In Australia (used to live in Georgia), we are somewhat limited in our access to US and world…read morecoins. One day, while surfing the Net, I came across NEN (Northeast Numismatics). What a great site! They have an extensive range of rare US and world coins. The site is organised well, so that you can find your way around without any problems. They have good information and explain clearly how they operate. I like the fact that they give a brief comment next to each coin. As an Australian, it is particularly valued that NEN deals with overseas customers.
One thing that grabbed my eye, that I don't see on other similar sites, is that they offer discounts on most of their inventory (only brand new items are excluded for a short period of time). Their items are already reasonably priced, so to be able to negotiate on price is a welcomed feature. Over time, I have made offers on coins, worked out a satisfactory price, and received packages through the mail. They have arrived quickly and been very well packed.
I then started trading items, in which I've sent in over 100 items in recent months. During this process, my main contact person has been Frank Sawin. He makes offers on my goods, and if I'm not happy, then we negotiate on a mutually acceptable price. Frank responds to every email I send (80 or more to date), and in quick time. He is always respectful, kind, friendly and helpful. If I want to make a trade, we work out a satisfactory price that both of us are happy with. While we are negotiating, he puts the item on hold so I don't lose it. The process doesn't take long, but nevertheless requires attention to detail. In all of our dealings, Frank has never lost patience with me or shown any annoyance. He even offers assistance when I don't request it. I have found Frank to be trustworthy and a person of great integrity. Frank goes out of his way to please. If he is going to be at a Fair, he checks if there are any special items I'd like and he'll purchase them at a very good price for me.
The shipping process is also terrific. Shipping to Australia is challenging. Mike Zabbo, the shipping manager, spends significant time preparing all of the customs and other necessary paperwork, so there are no problems when the goods arrive in Australia. He then vacuum seals (never had this before) the coins in protective packages, or if I order a lot, puts them in hard, plastic containers which are very sturdy. Even in the hard containers, soft packing materials are put between each coin to protect them knocking against each other. Then, soft packing materials are thrown over everything, and the boxes or packages are sealed tightly. The packages always arrive quickly by registered mail. In fact, my last one arrived in a week! What I appreciate is if I send items to be traded, then my return shipping is covered, free of cost. Wonderful. Mike is also a very good and timely communicator. He is a straight up guy...he does his best to make the process as easy and as reliable as possible.
Maya Angelou said: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". We live in a dog eat dog world. Genuine kindness is becoming less common. Businesses often talk about customer service, but pay lip service to it. It's nice to know that as a foreigner, a complete stranger, I was given the welcome mat by NEN and they followed through. Ultimately, I am most grateful to them for making me feel valued.
