Collusion is illegal in the auction context. How about when considering a purchase from a dealer's

Longacre

Everyone knows that you cannot conspire with another to keep the prices at an auction sale artificially low. That is illegal. However, what are your thoughts in the dealer inventory context, and does anyone get harmed? Here is an example--

I collect a particular series of coins. I know of at least one other collector who collects this same series, in exactly the same grade range as I do, and looks for coins of the same quality as I collect. This other collector and I tend to shop at the same dealer. The other collector has told me that "if there is any coin on Dealer X's website that you REALLY want, just let me know and I will not try to buy it before you." I thought this was a very gentlemanly thing to do. Again, in the auction context, that would be wrong, but I am trying to think whether there is anything wrong in the dealer inventory context.

Essentially, the dealer is not hurt because his coin gets sold one way or the other. Perhaps "the arrangement" creates a false perception of lack of demand for the coin if one person calls about it rather than two, but I am not sure. Do prices get impacted negatively (from a dealer's point of view) if he does not know there is more than one person interested? What do you think?

storm888

Not a problem.

curly

I don't see a problem with your scenario, brother.

Elem21wed

Its not an issue, since the market is based on prices created by multiple influences. Such as recent auction sales, the precious metal market, and the amound of quality "coins" available in the open. I don't think that two collectors can influence prices when dealing with the same dealer. Nor is there anything wrong with two collectors having suck an arrangement. If anything, it keeps all three of you happy. The dealer gets to sell his/her coins and you and your double can have a friendly arrangement with the dealer. If your system did break down then there would be a negative impact on all three of you.

CJK

Julian

What about the rest of the collecting public? They could swoop in and buy it before either of you has a chance. Don't overthink this scenario.

If you see a coin that either of you wants, then make your feelings known quite early or you will both lose out.

mercurynut

Talk about the biggest "whatever" question ever asked on the forum. Go outside and get an ice cream and stop thinking.

elwood

It's not a competition like an auction. Usually a fixed price so you either buy it or you don't.

If you try to wait out the dealer you may end up with no coin.

coindawg1

<< <i>Talk about the biggest "whatever" question ever asked on the forum. Go outside and get an ice cream and stop thinking. >>



Agreed. This particular poster asks some of the most inane questions I've seen on this board.