Dilemas, Dilemas..how To React?

I've read the entire thread, and I agree mostly with KenKat. I also think greed works both ways-when dealing with a friend, whether its silver, or a used car-I always offer my "best price" upfront. I only negotiate with strangers. It seems that he decided that your offer wasn't good enough, and decided to keep them, or sell to someone who was offering market value. Should he have kept his word?-probably, but in the big scheme of things its not that big of a deal-chances are there are mostly 64's in there anyway. The odds of there being any great find are very high.

You're kidding, right? A "friend" offers advice, aid, assistance, whatever, and doesn't expect anything in return. I think KenKat hit the nail on the head. What made you believe there was any obligation to keep this "deal". This souns like two guys talking, one who knows a little more about the subject than the other. One suggests something, the other, not knowing much about the subject at the time, agrees. In this day and age information is literally at your fingertips. So Guy #2 scores a little, based on the information his friend gives him, does his research, and changes his mind about the deal. Guy #1 expects to be rewarded because of some advice, and is unhappy because the informal "deal" now falls through (because possibly Guy #2 did a little more research and understands more the value of what he has?). Did you discuss what "melt" actually represents? Your used car analogy is little weak. While I understand the Start low, negotiate up, have you ever offered half the asking price of a car? You wouldn't even get a counter offer. And negotiating with a friend? To me that's "Will you help me move if I have a case of beer handy, or will you need lunch as well?" type of thing. You were "making a deal" based on items the friend did not even possess and knew nothing about at the time of the "deal", and offered him 50% of the value of what he might find, all because you gave him a little advice.

And his financial status has nothing to do with this. This is how people justify software piracy, Bill Gates has tons of money, why should I pay for his products? mentality

So if I give you a stock tip while were having drinks in a bar, and you invest and make some money on that tip, it's not unreasonable for me to expect you send me a cut of your profits? Or (as the OP points out) I used my influence to get you a job in the same company I work for, it's not unreasonable for me to expect a cut of your paycheck each week?

Here's my take on what happened:

OP and coworker were talking about the wife's new job. OP says, hey, have her keep an eye out for silver coins. Coworker says Huh?, OP explains what he means, says if she finds anything, I'll buy some from you for half of melt. Probably not even a handshake, let alone a contract. Coworker says, Oh, I see, okay I'll tell her. Wife finds a little silver, coworker tells OP. Coworker does a little research, discovers he can get more by either holding onto it or selling at closer to spot, tells OP thanks but no thanks. OP now thinks he's getting screwed. Why? A "friend" would wish the coworker well, say keep me in mind if you decide to get rid of it. I'm thinking the coworker is under no obligation to honor any agreement made during a casual conversation. "Deals" fall through all the time in the real world. This was not a deal, but a simple agreement (maybe I missed it, but I don't remember the OP using even the word "promise") that fell through (happens more ofter than deals).

Back again from work. I got to read the latest post.

Omahaorange, Your "take on it" is a little off. In my previous post, (if you read them) I mentioned that he knew full well what the value was for them. It's one of my last post, and before your two.

I don't hold it over his head that he only got the job because of me. Let's be realistic, ok? No one would expect any of that in real life.

Also, to answer your question about asking half for a car. Believe it or not, I got my current truck for half the asking price. Saved $500.00 by negotiating. Try it, it works.

KenKat, I'm sorry to not respond to your post of scenarios earlier. So in response to your first one. I would tell him, just as I did this guy, what they would bring at the current time. What he does with that information is on him.

Your second one is a great point. To which I have no answer to. you got me there.

Let's all remember though. He could have turned it down. He could have bartered a little more. Ultimately it was his (and her) choice to accept or deny the offer. They chose to accept it. That is what got to me the most. NOT that I didn't the quarters. I'll find them somewhere else. No big deal.

It's done and over. It is what it is. No use in kicking a dead horse and all that kind of stuff.

I do appreciate All of the post and I thank you for helping me out on this dilemma. I really just wanted to walk away from him and never speak again. Over reacting... I know now.

why dont you just pay him what the coins are worth ?
full melt value...
What if he has a doubleddie or some rare coin...
You will never know becuase you pretty much offered him bread crumbs for payment instead of a whole slice.

How would you like it if he said o.k i'll sell at half melt
but why dont you let me pick through your collection and buy what I want at half melt ?

"I don't hold it over his head that he only got the job because of me."

That's not what you inplied in your first post:




"I mentioned that he knew full well what the value was for them"

That's not what you said in your first post, when you supposedly made the "deal":







coppertops hit this one, fair market value and asking price can be two different things, especially on a $1000 vehicle from a private seller. My last truck (SUV, actually) had a KBB value of $32K, the asking price was $29K, and I negotiated and bought it for $20K. I saved $9K off the asking price. Had I offered $14.5K they would have laughed me out of the showroom.

I'm not questioning your initial offer; heck, everybody loves a bargain. My disagreement is in the way you're reacting because the coworker backed out after finding out what he had. Your original posts sounds like you thought you had a source for dirt cheap silver, and when the source dried up, you got mad, blamed him, and ranted on here. You had unrealistic expectations from the first conversation.

You know it is true, people get around the silver and they go crazy. I think we all feel it sometimes.
Just treat people fairly and honestly. I wouldn't worry about it too much, just move on.
JustCarl is right it is people that matter not coins. You don't have to offer this guy anymore
advise but you don't have to not be friends either. Take the higher road.
JustCarl, I hope all is well with you. I always enjoy your insight and experience and look forward to reading many posts in the future.
Like you said you never know anyone's situation. Steve

I will take that as a hint to end the madness now.