For the dealers---what are your pet peeves dealing with collectors?
PerryHall
Posts: 46,619 ✭✭✭✭✭
There is currently a thread asking collectors what their pet peeves are with dealers so I figured turnabout is only fair.
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
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Occasionally, I receive an offer for one of my coins, or an inquiry asking what my best price would be. And I reply, but never hear back from the person again. Granted, he has absolutely no obligation to respond, and I understand that I can/should take that as an indication that he is not interested. But I believe in common courtesy and that the other party should take a few seconds and say "no thanks" or whatever.
Again, this doesn't happen with my established clients, but......
Once in a while, I'm asked for my best price on a coin I have for sale and I indicate the number. Then the would-be buyer counters me. I realize that some individuals like to go back and forth, negotiating and feeling like they're getting the best of the bargain, etc. That's not for me.
One time at a show, a dealer asked for my best price on a coin, then proceeded to counter offer 3 or 4 times over the course of two days. He finally figured out that I meant business and ended up buying the coin at my original "best price" price.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Another thing that used to get on my nerves was sales taxes. In same states you are stuck with them, and evasion is not an option. One time I quoted a guy a price for couple of silver dollars. He said, “Fine, I’ll take them.”
Then he asked, “Does that include sales tax?”
“Yes it does,” I answered.
“Well we don’t have a sales tax on coins in Connecticut,” He replied.
“I know that,” I replied, “but this show is in Massachusetts.”
“We don’t pay it in Connecticut,” he said as he walked away.
I got the last laugh, however. When I sold the same two coins a couple months later, the bids had gone up more than $100, I made more on that deal that I would have if he had kept his contract.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
I was seated at a dealers table going through coins when I witnessed an exchange just like this occur. The customer looks over several coins, picks out two, sets them on the table top and addresses the dealer with, "Whats the very best you can do for the pair?" Dealer quotes price 'x'. Long pause. Then the customer comes back with , "How about 'x minus $10". Dealer responds 'nope, can't do it'. Customer walks off. Dealer puts the coins back in their box. I glance up and ask, 'Does that bug you as much as it would bug me?'. He replies, 'yea, it does'.
I've never run a table, but if I did, that would be one that would get under my skin. I don't mind haggling, but when someone suggests they want to cut to the chase and get your best price, they will get it. To then dicker further means they don't believe I gave them my best price. I suspect I'm in the minority and probably oversensitive on this perceived insult to ones integrity.
Greg Hansen, Melbourne, FL Click here for any current EBAY auctions Multiple "Circle of Trust" transactions over 14 years on forum
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
It wouldn't bother me. I figure, when someone asks me for my best price, that doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to tell him what my real best price is. (In fact, sometimes I don't even know what my real best price is until I'm forced to think about a not-so-attractive offer.) And I'm not going to reply to his request for my best price with "Sorry, I'm not going to tell you" or "Sorry, you're going to need to make a counteroffer". I'm just going to quote him some lower number if I can, and see where it goes from there.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
But if you twist my arm, I'd have to say, people who look at specific coins, then bash them hoping to get a lower price.
The other one I have probably doesn't bother other dealers as much as it does me, but I really don't like it when people stop at my table and put their foot on the chair in front of my cases while they're browsing. I politely ask them to remove their foot because some people prefer to use that chair to sit on and might not want street grime on their butt.
The Penny Lady®
<< <i> "Whats the very best you can do for the pair?" Dealer quotes price 'x'. Long pause. Then the customer comes back with , "How about 'x minus $10". Dealer responds 'nope, can't do it'. Customer walks off. Dealer puts the coins back in their box. I glance up and ask, 'Does that bug you as much as it would bug me?'. He replies, 'yea, it does'.
It wouldn't bother me. I figure, when someone asks me for my best price, that doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to tell him what my real best price is. (In fact, sometimes I don't even know what my real best price is until I'm forced to think about a not-so-attractive offer.) And I'm not going to reply to his request for my best price with "Sorry, I'm not going to tell you" or "Sorry, you're going to need to make a counteroffer". I'm just going to quote him some lower number if I can, and see where it goes from there. >>
I think that there is a natural flow to negotiations, and asking for a best price is the way to cut to the chase. One is often better off first making an offer. "Can you do x for these two coins?" That lets the dealer know what you would LIKE to pay for them. Sometimes, you can get them for x, and x might be lower than the price that the dealer would have quoted you as the best price (x + 10). Once he counters x +10, it's not likely you will be able to go back to x, but perhaps x + 5 might do it.
