| Author |
 Replies: 15 / Views: 438 |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
Hello, I just bought this 2001-P Capital Vistor's Center Proof Half Dollar. The Numismedia FMV price for this coin is $21. I did see some on ebay for $25 to $30 before shipping. When specifically buying from somewhere online (like ebay) what is a good rule oof thumb so I don't overpay? A very long time ago a dealer at a coin show told me to go about 15% to 20% over FMV and anything over is paying too much and that advice has served me well, at least at coin shows and coin shops. How do I apply that to online purchases? Do I include shipping in the percentage calculation? I found this coiin and after shipping I paid $16.16. The OGP was a little beat up but that's OK, the coin looks great. Thanks, Rich   Rich M. - Collector since 2008
|
|
|
|
Moderator
 United States
194961 Posts |
Price guides are just that, guides. The real price is what you or anyone else is willing to pay. Availability is a factor, and if this was the best price based on what was available to you, then that is the price. That being said, I believe you did well.  |
|
Valued Member
 United States
422 Posts |
Thank You Jbuck, you're always a rockstar!!!
Rich M. - Collector since 2008
Edited by snitchard
09/11/2026 4:51 pm
|
|
Moderator
United States
194961 Posts |
My pleasure.  |
|
CCF Master Historian of Commemorative Coins
United States
12514 Posts |
Congrats!
IMO, shipping costs need to be included for online purchases as, combined with the asking price, are part of the Total Price paid for the coin (I'll disregard sales tax for this discussion).
The Total Price paid for an online purchase is the price that needs to be compared with a face-to-face transaction as that is the honest way to compare prices.
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
776 Posts |
I think factoring shipping costs is relative. If you're buying this particular coin and shipping is $5, then shipping is particularly relevant, but if you're buying a $3,000 dollar coin....not so much.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7288 Posts |
Myself, I look at the shipping charges like gas, vehicle maintenance and my personal time when traveling to the LCSs around me, so I don't include it towards the cost of the coin. I do include tax though because heck it's part of the equation when biding in auctions.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1298 Posts |
I always include shipping and if auction any up charges to the price if you exclude these prices you are only tricking yourself. I see many on line auctions where people pay too much for bullion because they exclude these charges. They could have gone to a dealer and bought them cheaper. That one is hard for me to understand.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
5419 Posts |
Price .., It is what it is , the final amount negotiated between buyer and seller .Both being willing participants!
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2411 Posts |
Yes, I also check the shipping price and add it to the item's cost to me...
As a seller, I price the item at or below the past sold value and let the buyer decide if my shipping cost is justified...
|
|
Moderator
United States
105793 Posts |
For ebay, you can always look at the sold items for the same coin to see what other sellers sold it for. |
|
Moderator
United States
194961 Posts |
Quote:
Myself, I look at the shipping charges like gas, vehicle maintenance and my personal time when traveling to the LCSs around me, so I don't include it towards the cost of the coin. That is how I have always seen it. Which is why shipping prices are not considered in GTP.  |
|
Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
GTP?
Rich M. - Collector since 2008
|
|
Moderator
United States
194961 Posts |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1860 Posts |
Guess the price (game)
I consider shipping in a price but do not include it in my price paid for the reasons above. I am more likely to consider shipping if it is a common item that I can get anywhere like LCS, auction or other online vendors. I never order a common item alone.
|
|
Moderator
United States
194961 Posts |
Fair points. |
| |
Replies: 15 / Views: 438 |
|
Posted 09/11/2026 4:50 pm
