What would you have done?
JoyofCollecting
Posts: 682 ✭
Attended a regional coin show a few weeks ago. There is one particular dealer I have done business with in the past and who carries the kind of coins I am attracted too. He doesn't carry the seated dimes that I really pursue, but he has one coin for which he wants about $3,500 that I am interested in. I did not try to talk him down on the price as he is not one to negotiate and I think the price he is asking is fair. Not great...but fair.
I have written the dealer a check in the past for about $2,000 and we've never had a problem. He is willing to take a check from me for this coin, but I can sense he is a little hesitant. Therefore, I kindly offer to let him keep the coin and mail it to me once the check clears.
He looks relieved says that's great, and I begin to write the check. He then says that I will need to add an additional $15 to the check to cover insured shipping for the coin. I was surprised and responded in what I thought was an appropriate manner. Again, it wasn't a coin I had to have.
What would have been your reaction?
I have written the dealer a check in the past for about $2,000 and we've never had a problem. He is willing to take a check from me for this coin, but I can sense he is a little hesitant. Therefore, I kindly offer to let him keep the coin and mail it to me once the check clears.
He looks relieved says that's great, and I begin to write the check. He then says that I will need to add an additional $15 to the check to cover insured shipping for the coin. I was surprised and responded in what I thought was an appropriate manner. Again, it wasn't a coin I had to have.
What would have been your reaction?
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It would depend on how much I wanted the coin. A $15 discound on a no haggle $3500 purchase sounds rude. But, if I really wanted it what the heck, it is only $15!
President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay
I really was amazed. He was polite and my past dealings have always been flawless. He had every right to require the postage.....but man, what a marketing mistake!
Tom
You'll find another!
what's 15.00 to either one of you???
nothing really on 3500.00.
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
I'd said hey bud I'm writing the check for $3,500 like you said, take it or leave it.
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His $15 it should have been... I'd have walked away... it's the principle of the matter.
Jeremy
I can think of a dozen reasons not to have high capacity magazines, but it's the reasons I haven't thought about that I need them.
Why not simply politely ask if he'll waive the shipping charge, in light of all the business you've given him in the past? If he still insists you pay it, why not then explain how it rubs you the wrong way, and give him a chance to respond?
So he made the mistake of not remembering to include $15 in the asking price....but give the guy a break already...he's not in business in order to give things away....he's only trying to protect his interests. He just needs to be more aware & sensitive to customer perceptions....so clue him in, don't flee.
You can't use logic on a moron. It's also hard to be offended by one. I'd just refuse to pay the $15 and let him decide what he wants to do.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
He takes my check and I take the coin now.
He takes my check and mails me the coin later (at his expense)
He shoves the coin up his AXX.
-KHayse
ps Whenever I've bought something near this magnitude I've never had the seller bring up shipping charges.
That man does not know how to run a business.
That's what putting away your checkbook does.
> If he still insists you pay it, why not then explain how it rubs you the wrong way, and give him a chance to respond?
That's what walking away does.
If he doesn't realize the mistake he's made as you're walking away, no amount of conversation is going to help him.
-KHayse
No good deed will go unpunished.
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<< <i>it wasn't a coin I had to have. >>
Then it worked out great
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since 8/1/6
figured that into the price.
To tack that on after the fact on a coin of that price is pretty crass !
Let him sit on his expensive coin and think about losing the sale .
Hope you find a better coin for less !
<< <i>Did he not take plastic? I have never been to a coin show. Do most dealers not hassle with credit cards? >>
A few dealers do, but most don't, at least that's my experience in Long Beach.
To respond to the thread question, I don't really know. Being the nice guy I am I probably would have paid it, but I've been told I'm too nice at times.
However, he was foolish to assume that I just had to have the coin. If it had been a $3,500 seated dime....I probably would have just paid the $15 and have been happy to have it. It was a type coin for which there is a decent supply.....and I can find one just about anytime I wish to buy one.
He will get more of my business at future shows because he is knowledgeable, honest and has nice coins. However, he'll probably be a bit more careful in trying to squeeze $15 out of the customer in order to pay for his own protection.
Later on I stopped by one of the dealers tables that I had given as a reference and attempted to purchase a one in the neck 97 Indian Head Cent for $75. Guess what he gave me the third degree on taking a check. Now I have spent a few thousand with this dealer and written him several checks before. I just chuckled to myself and walked away, obviously he was having a bad day. I wonder if the first dealer checked with him about my check later in the day.
Anyway we all react differently in situations and you did what was comfortable for you.