As a buyer would you rather buy from Heritage or Teletrade?

skeeter · July 17, 2009 11:38AM

Never bought from either and was wondering what you thought.......

tightbudget · July 17, 2009 11:40AM

Heritage

cinman14 · July 17, 2009 11:41AM

I won my first coin from teletrade last Sunday.. Then noticed the "buyers premium" added to the
invoice... First and last time for me.. Premiums to the auction house should be paid by the seller
not the buyer... IMHO

OKbustchaser · July 17, 2009 11:44AM

<< I won my first coin from teletrade last Sunday.. Then noticed the "buyers premium" added to the
invoice... First and last time for me.. Premiums to the auction house should be paid by the seller
not the buyer... IMHO >>

You will pay a premium to Heritage too, (or any other auction house for that matter) unless you take that premium into account prior to bidding.

Edit to answer OP's question...

It depends on the coin. There is a price level where I want to see the coin in hand prior to bidding...at that point and beyound I recommend either previewing the lot in person at Heritage or having a trusted compadre do it for you. Below that price point I don't mind bidding on Teletrade and taking a chance on having to pay a return fee if I don't like the coin after I get it.

morgandollar1878 · July 17, 2009 11:50AM

I like them both. If I had to choose I think that I would choose Heritage because they have better pics. My only issue with Heritage right now is that they have had very few coins that I have wanted in the last several months. Teletrade has had them though, and as a small bonus Teletrade gives rewards. Your best bet though is to not limit yourself to one particular auction house. I think that they are both good, and have had no problems with either one.

mrearlygold · July 17, 2009 11:52AM

You're comparing Ruth's Chris with Sonic

Wolf359 · July 17, 2009 11:55AM

<< I won my first coin from teletrade last Sunday.. Then noticed the "buyers premium" added to the
invoice... First and last time for me.. Premiums to the auction house should be paid by the seller
not the buyer... IMHO >>

Huh? They all charge buyer premiums, except eBay.

Wolf359 · July 17, 2009 11:57AM

Teletrade should be embarrassed by the ancient camera equipment they use. Awful photos.

Heritage hands down is better because I know what I'm getting far better than on Teletrade.

BECOKA · July 17, 2009 11:57AM

Depends on who has the coin I want, I am registered with both.

The service from both is good, the average quality of coins offered is much higher from Heritage but I have to keep an eye on Teletrade as what I look for does not show up very often if ever.

Constantine · July 17, 2009 11:59AM

I like Heritage's website since it is easy for me to navigate, good pictures, and archived data to go through. I essentially set the electronic want list matches the same to both auction houses and all I really care about is who has what coin/note up for auction. I find that I get more of the matches by email from Heritage than Teletrade so at least for what I collect, I think Heritage is getting more inventory.

lbtrip23 · July 17, 2009 12:05PM

I like Heritage. I dont like that the seller can bid on his own coin on teletrade .IMO

bestmr · July 17, 2009 12:06PM

Neither. Why should I pay extra for the auction house to display it? It makes no sense to me.

OKbustchaser · July 17, 2009 12:12PM

<< I like Heritage. I dont like that the seller can bid on his own coin on teletrade .IMO >>

He can on Heritage too. He can on just about ANY auction.

leothelyon · July 17, 2009 12:24PM

I love Heritage because they take great pictures!

Leo

farthing · July 17, 2009 1:03PM

Stacks for me!

Both Heritage and Teletrade statistically approach 0 in the number of items they auction in my prime collecting areas.

Bayard1908 · July 17, 2009 1:05PM

I only buy about one coin a year from Teletrade. The reserves are usually stupidly high. It has gotten to the point where I rarely bother to bid.

OneCent · July 17, 2009 1:07PM

Heritage by far.

I have nothing nice to say about Teletrade primarily because their auctions lack transparency.

garsmith · July 17, 2009 1:09PM

Never bought from Teletrade so by default the answer is Heritage

Bcsican · July 17, 2009 2:00PM

Both...100% positive on both for me 300 transactions + on TT...many and growing on Heritage...

COALPORTER · July 17, 2009 2:44PM

Teletrade - watch for periods when they offer FREE shipping.

I don't think Heritage has a "gold reward points" ?

mozin · July 17, 2009 2:44PM

Teletrade has terrible pictures, a stupid reserve policy, and their descriptions are totally inadequate.

Elcontador · July 17, 2009 3:23PM

I have never bid on anything at Teletrade and never will do so. I spent a half hour on their site. I didn't find of much of anything which interested me; most everything I saw in the material I was looking for had bad images and appeared to be low end for the grade.

I have a rep I use @ Heritage. More often than not, he'll tell me he doesn't like a particular lot on which I think of making a bid, and tells me why. If he likes a particular coin, I'll check with a trusted dealer and have him check it out. Historically, if both of them like a coin, it's solid for the grade and just below shot material.

Eleven years ago I bid on a coin based on its image. It was a 17 P Stander in PC FH 5 in an OGH. It looked PQ. The coin, when I got it, was okay for the grade, but not PQ. It had a contact mark on the waist which was not evident in the photo. I overpaid for the coin, though not hideously so.

