Well, shortly after the first antique show I set up at, I told everyone I was going to write a little thread about it.. I don't think I ever did... Well, now I am 4 days away from setting up a second time. I will be setting up at a town about 3 hours away in Fort St John, British Columbia. I will advertise just as I did the first time, and offer Canadian and American coins, both slabbed and raw, as well as a few complete sets, and semi key - key coins. I will set up a bigger "recession bin" (as I've seen it called here before) and I will carry more stock of newer coins, both from the mint and provincial quarters, and all the other crazy quarter designs. As much as I can't stand buying modern coinage, I realized at the last show that it was something I need to stock more of. Because to put it bluntly. "That stuff sells fast!". I will have my camera there, and will offer to take photos of peoples coins for 2 dollars a coin, and I will edit the pictures or them and email them J-Pegs. I'm excited about this show more then the first one, because now I know what to expect and I have cheesy business cards with my name, and email addresses. I am excited to see what sells most at this show, last time it was modern coinage, silver, and half dollars. These are just antique shows, and I was the only coin guy at the last show, and I have a feeling I'll be the only one at this one as well. But I do know a few guys I sell to online up there so I know there are more collectors there, then here. This time I bought some more flips, silver, more common date stuff in varying grades, and key date coppers more in preparing for the show then I did last time, so I have MUCH more inventory, and alot more common date hole fillers. Oh.. and I bought one of those swivel lamps all the dealers have at shows! :high5: It's been a real blessing this last week, my calender has been packed with collections to look at, buy, and collecting peoples want lists. My phone is finally ringing from people I don't know, regarding coins. The closest coin shop is 5 hours away in Edmonton Alberta so people here are starved of any numismatics, so I seem to be a breath of fresh air to people.
Sounds cool!!! Good luck. By the way $2 per coin for nice images is way too cheap! PCGS is trying their trueview photo service at a show for the first time for $50 per coin image!!! I've heard that many other pros charge around $10 at a show, sometimes less if there is no editing involved. Most importantly, make sure you have someone keeping an eye on your coins while you're working the camera!!
Thanks illini! I am in no means a professional though, so 2$ is fine with me. I charge more if it is a collection that I actually do at home... Not that I've ever had one. But For some professionals they charge 15 for roughly edited pictures. I am fine with 2 dollars. You get what you pay for right? I do the best I can, and I get a little change for my efforts. Heres a sample of my photography:
Good luck at the show Shawn. So which way from Edmonton are you. I've been through there a few times along with Calgary on my way to the fields of Alberta and Sak to hunt the ever elusive Canadian White Tail. How's the hunts this year? Hoping to pass through again next Nov.
Thanks Tater, I am North of Edmonton. There are some nice shops in the Calgary area. And honestly, I couldn't say if the hunting is good or not. Not a hunter myself. Haha, although I can comment on the white tail. I didn't think they were that elusive... I got two of 'em with my car last year, :headbang:
Last time I was there I was east of Edmonton. Stayed in Two Hills. The hunting was poor. Next time I'm there and if the hunting is slow may have to look you up and we can go coin hunting.
Just a suggestion from someone that lives in a high crime area. You should really get a post office box for people to contact you. Or rent a garage, store, or someplace to use as an alternate address. Same with a phone number. You may want to consider a second phone line or number if a cell phone so your real one is not a source of following up on personal information. I know these suggestions may be expensive and pending on the area you live, they may well be worth the cost in the long run. I know many dealers and non use their main home phone number and none allow anyone to know thier home address. Of course as I say this is a high crime area so may not apply by you but something you should still think about.
I do have a seperate office box or coins, and currently use my cell phone only. (don't have a house number) thank you for your advice Carl! Much appreciated.
I'm glad to hear you are getting the opportunity to set up at another show. Sounds like you may be filling a need in the area if you are receiving so many calls. You should do well! Just keep your eye on the merchandise if you don't have a helper.
Best of luck Shawn! And do a write-up as to what sells, what people ask for and your general feelings and observations! I love reading posts from the other younger people just starting out like myself! And watch out for that high crime area up there in the snow-land. I head the raindeer are REALLY gang-bangin' this time of year.
Thanks guys. I just finished setting up and am just sitting down to grab a bite to eat. Real nice crowd here, should be fun. I'll be sure to take some pictures to upload tomorrow. The hall is really dark, but with all my lights it looks like it's daytime in my corner. :goofer:
