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Michael Shaw
Site Admin
Joined: 30 Apr 2008
Posts: 2243
Location: Oklahoma
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 Posted: Feb 20, 2023 16:25 Post subject: Re: Tucson Shows 2023 - let the fun begin |
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| alfredo wrote: |
To get good prices, you might need to poke around in the less famous, and more dimly lit venues, perhaps even bring your own flashlight (no, I'm not joking!), or you might need to buy minerals that still need a bit of work but after a little cleaning and trimming at home they turn into great specimens.
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Absolutely. Couldn't agree more. |
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bob kerr
Joined: 13 Nov 2011
Posts: 638
Location: Monroeville PA
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| Posted: Feb 20, 2023 21:36 Post subject: Re: Tucson Shows 2023 - let the fun begin |
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| Michael Shaw wrote: | | alfredo wrote: |
To get good prices, you might need to poke around in the less famous, and more dimly lit venues, perhaps even bring your own flashlight (no, I'm not joking!), or you might need to buy minerals that still need a bit of work but after a little cleaning and trimming at home they turn into great specimens.
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Absolutely. Couldn't agree more. |
Yes indeed, Alfredo is right on the money - to quote Smokey Robinson: "Shop Around". or actually - "walk around".
Focus on the international "Source Dealers" - avoid retailers. These international dealers have not been as prevalent as in years past but there're still around.
Although I don't like to give away secret spots, that huge tent just north of Top Gem produced for me some REAL trophies at excellent prices. They were all from international "Source Dealers" not retailers - and - you had to ask for prices, and at least ask "can you do any better on that price", negotiate more and maybe have to walk away - but come back with a smile and you may get what you want for what you want to pay.
Check out Min City Buildings B, E, F and G and the Riverpark Inn and the Top Gem annex and the Moroccan tent city at the JGM Show and the old Days Inn near Carl's Junior.
One other key strategy that has worked - buy late in the show - especially in Tucson while the TGMS Main Show is on and especially for larger specimens - no dealer wants to wrap up, transport and store something that he/she can move - even if it's at a small loss. However, this strategy is more appropriate to retail dealers - going to many of the "source dealers" late in the show may be disappointing - as i said in my reports, one south african dealer was sold out a week before the show even opened.
That's enough - if you're complaining about the high cost of specimens, just shop around and develop some relationships.
bob |
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James Catmur
Site Admin
Joined: 14 Sep 2006
Posts: 1468
Location: Cambridge
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| Posted: Feb 21, 2023 01:26 Post subject: Re: Tucson Shows 2023 - let the fun begin |
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So much of this is about relationships and working with dealers close to the source. All my best lower cost material came from working with them and knowing them.
I guess in this LED world it is not so much Wattage as Lumens that matter - avoid the bright lights (unless you really want that single specimen of an old find) |
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