Grummpy Old Men

I've met a couple dealers like someone else mentioned, where they don't even think you have the money for anything in their store. They just sort of ignore you, and reply condescendingly when you ask something. However, I just went to another shop while on vacation, and the store owner was very nice, he was happy to check his safe for what I asked for, and didn't question me when I bought some silver. I think it's just the the luck of the draw on if you have a mean dealer or a nice one.

 

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Heck, I'm in my mid forties, with a lot of disposable income, and some of the grumpy old coin dealers in my area still treat me this way!

Now that I've dropped a couple grand here and there, they'll actually lower themselves to talk to me.

It makes me wonder how well someone with a personality and one iota of friendliness and maybe a dash of customer service would do in the coin dealing business!

 

I met this grumpy/jerk of a dealer on Sunday..He wanted 26 bucks for a 94 silver proof and 18 bucks for a 98 Silver proof set (understand that he has had them there for months) I offered $40 for both and was immediately told that I do not negotiate, the price he gives is the price you will pay..(it's not what he said but how he said it) and so I looked at him and walked away.
For my local dealer that I go too..great people friendly, go out of their way however they never given me a price break and what i mean is, let's say something is $20.00. they wont go and say well you are a regular so for you $17.00 and they always charge taxes!

 

perhaps these GOM have noticed that 50% of the 30 and under crowd have 1 or more of the following traits: stick fingers, rude manors, no money, poor hygiene....
Just a concept..

 

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyy Mr Wilson! Can I play with your coins?

Mr Wilson: coin collector and grumpy old man.

Sorry folks. I couldn't help myself!

 

Come to NY. Everyone's freakin' grumpy......

 

My lack of funds is what stops me, so I shop at dealer shops when I can. For now I look through everyone's pocket change and look for good deals on coins I really want on eBay.

I have not had the grumpy old man experience yet. However, I am a 29-year-old female who is 6-feet-tall--something that may contribute to the lack of grumpiness.

 

Dat you Uma Thurman?

 

Nope. Just a girl that ate too many vitamins (or something) as a kid.

 

LOL, So, not only do we have grumpy old men, we have delusional old men. Yes, I've seen it too.

 

I've been to NYC several times and have to admit that the people there are probably the rudest in the world. For the life of me, I have no idea why someone wants to live in that craphole...

 

I have one coin shop that I venture to quite often and they have a pretty good selection. The owner "poster child for grumpy old men" is harmless, but I just have to understand who I am dealing with. I once bought a Morgan for about $60 from his shop that was in great shape. I posted a picture of it on this forum and got the usual, "it's a fake" stuff. I then called him up and said that I was wondering if the coin I bought was a fake. He was not very happy to hear this and said he never sells a fake and for me to bring the coin in if I was not happy. After looking at the coin a lot more I determined it was legit. I think it's the nature of some of these guys to act like that. Now when I go to his shop I go when his assistant is working (female) and get my coins from her. She gives a much better discount than the owner.

Sometimes it's just fun to be in the shop and watch the activity coming and going. I always wonder when someone comes in to sell, if its a distressed sell on their part. Or when someone brings in their kids, I think that was me a 100 years ago.

 

What is considered a grumpy old man? Seem to be a very broad term being used here.

 

I went to another coin shop today, and the guy was very nice and helpful. Gave me advice, because I don't really know what I want, I just want everything...he said "go into a shop and don't buy a million things, buy the best one thing you can afford". I thought it was pretty good. He gave me information about some coin shows/clubs in the area, and I am going back this week to sell him the rest of my 2010 P dime rolls. Pretty good. Bought a 1857 SL half, 1960 PF68 rosie in an old NGC slab, and a 2010 proof set. He gave me a P D set of Yosemite quarters for free too... definitely a good day.

 

There is an old saying about "Walking in someone's shoes", implying that maybe you don't see the whole picture. Some of the older and grumpy people I know , actually have some reason to be so. Many are fighting COPD, CHF, Arthritis, Incontinence, vision loss, hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, Alzheimer disease, physical or mental war injuries, etc.

Now you younger people look over even this short list and wonder what your disposition would be, if you knew you have it and will most likely never get rid of it. I am not saying it is always the case, but often the way people appear is due to physical or mental problems more so than as a reaction to an individual. If you are one of the older ones who don't have something on this list, celebrate the good luck! Peace !

Jim

 

I understand what you are saying Jim, but I would still state that a lot of GOM in coin dealer circles are 30, or have been ill tempered since being 30. Also, I am a purple heart war veteran and have not met a coin dealer who is, so I am not sure that is a part.

I did really take to heart someone earlier talking about how so many young people have sticky fingers, no money, etc. That can be true, and knew guys growing up who were like that, and if I had to deal with that daily that would make me a grump to I bet. To me, that explains some of it. Still, some dealers are great guys and gals, others I guess just don't have the personality for retail.

Chris

 

Chris, Thanks you for your service to the country. I certainly wasn't trying to defend all GOM, as some are just plain grumpy.

But I am always impressed by older people that suffer badly but manage to keep a peaceful personality.

Jim

 

You know with those previous symptoms mentioned I now qualify for GOM. Now will I get taxed for that?

 

Here's my favorite Grumpy Old Man. He is wise beyond his years but don't try his patience:

 

Chris
I am not sure I understand your comment about being a purple heart war veteran. In the circle of dealers that I know, many are WW II, Korean and Vietnam veterans.

Just how would you know that a dealer is not a veteran and purple heart recipient?

I have two purple hearts from my service in Vietnam, but I don't go around telling everyone that I conduct business with that I received them. As a matter fact some of my best friends don't even know.

BTW: Thanks for your service