At any rate, I usually just ask for a best price, or with my regular dealers, ask for the coin and pass or play at whatever is on the written invoice.
Once there's a relationship and the both the dealer and the customer know what to expect from each other, this can makes sense.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
A dealer send a very desirable fresh, new-to-inventory coin to a client on approval, and once the coin is received, the collector initiates a long negotiation process which may include offering a lot of off-quality or difficult-to-sell material in trade, terms, and or significantly less than the price on the invoice, all the while tying up the coin for extended periods of time, during which the dealer is invariably getting numerous cash offers for the coin. (Sorry for the run-on sentence)
<< <i> At any rate, I usually just ask for a best price, or with my regular dealers, ask for the coin and pass or play at whatever is on the written invoice.
Once there's a relationship and the both the dealer and the customer know what to expect from each other, this can makes sense. >>
It makes the most sense to me, as I loathe the negotiating process. In the areas in which I am most active (ie. NOT CAR gold
<< <i>Umm...more like 17 hours.
Thanks! I guess I fell asleep!
<< <i>While I'm not a dealer, I see this all the time I imagine it annoys dealers: collectors placing junk on top of their glass display cases. It blocks others (me!) from seeing the coin inside plus, of course, it could break the case... >>
I agree.. At the last show I went attended a customer was eating a hot dog off of a dealer's display cases while going through coins. I wouldn't care how much this guy bought I would ask him to leave due to the lack of respect.
Tom
<< <i>My official answer is I have no pet peeves - I love all my customers and they can do no wrong!
But if you twist my arm, I'd have to say, people who look at specific coins, then bash them hoping to get a lower price.
The other one I have probably doesn't bother other dealers as much as it does me, but I really don't like it when people stop at my table and put their foot on the chair in front of my cases while they're browsing. I politely ask them to remove their foot because some people prefer to use that chair to sit on and might not want street grime on their butt.
Golly Ms.Harker,if I collected nice Cents,then I'd be honered to sit at you'r table!
Perhaps dealers should place signs on their tables that say "no negotiation" if that is not something you are willing to do...
Cheers,
Greg
<< <i>I find some of these comments very interesting, particularly on the part of the "bargain". I travel a lot overseas and part of the purchasing process, from watermelon to carpets is the bargain. Frequently, bargaining can take several hours (depending on the country) to several minutes (usually at least 10), often with opening statements such as "what is your best price?" or "that is way too high, make me a better price", with responses such as "No, no, you offend me" or "How can I feed my kids with no profit." Yet we in America seem to think that this process is somehow offensive. I just don't understand that mentality. Given that many folks have some way been involved in a bargaining process (here or overseas), why would you feel so offended that someone wants to counter your offer? Don't we do it all the time in other transactions such as house prices, shopping at a flea market or swap meet, garage sales, car show rooms, etc? And verily, the span of areas where we do bargain runs from the ultra pricey to the dirt cheap. So how can a "negotiation" be so offensive?
Perhaps dealers should place signs on their tables that say "no negotiation" if that is not something you are willing to do...
Cheers,
Greg >>
To me, there is a big difference between bargaining/negotiating, vs. asking for the seller's bottom line, then countering it. If you want to negotiate, fine, but don't ask for a best price if you are going to ignore it and try to do better, from there.
To me, there is a big difference between bargaining/negotiating, vs. asking for the seller's bottom line, then countering it. If you want to negotiate, fine, but don't ask for a best price if you are going to ignore it and try to do better, from there. >>
What is the difference between "bargaining" and a stated "bottom-line"? As a buyer, how do I know that is really your best price? To me, that is part of the "art of the bargain"...99/100 times in other countries, and frequently here, the "best price" or "bottom line price" really is about a 75% solution. These are just my observations and tactics when negotiating. I would always counter a "best price" unless I have established a previous report with you, so that when you state a "best price" I know it is real. I would hope you wouldn't get upset about a counter to the "best price" if the customer doesn't know you, as it all depends on the life experiences we have had with this "process".
