Dealer, Collector, Dealer/Collector?

When I started out, I was an accumulator. It took quite a few years before I feel I truly could be called a collector. I have set up a table at numerous coin shows over the years, but I would never call myself a dealer. Nope, I am a coin collector and that's what I will remain.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

You just described me as a dealer and a collector. lol

 

...it's a slippery slope...

 

Well I slid right on in and I'm ok with that.

 

I’m a hoarder and I admit it. I happily trade away any duplicate coins I have. I’ve sold only a handful of coins, and am considering selling off more to make room for new stuff. I do not consider myself to be in the “dealer category”. I try to limit purchases “just can’t say no” or “I really want that” instead of “I’ll make a quick buck here”. I’ll end up losing money on future sales of my excess stuff (bad purchases). I just pretend it’s money I didn’t have before and try to walk away happy. I also consider bullion purchases/sales to be investment money and keep it separate from my coins hobby.

 

I know that hoarder feeling.

 

I too am a collector/hoarder. I have two friends that are dealers. Both tell me they do not mix their business with their personal pleasure. Coins are simply business to them both.

 

I am purely a collector, but I usually sell my coins if I find an upgrade. Dealer? No, it wouldn’t be fun anymore as I would need to make money buying and selling coins.

 

All collectors should sell a coin periodically just to get the experience of it. I think seeing how things feel and work when selling helps when buying. JMO

 

I have heard (seen) many people saying that...or maybe just you several times the question it invariably raises in my mind is...where? If I don't sell many, does it make sense to try and sell on flea-bay? Sell to a dealer? Sell on CT? I have sold some recently on a bid board.

 

Anywhere is fine, but my suggestion is to sell in the venues you buy from as that helps with your direct experience. I mainly collect but have sold on eBay, CT, and at shows.

 

If I pay table fees for a table at a coin show,vthen for one, two, three days, I am a professional dealer. If I accept money to repair a neighbor's car or paint their kitchen, then I am a professional for that job. If a journeyman plumber fixes his sink is he a professional if he doesn't get paid for the job?

 

I’m a collector who will sell coins I’ve upgraded in my collection.

 

No. You’re just a neighbor who may or may not be qualified.

Professional: engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as an amateur.

 

I think what @ToughCOINS properly described is a professional dealer. I am still conjuring up what I believe my ideal definition of a dealer is, but I’ve met quite a few who don’t do half of those things but make their money selling coins. Some I am unsure ignore they pay their taxes. I think this definition represents the steps we would hope a professional dealer would take, but that not all dealers do.

 

Yup, that's front-pants-pocket or better!!

 

I think so understand but with me it's simple: Left front pants pocket is spend
Right front pants pocket is keep
Wallet: Front is keep and Back is spend.