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Just wondering how the members sell more expensive items at train shows. Do you accept checks and let the item leave or do you hold item till check clears (adding a shipping charge to the price)? I am not set up to take credit cards. Do you think verifying D.L. # and photo safe enough? Maybe have an ink pad for thumb print on check? Thanks for any input.

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I think most of the time it is cash only. Although there was a seller at the TCA York Meet that more than once accepted a check from me. However, that is different because if the check was not good and the seller couldn’t resolve it with me the TCA can get involved and I could have been removed from the TCA. If you are talking about a Greenberg show or some other non TCA show I would not accept checks. Cash only.

I have seen guys pull lots of $100 bills out of their pockets. If they want your item they will get you cash.

Last edited by Hudson J1e

Search "credit card reader for iphone (or android)".  Realize that you will be paying around 3.5% of the sale to the credit card company.

My question in regards to selling at train shows is the tax.  I don't have a specific EIN for selling my personal collection.  How do others do it?  Is it something I'd have to worry about?

Last edited by Frank Mulligan

Almost always it is cash only, but a lot of folks actually know each so taking a check is not improbable or impossible.  I have taken checks at several O scale shows.

But I think most come prepared with cash in hand and a roll of $100 bills.  Also, there's almost always a teller machine not too far off.  I have held an item for a buy to make a run to get cash from the machine.

I have a bigger problem making change!

my club puts on two shows every year. I see more and more vendors excepting cards but the cost of running that card can add up. (Square last I checked charges 2.6% +10¢) For sales tax in Kansas we as the host have to provide the state with the name and address of all individuals and businesses selling at the show. If they have a EIN then it’s a little easier and we can just provide that. Then when vendors arrive we supply them with all the necessary sales tax related forums to then settle up with the state. Again this is in Kansas other states may do it differently

Most people at train shows outside established dealers tend to be cash only. Most shows do have ATM's on site, though usually you pay anywhere from 3-5 bucks for the privilege, plus your own banks fees.

One alternative that won't involve credit card companies would be to use paypal or apps like Venmo, given that most people have smart phones with them, it is pretty easy to make a sale, have them pay it through pay pal or venmo or the like, and verify payment. When you are talking things costing a lot of money, cash becomes awkward (not to mention things like having to make change!). Personally even with the cost of credit card fees (I can't talk about the tax situation, it varies from venue to venue. Technically unless a state exempts private transations from sales tax, like PA apparently does (hence the dealer buildings/member buildings divide from what I have been told), you are supposed to collect sales tax even if it is cash... ), I would say it is worth it, I suspect it would increase impulse buying, whereas if they see a 500 or 600 buck engine, and have to run to the ATM, might give them time to think about it and they don't.....

I've never had a problem paying with a check at a TCA meet, but cash speaks more loudly.  If I was selling, I'd beware of taking cash - there are too many counterfeit $100 bills floating around.  I don't think that another TCA member (or the vast majority of train guys) would try to pass a bad bill, but some of them look good enough that a person could unwittingly have one.  A marker for testing bills is a start, but not 100% foolproof.

If we knew how much cash was in the pockets of train show attendees, especially at major meets like York, I think we'd be astounded.

@Mallard4468 posted:

I've never had a problem paying with a check at a TCA meet, but cash speaks more loudly.  If I was selling, I'd beware of taking cash - there are too many counterfeit $100 bills floating around.  I don't think that another TCA member (or the vast majority of train guys) would try to pass a bad bill, but some of them look good enough that a person could unwittingly have one.  A marker for testing bills is a start, but not 100% foolproof.

If we knew how much cash was in the pockets of train show attendees, especially at major meets like York, I think we'd be astounded.

Agree with Mallard, if accepting cash, get a pen to verify it. I’ve used them in the past and have not had a problem.

Steve

@Mallard4468 posted:

I've never had a problem paying with a check at a TCA meet, but cash speaks more loudly.  If I was selling, I'd beware of taking cash - there are too many counterfeit $100 bills floating around.  I don't think that another TCA member (or the vast majority of train guys) would try to pass a bad bill, but some of them look good enough that a person could unwittingly have one.  A marker for testing bills is a start, but not 100% foolproof.

If we knew how much cash was in the pockets of train show attendees, especially at major meets like York, I think we'd be astounded.

This used to be a much bigger problem than it is now.

Newer $100 notes, i.e. last 5 to 10 years, have many security features such as the thread woven into the paper/fabric that's easily seen when held up to a light, textured ink, holographic patterns in pictures and seals, etc.

The pen is only one of the methods to determine if a $100 bill is real.

Mike

Last edited by Mellow Hudson Mike
@scott5011 posted:

Just wondering how the members sell more expensive items at train shows. Do you accept checks and let the item leave or do you hold item till check clears (adding a shipping charge to the price)? I am not set up to take credit cards. Do you think verifying D.L. # and photo safe enough? Maybe have an ink pad for thumb print on check? Thanks for any input.

Where do you draw the line for 'more expensive'?  If a potential buyer is looking for a GGD Santa Fe set he more than likely brought three thousand in cash with him.  If he is looking at twenty dollar cars and sees an eight hundred dollar engine, he/she may not have that much cash with them.  If they live within a reasonable distance, accept a non-refundable deposit, give them a receipt and wait for them to return with the balance.  John

Last edited by rattler21

Good advice all. While we are on the subject of selling at a train show, like many of us on this forum, I am at the point in life where I need to try selling some of my collection.  Having never tried this, from what other advice can a first timer like me benefit?   I would be most grateful for your input.



   

Earl, if possible have the items in their original box. The importance of the box varies by train show, if it is primarily two rail and brass (The March Meet) or a local show where grandma and grandpa are looking for a 'Lionel train' for little Johnny at Christmas time.  Have change for at least two C-Notes.  I usually have a cloth for the surface of a table. unless the venue furnishes table cloths with the tables. Colored bedsheets seem to be okay.  Have prices on tags or stick ems.  Keep track of what you sell as soon as practical after the sale.  Do not flash your money.  John

Last edited by rattler21

On a couple occasions I have taken a check ( not train show) from out of state seller, that bounce. I contact them first, if no response or feel I'm being drag along, I turn it over to the States attorney general. Then the state will go after them, and if it's over $500 ( I think might be $300 ) they can be arrested and charged as a crime. Usually the state makes them pay the amount + $50 for my banks fee, and then a fee to them and the state has mailed me a check.

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