Cheers,
Greg
<< <i>I find some of these comments very interesting, particularly on the part of the "bargain". I travel a lot overseas and part of the purchasing process, from watermelon to carpets is the bargain. Frequently, bargaining can take several hours (depending on the country) to several minutes (usually at least 10), often with opening statements such as "what is your best price?" or "that is way too high, make me a better price", with responses such as "No, no, you offend me" or "How can I feed my kids with no profit." Yet we in America seem to think that this process is somehow offensive. I just don't understand that mentality. Given that many folks have some way been involved in a bargaining process (here or overseas), why would you feel so offended that someone wants to counter your offer? Don't we do it all the time in other transactions such as house prices, shopping at a flea market or swap meet, garage sales, car show rooms, etc? And verily, the span of areas where we do bargain runs from the ultra pricey to the dirt cheap. So how can a "negotiation" be so offensive?
Perhaps dealers should place signs on their tables that say "no negotiation" if that is not something you are willing to do...
Cheers,
I don't understand the mentality of people who want to haggle over a price, even when it's a good price. I was at Brimfield last week and watched some clown try and beat a dealer down, he was buying a $500 piece and she said her best price was $275, he offered $200, then $225, then $250, she kept saying she had to get $275 for it, then $265, then "c'mon $10," what a jerk, he paid the $275 and then told her what it was worth, what a flamer. Who wants to buy things like we were in a rug bazaar somewhere? Bargain with my dentist? How about the kid in the fast food place? The newspaper guy? Your auto mechanic? I hate bargaining, anything more than an offer and a counter offer is offensive to me.
<< <i> >>
To me, there is a big difference between bargaining/negotiating, vs. asking for the seller's bottom line, then countering it. If you want to negotiate, fine, but don't ask for a best price if you are going to ignore it and try to do better, from there. >>
What is the difference between "bargaining" and a stated "bottom-line"? As a buyer, how do I know that is really your best price? To me, that is part of the "art of the bargain"...99/100 times in other countries, and frequently here, the "best price" or "bottom line price" really is about a 75% solution. These are just my observations and tactics when negotiating. I would always counter a "best price" unless I have established a previous report with you, so that when you state a "best price" I know it is real. I would hope you wouldn't get upset about a counter to the "best price" if the customer doesn't know you, as it all depends on the life experiences we have had with this "process".
Cheers,
Greg >>
Greg, suit yourself, and I mean that sincerely. But those tactics generally cause sellers to quote more, starting out, than they otherwise would. So I don't think it accomplishes anything, anyway, other than perhaps dragging things out and putting off those who don't like the games.
>>
I don't understand the mentality of people who want to haggle over a price, even when it's a good price. I was at Brimfield last week and watched some clown try and beat a dealer down, he was buying a $500 piece and she said her best price was $275, he offered $200, then $225, then $250, she kept saying she had to get $275 for it, then $265, then "c'mon $10," what a jerk, he paid the $275 and then told her what it was worth, what a flamer. Who wants to buy things like we were in a rug bazaar somewhere? Bargain with my dentist? How about the kid in the fast food place? The newspaper guy? Your auto mechanic? I hate bargaining, anything more than an offer and a counter offer is offensive to me. >>
Fair enough, it is not for you. I have sucessfully negotiated prices with the auto mechanic, food vendors, etc. In my opinion, it doesn't hurt to ask if someone is williing to lower their price on an item. If you aren't, you aren't. A good negotiator will understand that someone is not going to move on their price (per your example above). Sounds like that guy was a POC, and that type of behavior is not cool. As to your question of rug bazaar, I do. I love negotiating, and their is nothing quite as satisfying as a long negotiation with coffee/tea, chat about OT items, etc, if BOTH parties end up getting what they want. And you actually can make some very good, life long customers through this process. If its not for you, its not for you.
Greg
<< <i>Yet we in America seem to think that this process is somehow offensive. I just don't understand that mentality. >>
I don't think bargaining is offensive. I think it's a waste of time. In fact you stated pretty much the same thing...
<< <i>Frequently, bargaining can take several hours (depending on the country) to several minutes (usually at least 10)... >>
Several hours? Are you serious? I'd prefer forgoing the macho posturing ("I'm a better businessman than you are, and I'm going to prove it by making you agree to my terms") and just make a deal or not, and move on.
I mean- at the end of your life, while you're lying on your deathbed, are you really going to be thinking "Geeze- I wish I'd spent another half an hour or so dickering over that Morgan twenty years ago?"
edited to add... If you like to haggle when you buy, there's nothing wrong with that. What you might want to consider though, is that coin dealers pay the rent/mortgage by selling coins, and time is money. If they respond to your idea of a "long negotiation with coffee/tea, chat about OT items" negatively, it might just mean they really don't have the time for it. Or not- who knows?
