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I don't think for a minute that my local dealer is a crook. Condescending, and rude, yes, dishonest, no.
It is not a store in which you would be ripped off, just one that makes you wonder why you want to collect coins, if being subtly insulted is the most you can expect from your dealer.

 

Nicely put Richard.

GDJMSP, In no part of this thread was my intention to suggest that anyone is a crook. My point was simply that so far, they are closely guarded and unwilling to share information. To the extreme, they are simply unfriendly. I'm no expert here but in business...any business where you deal with the public, you must allow for novice questions.

If I owned a TV store, should I roll my eyes and sigh when someone asks what high definition is? Simply poor business pratice all around. Not to mention poor manners, period.

 

I can only imagine the dealer's perspective - Joe comes into my shop to ask inane questions about how best to make a date pop up on the worn out buffalo nickel that he got in change. In the time I took to answer his question, I missed a call from somone wanting to sell a bag of $20 gold coins for $100 each.

Many good coin dealers gave up on storefronts BEACUSE of such collectors who contribute nothing to the bottom line and don't value a dealer's time.

As a philatelic dealer, I do try to answer questions, or refer people to others who might be better able to answer the questions. However, I don't have to earn a living from those people!

 

Covers,

Do dealers get that call a lot? The one with the bagfull of $20 gold pieces?

Just curious because your view seems overly pessimistic and seems to further illustrate my point.

When I walk into a store, the dealer doesn't know if I have a bagful of $20 coins in the car or whether I am the slob asking about the buffalo nickel!! The dealers I have been referring to in this thread both passed up a $40-$50 sale. My son and I were looking for several coins...none overly expensive but a total in that range just the same. If you turn off first time customers, very few will give you a second chance. I for one, will not go back to those two dealers. AND...I ended up buying the coins on Ebay instead.

 

As a dealer, I try to remember the golden rule and treat people the way I expect to be treated...civilly, professionally, and also friendly.

Most of my business is behind the scenes wholesale and thus I've worked closely with other dealers for many years. The sad fact is that many coin dealers aren't exactly social butterflies. Many are a little standoff-ish but warm up after a couple of visits, and some are downright cantankerous. However most, in my experience, are eager to see new collectors enter the hobby.

Don't let a bad experience or a disappointing trip to a coin shop hamper your enjoyment

Good thread, thanks for posting it.

tradernick

 

The funny thing is, I don't do business with my local store, because of the way I am treated. He has determined that I am that time suck who does not spend money.
However, I have spent about $10,000 in the last year on my coins, none of it going to him.
I'd have loved to spend it with him, bought coins I could look at in hand, etc...

 

The main thing ALL dealers have to remember is, coins are LUXURY ITEMS and are not a necessity to anyone. There is always another dealer who WILL treat you with respect, will not overcharge or overgrade coins and will be happy to spend time talking coins with you.

BJG

 

If coins are not a necessity, then why do we have 3 Mints!


Frank

 

Want Versus Need

Funny but I have this conversation all the time with my kids!!

Them: I WANT that...

Me: but do you NEED that?

Them: Yes, I NEED that!!

Me: Ahhh, let me see if I get this straight...you need to have the latest fashion clothes? (usually my daughter here..thank goodness...my son "needs" video games)

Them: Well of course I NEED it, I WANT it don't I? Well, I guess I'd really really really LIKE it!! So, I NEED it!!

Me: Do you know the difference between NEED and WANT?

Them: Yes, duuuuhhhhh!!!! They are both the same!! Anything I WANT, I NEED. (eye roll cause Dad is being stupid now)

Me: DOH!! (think to myself, I NEED more coins...and a new Video Card...and a new MP3 Player) DOH AGAIN!!

 

Business strike coins, issued for circulation, are a necessity. Collector coins are Not a necessity. Hope that clears my comment up for everyone.

 

dealers

I would say the best way to befriend a coindealer would be if ur son came with u. 90 percent of the time dealers will take more interestin experienced adult collectors or kids. this is because they will make a fair amount of money off both. If the befriend a 14 year old they could have him as a cusromer until hes 30. Gradually the dealer will probabbaly like u too.

one other thing dealers instantly like u if u buy an expensive coin.now ive been collecting for 4 years and i recently went to a coin show. i sat down near a very good deler he is a very smart guy and nos lots about coins. He wouldnt give me any info or anything to talk to him about until u bought something form him.

One rule that i learnt some time ago is that u should pick ur dealer. Now i have many that i go to often but i have one or 2 that i woukld need to succeed.

One last thing u saud u have three stores in your city. so u probablly have a coin club. i would go to it bruing ur kid. Its a great chance to meat dealers find deals and make a lot of friends.