When it comes to buying coins, I for one prefer attending a coin show versus stopping in at the local coin shop. Most of this is logistics as I work all week and instead of going from shop to shop it's just easier to go to one show. Usually it's tough to find common collector grade coins at a show (VF to XF) but when you get to know a few sellers they go out of there way to bring some material to the show. In an odd sense, they are packing up part of their shop and bringing it to the show to make my life easier and I really do appreciate it. But this weekends coin show I saw something odd and felt bad for a dealer.
Two gentlemen were at a table of dealer I'm fond of and monopolizing 8 coin boxes. Normally this isn't an issue but the two gentlemen were there before I arrived and were still at the table when I left two hours later. They sported a Red Book and were pouring over every individual coin and when I was leaving I noticed that they only set aside 3 coins.
With no access to the table I figured no big deal as I can catch him at the next show, but on the drive home it hit me. I'll usually spend 10 to 20 minutes and drop anywhere from $50 to $200 for coins (granted we are not talking $100 and up coin values here as the selection is the $2 to $75 variety) so even if we took a lower number (say $25 in 15 minutes) that equates to $100/hr on the low side to upwards of $400/hr. That's quite a bit of business to lose out on but what was the dealer to do?
If he drives them away then he could miss out on repeat sales from them in the future but if he let's them stay he misses out on making money. That is a pretty tough spot to be and really makes me appreciate what a dealer has to contend with.
My only advice here is this: The next time you are at a coin show and a dealer is very friendly and courteous be sure to thank him/her even if you don't make a coin purchase. Anyone that can stay that upbeat deserves the occasional THANK YOU!