<< <i>
<< <i>Yet we in America seem to think that this process is somehow offensive. I just don't understand that mentality. >>
I don't think bargaining is offensive. I think it's a waste of time. In fact you stated pretty much the same thing...
<< <i>Frequently, bargaining can take several hours (depending on the country) to several minutes (usually at least 10)... >>
Several hours? Are you serious? I'd prefer forgoing the macho posturing ("I'm a better businessman than you are, and I'm going to prove it by making you agree to my terms") and just make a deal or not, and move on.
Yes, I'm serious. Try buying a carpet in Turkey sometime, or from a Turkish dealer in the States. It's not macho-posturing, it's the process and the accustomed behavior. Sometimes slowing down to "smell the roses" can be a good thing. I'm just saying...
I mean- at the end of your life, while you're lying on your deathbed, are you really going to be thinking "Geeze- I wish I'd spent another half an hour or so dickering over that Morgan twenty years ago?"
No I won't. I doubt I'll be concerned with those types of things.
edited to add... If you like to haggle when you buy, there's nothing wrong with that. What you might want to consider though, is that coin dealers pay the rent/mortgage by selling coins, and time is money. If they respond to your idea of a "long negotiation with coffee/tea, chat about OT items" negatively, it might just mean they really don't have the time for it. Or not- who knows?
I do consider that, as do you. All I'm saying is that there are different situations that may require a different approach. And to some people, those situations might be every day purchases. I won't haggle over a $20 morgan, why bother? I'm might be more inclined to haggle/negotiate over a $5K coin though, and my guess is that the dealer may as well. And both parties have the right to terminate the negotiation at any time. It's just not something to get upset over, IMHO.
<< <i>It's just not something to get upset over, IMHO. >>
Agreed. And I don't think most people do get upset unless one party insists on continuing the haggling past the point the other is willing to continue.
<< <i>
<< <i> >>
To me, there is a big difference between bargaining/negotiating, vs. asking for the seller's bottom line, then countering it. If you want to negotiate, fine, but don't ask for a best price if you are going to ignore it and try to do better, from there. >>
What is the difference between "bargaining" and a stated "bottom-line"? As a buyer, how do I know that is really your best price? To me, that is part of the "art of the bargain"...99/100 times in other countries, and frequently here, the "best price" or "bottom line price" really is about a 75% solution. These are just my observations and tactics when negotiating. I would always counter a "best price" unless I have established a previous report with you, so that when you state a "best price" I know it is real. I would hope you wouldn't get upset about a counter to the "best price" if the customer doesn't know you, as it all depends on the life experiences we have had with this "process".
Cheers,
Greg
>>
Greg, suit yourself, and I mean that sincerely. But those tactics generally cause sellers to quote more, starting out, than they otherwise would. So I don't think it accomplishes anything, anyway, other than perhaps dragging things out and putting off those who don't like the games. >>
Fair enough Mark. That may be the case, it might not be. But at what point does this get reversed, and how may times are dealers quoted as saying "I just RIPPED/Cherry Picked so-and-so" on a coin/purchase? Buying and Selling is a game to some extent, and everyone is looking for an advantage, no matter how small. You price your wares with that in mind, and you have a bottom line price (that still has the advantage worked into it). I won't deny you that, but at the same time, perhaps you can do better depending on your status that day/month, etc. Does it hurt to ask?
Also, and I mean this in a conversational tone, at what point in time am I, the buyer, supposed to know if you (the dealer) have not already succumbed to the "higher start price" than you otherwise would, if I am not prepared to ask or negotiate? Caveat Emptor (sp?) on some level, yes?
And Mark, based on this conversation, you sound like a dealer I would enjoy buying from, if your bottom line is what it is
Greg
<< <i>
<< <i>It's just not something to get upset over, IMHO. >>
Agreed. And I don't think most people do get upset unless one party insists on continuing the haggling past the point the other is willing to continue. >>
<< <i>What is the difference between "bargaining" and a stated "bottom-line"? As a buyer, how do I know that is really your best price? >>
If you ask me my best price, I will tell you. That's how.
