Buyers at Train Shows

Casey Jones2 posted:

Boy, These days all you need is a smartphone along with the PayPal App and/ or card reader and you can receive $$$ from anyone. Paypal.me is a one touch solution that's fantastic and yes you can be paid via 'gift' if so desired...cash is so passe these days as they are trying to do away with it. I heard the Fed's want to do away with 100's so that leaves you with 20's...have 70 of them to pay for that $1,400 engine?? or just swipe your smartphone and money is in the virtual bank 

3% of $1,400 is $42.  That's a lot to pay for a small amount of convenience.

Roving Sign posted:

PLCProf posted:

Allan Martinez posted:

Who in there right mind would go to a train show with more than  $100.00 in cash? I say if you're going after big ticket items the buyer should have the option too pay with a card or at least with a check as well as cash. My question is this: Should a person be allowed to go to a train show to buy whatever he is looking for when all of his purchases are with plastic only? Please let me know what you think. 

As stated above, ATMs are everywhere, give the seller a $75 deposit and run out for more cash if you must. I have never had a seller refuse that! Then too, at small shows, most sellers are local, give him a deposit and meet up at McDonald's next week to swap lies, settle up and get the merchandise.

ATMs charge fees...something approaching $3-5 per transaction is not uncommon - that's about the same as the PayPal fee on a 200 dollar transaction...either way - you pay.

Lots of bank accounts (mine included) will refund non-network ATM fees.  Or just plan ahead.

Mallard4468 posted:

Casey Jones2 posted:

Boy, These days all you need is a smartphone along with the PayPal App and/ or card reader and you can receive $$$ from anyone. Paypal.me is a one touch solution that's fantastic and yes you can be paid via 'gift' if so desired...cash is so passe these days as they are trying to do away with it. I heard the Fed's want to do away with 100's so that leaves you with 20's...have 70 of them to pay for that $1,400 engine?? or just swipe your smartphone and money is in the virtual bank 

3% of $1,400 is $42.  That's a lot to pay for a small amount of convenience.

But as C J2 alluded to - you can make the transfer as "gift" and avoid that fee...or just add 3% to the price.

I have walked into York with over 8 grand in my pocket many times, always walked out smiling. Didn't always spend it all but always got the best deals on some mint postwar. Have Even walked into greenburg shows or smaller showed with a few thousand lots of times. I feel if I see something or things I like I have the power to deal. Never let me down yet. There were also times I spent nothing because I didn't see anything I just had to have.

Marty, the question is whether you know anyone (other than a seller) who comes home with more that $100 in his pocket.

I do not think anyone walks around York with any money less than 4 figures.

I don't think I've ever brought that much money to a York Train show. And I've come home on more than one occasion with almost all the money I brought.  Then again, there were a few shows where I had to visit an ATM.

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

I do not think anyone walks around York with any money less than 4 figures.

I went to York with less than 4 figures once - my first time - 27 years ago.  

LOL!  4 figures of cash. Wow. Will you guys adopt me?  I can't ever say I've take more than 3 digits worth of cash. Or spent it. 

Don't you guys think that this post was started by a guy or is read by somebody wanting to know what kind of cash shows up at the show, hmm. 

I would be very careful to mention how much you take to any show. I would hate to see somebody get robbed or hurt. Beings most people who attend train shows especially York are older and any confrontation could be deadly I would be careful answering questions like what the OP posted.

Be careful out here.

Dave 

david1 posted:

Don't you guys think that this post was started by a guy or is read by somebody wanting to know what kind of cash shows up at the show, hmm. 

I would be very careful to mention how much you take to any show. I would hate to see somebody get robbed or hurt. Beings most people who attend train shows especially York are older and any confrontation could be deadly I would be careful answering questions like what the OP posted.

Be careful out here.

Dave 

And this might be the best argument for both buyer and seller using credit cards.

I know my uncle (a vendor) would never get his cash out at the show - and never counted it till he got back to our house (his waypoint on the trip back to Ohio) - it was always cool to see the entire kitchen counter covered with piles of bills!

One other thought - is there a bit of difference between DEBIT and CREDIT cards - when it comes to refunds...somehow I don't think the DEBIT card has the same level of protection offered by some credit cards. A nuance - but worth noting.

Individual's comments regarding "cash on hand" at train shows bring to mind situations which I have considered for years.  I agree about the hesitancy to accept checks, but what a grand opportunity train shows present for someone to pass counterfeit bills.  Few sellers would have the time or know how to distinguish if bills are legit. Don't know how one would trace/prove a "bad" bill back to a particular customer.   As a seller, I like the fact that York is opening to the public even though it may compound problems with payment for sales.  Hope the ATM machines are well stocked!

I have walked into York with over 8 grand in my pocket many times, always walked out smiling.

Where did you say you park? 

I always walk in with 4 digits worth of cash, evenly balanced before and after the decimal point.

Years ago at York I remember a guy that must have weighed 350 pounds dressed like a bum and would take out a roll of bills that barely fit in his dirty jacket pocket. I believe he owned a train store in Manhattan somewhere around 45th st. between 5th & 6th ave.

Actually Dotty holds all the money. When Marty wants something, he has to get on his knees and beg, please let me buy that train.

RJR posted:

I have walked into York with over 8 grand in my pocket many times, always walked out smiling.

Where did you say you park? 

I always walk in with 4 digits worth of cash, evenly balanced before and after the decimal point.

As close as possible to the hall I'm in .. less distance to carry the booty..