New territory for me trying to buy a coin from a dealer...UPDATED!
RYK
Posts: 35,799 ✭✭✭✭✭
At the referral of a collecting friend, I called a coin dealer whom I had never contacted before (heck, I never heard of him) about a coin that he had for sale. The friend had seen the coin and thought it would be right up my alley. The friend has done a lot of business with this dealer, and the dealer has a shop and an internet presence.
I mentioned the friend's name, told him about the coin I wanted, and asked for a price. He said that he did not know offhand what the price would be but that it would be a "good price". Not knowing what do next, I suggested that he call me when he knows what he wants for it. He seemed a little miffed about all this and reluctantly took down my phone number.
It was an extremely awkward conversation, and I immediately got the impression that either the seller was not interested in doing business that or that I was interrupting something. He never said that he was in the middle of something, to call back later, or suggested that he call back later. I doubt that I will hear from the dealer again. The whole exchange was very odd.
If I were Longacre, I would have one of my assistants fly private jet out to gather up the coin, but unfortunately I do not have such resources at my disposal.
Of course, if I were Longacre, the seller would probably part the Red Sea to deliver the coin to me personally. 
It's probably just as well. I was trying to make it through the rest of the year without buying anything else (and my wife just called to tell me how much money she just saved me when she bought a new fireplace
).
I mentioned the friend's name, told him about the coin I wanted, and asked for a price. He said that he did not know offhand what the price would be but that it would be a "good price". Not knowing what do next, I suggested that he call me when he knows what he wants for it. He seemed a little miffed about all this and reluctantly took down my phone number.
It was an extremely awkward conversation, and I immediately got the impression that either the seller was not interested in doing business that or that I was interrupting something. He never said that he was in the middle of something, to call back later, or suggested that he call back later. I doubt that I will hear from the dealer again. The whole exchange was very odd.
If I were Longacre, I would have one of my assistants fly private jet out to gather up the coin, but unfortunately I do not have such resources at my disposal.
Of course, if I were Longacre, the seller would probably part the Red Sea to deliver the coin to me personally. It's probably just as well. I was trying to make it through the rest of the year without buying anything else (and my wife just called to tell me how much money she just saved me when she bought a new fireplace
). 0
Comments
<< <i>I mentioned the friend's name, told him about the coin I wanted, and asked for a price. He said that he did not know offhand what the price would be but that it would be a "good price". Not knowing what do next, I suggested that he call me when he knows what he wants for it. He seemed a little miffed about all this and reluctantly took down my phone number. >>
Coin collecting can be very, very difficult.
<< <i>At the referral of a collecting friend, I called a coin dealer whom I had never contacted before (heck, I never heard of him) about a coin that he had for sale. The friend had seen the coin and thought it would be right up my alley. The friend has done a lot of business with this dealer, and the dealer has a shop and an internet presence.
I mentioned the friend's name, told him about the coin I wanted, and asked for a price. He said that he did not know offhand what the price would be but that it would be a "good price". Not knowing what do next, I suggested that he call me when he knows what he wants for it. He seemed a little miffed about all this and reluctantly took down my phone number.
It was an extremely awkward conversation, and I immediately got the impression that either the seller was not interested in doing business that or that I was interrupting something. He never said that he was in the middle of something, to call back later, or suggested that he call back later. I doubt that I will hear from the dealer again. The whole exchange was very odd.
If I were Longacre, I would have one of my assistants fly private jet out to gather up the coin, but unfortunately I do not have such resources at my disposal.
It's probably just as well. I was trying to make it through the rest of the year without buying anything else (and my wife just called to tell me how much money she just saved me when she bought a new fireplace
Was he a major dealer in the Northeast? He may have just sat down to a nice deli-made hot pastrami on rye, in which case I wouldn't want to be bothered either.
While there are some great dealers out there, there seems to be an unusually high percentage of odd ones.
I just move on. After all if they don't want to sell something, who am I to argue?