<< <i>I find some of these comments very interesting, particularly on the part of the "bargain". I travel a lot overseas and part of the purchasing process, from watermelon to carpets is the bargain. Frequently, bargaining can take several hours (depending on the country) to several minutes (usually at least 10), often with opening statements such as "what is your best price?" or "that is way too high, make me a better price", with responses such as "No, no, you offend me" or "How can I feed my kids with no profit." Yet we in America seem to think that this process is somehow offensive. I just don't understand that mentality. Given that many folks have some way been involved in a bargaining process (here or overseas), why would you feel so offended that someone wants to counter your offer? Don't we do it all the time in other transactions such as house prices, shopping at a flea market or swap meet, garage sales, car show rooms, etc? And verily, the span of areas where we do bargain runs from the ultra pricey to the dirt cheap. So how can a "negotiation" be so offensive?
Perhaps dealers should place signs on their tables that say "no negotiation" if that is not something you are willing to do...
Cheers,
Greg >>
I took tables at shows from 1994-2005 and may start again very shortly. I am also one of those folks who will give an answer to the "what is your best price" type of question with a best price that will not go down. My response has always been to give an honest best price. Attempts to later lower that price are ineffective with me and I will cut people off and refuse to deal with them if they continue. Why? Because continuing to attempt to bargain down the price after I have given a best price infers that I am either stupid, weak or lying and none of those three terms would fit. At this point the potential buyer is no longer involved in a negotiation, but rather is involved in something more like a stalking or badgering. I refuse to participate in this action and refuse to deal with people who can not or will not understand this decision. Has this cost me a few dollars? Perhaps, but I determine if the loss of a few dollars has been worth it; no one else.
There have been two folks who have run afoul of me in this manner. My interaction with the first person ended when I picked up the coins he was looking at and put them away in the case and then refused to show him anything else. He left and came back the next month at which time I again refused to show him any coins. The second person received my best price and then continued to attempt to bargain a lower price until I raised my price 5%. The potential buyer was stunned at this tactic and attempted to argue until I raised my price another 5%. The potential buyer was not happy, but ended up buying the coin at 10% over my original best price.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
<< <i>The second person received my best price and then continued to attempt to bargain a lower price until I raised my price 5%. The potential buyer was stunned at this tactic and attempted to argue until I raised my price another 5%. The potential buyer was not happy, but ended up buying the coin at 10% over my original best price. >>
Sounds fair enough to me. If he wasn't satisfied with your best price, you had every right to reevaluate the deal and reprice accordingly.
Excellent!
At that point there is no more bargaining, I either pass or play.
Camelot
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
<< <i>When I ask a dealer for a best price ,I expect to get his bottom price.
At that point there is no more bargaining, I either pass or play. >>
I feel the same way. I don't like playing games and I certainly don't like wasting my time.
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>When I ask a dealer for a best price ,I expect to get his bottom price.
At that point there is no more bargaining, I either pass or play. >>
Totally.
<< <i>I find some of these comments very interesting, particularly on the part of the "bargain". I travel a lot overseas and part of the purchasing process, from watermelon to carpets is the bargain. Frequently, bargaining can take several hours (depending on the country) to several minutes (usually at least 10), often with opening statements such as "what is your best price?" or "that is way too high, make me a better price", with responses such as "No, no, you offend me" or "How can I feed my kids with no profit." Yet we in America seem to think that this process is somehow offensive. I just don't understand that mentality. Given that many folks have some way been involved in a bargaining process (here or overseas), why would you feel so offended that someone wants to counter your offer? Don't we do it all the time in other transactions such as house prices, shopping at a flea market or swap meet, garage sales, car show rooms, etc? And verily, the span of areas where we do bargain runs from the ultra pricey to the dirt cheap. So how can a "negotiation" be so offensive?
Perhaps dealers should place signs on their tables that say "no negotiation" if that is not something you are willing to do...
Cheers,
Greg >>
At the Baltimore ANA show in 2008, we had customers at our table 4 deep many times during the show. Any price questions were answered with "My best price is . . ." With a huge crowd of customers, we don't have time for bargaining for "several hours" or even "several minutes". When we don't have a big crowd of customers, we are checking auction lot prices, reading e-mails from customers, filling out PCGS submission forms, etc. so we don't have time for lengthy bargaining even then. Therefore, if you receive a "best price", please either play or pass.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
<< <i>Frequently, bargaining can take several hours (depending on the country) to several minutes (usually at least 10), often with opening statements such as "what is your best price?" or "that is way too high, make me a better price", with responses such as "No, no, you offend me" or "How can I feed my kids with no profit." Yet we in America seem to think that this process is somehow offensive. I just don't understand that mentality. >>
Who has the time or patience for this particular dance?
