R-E-S-P-E-C-T (at the shows)

So, this is just an observation from a guy who's been in the hobby a few years that may be helpful to some newer members of the hobby.

I've gone to a few coin shows. The way you present yourself makes a lot of difference at these events as to how much attention you'll get from the dealers as well as how they'll treat you when it comes down to talking price. I'm not saying this is the way it should be... just the way it is.

I've gone to a show or two before in shorts and a t-shirt. Some of the dealers couldn't have cared less and wouldn't even give me a second look.

So, here's my recommended attire for shows as well as a few items you might want to have with you (so that you at least look like you know what you're doing :whistle: :rolling: ).

-Dress at least in business casual clothes. A pair of khakis and a button-up or nice polo will do (for the gentlemen).

-Purchase and carry with you a copy of the Greysheet.

-Carry any other papers regarding the coins you'd like to purchase. We talked about home-made spreadsheets down in Moen's thread in Gen. Disc.

-A loupe around your neck never hurt either.



What other suggestions do any of you have?

 

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Let me see---
Don't talk to yourself
And if you are going to an auction and really want to buy one coin that you know is hot then take 2 good looking ladies with you---sit on the FRONT row---when the bidding starts getting hot and you are getting close to your limit get the one girl to stand up and walk slowly out....hopefuly the eyes will follow her and you can get a bid in when no one is looking---if that doesn't work wait a few min, and send out the next one (always save the best till last)....and you might just win that coin
NOTE--I have not tried this myself...but have heard of people useing it at large coin auctions and winning the coin!

Speedy

 

I carry a briefcase with coin books, computer lists, a loupe, all the information on that particular show, and cash of course. They love to see cash. It draws their attention like a moth to the flame. It can be just a wad of ones but they will give you their complete attention. One other thing I might add is that they are not interested in your lifes story. It wastes their time. Be direct and don't be affraid to scoff at their first price quote. They'll come down some I guaranty it.

 

that was great speedy!

 

I know I don't. I let them know the voices in my head do most of the talking.

:goofer: :goofer: Lol, can't think up something for that one. :thumb:

Phoenix

 

I don’t think it matters what you wear when you been to the same show many times. The dealers will get to know you and if you are a buyer or looker. Once you have a collection of the dealers business cards you will know them better to.

There is always a few dealers who do not want to lower there prices enough, so I just pass by there table with a little Hello

 

The attire doesn't just apply to coin shows. I've done this experiment myself at other venues. Dressing down is a great way to shop without being disturbed.

It says a lot about how people judge each other by their appearances, doesn't it?

 

Take a hundred dollar bill and have it poke out of your shirt pocket.
That'll grab their attention.

 

Dress as you want then once you have decided upon a coin patiantly wait your turn, if ignored politly ask the seller if he is actualy interested in your $$ & custom or would he prefer you to go elsewhere AND ASK IT IN A LOUD VOICE LOL I have worked fairs selling Autographs & memrobillia and believe me I coudnt care less what you look like as long as I sold you something Sometimes someone would stop by ask about a item then dissapear till the next show then turn up with the cash. We had one Young couple who came to the stall with a list and asked for prices in broken english (they were Japanese), I asked if they could leave it with me until I had a moment and return in the afternoon. They did and I had filled out the list for them, what came next was to say the least sureal, the gent took out his mobile and called Japan quoted the prices and proceeded to spend somewhere in the region of £2 Grand with us In Cash. We found out that they had been told to go away from 3 other sellers who were too busy to at least be polite LOL

 

Dress how you want, be direct, have the cash in hand

 

I agree 100% with bqcoins.

 

Sort of been going to coin shows for well into the 30 or 40 or more years now. Natually at my age who remembers anything. As to attire at coin shows, I've found it all depends on the coin show. We have at least 3 a month around here. Those are normal coin shows with normal looking people dressed casual and just looking normal. The admittance is free, parking is free and ample, easy access to the places, not the best food or coffee for sure. Seldom ever see any buyers carrying a Red Book, Grey Sheet or any price guides. Most seam to know what they want and how much to pay. Most dealers there have prices on the coins and have learned over the years without that, they get passed by a lot. Many of the dealers are regular so even if you dressed like you just crawed out from under your car they'ld treat you the same.
Then there are the less frequent larger coin shows such as the upcoming MidAmerica Coin Expo from June 21 to 24th at the Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont. Now at these type of shows I've noticed an increase in the quality of clothing worn especially on the second or third days. Now at this show there is a parking fee, admittance fee, dealers stay at motels and hotels, really lousy food, horrible coffee and expensive. Naturally this reflects on prices of coins at these shows and for some reason draws a better or just more elaborately dressed individual. Anyone dressed a little to casual will for sure get some ruff looks and be watched by the security forces and they are everywhere there.
Now the worst coin shows I've ever been to was the international coin fairs here in Rosemont. What a bunch of weirdos. Many, many dealers in suits, white shirts and ties, sport coat with dress pants and shirt and tie, women with what appears to be something to be worn at the Civic Opera House. Many customers with brief cases, foreign magazines, etc. I've also noticed at these you just don't see anyone in a T shirt and shorts. Even the security staff is well dressed. Imagine what the prices of coins there are?
Something I've heard but never wanted to try is what a guy told me. He finds a coin in a 2x2 he would like to purchase and with lots of people watching, he first picks his nose making sure people see him and then handles the 2x2. Amazing, he says, how many dealers will drop the prices on that down dramatically to get rid of it.

 

Agreed...

I go to auctions & show wearing a Harley T-shirt, jeans, and boots.
Of course, I probly get immediate attention because I seem like a threat or something.
That might be because I tend to scowl a lot.
Hey, it really does help at auctions.
I've actually heard some old-timers say "I'm not bidding against that guy and peeing him off".

 

I agree with the dress part. Ive noticed this in church. The priest is all smiles and handshakes to those dressed to the 9's and pretty much ignores...lets say, the slummier dressed..lol

 

Another point I've found that works, at least for the smaller and medium sized shows, is you make one circuit of the floor before buying anything. You'll quickly get a feel for which dealers are willing to deal, and which are merely willing to rip you off.

I've also found that carrying my Mercury and/or Walker binders helps. When the dealers see what I have (even if I haven't showered or shaved in days/weeks/months/longer) they're willing to work with me. I'm clearly no fly by night accumulator.

I don't do that in my church. I've actually found that the "slummier dressed" folks tend to be the ones who want to be there, while the better dressed ones are those who are there because of societal expectations.

 

I'm a YN and going to a show tomarrow, often I get ignored. Any tips? Any tips on other show stuff?

 

have your dad let you borrow a $100 and hold it in your hand

 

You know, I have $100.

I was thinking about taking out my money and counting it if they don't help me.

 

oh sorry

 

Many of you are making great points I hadn't thought of. Also, I am mostly used to going to bigger shows. I haven't done many small shows, so the points that many of you make about them seem to be good ones.

Also, I don't like to flash my money at all. That's probably because I'm very security conscious when I'm out and about. It may get the attention of the dealers, but maybe also of the bad guy who will rob you in the parking lot later. Just something to think about.