving the parking place the same time you do. If so, head for that police station. Stop in front of the place and check to see if that car is still with you. 6. Do not carry credit, debit cards to a crowded coin show. 7. Do not take a check book to a crowded coin show. If a check is taken, make sure there is only one and kept with your cash. 8. At the show if you think someone has consistantly bumped into you, try walking to a security guard and ask him some dumb question that would make him look over the place. Like is this place more crowded than normal?
I don't go to any show (or anywhere for that matter) without my handy ex-laptop shoulder bag. Easy to carry in large crowds and it has lots of small pockets on the outside and one large divided pocket inside. Contents include: Grading standards book CoinValues magazine Paper money magazine My inventory and want list Notebook for notes, etc. 10x, 16x and 5x loupes 5x lighted magnifier Coin wallet Calculator 2x2 coin envelopes, currency holders, small ziplocks
That's what I use! Outside pocket for the water... do NOT want to spill that inside the bag. Maybe even more with respect to coins than the laptop...