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<< <i>I mentioned the friend's name, told him about the coin I wanted, and asked for a price. He said that he did not know offhand what the price would be but that it would be a "good price". Not knowing what do next, I suggested that he call me when he knows what he wants for it. He seemed a little miffed about all this and reluctantly took down my phone number. >>
Coin collecting can be very, very difficult. >>
Collecting is quite easy. It's the coin dealing part that appears to be difficult. All I wanted to know is how much to make out the check for.
Yes, I have moved on. It was nothing one-of-a-kind or or once-in-a-lifetime. If he calls me back, I am still willing to write the check. If not, I do not plan to further pursue it.
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<< <i>I mentioned the friend's name, told him about the coin I wanted, and asked for a price. He said that he did not know offhand what the price would be but that it would be a "good price". Not knowing what do next, I suggested that he call me when he knows what he wants for it. He seemed a little miffed about all this and reluctantly took down my phone number. >>
Coin collecting can be very, very difficult. >>
Collecting is quite easy. It's the coin dealing part that appears to be difficult. All I wanted to know is how much to make out the check for.
Yes, I have moved on. It was nothing one-of-a-kind or or once-in-a-lifetime. If he calls me back, I am still willing to write the check. If not, I do not plan to further pursue it. >>
Was the coin actively for sale? Or did you friend reveal some secret coin that the dealer didn't want anyone to know about, hence the awkwardness of the whole thing?
Not that that would be a big deal, but it is the only logical explanation I can think of.
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<< <i>I mentioned the friend's name, told him about the coin I wanted, and asked for a price. He said that he did not know offhand what the price would be but that it would be a "good price". Not knowing what do next, I suggested that he call me when he knows what he wants for it. He seemed a little miffed about all this and reluctantly took down my phone number. >>
Coin collecting can be very, very difficult. >>
Collecting is quite easy. It's the coin dealing part that appears to be difficult. All I wanted to know is how much to make out the check for.
Yes, I have moved on. It was nothing one-of-a-kind or or once-in-a-lifetime. If he calls me back, I am still willing to write the check. If not, I do not plan to further pursue it. >>
Was the coin actively for sale? Or did you friend reveal some secret coin that the dealer didn't want anyone to know about, hence the awkwardness of the whole thing?
Not that that would be a big deal, but it is the only logical explanation I can think of. >>
Actually, the coins were displayed in the dealer's case at the shop earlier this week (as I understand it).
Maybe your reputation preceeds you
My reputation for paying promptly, without haggling, with a good check?
Editted: After my quick reply I noticed my post would have been more appropriate for RWB not RYK, sorry Doc & Robert.
I agree with you.
I knew it would happen.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
It looks like I jumped the gun by being impatient.
<< <i>The dealer called me back, apologized for taking so long, and was as nice and friendly as could be. We had a very pleasant and normal conversation. Not only that, he had even more coins for me than I expected.
It looks like I jumped the gun by being impatient.
Longacre sees that his phone call to the dealer worked.
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
merse
how much will you save when your wife buys the house around her fireplace?
<< <i>The dealer called me back, apologized for taking so long, and was as nice and friendly as could be. We had a very pleasant and normal conversation. Not only that, he had even more coins for me than I expected.
It looks like I jumped the gun by being impatient.
That or he reads the forum.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
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That or he reads the forum.
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Precisely what I was thinking.
chances are he may have had another buyer in mind (some good customer who has done
lots of business with him), and he intended to offer the coin to him first.
<< <i>I always enjoy a numismatic happy ending. >>
don't they all involve money?
Sounds like some of the sorry salespersons, at coin shows, that are too busy to look up, while you stand right in front of them, looking at their money cases.
Thankfully, most are not this way. Why these people are even in sales is beyond me. They go to all the expense of being there and act like it is really putting them out. I especially like the ones that sit and read a book, never looking up. If it weren't for the good dealers, who would want to attend a show and deal with a bunch of deadheads?
Keep up the good work, dealers that show your interest in what you are doing!