I have never done this again. You might as well be buying a coin from an ad. If you don't think you're spending much money on a particular coin, this probably isn't an issue for you. Either I have two sets of eyes review a coin (one set can be mine), or I don't buy it, period.

FullStepJeffs · July 17, 2009 7:47PM

I've bought from both on numerous occasions since I'm probably not going to get a decent large show anywhere near where I normally live.

Actually, doing a little research, I've found I've actually bought more from Teletrade over the years.

Back 5 to 10 years ago... Teletrade was the place to buy a coin and then flip it on the Bay.

These days, I just purchase the coins I can’t find anywhere else from either company, depending on the price and quality.

Finally, I haven’t bought anything from Teletrade recently, since they won’t ship to APO addresses. I can’t say that about Heritage.

The question you have to ask yourself is… is the coin worth it… or not. If your answer is yes, then hit the button and submit a bid. If it’s no, then don’t worry about it.

Hope this helps!

Steve

PerryHall · July 17, 2009 8:06PM

<< You're comparing Ruth's Chris with Sonic >>

Are you saying Heritage is overrated and overpriced?

golfer72 · July 17, 2009 9:12PM

Not buying a coin because of buyers fee is just plain dumb. All you have to do is factor that into what you bid. Not too difficult. I have gotten probably close to 100 coins on Teletrade and been disappointed maybe 5 times. Many times I have been very pleased. I think TT's pictures are very good. I dont understand the criticism. Heritage pix are ok but having to scroll all the time to center the picture is a pita. Yes there is a lot of junk on TT but also good stuff.

Torrero · July 18, 2009 2:16AM

Heritage. I just don't trust other auction houses.

Jay

adamlaneus · July 18, 2009 2:24AM

I have had good buying experiences with both companies. You always have to watch what you bid on; no auction house is immune from that. Some of it, you don't want to end up with.

I think the larger Heritage auctions (the shows) have the highest yield of good stuff.

The very high resolution images on Heritage probably serve to get more of my bids than the small, low resolution pictures on TeleTrade.

stinkinlincoln · July 18, 2009 2:27AM

Heritage. Everytime.

yellowkid · July 18, 2009 2:40AM

<< Teletrade should be embarrassed by the ancient camera equipment they use. Awful photos.

Heritage hands down is better because I know what I'm getting far better than on Teletrade. >>

I don't think HA's photos are much better than Teletrade, use both, no complaints.

stinkinlincoln · July 18, 2009 2:44AM

I agree with Teletardes pics. They are very misleading at times and they charge a 30% restock fee. Nice way to stand behind their coins.

Heritage pics are not much better when onyl provided a slab shot. When they have them and a pic of the coin, they are great pics usually.

BAJJERFAN · July 18, 2009 2:46AM

Both have somewhat punitive return privilege fees, but with TT you can smoetimes get Ian to waive them if the coin is nothing like the pic. Both have pix that can either help you or hurt depending on the coin. That's especially true if you're consigning.

HighRelief · July 18, 2009 3:50AM

Heritage seems to have fresher material while TT sells retread leftovers and widgets.

These days the nice higher end coins usually end up being sold with Heritage, that would be my 5 star pick.

FredF · July 18, 2009 4:01AM

Teletrade's pictures stink. Heritage I like the pictures much better but I have this problem (both at work and at home) where after looking at so many photos, I can't download any more. So I have to wait a while and then it will "work" again. Other thing I've noticed is some of the nicer coins on Heritage they will have 4 pictures - 2 the normal ones in the slab and then 2 others. The "others" typically are much much brighter than the ones in the slab, and I have seen them represent some really dark toning as almost sky blue. They must be using a really intense light (I don't do much coin photography so I'm not certain).

MikeInFL · July 18, 2009 5:16AM

"As a buyer would you rather buy from Heritage or Teletrade?"

The one that has the coin I want.

But all things being equal, I'd prefer Heritage for their better photos and the ability to have the coins viewed in-hand.

steelielee · July 18, 2009 5:22AM

Bought from both, prefer Heritage hands down...Heritage is straight up, the other, not so much

BAJJERFAN · July 18, 2009 6:55AM

TT hasn't had squat for nice toners lately. I guess too it depends on the coin. Tough dates like a circ 85-cc, I'd buy from either place.

pennyannie · July 18, 2009 7:58AM

I perfer Heritage

I have bought a few coins from TT over the years and they have been mostly dreck that i should have never bid on to start with. There pics suck and they are a overpriced dumping ground as far as i am concerned.

RYK · July 18, 2009 7:59AM

Teletrade is the Heritage for the numismatic unwashed.

mozin · July 18, 2009 9:47AM

I totally cannot understand how anyone can be happy with Teletrade pictures. Maybe the poster was joking?

Forgot to add that Teletrade has mostly bottom end holdered coins, and they recycle over and over. I would rather take my chances with ebay holdered coins, where the return is usually given without some stupid restocking fee. Honestly, I don't see how Teletrade stays in business.

