Coin show etiquette tip

Was at a large coin show last weekend. I know these are crowded and stressful for all concerned. I just wanted to pass along a tip to those attending, please do not block the tables if you are just standing there BS'ing. I went to a table repeatedly, and there was always a group of people waiting there. No problem, I can be patient. I would wait until people ahead of me got helped. However, every time I went there it seemed that one or two people were with the person who actually may buy something, and they would stand right in front of the tables completely blocking the table, while not even looking at it.

Please everyone, especially at busier shows, be courteous of those around you. If you are not looking at the display cases do not park your butt right in front of them and block them completely from view. You are not being a "buddy" to the dealer, you are costing them sales. Finally after waiting for the third time and STILL unable to see the display case while all of the chatting was going on I was walking away. The owner's wife asked me if she could help, but I simply told her, "nevermind me, I am just a customer with a couple of K in my pocket walking away".

Chris

 

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Looks like you were genuinely angry on that one.
Just remember, there are more horses asses than horses.

 

I know how you feel. There are too many people today that have the "it's all about me" attitude that get offended when you remind them that it's not really all about them. It's everywhere, though, not just at coin shows.

 

Not that angry, sorry if it came off that way. If it had been a dealer I was really wanting to search his stock I would have been madder, it was more the inconsiderate nature of those who thought only of themselves amongst hundreds of people that ticked me off more than anything.

I genuinely started this thread just as a friendly reminder that even though shows may be exciting, there are other people there other than yourself.

 

Editing. Everyone has there pet peeves. I know I do

 

This is exactly how it was at the NYINC show. A lot of people were just sitting and chatting away with the dealer. Blocked the entire showcase from view, didn't care too much though. I got to save some money.

 

I know the feeling. My first show was in Vienna Virginia. At the end of the show all I wanted to do was purchase a couple of 10 oz bars and get out of there. A couple of guys were taking up the entire counter for a good 20 minutes. I kept making another pass and finally just said forget about it.

 

Oh man!! Tell me about it!! This is my biggest pet peeve. The last show I went to it was ridiculous. The people just crowded in. There was one table (where I eventually was able to get to and buy stuff) that had one guy sitting in a chair hovering over everything with both arms. Then a pair of guys that were obviously together but one of them didn't appear to be a collector or interested at all. He's just standing right in front of the table staring off into space!

Then there was a couple there with a walkie talkie. They were in constant communication with an apparent collector who couldn't be at the show. So they had to talk (loudly) back and forth, on and on discussing every possible coin purchase. Like they didn't go over any game plan before they left. Then they're both standing in the way over and over again bickering over a few bucks on $10 coins. I just wanted to throw that walkie talkie out the window.

I'd seriously pay a higher entry fee if it would thin down the riff-raff and the gawkers taking up space. You could enjoy the shows a lot more. Some people will never have any etiquette. Everyone thinks the world revolves around them thanks to online social sites.

 

At the coin shows I go to some people drag their whole family along. I usually am blocked by:
1. older kid(s) who could care less about coins
2. Moms digging through their purse right on the display table
3. Younger kids running around and in general being underfoot
The collectors at the shows usually have the common sense to watch out for people.

 

It is what it is.

 

Personally I would like to hear a dealer's take on this as well, not about my experience but if they view this as an issue and how they solve it.

I know some customers are good customers that you need to take care of, but I was a cash customer waiting in line patiently wishing to spend about $1800. The coin I was going to buy this dealer usually carried, but I still do not know if he had one at this show since I never got to see his cases for more than a second or two. It would have been different if he was just busy, good for him in that case. He was a little busy, but the major problem was customers and their friends simply refusing to move aside if they weren't buying anything.

 

You say 'refusing to move aside' did you ask them too? Just wondering because sometimes people don't realize that they are doing something like this and a simple polite excuse me or something along those lines is enough to get them to realize and make room or move out of the way.

