Yes all, it's another coin shop story and it hurt me to watch it unfold. The owner of the shop is in Veas till Monday. He leaves very little discretion to the employees on buying and selling while he's gone. So naturally a guy wanders in with a LARGE stack of 1934 tens and twenties. The guy that's been there the longest got the good look at them but I caught tome glimpses. All circulated but many mark free VF-XF notes. A few nationals as well. Our hands are basically tied - can't really make an offer and it's NOT my place to offer and buy some. I bit my tongue. It's still bleeding. Just at a glance I'll guarantee the guy had at least $500 face value. OUCH! Now the other employee DID suggest he come back next week when the boss is back. He may buy a few. I'll need to talk to the boss about this to see if he'll give me permission to buy a few from the guy. Hey, it's his shop and shop etiquette is in effect. I realize there is NOT a huge premium on these but MAN I hate to see them walk out the door! If I can snatch a few I will. Will probably have to sell a few as well and hopefully make a buck or two. Clembo's in hustle mode. I sure do hope this guy comes back! clembo
Yeah, I made a faux pas a few years ago by looking at another customers stuff that she was going to sell. The owner got a little upset and I was horribly embarrassed. I know what you're saying, though. It's tough to watch someone leave with something you want that you know they want to sell. It's even worse if you see someone getting screwed.
Yep, That's a mistake you only want to make once. It IS their place of business. I have actually bought from customers at the shop before AS a customer. ONLY after the owner said it was okay (I didn't even ask so I guess etiquette does pay off). The problem with lots like these is that they are hard to turn so dealers do turn down a LOT of it. They know it's collectible but it's also idle inventory. Business is business. I will give my boss/dealer credit on one point though. If he's going to lowball you he tells you out front. If I could count the times over the years that I've heard him say "I might insult you with my offer" but I see his point. If he doesn't really need it why pay a large premium? clembo
but at least he offers more than face, right?!? I've seen dealers try to offer less than face for coins/bills. IT's really sad.
Yes, he does offer over face. He might go $11 on some of the nicer commons and I'm sure higher on Nationals. What's really odd is if the guy comes back he'll most likely have ME go through them. Now that kinda sucks I'll recommend what HE should buy and then see if I can get some "leftovers". Like I said though, his shop and etiquette DOES apply. I can deal with it though. He DID offer me work out of the blue when I really needed it. clembo
If anything, (with his permission of course), I would take whatever your boss doesn't want, and pay him maybe face+.50 per note. You're happy, he's happy, and your boss is happy.
Kind of the angle I'm looking at. Can't afford it all though I'm sure of that. I would have to cherrypick what I already cherrypicked. How's that for odd?
Thanks RickieB, I did talk to the boss about it. He would get first look (even though it might be me) and I DO have permission to offer on other notes. He'd also give me first chance at what he bought. It's almost like an episode on the Twilight Zone. I see a lot of currency walk out the door because I can't afford it and it takes the boss too long to turn. I pretty much knew the "game" already but now I'm part of it. He sees stuff, has me look at it then we let it go on MY advice. Yesterday it was a 1934 light green seal $100 note. Probably VF condition. I looked at the reverse, saw pencil writing and told him to pass. If he paid $105 it would sit in his case at $115 for a long time so not worth it. Like I said. Twilight Zone! clembo
At the Chicago Paper Money Expo, I saw alot of stuff like that sitting in bargain piles marked %10 over face, and even then I'm sure most would pass. Unfortunately with pencil, sooner or later someone will come along with an eraser and ......[insert horrible sound + analogy here].
Biting your tongue is fine, just don't start biting your nails too... it might prevent you from typing all these tales from the coin shop!
