Should I feel guilty or bad? (coin shop story)
sneaky
Posts: 165
First off, I'm still fairly new to this, and am an honest person, so here goes...
The other day I went to my local dealer with some extra cash wanting to look at some fractional gold. I had looked at a few halves and quarter ouncers and asked to see if the dealer had any kangaroos. He then brought out a half ounce Roo with a silver little thing on it (privy mark???) It was neat, and I had never seen one like it, so I asked how much. He replied $240. I was then thinking, "that is really cheap, wonder why?"
So I asked why it was so cheap. He replied, "It's just bullion." I further examined the coin and thought surely he is mistaken, so I asked again, "How much again?" He said "$240." Now, me being fairly new, but educated enough to know that spot was around $800, I thought that *maybe" that little silver made the difference, but it still said 1/4 ounce. Well, after a few minutes examining the coin, I deided sure, why not, the price seemed too good. So I said "sold". The dealer then realized, I'm guessing,that it was a half and not a quarter, and he said as he shaked his head, "I'm sorry, it's $480, I was thinking it was a quarter."
I then handed him the coin as we both kind of chuckled, and said I would pass then. He seemed upset and placed the coin back in it's box.
I later told my friend about it and he acted like I should have tried to hold him to it, but I would have never thought to do that, as it was an honest mistake. But I kind of felt bad afterwards, as if I was wrongl. I haven't visited the shop since, as I feel awkward now. What would you have done in this situation? Laughed it off as a mistake like I did and never given it a second thought, or should I feel bad?
Just curious.
Mike C
The other day I went to my local dealer with some extra cash wanting to look at some fractional gold. I had looked at a few halves and quarter ouncers and asked to see if the dealer had any kangaroos. He then brought out a half ounce Roo with a silver little thing on it (privy mark???) It was neat, and I had never seen one like it, so I asked how much. He replied $240. I was then thinking, "that is really cheap, wonder why?"
So I asked why it was so cheap. He replied, "It's just bullion." I further examined the coin and thought surely he is mistaken, so I asked again, "How much again?" He said "$240." Now, me being fairly new, but educated enough to know that spot was around $800, I thought that *maybe" that little silver made the difference, but it still said 1/4 ounce. Well, after a few minutes examining the coin, I deided sure, why not, the price seemed too good. So I said "sold". The dealer then realized, I'm guessing,that it was a half and not a quarter, and he said as he shaked his head, "I'm sorry, it's $480, I was thinking it was a quarter."
I then handed him the coin as we both kind of chuckled, and said I would pass then. He seemed upset and placed the coin back in it's box.
I later told my friend about it and he acted like I should have tried to hold him to it, but I would have never thought to do that, as it was an honest mistake. But I kind of felt bad afterwards, as if I was wrongl. I haven't visited the shop since, as I feel awkward now. What would you have done in this situation? Laughed it off as a mistake like I did and never given it a second thought, or should I feel bad?
Just curious.
Mike C
Mike C.
mclark202@insightbb.com
Positive BST references: Weather11am, Mrmom, Metalsman, GAB, Mash, FishyOne, Cone10, Keepdachange, etc...
mclark202@insightbb.com
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0
Comments
Mistakes happen. Just let it slide and go on back to the store.
TD
I'm sure if he had sold you a 1/4 ounce for the price of a 1/2 ...he wouldn't think twice about it.
If you realized it later on and went back to the store, it would be your word against his ..and guess what? you lose.
A deal is a deal and sure mistakes happen but that's why you need to be real careful ...in life.
To minimize your losses.
I had a dealer quote me the 1954 proof set price for a 1950 at a show one time...I laughed and said " WOW ... I've been looking for a real deal! Thanks!!"....as I pointed out the "real" price....
As a thanks...he insisted I make him an offer...and then insisted on $50 LESS...Hated to do it but he would not take NO for an answer....we have done $K's in biz ever since.
********************
Silver is the mortar that binds the bricks of loyalty.
<< <i>What would you have done in this situation? Laughed it off as a mistake like I did and never given it a second thought, or should I feel bad? >>
I wouldn't worry about it- everybody makes mistakes, and there's nothing wrong with allowing for them if you know they're accidental.
