GOING TO A GEM AND MINERAL SHOW
Gem and Mineral Shows are gatherings of dealers, exhibitors, speakers, and hobbyist to sell and trade minerals; learn and teach each other about minerals; and buy mineral specimens for individual collections. They are also times for everyone to just enjoy this fascinating hobby. In this article we are going to focus on how to enjoy the hobby by adding to your collection by purchasing new specimens from the dealers.
The mineral dealers at the show pay their transportation, pay their booth rent, pay their meals and lodging costs, and spend their time at the show with the intent of providing the show visitors with the opportunity to buy their specimens – and in the process make enough money to cover their expenses and their time. They are a critical component of this hobby. They connect us collectors to the miners and wholesalers. They take the risk of buying quantities of items and transporting them to the show in hope that there will be a market. They appreciate your business!
The mineral dealers are retailers for the most part. Yes there are wholesalers at shows, but they are there to provide the dealers with quantities of minerals for their stock. Wholesale goods are usually sold by the flat, often not marked for individual sale, and often require some work by the retailer to be ready for a collector. Wholesale dealers are usually not set up to handle retail transaction. Usually the wholesale section is separate from the rest of the show.
As retailers, the mineral dealers are a bit different from the normal retail stores you use to buy clothes, food, and hardware. The mineral dealers for the most part are the actual owners of the goods they are selling. There aren’t too many sales clerks at a mineral show. These dealers are well educated in mineralogy and are often very helpful in explaining the attributes and values of their specimens. They offer a real benefit to the collector in finding new items and filling in collection gaps.
Secondly, as the owners they are truly dealers. They can deal. This brings up the subject of cost. All mineral specimens offered for sale will have a marked price. It is an asking price. Now there might be the odd seller that does not plan to offer any discount, for the most part the buying and selling of specimens is a negotiation. The marked price is the asking price. Like the antique business a 10% discount is usually available if you ask. You might get a response that it could be if you purchase enough to make it worthwhile, but generally you should be able to buy almost anything at a mineral show for 10% off the marked price.
Even higher discounts can be available, but you as the buyer have to participate to offer value to the dealer in exchange. Remember he or she has show rent, transportation, and inventory costs to cover. That can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars. If your purchase offers them the opportunity to cover a significant amount of their costs they will be much more agreeable to higher discounts. Buy offering to buy several items at a time you should be able to negotiate a 15% to 20% discount, maybe more. Some dealers are more willing than others at any given time to deal. No harm is done in asking. It is expected. Just be willing to buy if your deal is accepted. It is a fair question to ask a dealer what he can do on a price. It is also a fair question to ask if he or she offers a discount. What is not fair is to spend their time, select several items, then state a discount level that is required or you will not buy. Few dealers will respond favorably to such a tactic. As you might expect, there are not huge profits in the mineral business. Few dealers even make a living just from their mineral business. Most price their specimens at fair prices and have a bit in them to deal. Understanding the game makes you a good player. Expect a deal, but be willing to do your part in the transaction.
Another point. Ask the dealer what forms of payment are expected. Many take credit cards, but many do not. Some take checks, all take cash. If you are expecting significant discounts, expect to pay cash. Credit card companies take a portion of credit card sales thus reducing the amount the dealer ends up with. If you save him that expense he can pass those savings on to you. Don’t get into the situation of spending your time, finding exactly what you want, then at the end find out that the dealer can’t take your credit card. Ask up front.
Bring something in which to carry your purchases. It won't hurt to bring some packing material too. Dry cleaning bags are great. Cut some up and you have some great, inexpensive packing material. Put it in a small duffle bag with a shoulder strap. You will be ready. Consider bringing some small boxes, some rubber bands, and maybe paper towels.
Also, bring a pen and a small tablet. Write down what you buy. I know they are all labeled, and you will get a receipt, but do it anyway. It will be invaluable when you misplace something. For each item write down the specimen's mineral name, the dealers name, the date, and the price you paid.
Next, consider bringing a small digital camera. Take a picture of each item you buy. Annotate your notebook with the number of the picture. Now you hav a record that is invaluable. By the way, if you want to take a picture of a dealer's specimen that you have not bought, ask first!.
Finally, don't forget to visit the exhibits. You will learn something. And lastly, enjoy!