The unsolicited offer

RYK

Occasionally, I get an unsolicited offer for a coin in my collection by another collector, including two instances in the past few weeks. This always surprises me. No, not because I collect shield nickels (I don't) , not because the economy is in the crapper (it isn't so bad that people are not buying nice coins), but I find it startling that someone would have the audacity to try to get me to give up one of the coins in my collection. It also causes me to reevaluate the coin, where it fits in my collection, would someone else enjoy it more than me, could I use the money for another more fitting coin purchase, etc., etc., and that is way too much pondering for me to concern myself with.

I also have made an unsolicited offer on the coin belonging to a fellow collector (and excessively prominent forum member) and am generally unfamiliar with the protocol. In this case in which I made the move on the other collector, I knew it was a duplicate, asked him if he was willing to sell it, and at what price. Despite my approach, it is my belief that the suitor should make the offer, and if I had to do it over again, I would probably have made the offer. In both cases in which the collector approached me, I asked them to make an offer, and I would consider it.

How do you handle the unsolicited offer, both in receiving it and extending it?

Mesquite

I thank you for your interest in the coin(s). I'm not interested in selling right now but if I do get to the point where I want to sell I'll let you know. Have a great day!

Longacre

Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally.

NHSBaseball

I suppose that I don't worry about it too much. It seems that no one wants any of my coins enough to contact me to sell them.

If I am interested in a coin someone else has, I don't hesitate to tell them something along the lines of- "If you ever decide to sell the coin, I would be interested" and take it from there.

Three of the better coins in my collection have come from other members PM'ing me asking if I am interested in a coin they are selling. I have been fortunate in getting these, and do not mind when people ask if I am interested in a coin in the series I collect. Likewise, if I ever decide to sell my collection, there are some people I would contact in order to give the first shot at any coins they were interested in.

This is all just personal opinion, of course- others may differ.

BlindedByEgo

Universally, good manners are the best lubricant for social intercourse.

SilverEagles92

I don't mind unsolicited offers, exactly for the reasons mentioned in the OP. They make me think about the coin, study the coin, and reevaluate my collection. I enjoy that. But, if I decide to keep the coin(s), I politely decline their offer.

Shamika

As far as I'm concerned EVERY coin in my collection is for sale if the price is right. Thus if someone's interested, I'll quote him a price. I did this once for a very nice 1913-P T1 Buffalo nickel graded NGC MS65. I offered a price to the interested party that was more than twice my buy price and the other collector accepted. We were both happy. I've also purchased a number of coins in this same manner. Again, we both ended up satisfied.

Shamika

<< <i>Universally, good manners are the best lubricant for social intercourse. >>

Now go wash your mouth out with soap!!!

rgCoinGuy

<< <i>Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally. >>



PM Sent for an offer for the coin in your icon.

MikeInFL

<< <i>How do you handle the unsolicited offer, both in receiving it and extending it? >>



I have received a few unsoliced offers on coins. Generally, I respond that I'm not interested in sellng the coin, but if I do, I'll keep that person in mind.

Similarly, I've approached a few fellow collectors over the years and expressed an interest in purchasing a coin from their collection if and when it comes time to sell.

However, I will not make a specific offer on a coin that's not being offered for sale -- to me it is in bad taste...Mike

19Lyds

<< <i>Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally. >>



I certainly hope you are joking.....................

baddogss

Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit,

I guess you've missed some of the other threads on this forum ?

stman

Well, it wasn't me...... this time. Of course I never made you an offer, but probably would have paid your price if you would have been interested in parting with it.

Stman giving up, and wiping tear from eye.

pheh

If firearms aren't involved I really don't see the problem.

rhedden

If it's posted on this forum, the assumption is that it's not for sale. However, I have gotten numerous buy offers over the years for things I was just showing off here, and I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. All that is required is a polite PM stating "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it."

Amigo

I love unsolicited offers. Geez, give me a break. If you don't want to accept, just say so. Buying and Selling it what keeps the hobby alive.

RYK

<< <i>Well, it wasn't me...... this time. Of course I never made you an offer, but probably would have paid your price if you would have been interested in parting with it.

Stman giving up, and wiping tear from eye. >>



Actually, I forgot about that one. I think i gave you the "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it" blow-off line.

drwstr123

I don't find a problem with it. I can say, "Yes" or "No".

jsf

it can be a form of flattery, can't it?

Someone inquiring in a less than tactful matter is one thing. Politely asking is another. A polite "No" is simple enough, isn't it?

You wouldn't happen to have a dupe', would you?

Type A personalities should take a hike, however.

SmallEagle

I have occasionally PM'ed a collector with a "Is there a price for which you would sell your...."

Longacre

<< <i> I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. >>






I think I am going to PM RYK a BIG offer on one of his colonial coins. I just hope he doesn't accept it.

RYK

<< <i>

<< <i> I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. >>






I think I am going to PM RYK a BIG offer on one of his colonial coins. I just hope he doesn't accept it. >>



I have blocked your PMs.

Hyperion

I recently had an unsolicited offer, but I had to tell the young lady, sorry, Im married

BAJJERFAN

Like most other things in life if ya don't ask ya don't get. I guess I'd feel more flattered than insulted, but a polite not for sale at the moment is all thats needed.

stman

<< <i>

<< <i>Well, it wasn't me...... this time. Of course I never made you an offer, but probably would have paid your price if you would have been interested in parting with it.

Stman giving up, and wiping tear from eye. >>



Actually, I forgot about that one. I think i gave you the "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it" blow-off line. >>



Yeah, the ol' "blow-off line. I guess the tear didn't mean anything. Hahaha

Unknown

This content has been removed.

