Purchasing Online Advice...not eBay

RonMan

I'm at the point in a couple of my collections that the missing coins or upgrades I need don't show up that often, so I find myself checking out the online dealers more seriously than I ever have.

What I'm wondering about is when I do find one I'm looking for and of course the price seems a little high, is it usual practice to offer less? Or do you just close your eyes and hit the "buy me now" button and be happy that you finally found that nice one you had been looking for for 9-12 months. I realize there is not one answer to fit all but would be interested in hearing form both sides(dealers & buyers) on this. I'm not talking huge $$$ coins but in the $300-500 range for the ones I'm looking at.

I think I pretty much know, but what do you usually do?

Ron

danglen

As a dealer, I never mind an offer, as long as it has some connection to reality. Doesn't mean that I'll accept it, but it gives us a starting point for what may turn out to be a mutually advantageous transaction.

Dog97

You can make an offer and the dealer will either say yes or no. Phone call is best, too much lag time in email.
But while your haggling with the dealer and somebody comes along and hits the "buy me now" you will wish you hadn't been so cheap.

RonMan

danglen...
would be curious to know what you feel is an appox. percentage of deals you actually have to haggle through and is this pretty much what you expect to do?

danglen

I always make a counter-offer, no matter what the offer. If I don't, they buyer doesn't feel good about himself (thinks he may have offered too much), so I usually counter with something that will make everyone feel like they got a good deal Then, if the price is more than I would have expected, I'll throw in a free gift that will make the deal even sweeter. Brings me a lot of repeat business

RonMan

Let me guess danglen...you were a psychology major in collage.

Actually... I totally understand what you saying and you have a very good business sense.

I received a coffee mug with one of my first online dealer purchases and was thrilled... but on the other hand I knew I had paid for it. If I remember right I think they call that "customer service".