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 Replies: 70 / Views: 5,324 |
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Valued Member
United States
470 Posts |
Hey Doc,
Thanks for the advice. I would never attack another CC member. I love you guys, even though I don't always agree with everything you guys say.
To the gx comment ..well, I really did think that was rediculous. I know you guys are mostly dealers and I'm like chum in the water but really. We are all trying to make a living in this economy and it's tough for everyone. To say that a dealer deserves a break because he has increased competition with the Internet is making it sound like us consumers have money to just give away like charity. I don't. Why not give me a break because I got 2 other mouths to feed besides my own and I'm not getting the hours I need at work. We could all use a little charity. I'm sure that gx is a great guy and would never attack him personally. I just didn't agree with his comment.
The gas station scenario. I mean come on ..that was not an attck either. I just pointed out how rediculous it was. We all say rediculous stuff every now and then.
I know the whole price thing is this big game but it seems like at these shows some dealer take it to far. I don't mind the dance at all. It's like buying a fake rolex in Tijuana without the tequilla.
If I attacked anyone, I sincerely apologize ..it was not my intention at all. Like I said I love you guys and you have been great to be around. Some of you could lighten up a bit ..but I realize that's not gonna happen.
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Valued Member
 Canada
107 Posts |
I've been busy with school stuff the past couple days and I'm surprised at the number of responses. I agree with t360, he left me with a terrible feeling. I was going to purchase another item from him, but you know what, I'd rather find another dealer than giving him another buck. There's a saying in Chinese: "The customers are the Gods" The CUSTOMERS are the gods, why should I give dealers a break? If we all boycotted dealers, they'll struggle to make a living and I'm already boycotting him at the next show if he shows up. Yes, eg_collector, I did a mistake and it was due to my lack of experience. And for the gas situation, I don't see much relevancy. In that situation, gas was a NEED, in my case, the set was a WANT. I could've given up on it, but the gas was a must at that time. True, dealers can do whatever they want, but like I said, what are they going to do when there are no customers? And it's disgusting he picked on a 14 year old, hey, I'm not the richest guy in the world, trying to get an extra buck out of a innocent teenager is just senseless, it's ridiculous!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1283 Posts |
I have to agree with the dealer on this. There is no set price for coins, it's all what the market will bear. Some dealers clearly mark each coin holder with a set price (I prefer those), and others will just quote a price. I went to my first coin show recently, and there was a lot of haggling going on. "How about you knock 100 bucks of the price, is that fair?"
Personally I hate to haggle, and that's one reason I'm very picky about who I buy from. But that's the way of the world.
I do think it would have been more proper for him to stick to what he quoted the first time. But that's not price gauging IMO. Price gauging would be deliberaly overgrading coins, or giving the impression that fair market value is higher than you know to be true, etc.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
751 Posts |
I also hesitated a long time before responding. I'll keep my response short, refraining from saying everything I'd like to.
There are many reasons for prices to change. Not all of them are nefarious.
I may have two sets. I've got $11 in one and $12 in the other. Maybe the first one sells for $15, the second for $16.
You are the third person to inquire after a coin. Initially, I'm willing to sell it for $15. But after seeing that there are a handful of potential buyers out there, maybe I try to get $16.
I spent $25 dollars for my table (sellers pay to set up at shows) and haven't sold anything yet. I'm a motivated seller, willing to make discounts to get my "table fee" back. Perhaps 20 minutes later I've sold a coin or two and I'm not so motivated to discount my stuff in order to make a sale.
Sports, I understand your reaction, and this guy was definitely acting like a jerk. I would just suggest that you try to open up your mind to understand what might be going on here.
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Valued Member
United States
204 Posts |
This is a great topic of discussion and personally I can see both sides of the argument have valid points. I think the discussion tells more of human interaction than of a single purchase and how different people can have different perceptions of the same event (although we don't have feedback from the dealer mentioned). My own Two Cents on the subject is that when I go to coin shows it is more to interact with different people and especially to see the interaction that dealers have with their other customers. I think the human element in coin trading is an important part of the hobby. What makes it a great hobby is that most of the dealers And collectors are genuinely nice people. But nobody is perfect - maybe the dealer in question was just having a bad day (and in a grumpy mood). |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1984 Posts |
I started to write a whole big long piece about this issue, but it can all be boiled down into a couple of simple points (that I suppose leave me squarely on the side of the dealer):
1. It's business. You're investing your money and your time, leave your emotions at home. That said, be pleasant, and by all means if you don't like someone's attitude, don't deal with them.
2. Don't give a break or expect a break. Not because someone's cute, or poor, or rich, or has seventeen mouths to feed, or for any reason. The best way to get a break is to do your homework and know more about what you are buying/selling than the other person.