Especially if you'd like other people to overlook yours, when they happen.
As for your friend, though... "he acted like I should have tried to hold him to it"... one can only hope that he has the pleasure of someone holding him to one of his own mistakes real soon.
<< <i>I would of held him to it ...the deal was closed.
I'm sure if he had sold you a 1/4 ounce for the price of a 1/2 ...he wouldn't think twice about it.
If you realized it later on and went back to the store, it would be your word against his ..and guess what? you lose.
A deal is a deal and sure mistakes happen but that's why you need to be real careful ...in life.
To minimize your losses. >>
Remind me never to do business with you...
<< <i>Remind me never to do business with you... >>
Seriously!
<< <i>I would of held him to it ...the deal was closed. >>
Andrew, I would love to see you in a store, trying to hold a dealer to that deal. It's his store, he is holding the coin, and you're there throwing a hissy fit. That would be HILARIOUS to witness!
<< <i>
<< <i>I would of held him to it ...the deal was closed.
I'm sure if he had sold you a 1/4 ounce for the price of a 1/2 ...he wouldn't think twice about it.
If you realized it later on and went back to the store, it would be your word against his ..and guess what? you lose.
A deal is a deal and sure mistakes happen but that's why you need to be real careful ...in life.
To minimize your losses. >>
Remind me never to do business with you... >>
I agree. Sometimes the lowlife is on the other side of the counter.
I would have no problem with shopping there again.
"I has a bucket." - Minazo.
Minazo the LOLRUS, 1994-2005
<< <i>I think the reason he seemed upset as he put it back in the box after you passed on it is because he realized you were only going to buy it as a rip(off). It's a reflection on you in his eyes. You may not be welcome there in the future, or will at least have to earn status back. >>
Correct but the fact that he had to think about it and try to decide for so long makes it clear he wasn't sure it was a rip. The dealer should not lower his opinion of the OP as the story is told. --Jerry
Bruce
accordingly that is his problem.
they do not put a price tag on stuff for several reasons you know
and well... sometimes it bites them in the ***.
feel free to walk back in anytime knowing you did nothing wrong.
would a person who walked in and said i would like to sell this ounce
of gold for 500 be corrected by the dealer? hmmm?
it goes both ways and i know who gets the best side of it more often!
you'll learn...just takes time.
my kids are 30-ish...and both have that same attitude that goes like this...
"the world owes me a living"............... and the ever popular.......... "whats in it for me?"........... and lets not leave out the this one...
"never mind that i haven't done anything yet...where's my pay day?"
sometimes i can see the coming of the "soylent green" future....sometimes i get a little faith that it won't happen.
<< <i>andrew....i'm guessing you are under the age of 30. >>
OY, I'm under the age of 30 too. Thanks for lumping me together with that wingnut. Just because he's a screw-up and your kids haven't matured yet doesn't mean others haven't.
<< <i>
<< <i>Remind me never to do business with you... >>
Seriously!
<< <i>I would of held him to it ...the deal was closed. >>
Andrew, I would love to see you in a store, trying to hold a dealer to that deal. It's his store, he is holding the coin, and you're there throwing a hissy fit. That would be HILARIOUS to witness! >>
<< <i>they do not put a price tag on stuff for several reasons you know
and well... sometimes it bites them in the ***. >>
Do you suppose that maybe one of the reasons for not putting a price on a bullion coin is that the price changes nearly every day?
<< <i>I would of held him to it ...the deal was closed.
I'm sure if he had sold you a 1/4 ounce for the price of a 1/2 ...he wouldn't think twice about it.
If you realized it later on and went back to the store, it would be your word against his ..and guess what? you lose.
A deal is a deal and sure mistakes happen but that's why you need to be real careful ...in life.
To minimize your losses. >>
You sir are a scumbag.
People make mistakes.
Lane
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
sure i realize that. please explain most everything else in inventory
then? if they cannot handle the difference between 1/4 and 1/2 an ounce.. is that really a reason for a customer to feel guilty?
maybe by putting what they paid for on it in the flip this problem
would not be happening. feel free to check spot before selling!
so to once again answer the original question, there is not a single
reason the customer should feel guilty for a dealer who makes mistakes. turn the tables around and i know who gets burned more
often!
