Want Lists wanting? What's your experience?

northcoin

What is everyone's experience and/or opinion with regard to want lists? My own limited experience has been that once a dealer knew I wanted a specific coin that the coin seemed to be overpriced when it became available. It also appeared that somehow a double commission was included because the finding dealer was having to pay another dealer rather than selling me something out of his own inventory where he could justify a lower price to me.

MadMonk

They should be a good thing, but unfortunately it only seems to work if you have a solid relationship with a most trusted dealer. I tried want lists many years ago. Also certain friends and newbies I've known. The somewhat educated were dissapointed. The newbies were a mixed bag. So, I am totally against them without the highest standards applied, which seems to be rare. I think that they are highly abused.
In my experience, most dealers who get want lists will not use my "EYE" to judge a coin. He just fills a hole and tries to sell you junk. I look for the coins I want at coin shows etc. I beat bushes and talk to the specialist dealers. They can produce, but you have to pay more. If I don't get the big "O" when I inspect the coin, I don't buy it! If I really can't find what I need, I ask my most trusted dealer to keep an eye out for me. This dealer knows me, knows my standards, and knows that I'm not a shmuck. He knows what I mean when I say attractively toned. When I say good strike, no roll friction, attractive, eye appealing, etc. (I've actually had dealers argue that there is no such thing as roll friction ) It seems that so many dealers play dumb when you try to specify your standards, or, maybe they are just plain stupid! Well I guess it's obvious I don't like want lists as a whole.

MacCoin

if a dealer has time to watch my want list hes got more time than coins. I don't need it. I have much more fun with other collectors I meet here and at shows. you won't beleive had many collector I swap phone #s with over the last 5 years.

barberlover

I have never been succesful at fnding a coin i want thru a dealer want list, i have been called a cherry picker and to fussy by variuos dealers, even dealers i do buisness with, by the way thank you to everyone that said that about me, i consider that a compliment even if it wasn't ment as one. The biggest problem wth dealer want lists is that you have a particular "look" in mind that the best intentioned dealer can't see with your minds eye to identify. I've been on the heritage want list for over 2 years and they have never contacted me, yet to of my finest barbers where purchased from the heritage website.

flaminio

My big fear in want lists is seeing a coin on eBay that's also on a dealer's want list, and end up bidding against the dealer who is trying to acquire the coin for me. Like others said, you need to have a deep trust relationship with a dealer before submitting a want list.

Lakesammman

I personally think that dealers are just too busy to organize want lists. I've NEVER had someone call and say, "I found something on your want list". Or, perhaps they only service 5 figure coins??