Arif
The coin show is a perfect forum for dealers to sell or "unload" inventory on other dealers who specialize in a particular type of coin (such as gold pandas) or who have a customer for a particular coin. Over the years, as a dealer nurtures these relationships with other dealers, the profitablity of the coin show attendance grows.
As a collector, I miss all of these opportunities at coin shows. Dealers do not know me. Dealers do not trust me. Dealers often do not want to show me a particular coin and certainly will not accept my personal check as payment. There are exceptions, but generally these statements are true.
Still, I welcome the opportunity to hold a coin in my hand before making the decision to purchase. Coins are easy to buy. Problem coins are very, very difficult to sell. If possible, I try not to buy other people's problem coins. Seeing the coin in advance of the purchase lessens the risk. I still make mistakes and I am still learning.
A question for coin dealers is whether they should reserve a table at the coin show. Once they are known to the other dealers, they can wander the floor during set-up and purchase material for their inventories. Sometimes, I see dealers tables which remain empty for most of the show as they search of new material. Hard choices for dealers.
From my perspective, I hope the coin shows remain in existence, I hope dealers choose to attend these shows and reserve tables, and I hope they learn to trust me (and other collectors) more so that I may see their coins and, possibly, purchase them with a personal check.
Mark Bonke