Grummpy Old Men

There are many OG's in this hobby and I don't mean original gangsters or old gangsters. Maybe if you just relax and try to figure out how those old guys respond, then maybe you can learn alot. I learned years ago from counseling ppl that there's not always something wrong with the other guy, maybe it's just something wrong with the approach that I used. This is just a suggestion bluetip and you don't even have to use it but you should at least think about it. I used to get the same reaction when I went into coin shops and I'm not even young. The suggestion is when you walk into the store, try to make eye contact. If you're not successful, then just say "hi" and when the person looks at you smile. You may think the ppl don't even know your there but trust me, they know! :yes:The whole objective is for you to try to force their hand at acknowledging you. You do it kindly! It's really simple once you take that first step, try it, you'll like it! Sure it may not work everytime but your way isn't working either so just look at it this way. At this point you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!! Gotta run, I'm off work!! just my 2 cnts

 

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But he doesn't carry a cane, he carries a long rifle ( there is a thread here someplace)

 

He has a gun?!

 

It's a Sharps Breech Loader....the kind Tom Selleck used in the movie Quigley Down Under.

 

Did he buy it new?

 

I think he helped design it......

 

A few things stand out to me in this entire thread. It is not really all that hard to try and find some common ground. Asking for their attention by telling them your name and what you are looking for would be a good start. In many cases just having your name will make them put their guard down a little and if you get their name and use it, it will help. By telling them what you are interested in, even in a vague or general way they will think you have some focus and came there for a reason other than "just looking". As Desertgem pointed out, unless you've taken a few steps in their shoes, I wouldn't be too quick to judge, and in most cases those GOM can be quite helpful if you listen to the message and ignore the delivery. One thing you should never forget, and it sounds like most of the GOM have, is you never get a 2nd chance at a first impression. I suggest you make yours a good one and if they can't it's there issue.

PS, there are lots of grumpy people in NYC, but I don't think they're grumpy, I think they're deathly afraid your going to ask directions or where something is and they don't know. Many there live in a much smaller world than you could ever imagine.

 

Well my dealer is in his 30's and i swear i know more than him... but the first day i went he opened his safe and showed me EVERYTHING he had

 

He is probably now making a list of all members older than him to expose

 

I can understand the discouraging aspects of this hobby and most of us have been through several. Dealing with grumpy people can be easily forgotten once you have hunted down that one coin that makes it all worth it. That's what I typically try to focus on, the feeling of finding that coin that catches your eye or completes a set. Even if getting that coin from a grumpy source, just remember that final result. Even if you don't want to give them your buisness.

 

One dealer can be a real grumpy guy! He ticks me off sometimes. But because of him, he recommended a dealer that REALLY helps me a lot.

 

No, thank you for your service sir. You were in a real war, I was just in the Gulf War in 1991 and took a little going through the berm. I was referring to dealers I know and have talked to, and only two were in the service. Servicemen tend to chat a little if it comes up, and I am a talker and like to chat when I am looking at coins. You are right, though, I cannot be sure. I guess I was just trying to say that I think people just have "retail" dispositions or not. Some people can sit behind a counter all day and be glad a customer comes in, others have their mind made up who is worthy of attention and who isn't. I am not sure if it really has anything to do with their health or any war trauma. Two of the worst dealers I knew were in their early forties and were just foul tempered. They were like that for at least ten years I knew them. Fortunately one was just wholesale, but the other had a retail store but had his wife do most guest greeting lol.

No disrespect meant to war vets. I know most who really went through the worst don't like to relive it every day, or even once a decade. It took me 30 years to get the full story from my neighbor who was a POW in Korea. I would never compare my story to his, and I understand why its not a favorite subject of his.

Chris

 

This thread has started me thinking about my heros as I started growing up. I loved Clint Eastwood movies. He is the poster child for a grumpy old man. If you don't believe me, watch Gran Torino. My favorite movie is Die Hard. Bruce Willis is not a happy camper in this movie (e.g. a grumpy old man). I use to love the bad guys in the old WWF. If someone can remember Black Jack Mulligan, he's another candidate for grumpy man of the year. Ok, I don't like them in the coin shop though.

 

It seems to me, that in a business that requires a lot of interaction with the public, grumpiness is a huge liability.

If you're a dealer, take the long term view; every kid that you take the time and effort to mentor, is a potential long term customer, not only for you but for all the other dealers out there, and the entire hobby in general.

Besides, isn't it a lot more fun to be happy, friendly and outgoing?

 

Well said.

 

Yep - my local dealer has even asked me if could go wait on youngsters. He likes to keep the YN's happy and he is very patient with them explaining things. I never mind the delay and will gladly wait. Of course I then get to see all the goodies he gets - like the life medal saving award to someone here in louisville. About 3 ounces of gold and cool history. I even found an article on the guy and I am going to print it out and take it down there.

 

And now, a pause to reflect. Normally this would go into the "perpetual what you're listening to" thread in the general section, but I think it's quite at home here.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An2a1_Do_fc&feature=related

 

Green, I must say I appreciate your taste in RocknRoll...old man.

 

Unintended Humor

I'm sorry, but your post had me almost rolling on the floor. I'll bet the dealer who ticks you off was really happy to divert your attention to another dealer who would then have less time available for "customers". I've always believed that Coin clubs, organizations such as this, libraries, etc. are the places for learning/socializing. I've collected coins since before I was a "teen", and have never had a problem with the "Grumpy" Coin Shop owners who were busy transacting business, or working on inventory. I overheard their experiences/transactions while quietly inspecting their offerings. I learned while listening, and by studying various publications. I was very poor, and saved for a considerable time before attempting to purchase coins. When I entered a shop, or visited a show display, I inspected, asked for several coins, grouped selected coins, and made a reasonable offer. If rejected, I departed "empty-handed". "Dealers" loved me, as I always was respectful, reasonable, and a viable "customer" who respected the value of time/merchandise. Why would one expect congeniality from a shop owner trying to earn a living, that would not normally be afforded by a self-employed plumber, electrician, lawyer, doctor, etc., who require far greater compensation for their time? I've virtually always been received graciously, with the respect which I've paid others. Just "food for thought", which I trust can be properly digested. :thumb:

 

True but it is also often the result of having to deal with the general public.

Mark, Numismatic Exchange?