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
At the recent Chcago International Show I had a guy purchase a couple hundred $'s worth of coins and sit and tell me about his divorce and how much weight he lost. I politely listened as I wasn't busy but it interfered with some online bidding I was trying to accomplish.
The next day he came back to my table and ask if he could come around the back of my table and sit and borrow my laptop so he could check his personal emails.. I have never met this guy in my life and he wanted to come around the back of my table !!
I told him to sit where he was and I unplugged my laptop, which was charged, and handed it to him to use and told him he had about 5 minutes.
Holy cow..!!
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
<< <i>
<< <i>Frequently, bargaining can take several hours (depending on the country) to several minutes (usually at least 10), often with opening statements such as "what is your best price?" or "that is way too high, make me a better price", with responses such as "No, no, you offend me" or "How can I feed my kids with no profit." Yet we in America seem to think that this process is somehow offensive. I just don't understand that mentality. >>
Who has the time or patience for this particular dance? >>
I've never been one for haggling over the course of an entire show, but I myself happen to really enjoy negotiating a price. It can be quite fun.
<< <i>
<< <i>I find some of these comments very interesting, particularly on the part of the "bargain". I travel a lot overseas and part of the purchasing process, from watermelon to carpets is the bargain. Frequently, bargaining can take several hours (depending on the country) to several minutes (usually at least 10), often with opening statements such as "what is your best price?" or "that is way too high, make me a better price", with responses such as "No, no, you offend me" or "How can I feed my kids with no profit." Yet we in America seem to think that this process is somehow offensive. I just don't understand that mentality. Given that many folks have some way been involved in a bargaining process (here or overseas), why would you feel so offended that someone wants to counter your offer? Don't we do it all the time in other transactions such as house prices, shopping at a flea market or swap meet, garage sales, car show rooms, etc? And verily, the span of areas where we do bargain runs from the ultra pricey to the dirt cheap. So how can a "negotiation" be so offensive?
Perhaps dealer
s should place signs on their tables that say "no negotiation" if that is not something you are willing to do...
Cheers,
Greg >>
At the Baltimore ANA show in 2008, we had customers at our table 4 deep many times during the show. Any price questions were answered with "My best price is . . ." With a huge crowd of customers, we don't have time for bargaining for "several hours" or even "several minutes". When we don't have a big crowd of customers, we are checking auction lot prices, reading e-mails from customers, filling out PCGS submi ssion forms, etc. so we don't have time for lengthy bargaining even then. Therefore, if you receive a "best price", please either play or pass. >>
In this country I'm probably an exception, but the act of bargaining doesn't bother me and it doesn't take hours and rarely takes more than a minute or two. Customers standing four deep or not, flea markets and other merchant businesses around can handle it and they're usually as busy if not busier than the typical coin show bourse table.
If an unreasonable offer is made, a swift and blunt response usually settles it. There's nothing wrong with calling out an unreasonable offer.
To many Americans the act of haggling appears uncivilised, but the truth is that negotiations over money happens every day and everywhere, from sale contracts to lawsuit settlements and is a normal fact of life. It just seems most Americans are very uncomfortable engaging in the process.
In many cultures all over the rest of the world, (Mexico included for all you cruise vacationers and quasi world travelers) if a buyer pays the seller's initial asking price the buyer just branded themselves as the ultimate sucker in the eyes of the merchants.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
<< <i>In many cultures all over the rest of the world, (Mexico included for all you cruise vacationers and quasi world travelers) if a buyer pays the seller's initial asking price the buyer just branded themselves as the ultimate sucker in the eyes of the merchants. >>
Personally, I don't care what the other guy thinks. If the price offered is acceptable to me, he's welcome to whatever illusions make him happy.
<< <i>When I ask a dealer for a best price ,I expect to get his bottom price.
At that point there is no more bargaining, I either pass or play. >>
I totally agree.If I like a coin and ask for their best price I can take it or leave it.However if its a matter of buying a coin that I am familiar with in terms of pricing....availability.....grade....etc and the dealer or another collector is yanking me I will smile and say no thanks and walk away.thats just me