Prices on dealer websites

ZodiacMindwarp

Since I returned to the hobby a few years ago, almost all of my purchases have either been from ebay or from board members. I have recently started checking out some dealer websites. Some dealers are reasonably priced while others seem to be asking for a premium on the majority of their inventory. My question is, is it okay to try to negotiate? Is that considered rude and offensive or common and customary? Does it depend on the dealer?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

Michael

WinPitcher

negotiate, its a good thing

Griffins

If the price seems high to me I do the same thing I do at shows- politely ask if they have any flexibility, and indicate the exact cards I'm interested in. Usually we can come to an agreement, but even in the times when we can't I don't think (hope) anyone has taken offense.
However, if the initial price isn't even close I don't bother- if I want to pay half of what someone is asking then it would just be wasting both of our time. And I've had much better luck after I"ve had a few dealings with the seller in question. Loyalty pays, on both sides of the deal.

ChrisStufflestreet

<< <i>Since I returned to the hobby a few years ago, almost all of my purchases have either been from ebay or from board members. I have recently started checking out some dealer websites. Some dealers are reasonably priced while others seem to be asking for a premium on the majority of their inventory. My question is, is it okay to try to negotiate? Is that considered rude and offensive or common and customary? Does it depend on the dealer? >>




Since we live in a free-market country (or so I thought), ANYTHING is open to negotiation. Assuming that you're not asking to spend $10 for a '65 Mantle or something outrageous like that...Most dealers will be happy to work something out, rather than lose a chance to make some money. The worst that will happen? He'll refuse, and you should be able to get your asking price somewhere else.

ctsoxfan

Negotiate, by all means. Cards really don't have any value, other than what someone will pay for them. Just because Beckett, or the SMR, books a card for X dollars, does not mean that is written in stone. Some dealers, especially some of the big graded dealers, will ask in excess of SMR for vintage cards, but in reality, the free market will determine the price. If its too much, and the dealer won't negotiate, there are plenty that will.

Stone193

<< <i>Is that considered rude and offensive or common and customary? >>


Michael
That is a great question that I have pondered often times. You would be amazed in the places that people will ask for a break or cry the blues. My take on it now - if a guy is 'offended' by you asking for a little 'wiggle room' - perhaps he doesn't deserve any of your hard earned money.
Mike

rustywilly

Michael,

Great post! Always negotiate - if the dealer is upset don't deal with them. They shouldn't be offended.

My site is one that that exemplifies your concerns. Many of the cards are priced high because they are from my personal collection. I really don't want to sell them. They were listed to draw attention to the site via searches, etc. I really feel all cards are worth selling if the price is right! (except my ???, and the ???, and my ???, and of course that one ??? ) Other cards are priced to sell. Offers are welcome. Thanks.

psa8myaz

Never hurts to ask. I suspect most price high and will always sell lower.

jrdolan

I build up a relationship, even if it's only a few buys or consignments, before trying to negotiate. The guy is much more amenable to cutting me a deal if I have already bought some cards at full price, or made him a little money on my consignments. Of course this doesn't work for everybody, but many dealers can't resist the art of the haggle!

Scoop

Doesn't hurt to ask.

Some dealers pump up price in order to look like they are giving you a bargain. Others are steadfast, and some of their cards remain in their showcase for years. And some of their cards are consigned from customers with them as the broker, so they have little or no movement.

JIM S

ctsoxfan

<< <i>Others are steadfast, and some of their cards remain in their showcase for years. >>



Tell me about it. Some of the big graded card dealers (see them at the Fort, for example) just seem to lug the same cards around from show to show, never selling them because of their exorbitant pricing. Negotiating probably won't do you much good there...

nearmint

I agree with nearly everything that people have written above. All these things help:

You're a regular customer.
You're interested in a large purchase.
The dealer has had what you're interested in for a while, and it hasn't sold.
Your offer is in the ballpark. Asking for 10% off is certainly reasonable; asking for 50% off will just annoy the person.
You ask politely.

One thing that doesn't help is comparing a dealer's prices to SMR. We know what the SMR prices are. Some cards will sell for SMR or below; some will sell for much more.

Put yourself in the dealer's place, use common sense, and don't be offended if the dealer declines your offer. Most dealers are willing to negotiate, and as jdolan points out, some consider it part of the fun.

Mike

ZodiacMindwarp

Thank you for all of the replies. These message boards prove once again that they can be an invaluable source of information.