You did just fine, brother.
<< <i>
<< <i>andrew....i'm guessing you are under the age of 30. >>
oy, I'm under the age of 30 too. Thanks for lumping me together with that wingnut. Just because he's a screw-up and your kids haven't matured yet doesn't mean others haven't. >>
no insult intended at ALL 30 year olds...it does seem that that attitude i mentioned shows up in that age bracket more these days than in times past.
don't be so insecure .....i was talking to him...not lumping you.
and as for my "kids" ask any other older parent....you can try to be the BEST parent that you can possibly be...ultimately your kids will learn
most of how they'll view life from their friends and others that they meet.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I would of held him to it ...the deal was closed.
I'm sure if he had sold you a 1/4 ounce for the price of a 1/2 ...he wouldn't think twice about it.
If you realized it later on and went back to the store, it would be your word against his ..and guess what? you lose.
A deal is a deal and sure mistakes happen but that's why you need to be real careful ...in life.
To minimize your losses. >>
Remind me never to do business with you... >>
I agree. Sometimes the lowlife is on the other side of the counter. >>
A giant DITTO!
Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
<< <i>I think the reason he seemed upset as he put it back in the box after you passed on it is because he realized you were only going to buy it as a rip(off). It's a reflection on you in his eyes. You may not be welcome there in the future, or will at least have to earn status back. >>
Are you joking? You think the OP has to earn status back with the dealer? After repeatedly checking to make sure the price was right and then letting the matter drop rather than making a fuss? The dealer should be grateful to have customers like that.
<< <i>don't be so insecure .....i was talking to him...not lumping you. >>
I'm not insecure at all. I was defending the people you offended. With that in mind, I don't want to offend you, but the reason "us 30 year olds" act like that sometimes is because we have to put up with BS from old farts like you. But this is off topic. Have a lovely day
Yes, I suspect that in the dealer's eyes he does.
<< <i>Do you suppose that maybe one of the reasons for not putting a price on a bullion coin is that the price changes nearly every day?
sure i realize that. please explain most everything else in inventory
then? >>
What's to explain? I don't know about the shop the OP visited, but the local coin shops I go to have prices on everything. Except bullion pieces. And absent further information being posted, I have no reason to suspect the other shop is any different.
<< <i>
would a person who walked in and said i would like to sell this ounce
of gold for 500 be corrected by the dealer? hmmm? >>
Yes, at least with me. A couple of years ago when gold was around $500 a college age girl came into the shop (no, she wasn't blond). She had 10 Gold Eagles and said her dad had been sending her 1 a month to help out her school expense. She asked what they were worth and I told her $500 (or there abouts), she was thrilled and wanted to sell them. A few minutes later when I handed her the check, she looked confused and said I made a mistake. She said I had made the check out for $5000 rather than $500. She thought I meant $500 for the lot of ten....
Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
<< <i>
<< <i>Do you suppose that maybe one of the reasons for not putting a price on a bullion coin is that the price changes nearly every day?
sure i realize that. please explain most everything else in inventory
then? >>
What's to explain? I don't know about the shop the OP visited, but the local coin shops I go to have prices on everything. Except bullion pieces. And absent further information being posted, I have no reason to suspect the other shop is any different. >>
I have seen both kinds of shops. With prices and without. Almost all use code on the back of the 2x2. As an offshoot to this OP, what if you saw a wonderfully toned BU merc dime in a case with $7.95 marked on it. And when you asked to see the coin, the dealer said "I cant sell this coin at this price, toners are too hot", and put it on a desk behind the counter? Would that tick you off?
Yes, that would really tick me off! I probably wouldn't do business there again. I mean, the price is written on the holder! The dealer has all day to change it or remove the coin if he wanted.
