I looked in the Yellow Pages for coin shops in San Antonio, Texas. There were many. But, the phones had been disconnected on most and they were out of business! I did find 3 left in business,but one didn't open on Monday. (Shame too, he seemed like the kinda I'd expected to spend time with me). So I tried the oldest and richest jewelry/coin shop. They were very helpful but did not have supplies for beginners. The second shop had everything you would ever need to buy....but acted like they couldn't care if you dropped off the earth, and thanks very much for interrupting their day! They had about 2,000 square feet of display cases with every imaginable coin displayed (example: Texas commerative coin $200), and lots of bins of "culls" that looked better than my coins. Three guys were sitting at a desk running coins from bins through their hands like a combine, while judging them, and another man sat at a compter doing, I don't know. Anyway, this hobby is more exciting now that I came home with 50 2X2s,a Bausch 5X pocket loop, and a 2009 Red Book! Woo Hoo...let the fun begin. P.S. They only got about $30 of my money, but I would have bought some coins if they had been willing to help me a little.
Sounds like you had fun! Don't like the dealers discourage you--sometimes they might just try to see if you are going to come in once and waste time, or if you really are into coins. I wouldn't mark the shop off my list yet anyway.... Speedy
That seems to be my experience with dealers too. Like Speedy said, they may just not know you and as such didn't treat you how you were expecting. I don't agree with it, but that seems to be the trend in the business. One guy I deal with a lot and have spent many thousands of dollars with is short with everyone he deals with. It is what it is and I don't let it get in the way. Go to the shows, you will meet plenty of dealers there. Ask if they are local. Many do not have shops anymore because of over head. But it should give you a chance to meet many dealers.
Good advice from Speedy.....sometimes it takes a while before some folks warm up to you. Here in my neck of the woods there are shops that never warm up to you.
Good advice from all , next time you have some money go to the shop look and see if anyone ien't busy , if they are look at all the coins you can even through the display cases , if you find something you like , wait a few minutes till some one looks at you , then politely ask if you can see what your interested in , be nice and ask questions , it might even take a couple of times before they warm up to you , but if they make you feel uncomfortable take your money to another shop . rzage
In San Antonio eh. I like to go to Alamo Heights Coin Shop on Austin Highway. I've always been treated fair there, even when I was just passing through town on a weekend. If they are still open, check them out.
Last time I was at a coin show I met a guy from New Braunsfels, TX. I don't have his name or address but he had 6 tables and brought 2 shelving units full of supplies. He was really nice and talked with me for about 45 minutes even though I only bought $50.00 in coins from him. I'm going to a coin show this weekend and I'll try to get his address for you.
Yo tight wad, Sounds to me like you had a decent experience. Sounds like a big shop too. Don't get discouraged either. Coin shops can be odd places especially if you're new. Many dealers are rude whereas many others just "appear" rude. Rzage made some good points about being polite and patient. Here's how it works where I work and why some may seem rude. This morning my boss was working on a $10,000 deal. Was kind of a priority for him. I run "interference" at times like these. A guy like yourself walks in and I wait on you. If we don't get swamped I'll BS with you for half an hour and sell you $30 worth of stuff. I'll also know, at this point, that you'll be back. Believe me, the boss REALLY appreciates this. He gets a new customer while being able to concentrate on the bigger deal. I personally enjoy my end. I meet a lot of new collectors. It's cool when they come back and want you to wait on them. We have a "computer" guy as well. He runs the website, ebay auctions and does a LOT of research. Actually we have two computers and when I'm not busy I do a lot of research. I also will take coins home and ask about them here on CT. No one knows everything and the boss is finding out that I have some fine folks helping me on CT. Keep asking and learning! clembo
I went to the coin show I was talking about and found that dealer. Try these guys out, they are always nice to me. He came off his price by $4.00 on a $30.00 item just because he remembered me from last time. Ack I didn't get and address :desk: McQueeny Coins P O Box 728 McQueeny TX 78123 (830) 557-5759
