When you go to a coin dealer or coin show do you bring a price guide and research the coins value right then and there? Do most people do this or is it just weird?
Do what you feel comfortable with. If you have some time, visit a coin show or coin shop and just observe the people. You will see a lot of 'weird' behavior. No need to be self conscience, do what works for you.
Personally, I don't bring anything but my phone, which can access quite a bit.
If you ask most coin dealers will let you look their copy of Krause Standard Catalog of World Coins. Most will even show you the grey sheet (US coin dealer prices).
You can even take pictures of coins, so that you can do research without being rushed. If you have a good relationship with the dealer, many will set the coins aside for you for a week or two while you to in depth research.
I do not take any catalogues, mainly because prices listed in them are out of date, even if they are the latest issue.
I tend to have a common price list in my head for certain types of coins I am predominantly looking for, so am already aware of what dealers are asking, what I think are fair prices.
As I only really collect more modern coins, this is probably a bit easier for me, but some of you collect 'ancients' so whether this would apply to you, I do not know.
I also find that dealers are prepared to negotiate a little, so that helps.
If I feel a coin is priced a little too high, I tend to leave it.
Whip out the phone and research all you want to.
Don't pay more than you have to just because you'd feel weird researching it.
What're they going to do, tell you to put the phone away? That would make the seller seem like they're trying to hide their overpricing in my eyes.
I use to carry my Krause catalog, not only because of the values, but I used it as a check list before Numista. (putting a small check beside the years I had). Now I only take my phone, but do access it often while coin/currency shopping.
If a dealer became upset with me for researching coins with my own medium (catalog or phone, etc.) I wouldn't want to deal with that person. They will be unreasonable and a jerk in all aspects of the transaction so I would just walk away regardless of what they have for sale.
I have no problem researching coins that I want in front of the dealer and will routinely check completed Ebay auctions for coins/sets. The last show I attended I bought a UK proof set at 50% of what the dealer was asking by showing him what the set was going for on Ebay. I took the Ebay price, added a little for "instant delivery" and reached an amicable deal. As one other gent stated - lots of weird stuff happens at coin shows/dealer shops. No reputable dealer will be insulted if you negotiate from a position of knowledge.