<< <i>
<< <i>don't be so insecure .....i was talking to him...not lumping you. >>
I'm not insecure at all. I was defending the people you offended. With that in mind, I don't want to offend you, but the reason "us 30 year olds" act like that sometimes is because we have to put up with BS from old farts like you. But this is off topic. Have a lovely day
I find it very funny that you have allowed me to "OFFEND" you !!!!
you couldn't possibly "OFFEND" me in any way at all...i won't deal that much power to you or anyone else!
you'd be better off "defending" yourself instead of the masses...they don't need your help.
anyone else reading what i said would know that i wasn't typing a response to anyone else but andrew...
you could learn a few good things from old farts....i'd bet that a large percentage on this board that are my age knows more about life and avoiding some of its pitfalls than you do....and more about coins too. ...and that is on topic.
I always have a nice day.
A few minutes later when I handed her the check, she looked confused and said I made a mistake. She said I had made the check out for $5000 rather than $500. She thought I meant $500 for the lot of ten....
heh! great story. good to know 1 dealer is willing to be honest
when a customer has no clue. always exceptions to the rule!
but i think she must have used hair dye ;-)
<< <i>You think the OP has to earn status back with the dealer?
Yes, I suspect that in the dealer's eyes he does. >>
Edited to add: PerryHall's comment a few posts down explains, better than I have, why your view on this is off-base.
<< <i>As an offshoot to this OP, what if you saw a wonderfully toned BU merc dime in a case with $7.95 marked on it. And when you asked to see the coin, the dealer said "I cant sell this coin at this price, toners are too hot", and put it on a desk behind the counter? Would that tick you off? >>
No. If I'm dealing with someone in person, I wouldn't consider an offer as having been made until I'm given a verbal price on a specific item. But then, that's just me- YMMV.
<< <i>I think the reason he seemed upset as he put it back in the box after you passed on it is because he realized you were only going to buy it as a rip(off). It's a reflection on you in his eyes. You may not be welcome there in the future, or will at least have to earn status back. >>
Totally disagree. The dealer was mad at himself for almost doing something really careless and stupid---almost giving away 1/4 ounce of gold worth $240. The dealer was also embarrassed since he quoted a new customer a firm price and then renegged on the deal. The customer was NOT the bad guy in this little drama. The dealer was not a bad guy either. He caught himself making a mistake and corrected it before it was too late. If this customer is not welcomed in the future, I would be very surprised and it would be a bad reflection on the dealer if he didn't welcome this collector back.
.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>Thanks Mozeppa, I will have a nice day. You keep scaring YN's out of the hobby >>
name one.
<< <i>andrew....i'm guessing you are under the age of 30.
you'll learn...just takes time.
my kids are 30-ish...and both have that same attitude that goes like this...
"the world owes me a living"............... and the ever popular.......... "whats in it for me?"........... and lets not leave out the this one...
"never mind that i haven't done anything yet...where's my pay day?"
sometimes i can see the coming of the "soylent green" future....sometimes i get a little faith that it won't happen. >>
I've heard this out out of 10x more union people than anyone under 30. With the ones under 30 you can thank boomers for being responsible for raising them or educating them.
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<< <i>
<< <i>I think the reason he seemed upset as he put it back in the box after you passed on it is because he realized you were only going to buy it as a rip(off). It's a reflection on you in his eyes. You may not be welcome there in the future, or will at least have to earn status back. >>
Totally disagree. The dealer was mad at himself for almost doing something really careless and stupid---almost giving away 1/4 ounce of gold worth $240. The dealer was also embarrassed since he quoted a new customer a firm price and then renegged on the deal. The customer was NOT the bad guy in this little drama. The dealer was not a bad guy either. He caught himself making a mistake and corrected it before it was too late. If this customer is not welcomed in the future, I would be very surprised and it would be a bad reflection on the dealer if he didn't welcome this collector back.
. >>
I think this was the exact scenario. I had been into his shop a few times and had bought my first ounce of gold from him this summer. He knows I am new to the hobby, and I think his realization of the mistake made him more upset with himself than with me, but I still felt awkward after that. I would never try to hold him to a mistake, as then I would never feel like I was welcome back in his shop after that, and it's a large shop that I will do business with in the future. MIstakes happen, I understand that.
And me not going back in there since wasn't entirely dependant upon that situation, it just hasn't been conveniant for me to get down there. This happened 3 weeks ago.
