Things You Probably Won't Find At Dealer Tables

Never been to Sescal, but just because there might not be anyone with a significant BOB stock at Orco, does not mean that all the dealers are only " Disney topical dealers, first day of issue cover dealers, guys with postage at 10% off face, and other dealers catering to other beginner-level areas of philately" as you suggest.

Note that I never said "all the dealers are only"

Jim

One lesson learned from my recent trip to Minnesota Stamp Expo. If like me, you keep a checklist of your needs, take time to go through it and make some notes on the retail value and what you are willing to pay, at least on the better items. I got home and when going through my purchases realized I paid in some cases 50% above current retail value.

I have started to notice fewer dealers will give me discounts on purchases, or if so, not much. That may be connected to the fact that I am buying better items to fill remaining gaps, it's still a bit disconcerting to spend $300 or so and not even get the price rounded down even a little. I've also made note over the years of certain dealers who 'put their thumb on the scale' so to speak. I have a stack of items I kept track of for pricing and then get a quote $10-20 higher. A couple times I went back through what I'd bought when I got home and find out I was indeed overcharged.

One of these guys is someone carrying things I need so I have learned to be sure he sees me using a calculator when at his table. Interesting that after I politely questioned him one time, it never happened again. It is a jungle out there.

Oh yes, definitely! I learned early on to add up my stacks using a calculator before handing it to the dealer, as I too got bitten by "math errors" that almost always seemed to work out in the dealer's favor. Some may indeed be legitimate mistakes, but it occurs just a little too frequently for my tastes.

With smartphone calculator apps, there's no reason to not always have one at your disposal.

Hi revenuecollector, guess I'm old school, I know how to do math in my head.

If an error is made, I ask for a recount, even figuring everything on paper to either prove my point or give dealer chance to prove his point.

You have every right to ask for a recount, don't be timid. I always look at buying stamp at a stamp show as buying a used car. Double check, double check!

No need for a smartphone, my time is too valuable to waste time on a smartphone.

Good luck in your stamp adventures, stamp collecting is an adventure, spend time with your stamps.

David Thompson (Stampmaster)
MSGT/USAF/Retired

My experiences have been like those of Stamps1962. The calculator "errors" are a little too frequent, and they are always in the dealer's favor.

"Note that I never said "all the dealers are only""

on a re-read you are right - I thought you were saying it was only beginner level.

Sounds like you need to adjust your approach . If your going to sit down at a dealers table ,take a moment to show your prepare to do business . Let the dealer see your organized by clearing room for viewing and that you line up your tools like a notepad ,pen, calculator ,stamp tongs ,price list ,take a minute to organize before you touch his stock . Sounds like your giving him a sign that your over eager to view the stock and careless .

Floortrader, very good advice.

Stampmaster,

Were you ever in Long Cheng, Laos and RAF Lakenheath, England?

Jack Kelley