I get to go to a coin show as a potential buyer for once! (Silver Dollar and Rare Coin in St. Louis)

Sooo, any advice for buying at shows?

I went to CoinEx at the weekend, if buying something see what price the seller will go down to and then say that it is too high. Go back towards the end of the show and haggle slightly more, often works lol

Make sure you know what you are buying and watch out for pickpockets, there were quite a few at CoinEx!!

There will often be two or more of the same coins at different stalls so see which one will give you the better deal.

Finally, always look through the 'bargain bins' I always find cheap and rare coins in them!!

That's all for now.

Good luck!

Clive.

P.S. Enjoy yourself!!!

Make a list of what you want.And like yeoldcolecter said,be shure to look in bargen bins!Oh the look on the ANA delers faces when I cherry pick those bins.Being 12,they look at me like they saw a ghost.

Done! Posting the list on Want to Buy in five...

Lots of things to know about coin shows. I go to about 2 to 4 a month. For one thing make sure you know what you want, need and the approximate price your willing to pay. Do not take a large amount of cash, no credit cards or check book. That is so you don't go overboard buying something you really shouldn't have bought. Make a list of possible purchases. Check out several web sites for approximate up to date prices. I usually make a column for Red Book, PCGS web site, 2 to 3 on line dealers and then ebay. This is for an approximation of value and in no way means that is what you'll find at the show. Note the bigger the show, usually the higher the prices of coins. Many reasons. If for more than one day, dealers use a hotel/ motel and meals and the prices of coins reflect that. The larger the show, usually the more a dealer pays for a table. Again, coin prices pay for that. If the dealers come from far away, they have to cover transportation in the prices of thier coins. If they bring relatives or co-workers, again that must be in the prices of the coins.
Just make sure you know what you want to pay as a maximum.

I would also add that a show is a good chance to look at and learn from a lot of material. Look, compare, ask questions. You don't have to automatically buy something. A good dealer will treat you right and make you a life long customer. You'll know when you connect with one or more. Don't be afraid to ask to see things out of your price range if the table is not busy. One day you might be able to afford the items and now is a good time to learn. Again, a dealer who treats you right now just might make a big sale when you're earning more and spending more in the future.