Here is an area where numismatics meets the everyday world. Customer service is an area that is always an important issue. When you are choosing your dealer, consider the effort put into customer service. If they communicate well, and go that extra step to make sure you are satisfied, let them know. Often customers will only share the bad experiences. We are all quick to complain, but very rarely do we praise. A simple thank you will go a long ways. When you are dealing with coin dealers, be sure to take into consideration, our busy schedules. many of us travel to coins shows, and auctions on a pretty regular basis. If you see your dealer at a show, please stop by to say hello. Often, dealers never see their customers. Even though we are selling a product, most of us also sell our service. This is not unlike a waiter or a waitress. While it isn't necessary to tip your dealer, be sure to give a thank you. Remember your dealer when you decide to sell your collection. Pass along their name to your friends. Building a relationship with your dealer is one of those things that should be your priority.
Is it true that most (or many) coin dealers collect post cards? If so, why? Whats the conection. A coin dealer in Closter I used to go to (he's closed now) was into collecting Post cards. If I did any traveling, I always brought some post cards back for him.
Well, I'm not a coin dealer, but I do collect old post cards. I suppose the tie-in to coins, would be the history aspect. I also collect old photographs from the late 1800's to the early 1900's.
I believe that this collector/dealer relationship is one of the most interesting interactions that a consumer makes with a retailer. You quickly realize that there are folks that get it, and folks that do not. Case in point. I was first out of the gate in my quest for Morgans a few months ago. I went to the only location where coin dealers exist to my knowledge (the local weekly flea market) and started my search. The first dealer I came across had great location and decent signage to point me in the right direction. I went inside, and he asked me if I was looking for anything specific. I said my usual (Morgans, Walkers, Peace, etc) and he pointed me to a 1884 GSA CC for nearly $400. I nodded politely, and exited, stage left. The next dealer was off the beaten path, not great location, no signage. My first encounter was the same question (what are you looking for). My response was the same. The next question was deeper, what did I have, what was I looking for. This proceeded to a 10 minute educational seminar. The counters were full of customers, and my dealer took the time to educate me. I bought a sweet 1879 S 64PL, and was told to start a list and come back next week with some homework. I've bought probably 45 more from her. It PAYS to cultivate this relationship, on both sides of the counter. She knows I appreciate her and her hubby, and I know she appreciates me. Great thread, ND. Cris
Well I can tell you from the dealers perspective, that there are some customers who I really appreciate. They not only buy and sell, but also spend a few minutes sharing information. They offer their friendship and knowledge. Many contribute to our coins in the classroom. They send birthday cards to the staff and I, and when we are in their town, they take us to dinner. In exchange, they have first choice on the coins they are searching for. We buy many coins each week, and most never hit the website. A good customer will let his or her dealer know what they are looking for. They call or email every week to stay in touch. Sometimes they drop an email just to say "hello". This is the customer that will get that special treatment. For my firm, education is goal number one. From small children to seniors, we strive to change this hobby for all. If each collector and dealer would take a few minutes to share their knowledge about the hobby, we will all benefit.
Hey there, I don't think I know any dealers that collect post cards. We all collect something though. Although it is very rare that it is coins. I personally collect documents from the founding fathers. Whether it is letters, or official documents. I absolutely love learning about the lives of these early Americans. Some of the decisions that were made were often written from one to another. To see how their thought process worked amazes me. So you never know what one person will collect. There is no wrong way!
One of my favorite customers is a local guy that comes in 2 or 3 times per week. He loves to chew the fat. He's got a pretty good numismatic knowledge and is particularly good with foreign coins. Not to mention he loves to talk about world affairs. Just a nice, interesting fellow that almost never leaves without buying something, even if I don't have his favorite stuff on hand. He's quick to talk with newbies and kids about collecting, and is always very positive about the hobby and somehow manages to throw a plug in for me and the shop, too. He helps me sort through piles of foreign coinage that I get in the shop. It's a stress relief for him from his busy day and it's good for me too. In fact he's better at it than any of my employees and whatever he picks out for himself I just give him. I hope this gentleman is my customer for a long time.
Interesting ND. I used to hang around this coin/baseball card shop with a friend of mine when we were little kids. The shop was in Tenafly NJ next to the movie theatre. Guy who ran it was an interesting charactor. We'd spend half our Saturday there BSing with the guy. We collected baseball cards back then. But I remember seeing some silver bars in his display case one day and him explaining what they were. I've found that coin shops funtion in small towns as informal meeting places, much like newspaper and coffee shops, where people can get the latest news, talk about politics and the economy, etc.