 

Yeah, I did actually twice. I am a good sized guy, but the second time was a dude about 6'5" and 300 pounds. He just looked at me and continued to talk. The first time the guy moved and 2 seconds later jostled me back away from the cases. That was one of the times I simply left to come back later. I know I have a temper, so I thought it better to walk away. Spending my money wasn't important enough to have a squad car ride over.

I will admit the first time I went to the dealers table I was simply waiting for people to be courteous, notice I was next customer in line, and allow me to see the cases. When they didn't, and the dealer did not ask them to do so, I just moved on to another dealer, deciding to come back later.

 

on the other hnd, some sellers need etiquette to.

The first show i went to there where some tables where the seller was not there.
I can understand that you need to drink something or need o go to the toilet, but he was just sitting at the bar drinking beer and looking at his ownt table so nothing would get stolen.
Even when he saw that i had intrest in some coins he still did not bother to come over and he ordered another beer...

 

I actually didnt buy a 1/20 ounce gold coin from a guy because a customer talking to someone else wouldn't move (yes I did ask him to move). I was not mad or anything but in the time I was waiting for the guy to move I decided not to buy the coin.

 

Yeah there's really no excuse for that kind of rudeness if you had asked them. Unfortunately situations like this seem common all over the place these days.

 

The problem I seem to run into constantly is customers at a table spreading out their coin albums and want lists all over the dealers display case while they're looking thru coins in boxes. It's as if they're camped out there. Can't really see what the dealer has to offer. And dealers don't seem to mind too much that they do that from what I've seen. Pretty disturbing to customers like me though.

 

Chris: This is a common occurrence at most shows. No need to leave frustrated. I suggest trying to catch the dealer's eye even from a distance. What I have found is that the dealer will then wave you through the crowd. Once he or she starts talking with you, the other conversations typically end and people move on. TC

 

I have many times asked people to move along at shows and not once has a dealer said anything negative to me about it. I wont ask somebody that is actually in the customer mode. but those that are standing and chatting, I have no problem at all saying excuse me, I want to look at this dealers coins. Cant remember a time when the person/people didnt move and allow me access. Maybe its the growl and the fact I always wear my Harley Tshirts when I go to shows? Making eye contact and motioning to the dealer is also a good tactic, let him know your interested but cant get in. If he has a set he will ask people to move and find a new chat area. Some dealers wont do this because they dont want to appear rude and lose a customer however.

Great point though OP. I bet this would work.. hold up a wad of hundreds so the dealer can see it, then wave goodbye. : ) They are there to make money, not socialize for the most part. You should hear the chit chat after the shows about customers.

Ya this guy thinks he is a big player, spends a few bucks here and there, thinks he is my best friend. etc....

 

Chris, I agree with your advice and this is a good tip that people should keep in mind. I'd suppose most dealers have numerous stories about just such problems. Minding one's manners ought to apply not only at coin shows, but in numerous other scenarios in life, especially where we must share space with others, were we can be more cognizant of ourselves and aware of the needs and presence of others around us, too.

However, sometimes being patient just won't get you anywhere while a simple, politely apologetic interrupting, "Excuse me, but may I take a look in this case?" sort of question will help herd the conversant off to the side and out of your way. Vocal communication is often the key when eye contact, body language and unspoken wishful intent have stalled up to that point. For all we know, dealers in such situations may be going to pains talking to a chatty show attendee wishing for a break, waiting for more customers to interrupt with questions and for the chance to meet more, if not even new, potential customers. I would say it's safe to assume that if they want to make sales, they will make space for you at their table and if they are engaged in a sale, will likewise accommodate you in a timely manner as they are there to do just that. I would also suppose that a good number of dealers struggle with compact table arrangements and if that contributes to these issues, both customers and dealers need to address the venues managers to help them understand what is prohibiting a comfortable and successful buying environment.

It seems you had the perfect chance to wipe away your frustrated multiple attempts when the dealer's wife approached you. While it was probably best not to make a purchase decision while being frustrated, distracted or upset at the situation, there still was an opportunity not to release your frustration with such a parting comment. That comment is only likely to be something the dealer remembers and were you to encounter one another again to do some coin dealing, you may find it's something the dealers may not be willing to overlook so readily.