GrumpyEd

It seems better than if people only sell or buy from auctions, if someone you know makes a good offer you can take it or leave it. It seems like a win win deal?

YaHa

Tell them plain and simple you don't run no Bunny coin Ranch you run a respectful coin hole.

Sunshine Rare Coins

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i> I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. >>






I think I am going to PM RYK a BIG offer on one of his colonial coins. I just hope he doesn't accept it. >>



I have blocked your PMs. >>



i will offer you 500 dollars for your 1861 D five dollar

Barndog

<< <i>If it's posted on this forum, the assumption is that it's not for sale. However, I have gotten numerous buy offers over the years for things I was just showing off here, and I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. All that is required is a polite PM stating "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it." >>



good answer (I say that because that is the way I handle it too).

RYK

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i> I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. >>






I think I am going to PM RYK a BIG offer on one of his colonial coins. I just hope he doesn't accept it. >>



I have blocked your PMs. >>



i will offer you 500 dollars for your 1861 D five dollar >>



You're blocked now, too.

IGWT

Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally.

This place must be full of gentlemen. How else to explain the lack of unsolicited offers for my coins?

Baley

Actually, I forgot about that one. I think i gave you the "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it" blow-off line.

ahh, that classic line. right up there with "it's not you, it's me"

TwoSides2aCoin

The unsolicited offers. At the office when someone comes in and wants to sell steaks or trinketts I go ballistic. It drives me nuts on my phones, as well.

With coins, it's all good. If I don't want it, I'll say so. I've had a few unsolicited offers to sell , and I've had a few offering to sell me coins. Neither bother me. As a matter of public record and respect, I won't name names
We are free to roam about the cabin. If you're botherin' me, I'll tell ya to smarten up (in private, of course) No problemo.

Barndog

<< <i>Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally.

This place must be full of gentlemen. How else to explain the lack of unsolicited offers for my coins? >>





(because they are shield nickels and only three people collect them: you, howards, and some other guy...even fewer than the six people that collect half dimes/dismes/deems/dismays)

richardshipp

I think I've only had 3 unsolicited offers and 2 of them were for the same coin. In all cases, my first impression was... Wow, someone else likes my coin !
I didn't feel that it was in bad taste, quite the contrary it made me feel better about my purchase. My replies as stated by others was Thanks but it's not for sale now, if I ever do decide to sell it I'll shoot you a PM.

The truth is I've had more unsolicited offers on these two coins than I've had solicited offers on some of my stuff I had listed on the BST

BRdude

<< <i>Universally, good manners are the best lubricant for social intercourse. >>


I personally don't see what the problem is. Intercourse is always good

JustaRookie

<< <i>I recently had an unsolicited offer, but I had to tell the young lady, sorry, Im married >>

Russ

Over the past few years I've had several unsolicited offers for one particular coin I own. I don't mind at all. It's nice to know there is some interest.

Russ, NCNE

BECOKA

If it is a coin I don't want to part with but it is replaceable with a little work I will usually quote a price that is well beyond it's worth but not out of reach for the person that wants it.

There is one case I doubled my money.

leothelyon

I usually laugh ha ha ha lol especially after an offer.


Leo

coinlieutenant

Unsolicited offers make the world go round. Coins are different than houses and spouses. Unsolicited offers for those are uncalled for. Now...about that quarter.

pendragon1998

I don't see how anyone could possibly be offended by a polite offer (or request for a quote) for one's coin. I would either tell the inquirer what I wanted for the coin or just say I'm not interested in selling it. If I got all upset and offended just because someone offered to buy a coin from me, I should probably just sell the coin and use the cash to pay a shrink or something.

lasvegasteddy

gosh i love it...i almost cried over the last one offered...just no cash till feb

coinpictures

<< <i>I have occasionally PM'ed a collector with a "Is there a price for which you would sell your...." >>



Call me a carmudgeon, but requests framed like this rub me the wrong way. Rather than putting the pressure on solicitee to set the price, since presumably we're talking about coins that were NOT offered for sale anywhere, I think the onus is on the solicitor to make an offer. Obviously the potential buyer is enamored with the coin, or otherwise they wouldn't be inquiring.

There's one particular coin in my collection that a number of people have asked about, and if someone isn't forthright enough to offer a dollar figure and forces me to set the price point, I usually quote a price that is 20-50x current "catalog value" and would be considered to be "stupid money", as (1) I'm really not interested in selling, (2) you didn't bother offering, and (3) I'm not in the mood for entertaining bargain hunters (at least not on the coin in question).

I guess I'm of the mindset that if a coin is actively for sale, the SELLER should always quote an asking price, but if the coin is not on the market, the BUYER should the one making an offer, in other words the party initiating the prospective transaction should bear the responsibility of tendering a price.

pendragon1998

I'm not sure I agree. The buyer (asking the seller if he wants to sell) has no idea what the seller has in the coin. Maybe the seller put in somewhat more than fair market value, in which case a market value offer would likely be turned down (and a counter offer possibly made). Maybe the buyer would be willing to go above FMV, but they don't want to start out with a crazy money offer, but they get turned down flat because the seller won't go too low.

I think it makes far more sense to say, "Hey, I like that coin of yours. Are you interested in selling it, and if so, how much?" The seller then tells the buyer what he needs for the coin if he wants to sell, and the buyer says 'yes', 'no', or counteroffers - although if I ask what a seller needs for the coin, I generally assume that's his best price and I wouldn't normally counter it. No wasted back and forth with that approach.

I see no need to play games.

goose3

EVERYTHING is for sale

for the right price.