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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;National dealer, post: 13819, member: 487&quot;]Very good advice. I would suggest attending any show on the first day. Many wait until the last day to search for bargains. Hoping that the dealers will give away something because they don&#039;t wish to pack it back up. Well today is the last day of the Baltimore Coin and Cuurency convention. 400 dealers were in attendance on Thursday when the show opened. Today (Sunday) most (over 300) are not there. Even I packed up and drove home. </p><p><br /></p><p>Now onto what to bring or what to ask:</p><p><br /></p><p>If you have trouble grading, bring a copy of a grading guide. Most dealers do not have a problem with answering questions about prices or grades if time permits. DO NOT however argue over either. If the coin does not meet YOUR standards, move on to another coin or dealer. </p><p>A copy of the greysheet is a good tool, but this will not assure that you will get good coins for good prices. That is where you knowledge about coins comes in.</p><p><br /></p><p>It is very rare that only one example of a particular coin is available at a large show. So walk the floor to see what is available. Also ask the dealer for any coin that you do not see. When we attend major shows, the table will only hold so much. We have two foot lockers sitting on the floor full of coins awaiting a spot in the case. </p><p><br /></p><p>Don&#039;t go in with pre-conceived ideas. Allow yourself to be open. Too often collectors will search out dealers or companies for which they are familiar. Many good coins can be missed using this method. </p><p><br /></p><p>Do not pretend to be the expert. I see this way too often during the shows. As mentioned earlier, a well versed dealer will spot you coming. If you don&#039;t know, ask. Every dealer in the place is there to sell coins. We all know, that educated customers spend more money, and buy better material. So it is in our advantage to assist you. </p><p><br /></p><p>A large show can be very overwhelming. Take comfortable shoes, and be prepared to spend a lot of time. </p><p><br /></p><p>PROPER ETIQUETTE:</p><p><br /></p><p>Never open a dealers showcase unless you ask. Don&#039;t assume because they allowed it an hour before that you can do it again. </p><p>Never pull out more than one coin at a time.</p><p>Always hand the coin back to the dealer or make sure that the dealer sees you put it back. </p><p>Never take a coin out of the holder until money has changed hands.</p><p>Never walk away from the table with coin(s) in hand. Many will turn around to show a spouse or child the coin and this can lead to trouble.</p><p>Do not interrupt when the dealer is conducting a transaction. You would not appreciate it if done to you. </p><p>Do not lean on the showcases. Do not place soda&#039;s or food on them either. </p><p><br /></p><p>HOW TO PICK A DEALER:</p><p><br /></p><p>This is a question that I hear a lot. The answer is very simple. Many dealers specialize in certain areas. Be it gold or copper or whatever. Dealing with them can lead to your education. You do not have to purchase material to ask a question. Take a lot of business cards. This will allow you to remember the dealer at a later date. Write that dealers table number on the back of their card. That way you can find them easily if you need to go back to their table.</p><p><br /></p><p>MOST OF ALL:</p><p><br /></p><p>Take the time to enjoy yourself. Don&#039;t rush around the floor. Here at the Baltimore show, many top coins were on display. Coins that have rich pedigrees, finest known tags, and million dollar price tags. Visit with the dealers. Make new friends and ask lots of questions.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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