Butt in or butt out

Depending on what the laws are in that state; is it even legal to transact this type of business with someone under 16? My dealer here in Connecticut asks to see your license and takes down your info when you sell him anything. He says he has to file papers with the town, county, and/or state for every sale.
Police showed up at his shop with numerous complaints before he started doing this. He said the complaints were from a competitor shop.
He also needs a State bullion license in Connecticut and papers are filed recording transactions.

 

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That is how I was looking at it when I made my reply, as a parent.

 

I would proceed with caution you do not want to have the parents call the police, accusing them of harrasing their child.

I think the first thing they should do is contact the police to see if this has happened before, I mean a thirteen year old calling about the price for gold. If she is being used as a patsy it most likely has happened before.

 

I've shared your feedback and suggestions with the dealer.

She asked me to thank you for the answers and she tried the phone number twice just to 'take a temperature.'

She was going to use the premise for the call of 'I wanted to get back to the young lady regarding her question on appraising her $10 gold olympic coin (no, it was not a Sac dollar).' But there was no answer.

And this dealer gets driver's license ID on all buys regardless of age, and doesn't buy from anyone under 18 and the local police really respect her for the policy.

I assure you, she wasn't attempting to create trouble, she was trying to prevent it. Maybe (hopefully) the young lady decided it wasn't worth the risk when she was told her parent or legal guardian were required to accompany her to the store to sell. At least, I hope that was the case.

And as a parent myself, when my daughter was young, I would rather have a little advance warning up front than have to clean up a huge mess afterward. Like any shop, they take many calls every day asking the value of coins or from people offering to sell. This one just waved a red flag.

Thanks again.

 

So far nothing illegal has happenned. it It's probably a golden $ or a sac dollar. I wouldnt make the first move. let her bring the coin in and make a decision then.

 

I agree, if the kid shows up with the coin ask to contact the parents. But if the kid never leaves the house would you want some stranger contacting you on something he/she has no proof on?

 

If this child has called twice, making a call back would be a legitimate business practice would it not? Call in the evening, speak to a parent, and tell them the story indicating that you would love to see the coin if the 13 year old would bring one of the parents along with. Then you've notified them in case there is something amiss.

 

He should butt out. I never liked the idea of Caller ID in the first place and abusing it, as the owner is contemplating, is one of the reasons why. Appointing yourself carebear cop "for the children" is something I would advise against.

If there was evidence of a crime I would re-think my position, but as far as a child doing something behind their parents' backs, well that's something other people shouldn't worry themselves about. A minor is unable to legally enter into a contract, and that's a civil matter, not criminal.

"Comrades to please report all suspicious activity by neighbors." Reminds me of a whole lot of bad history.

 

Im not 18 yet but i buy and sell thousands of dollars in coins every year if i went to a coin shop and they refused to buy any thing at any price it would through a wrech in my whole operation. If all dealers were this way the YN deal would be out the window

 

I think the difference is you have established a relation ship with references.

 

i know what you mean and wear yopu coming from i just dont agree with not buying from anyone under 18

 

If it was my 13 year old trying to sell my olympic gold commem, I would want to know. Absolutely.

 

If I were the parent of the 13 year old, I would want the coin dealer to call me.

 

Like back in the days when people could leave their doors unlocked--when "community" was substantive and not a "progressive" buzzword? A private heads-up to a neighbor hardly equates to the Stasi.

Don't get me wrong, I see what you're saying. But I don't see some gigantic slippery philosophical slope here. If the dealer in her experience senses something that might be untoward, she can make a good-faith effort at a follow-up. Or not. If the chances of juvenile hijinx are 10% and cell phones ubiquitous, the probability of actually using a caller ID callback to "unravel a plot" fall to what, 1,000 to 1-ish? Mostly it would salve the dealer's conscience.

But aren't inconsequential moral dilemmas the most fun?

Ditto.

BTW, I also put one chocolate-covered Saint Gaudens down on the Sacajawea theory, which one can always take to the bank and trade in for a real dollar. . .to paraphrase Marge Simpson!

 

I don't know if I would call her parents. She is 13 and will not be driving to any shops.

I bet she has a Sacagawea and thinks it is a gold dollar.

 

Butt out until the girl actually comes into the shop to sell the coin. The dealers true "metal" will be tested at that point!

 

I'd leave it alone for now. She may be the rightful owner of the coin and she may want to do some trade with you. You might be losing out on a young budding customer and coin enthuiast whose business you'll appreciate in the future.

When she does come in talk to her about your concerns and see where she stands. Even young people deserve to be heard and get the benefit of the doubt.

Bruce

 

Just asked my wife.....She would call in a minute.

I have 2 13 year old daughters. If one of them was doing that, I would want to know (because it meant they had stolen from me). AND, even if it was a mistake, I would appreciate that coin dealer's insight to call me "just in case." In fact, it would endear me to him and I would do more business with him in the future.

 

There are times to "butt out" and times not to, I think this is one those not to.

 

would this dealer take the same initiative, had a 17 year old walked into the shop and wanted to sell a coin? If not, why not? or what would he /She do different? There's never an appropriate time to "BUTT IN" unless it has a direct impact upon yourself or your business, and in that case it's not "BUTTING IN" but rather acting in accordance with the the governing laws for your trade or business. A telephone call to a shop owner doesn't warrant followup by the shop/dealer owner anyone until the individual physically presents the coin to the dealer for sale unaccompanied by an adult.