ProofCents · July 18, 2009 9:48AM

depends upon how much money you have

PawPaul · July 18, 2009 10:08AM

there you go - some like it hot , some like it cold ...............

if you could decide which is better from all these comments- more power to you .

When buying a coin based on images; good or bad : you got to have a return priv.

...and yes, you gotta pay for that privilege .

I buy from both , and I think both have far too many poor images.........

which is too bad ; as a great picture can mean stronger bidding and more money in your pocket .

Heritage makes a gross profit of 30 - 40 % off nearly every coin that sells ( I think .......they charge consignee and bidder each 15-20 % )

that's not chump change ........ 10,000.00 $ coin nets them around a couple grand the way I cut the cake . not bad..............

and they sell millions of $$ worth of coins at the big auctions - i would love to see their tax return !

Teletrade images a thousand coins a week , and their consistency sucks . I think they use a scanner , different cameras ,

different lighting setups , and God knows what/how else .

But they are small potatoes compared to Heritage - Some Monday auctions yield less then 30% of their lots selling , and some of them get returned .

And it's not fair to say most of the stuff T.T. moves is low end or junk . There are hundreds , if not thousands , of collectors and

investors that have built top shelf collections and holdings via Teletrade . You just have to be patient and ready to pay for what you want.

BAJJERFAN · July 18, 2009 10:33AM

<< I totally cannot understand how anyone can be happy with Teletrade pictures. Maybe the poster was joking?

Forgot to add that Teletrade has mostly bottom end holdered coins, and they recycle over and over. I would rather take my chances with ebay holdered coins, where the return is usually given without some stupid restocking fee. Honestly, I don't see how Teletrade stays in business. >>

TeleTrade pic....

Board member pic...

Phil Arnold pic...

TeleTrade pic....

Not all bad.

GFourDriver · July 18, 2009 10:35AM

Not long ago when the bp at Teletrade was 10%, there was some value to be found and I used them a lot.

Not so anymore, the quality and value has definately shifted to ha. Plus they are a class act, they always ship the coins or currency before my check clears... they want you to know that you are a valued customer.

TJM965 · July 18, 2009 10:57AM

No Heritage for me since April. They started collecting New York State sales tax. The playing field is no longer level for me. I will not pay 8% more than someone else. Quirky I know, but that's just the way I am. I just want auctions to be equal for everyone.

BAJJERFAN · July 18, 2009 11:25AM

<< No Heritage for me since April. They started collecting New York State sales tax. The playing field is no longer level for me. I will not pay 8% more than someone else. Quirky I know, but that's just the way I am. I just want auctions to be equal for everyone.

>>

I hear ya there. Just an extra 8% that you would have to recover if you wanted to sell it later at no net loss to you.

Wolf359 · July 18, 2009 1:02PM

<< Teletrade's pictures stink. Heritage I like the pictures much better but I have this problem (both at work and at home) where after looking at so many photos, I can't download any more. So I have to wait a while and then it will "work" again. Other thing I've noticed is some of the nicer coins on Heritage they will have 4 pictures - 2 the normal ones in the slab and then 2 others. The "others" typically are much much brighter than the ones in the slab, and I have seen them represent some really dark toning as almost sky blue. They must be using a really intense light (I don't do much coin photography so I'm not certain). >>

Heritage has a "show details" shot and a "show luster" shot on expensive lots. It's always a compromise with a photo more lighting shows the luster
but hides detail, etc, so that's why there are two.

On your picture storage issue, I'd suggest increasing your cache size. You must be running out of temporary file space or some limit.

Wolf359 · July 18, 2009 1:05PM

<< 

<< I totally cannot understand how anyone can be happy with Teletrade pictures. Maybe the poster was joking?

Forgot to add that Teletrade has mostly bottom end holdered coins, and they recycle over and over. I would rather take my chances with ebay holdered coins, where the return is usually given without some stupid restocking fee. Honestly, I don't see how Teletrade stays in business. >>

TeleTrade pic....

Board member pic...

Phil Arnold pic...

TeleTrade pic....

Not all bad.

>>

So what? It's still technology from the mid 1990's for goodness sake. Heritage has over-hauled their photo process at least twice in the
past 5 years.

dlmtorts · July 18, 2009 1:29PM

Teletrade's pictures are not good IMO. Heritage pics are accurate. Heritage by far.

Raybo · July 18, 2009 1:33PM

Images aside, i'd buy from Teletrade any day!
I got screwed by Heritage........big time!

diamondman · July 18, 2009 2:39PM

<< I won my first coin from teletrade last Sunday.. Then noticed the "buyers premium" added to the
invoice... First and last time for me.. Premiums to the auction house should be paid by the seller
not the buyer... IMHO >>

No it should always be paid by the buyer. The seller gets screwed enough. JMHO

bushmaster8 · July 18, 2009 10:28PM

I always get a big kick out of the knownothings that say,

"Teletrades offerings are all low end crap that dealers can't move elsewhere."

This "crap" now has a CAC gold sticker:
low end crap

As a buyer would you rather buy from Heritage or Teletrade?

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