3. Negotiations end when you walk away. It's as simple as that.
4. There's gouging and there's gouging. While every dollar counts, a dollar one way or the other is not necessarily gouging. If we were talking about a big ticket item and a price increase of hundreds of dollars, then we could call it gouging, but a dollar? I'm not sure I would have even come down the dollar no matter how valid you thought your argument was. And if I were you, if he didn't immediately come down a dollar, I would have just walked away. Maybe he would have come around, maybe not. But if you don't like the way the game is played, take your ball and go home.
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Valued Member
United States
414 Posts |
The fair price is the price the sell willing to sell and the price the buyer willing to buy. Your goal is to get the coin at the price you like. So, you should focus on that. My approach is to be polite and don't mind the seller. If you don't like the seller, move forward to the others. The collecting coins is a life long process and to enjoy that process is more important. Remember, if you go out to eat, your focus is to enjoy the food even the food will be gone after you eat. To the coins, after you buy them and they still there for you and your next and next generations to enjoy. Just enjoy the life and the beautiful coins along the way. Please don't mind the seller and let it gone. The problem only leaves with you if you don't let it go.
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Valued Member
Canada
107 Posts |
Well said, Monster. Yes, I did get very beautiful coins, and I have pushed the problem aside. But it's still really intereting to read about what you guys think. It's a terrific topic for discussion.
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Valued Member
United States
470 Posts |
"It's a terrific topic for discussion."
Yes it is.
I'm going to a coin show tomorrow morning so we'll see how I make out. I'm looking for a Liberty double eagle type 3 in AU58 or MS61-62 for around $700-750 depending on the eye appeal. The dealer that gives the most of his time and attention will get my money ... if his coins are nice, that is.
Edited by Andrew289
04/27/2007 8:50 pm
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Valued Member
United States
161 Posts |
When I go to the coin show I have tow things to focus on. If I am buying, I am going to try to get the cheapest price possible for an item I want. I do not care if the person selling is making 2X, even or taking a loss on the item. It is not my concern as this person is not family or a friend (in most cases). If I am selling I will try to get the highest price I can for an item. Although if someone calls me on a price inconsistency I will likely well it at the lower price quoted. You have to choose your battles and as a seller 1 dollar doesn't make that big a difference. And by the way, I spent 20.00 on one of these sets before researching it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
819 Posts |
As I previously stated in the 2nd paragraph of my first post; it is the dealers property to do with as he pleases. That being said, it is a poor dealer that does not treat his customers ethically and politely.
I have been in every coin shop in Houston within the past 6 months, there is one that tends to have better prices but he makes me feel like I am doing him a favor to walk into his shop. I have another pegged that is a little higher, but very helpful and courteous. So far I have never spent more than about $30 in any shop; BUT
within the next year I will drop over $10,000 on coins...and it will be where I feel I can get fair honest treatment and be treated as a human being, even if that means paying a little more.
back to the first point, it is still the other dealers right to charge what he wants or even chop up and smelt his coins, they are his property and I have the same opinion on personal property as John Stuart Mill; but by the same token, it is my right to spend my money (WHICH IS MY PROPERTY) in any way, any where, and on anything I want, or give it away or burn it if I so choose.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2703 Posts |
I agree with basicbob101. To me, when buying in person, the human interaction is important, more than the price or a particular coin. I go to the local coin shows to mostly see the dealers I have gotten to know, even though I collect hard-to-find stuff and they usually don't have many coins which I am eager to own. Still, I look forward to seeing them again, chatting, learning something new and looking through what they've got.
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Forum Dad
United States
24173 Posts |
Price gouging is all 100% the customer's fault. In my opinion there has never, ever, ever been a price gouging at a coin show that could possibly be blamed on the seller. If the buyers stop buying them, the gouging will stop dead in it's tracks. Period. So who's fault is price gouging at a coin show? We're not talking about the electric company here folks.  Just say no, like the OP did, and it all stops. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
Amen, Bobby. I am not a dealer, and to date have never sold a coin. Have traded some, but never sold. Prices have been and always will be, unless you are an energy company, set but the consumer. We all want to buy at Blue Book or Gray Sheet pricing or wholesale. When a dealer asks for a premium above those prices he is not gouging, he is trying to make a living. That premium pays for the cost of monies that put the inventory on the shelf, turn on the lights and allows the phone to ring when we call to see if they have a coin you are looking for. This is one of the few industries where the consumer knows the dealers costs and at time actually buys at these levels. Don't fault a business owner for trying to make a profit. If the prices seem high shop around or just do not buy from him. But, don't grumble if prices or availability change, it is simply part of doing business. Now, if the guys is a jerk, write him off as such, don't let him effect your day and find someone you like to do business with. Life is full of rude pissy people, ignore them and find people like those here on CCF to do business with.
Jim
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Valued Member
United States
393 Posts |
The seller can price however he wants, but had this happened to me he would have lost this sale plus any possible sale in the future. If he can do business like this and prosper, fine.
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Replies: 70 / Views: 5,324 |
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Posted 04/26/2007 4:03 pm