Thanks for all the input, glad to hear what everyone thinks.
Oh and I am under 30 FWIW
Mike C
mclark202@insightbb.com
Positive BST references: Weather11am, Mrmom, Metalsman, GAB, Mash, FishyOne, Cone10, Keepdachange, etc...
<< <i>As an offshoot to this OP, what if you saw a wonderfully toned BU merc dime in a case with $7.95 marked on it. And when you asked to see the coin, the dealer said "I cant sell this coin at this price, toners are too hot", and put it on a desk behind the counter? Would that tick you off?
Yes, that would really tick me off! I probably wouldn't do business there again. I mean, the price is written on the holder! The dealer has all day to change it or remove the coin if he wanted. >>
Actually...everything seems so "easy" to an observer...
Keeping up with the constant changes of the market and a sometime unwieldly inventory does lend to some "errors"...
Back when silver was climbing up to 9x face for 90% I went into a friends B&M...I needed a few random dates to fill a 32-64 Washington circ set... he pulled out a few notebooks that hadn't been handled in quite a while...
...it was easy to tell...
...many of the quarters were listed at $1 - $2 each... I chuckled and told him..."hey, if I didn't like you I'd buy both books"... I showed him the "error" of his ways and he moaned at the obvious glut of work ahead of him...repricing the coins...
...you see... right and wrong isn't always black and white... morals, ethics, honesty and conscience all play their part...
As for the OP... hey...good for you...you did the right thing and I'm sure all will be OK with the Dealer...
<< <i>
<< <i>andrew....i'm guessing you are under the age of 30.
you'll learn...just takes time.
my kids are 30-ish...and both have that same attitude that goes like this...
"the world owes me a living"............... and the ever popular.......... "whats in it for me?"........... and lets not leave out the this one...
"never mind that i haven't done anything yet...where's my pay day?"
sometimes i can see the coming of the "soylent green" future....sometimes i get a little faith that it won't happen. >>
I've heard this out out of 10x more union people than anyone under 30. With the ones under 30 you can thank boomers for being responsible for raising them or educating them. >>
really?..... where do you get your stats?
for the record....I started my own company, and am the sole proprietor.
I've operated for 17 1/2 years.
I worked prevously in a shop doing exactly the same thing for 14 1/2 years before starting my business.
its a service oriented business that requires me to go out into the general public and work in their homes.
My clients range from the lower income classes to the mega-wealthy.
and I have never been a union member anywhere of any shop.
having traveled the U.S. extensively (41 out of the continental 48)...many cities in the dominican republic, carakas & maturin venezuela, moscow russia...I feel that I have a pretty good feel for reading the people i meet.
and on many occassions you'll see people who have their heads screwed on right....but here at home you'd be surprized at the percentage of "ingrates" that exist...and their age brackets.
so ...speaking for myself....i've shot your comparison (of me I take it)...... to hell.
Damn folks... lets get back to coins...let the silliness continue elsewhere.
<< <i>I would of held him to it ...the deal was closed.
I'm sure if he had sold you a 1/4 ounce for the price of a 1/2 ...he wouldn't think twice about it.
If you realized it later on and went back to the store, it would be your word against his ..and guess what? you lose.
A deal is a deal and sure mistakes happen but that's why you need to be real careful ...in life.
To minimize your losses. >>
You really are a funny little doof... Or an alt
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bless you son for being made of the right stuff!
<< <i>Thanks Mozeppa, I will have a nice day. You keep scaring YN's out of the hobby >>
C'mon, dude - lighten up. Better to be slow to take offence and quick to forgive imagined slights, or die young of a heart attack. Mozeppa is one of the good guys.
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<< <i>I would of held him to it ...the deal was closed.
I'm sure if he had sold you a 1/4 ounce for the price of a 1/2 ...he wouldn't think twice about it.
If you realized it later on and went back to the store, it would be your word against his ..and guess what? you lose.
A deal is a deal and sure mistakes happen but that's why you need to be real careful ...in life.
To minimize your losses. >>
Thats the 2nd post today I read of yours that sucks. Now you double suck.