Some observations from the coin show

Let us first differentiate between selfish and self-serving suggestions that read like they were written by someone with way too much time on their hands, from truly helpful suggestions. I wasn't the first, nor will I be the last, to react negatively to that topic. Let's not forget, when we post here, it is normal for people to respond in agreement or disagreement. You are welcome to defend those etiquette guidelines until the cows come home. I will treat them as a stellar example of the mentality of some dealers at shows, where we are both paid guests, yet, one of the parties feels they have the right to come up with a very long list of etiquette rules for the other.

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/recycled-article-no-1-coin-show-etiquette.209153/

I choose to read what catches my attention, generates interest, spurs conversation, elicits responses, etc., at least that is my understanding of a forum. Maybe, you believe in not reading certain things, protecting your fragile state of serenity, keeping topics silent and everyone reinforcing their agreement like parrots over all posts or issues?

 

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I've purchased a few coins at regional shows. I've found some dealers have very high prices and others that are more realistic. On two occassions, I spent some time going through world coins in 2x2's at a dealers table. While looking through the coins, I struck up a conversation with the dealer. When I was ready to make the purchase, both dealers gave me a discount on the prices listed on the 2x2's. I didn't even have to ask.

The last show I was at, I was looking for a 1913 Type I Buffalo in MS66. After viewing multiple coins, I narrowed it down. In each instance, I spent a few minutes chatting with the dealer about the coin. I ended up buying one (the nicest looking of those I viewed) for a fair price.

I've also had some bad experiences with dealers at shows. When that happens, I just move on. The majority of my experiences have been good though. I'm in sales and marketing. Always B to B. I'd never want to sell directly to the general public and I empathize with some of the dealers who have to put up with buyer's shenanigans.

I'm planning to attend a show this weekend. I hope I can find a coin for my 7070 graded set.

 

Please do. I've had many positive experiences at shows (the bad ones I walked away from) so post one for the 'good guys'..........

 

His name is George Watson from Lorton, Virginia. Simpy called himself a numismatist vs. a coin dealer. Very nice man - the email on his card is:

georgecoins@msn.com

If you ever see him at a coin show, be sure to spend some time talking to him.

 

Duly noted and referenced........

 

I wonder if he is being added to the directory.

 

I suppose.

 

Holy Carp, back off of Doug. He happens to like coins...something wrong with that?

 

I'm not sure you're doing him any favors by coming to his defense. He's a grown man and an authority figure on this site, I think he can stick up for himself, if he feels the need for it.

I thought we were discussing his unrelenting propagation of life long dependencies on dealers. At least those are the posts I was referring to. In every related topic, he had a comment for every one of us guys who do not wish to court or serenade our dealers. We like the independent thought required in finding and choosing our own coins, with no strings attached. His level of involvement in those topics about dealers, not about coins, were strangely stubborn and one-sided, especially for an individual who no longer collects. Just an observation, not personal, just using information shared openly on CT, to make my argument.

See here, where I clicked like on his impartial response... Some observations from the coin show

If kid gloves are required, I believe CT has a warning system that would inform me if and when I seriously overstep any boundaries. So far, none. I'm pretty sure Doug pops in to contest just as many of my posts and topics, as I do of his. By no means do any of our occasional jabs feel one-sided to me. He delivers his lectures his way, I deliver mine my way. Sorry if it upset you.

 

I have had mostly good experiences at the larger shows I go to. I find that if I take the time to talk to the dealer a little and explain why I need the price I do (I sell online) they will work with me and I leave with inventory to sell at a HIGHER price on ebay. Also I have found that as I sit at a dealers table with my iPad and work through the price comparing they are curious what the online market is doing and many times will beat it. It many times just boils down to being personable.

 

There is some truth to the adage: It's not what he said but how he said it. The tone of someone's language can easily make other people feel defensive or easy to relate to.

 

Unfortunately, tone is what we imagine in our heads, at least where black and white text in forum posts is concerned, if it does not have an added narrative description.

Many people on forums do not bother to interpret emoticons, like here, where a wink shows how truly serious I was about the ranting bit...

I believe we have a few threads already mentioning the sensitivity of certain individuals, while others are painted as rude. I wasn't the topic of conversation in those threads. It was an older and established member of CT, who prefers the use of short and often witty responses. That brevity and wit were interpreted as rude. I did not see it, he did not intend it, it was all in the way it was received or perceived. My advice, don't take yourself too seriously in forum discussions and don't let your imagination get the better of you.

 

It wasn't just me who interpreted your input in such a way. You had several long exchanges with others, in those dealer topics.

 

Hey, as long as it keeps the forum moving. Anything else, meaning a lack of discussion, explanations, suggestions, arguments, interpretations, misinterpretations and the odd advertisement, and what would we have left? As I recall, several people commented on the enjoyable discussion in the dealer slab pricing thread. Zero need for moderation, all went smoothly. What more could you ask for?

 

Yes but in all fairness you have put particular emphasis on the high value of shows and lcs vs online.

 

Concur. That's as ridiculous as inmates making rules of etiquette for guards. LMAO