Such a Glum Coin Shop...

No problem Greg. Doesn't sound like much of a shop and they were being judgemental. Like I said I "run interference" a lot.

I would have waited on you We have this rather "creepy" old guy that stops in every two or three weeks. Sometimes with his granddaughter. I wait on him every time it seems.
No problem. He's actually a nice guy and drops a few hundred bucks cash every visit.
His money is good.

Seems I wait on a lot of the YNs and the "odd" people. Guess it's from places I used to work where you just waited on everyone that came in. Guess what. Most of these people come back because someone gave them a little time. Some drop a few hundred others maybe $30 but they come back.

As others have mentioned those numbers do grow. I used to be one of "those" people. Stop in and spend $30 because that was all I had to spend.

Just a bit of respect, no matter who you are, goes a long way.

clembo

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Clembo's post should sum it up for coin dealers, as long as the customer's money is good, it should not matter who it came from. But if you are in my business, you might get super service for gold

 

Definitely, Clembo. I find that adding a history or learning portion to the visit of the coin shop really adds to the experience.
Also, receiving change in Ike dollars is definitely a plus too!
The owner said to my brother and I, "I think you'll like these!" Sometimes it's nice being a YN!!!

 

I remember when I was about 10 or so when I first ventured into a coin shop, the owner was an older guy. He would put up with me looking through everything for hours on end on a Saturday afternoon. When I finally got around to making purchases I got salted change, ie Wheat cents, Buffalo nickels etc. Talk about feeding an addiction. A good coin dealer is just like a drug dealer, feeds the habit and gets you hooked. At least coins are a heck of a lot better for you

 

While I wouldn't treat them with disrespect and I try to be helpful to all who might need help, I have never felt some need to foster new collectors...it goes against my interests to be honest...they are just more people who will be out there competing for coins, driving the price up higher. I would think sellers are more concerned with getting more people into the hobby...myself...less the better

 

Which is precisely why some of us should just stay collectors:hail:

 

Mike V. had a coin shop in Bethel CT that I went to a lot when I was a young teenager. He treated me with a lot of respect. Looking back 25 years later I feel he did very well by me and my purchases. Sure wish I had bought one or two more 1914-D and 1909-S Lincolns from him.

http://coinbooks.org/esylum_v10n39a20.html

 

I have no intention of selling a single coin...if I did I would be professional and courteous as it is good business regardless of what you are selling. To be rude or apathetic wouldn't make sense. I wouldnt be a good seller anyway because I couldnt low ball people when buying to sell for a profit, I would be honest and tell the person exactly what the coin was worth and that they could probably get a better price selling it elsewhere. I couldnt flip coins...always someone will lose.

Nor do I think those who DO sell (or make money from this hobby) care as much about Young Collectors and look to foster new collectors for any altruistic reason, to pass on the joy of the hobby, as much as the money they might spend. Collectors who collect because of a driving passion for the beauty and history that coins and medals represent with little real concern for whether they will make some form of profit in the end are the only true collectors and they are, as I have found, fewer in number. I like to think I am a part of that group as I have never wished to make money from this hobby.

As I said before, if a person has formed a passion for coins and medals then I would be more than happy to help them out if they ask and I am able. Its just not my purpose to try and cultivate and interest in coins or in any way try to bring new collectors into the hobby. There are plenty of people who feel that need and I never understood why one would feel the need to do this save for if they sell or have something to gain from it. One can say they have a passion for it and wish to share that but I also have a driving passion for it and just dont feel the need to pull others into it...for one, as I said before, the more buyers in an auction the more competition for those coins I want. I just dont like anything that might raise the price I have to spend to get the coins I cherish

 

greetings!
i am sorry to hear of your experience. unfortunately i have heard of it before. it is sad...... please do not be discouraged by this incidence. many dealers are out there to help you and your money is as good as anyone's.....what is more, is that you could be huge future numismatists that they lost out on.
no matter the age or appearance..treat people like you would want to be treated.
there are plenty of others who will be more than happy to help you and your collecting.
take your time and if you need advice...never hesisate to ask for help here.
i hope your next experience is much more positive.
best wishes,
steve

 

Hey greg, if you're ever in the Altoona area, check out J&L Curio here, the dealer there is a super guy, and has pretty fair prices on his coins. Also pm me if you're ever in the area, and we can try to meet up too, just lmk. :thumb:

Phoenix

 

This thread brings back a memory of a coin shop in Kingwood TX back in the early 1990's. He had mostly common type coins, cents, dimes etc. and baseball cards. His store was literally a popular hangout for the pubescent crowd, and the owner was always great with kids. I liked the owner because you could buy Mercs at melt, which then was 32¢ each.

 

Definitely, Phoenix. When I head out to Latrobe and a Steelers game, I'll stop in Altoona and let you know!

 

Thank you for your positive comments Steve!!!

 

Sweet, just lmk through pm, and I'm sure we'll be able to meet up. :thumb:

Phoenix

 

sorry to hear about your bad experience, good luck at phoenix's shop!