i just made a small purchase from a high volume dealer. this dealer took the time out to communicate with me. it just makes me feel good when someone that deals in very high end coins will do this for the small guy (me). this firm will get the majority of my business now just because of that. i think it shows integrity, honesty and most of all good customer relations which boils down to being comfortable with any purchase large or small. thanks again to the honest dealers around.
I'm sure the dealers out there will echo this, but it is good business, too. No matter how small the customer, a good reputation may lead to business with other customers, and to repeat business from you down the road if you become a "medium" or "large" customer. This is especially true with kids and young collectors -- they not only are the future of our hobby, the may come back to their favorite dealer as adults and help fund their (the dealers') retirement!!! That being said, the good dealers are helpful because they are collectors too -- they love the hobby and love what they do.
Well as a dealer gets larger, sometimes a few of them will forget what made them big. This isn't confined to coins, but all large companies. Customer service is a long forgotten art. I know how hard it is to take care of the people that take care of you. Especially when you are busy. All large companies get busy. I have found that if you do your best to consider the customer, and treat them like the valued asset they are, you will earn their business on a regular basis. Sometimes it is just a simple matter of saying thank you. While we are on that subject, I would like to extend my personal thanks to all of you that have allowed my firm and myself to earn your business.
I think one of the biggest assests a dealer can have is a good personality. A person with a nice demeanor and an obvious love for the hobby will always be popular. I saw Leon Hendrickson (Silvertowne) interrupt a huge bullion deal once to talk with a youngster and give him some coins. Moments like that help to shape us all. ND is correct, customer service is a dying art. Just look at how long you have to hold to speak with someone at your phone company or bank. Feeling appreciated these days isn't something we experience from most businesses. Nick
tradernick - I tried to get to your eBay store by using the link on your website but it doesn't seem to work.
Well I have picked up my habits from a few big names in the numismatic community. I watched these men treat all customers exactly the same. Whether they were buying a dollar coin or a million dollar coin. The two best examples I am aware of are Q. David Bowers, and Don Kagin. Both will stop to talk to anyone. Their love of coins is appearent to all that have met them. While my name may never reach the heights of these men, I can emulate them to the best of my ability. It is my belief that any customer that takes their time to contact me deserves the same respect. While my time may be very limited, it is certainly no more valuable. For without the customer, I would not be doing what I love to do.
I recently began a relationship with two different dealers. One is local and the other is long distance. I'm a small (very) customer and I can happily say both of my dealers have absolutely great. To me, customer service goes a long way in getting future business.
