Tokyo Coin Dealer First Visit Series Episode 1: A Journey That Began with a Single Phone Call

Taking phone reservations for an antique coin showroom.

Actually, for the past me, it was one of my favorite jobs.

Customers calling for the first time are trying to absorb our reactions with their whole being.

I always felt that way.

That is precisely why I wanted my sincerity to come through, even though they couldn't see me.

To make them feel at ease.

With that thought in mind, I approached every single phone call.

"It got through."

The moment I felt that was the happiest time of all.

That is why, when it became my turn to be the one making the reservation call, that first step was bigger than I had imagined.

Would I even be able to make a reservation?

How should I explain it?

Where should I start talking?

How much should I tell them about myself?

In the first place, how do people who are visiting for the first time make reservations?

The more I thought about it, the more my fingers froze from making the call.

It actually took me about a month to make that first call.

However, nothing starts just by thinking.

"I won't know unless I ask."

I told myself that and wrote down what I wanted to convey in a memo.

And then, one deep breath.

Trying to stay calm, I slowly made the call.

The first words I said were...

"I have almost no knowledge of antique coins, but would it be possible to see the actual items and hear your thoughts?"
Then, the person in charge on the other end of the line responded very kindly to my fumbling words.

I was first grateful that they didn't rush my inexperience and accepted it calmly.

Furthermore, regarding the reservation time, they carefully explained the company's circumstances and then listened to my wishes as well.

I felt a deep sense of relief that they didn't just decide unilaterally, but also valued my circumstances.

During that exchange, I naturally thought,

"This is the kind of place I would like to visit in person."

If it didn't get through, that would just be a lesson.

I would learn from the next shop.

It was a phone call I made with that kind of resolve, but in reality, I think I had already received a warm lesson from that very moment.

While talking on the phone, memories from when I used to take reservations came back to me naturally.

Was I this nervous when I was taking calls from customers?

I had just forgotten, but perhaps I was just as nervous.

But, more than that nervousness,

"What kind of customer will I be able to talk to today?"

"What kind of questions will they ask?"

"How can I make them feel at ease?"

I think that kind of excitement always won out.

The me making the call and the me who used to take the calls.

The two memories overlapped, and I was wrapped in a strange, nostalgic feeling, as if I had reunited with my past self.

After hanging up the phone, I let out a sigh of relief.

First hurdle cleared.

It might sound a bit exaggerated.

But for me, it was such a big step.

This one phone call was the true beginning of the story of my first visit to a Tokyo coin dealer.

Next time, I will finally write about what I felt when I visited a coin dealer for the first time.

dear antique coin

Antique Coin Coordinator

Aoi Kaido

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