This year’s FUN Show was a fantastic experience, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights and insights I took away from the event.

The size and energy of the show were impressive—it felt just as big as ANA, with crowds eager to participate. The public line to buy tickets on Thursday was massive, with waits stretching 30–45 minutes even up until lunch. That kind of enthusiasm really underscores the vitality of the precious metals and numismatic community.

One thing that struck me was how interconnected our industry is. While meeting dealers for the first time, it was amazing to discover how many mutual connections we shared. It’s a reminder that even with so many dealers spread across the US, relationships are at the core of what we do.

The show was a mixed bag for dealers—some booths were buzzing with activity, while others were quieter. Some of the busiest booths sold time-intensive products like Goldbacks, and it was interesting to see how crowds seemed to attract even more crowds, potentially boosting overall sales. It’s fascinating how public interest and visibility can create such a dynamic atmosphere on the show floor.

I also noted how many dealers who present themselves online as numismatics specialists also handle a substantial volume of bullion. For those with retail storefronts, highlighting both specialties online could be a great way to ensure no deals are missed, especially with the public.

The sentiment from several bullion dealers and Mints was the bullion market feels slow right now, with low premiums and plenty of secondary product available. It’s clear that Mints will need to get creative with their offerings to entice buyers to buy new products in the current environment.

One of the best parts of the show for me was connecting in person with so many of you. It was wonderful to learn not only about your businesses but also about you as individuals. Conversations ranged from sharing stories about fishing trips and holiday travels to discussing business challenges and family life. Putting faces to the names of those I’ve worked with for years was truly meaningful. It reinforced my inspiration to build a platform that not only supports businesses but also serves the incredible people behind them.

For me, the show wasn’t just about observing—it was about connecting, sharing, and showcasing Aurbitrage. The feedback we received was encouraging, and it’s clear that dealers are starting to incorporate the platform into their daily or weekly routine. Compared to our debut at ANA, the improvements we’ve made to Aurbitrage have really started to shine. It was exciting to demo features like the revamped pricing dashboard and the new posting board, which now functions much like a social platform where users can like, comment, share, and favorite posts.

It was also gratifying to engage with members who had signed up but hadn’t used the platform recently. Reintroducing them to the updates seemed to spark renewed interest and appreciation for what we’re building. Hearing how dealers are starting to see my vision for a best-in-class platform was incredibly rewarding.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting updates coming soon, including email notifications, a notification menu, and dedicated dealer pages. Our next big steps involve making deals on the platform even easier by enabling seamless trades and creating a more synchronized experience between the pricing dashboard and the posting board. These changes will enhance visibility and usability, making Aurbitrage even more valuable for dealers.

To everyone I met at FUN, thank you for your time and support. It’s your feedback and engagement that inspire us to keep improving. I’m excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to share more soon. Here’s to continuing to grow and innovate in this amazing industry!

Regards,

Marshall Thomas