“Simply Pass”

CoinZip

I was reading the latest edition of NCNA Journal and really liked this article. I'm sure we all know someone that needs to learn to “Simply Pass.”

keyman64

I will say things like, Not for me or Not today or in the instance where I really want the item but the price seems unreasonable I might say, "I think we might be too far apart on the price." If the dealer is willing to negotiate he will quickly indicate that and more than likely quote a lower price. That gives the buyer more strength in the negotiation because the buyer never even countered! Now the buyer can counter offer from the lower price and it won't be as much of a stretch from the original price! Also, sometimes dealers just might write down full retail on their items for a point of reference and of course with the hope that someone will just say OKAY on a few things.

BillJones

There is nothing wrong with asking for a dealer's best price. Once he or she gives you a quote if the number is way over what you think the piece is worth the best thing to do is "pass."

Some dealers quote nothing but sky high prices. They are ones I view as a waste of time at the shows, so I simply avoid them or look at their offerings as a last resort at the end my time at a show. Some dealers ask very high prices, and they seem to get enough customers to keep them in business. The toughest thing is when you spot a coin you really want and have been searching for for a long time in "the wrong dealer's case." You just have to suck it up and expect the worst. My experience has been that it will be the worst when they give you a quote 99% of the time. BUT one time eight years ago one of those dealers quoted me a number that amazed me, and I couldn't have written a very large check fast enough. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

jdimmick

if a coin is not for me , I simply say thanks and hand it back

If I am interested , and the price seems out of line, Ill ask what can you do, if too high still I say thanks and move on, if acceptable Ill buy it, if close, Ill ,ention were close and see if we can come to an agreement

jim

WildIdea

That's his I do it and skip any theatrics.

MonsterCoinz

I'm new to the coin show realm, and my experience in the 3 or 4 shows I've been to is either a) "the sticker is my best price" or b) I tell them I'm interested but I'll be back after another round around the room. Usually results in an immediate lower price.

Of course, my haggling skills may need some sharpening.

airplanenut

I generally agree with this, but a lot of Seahawks fans will vehemently argue the logic here.

morgandollar1878

I follow those rules, and always have. There is no need to make a scene or inadvertently insult someone. I just wish everyone followed that rule.

Pokermandude

Having spent a good amount of time on the dealer side of the table recently, I wholeheartedly agree with this article and some of the other points made so far.

There's nothing wrong with making an offer or asking for the dealer's best price. The dealer's reaction to either of those will give good clues as to if you actually want to deal with them or not.

That being said, there are things which collectors/buyers/other dealers will do which are counter-productive. Such as disparaging a coin- their grade, the TPG's grade, whether or not it has been cleaned / artificially toned / unattractive toning, and the list goes on.

There are some exceptions, but they should be brought up politely and only after you've already made it politely clear that you're passing on the coin. Such as if a coin is a counterfeit, or has some damage/repairing that the dealer may not have been aware of when pricing the coin.

lordmarcovan

Hey, that author is our very own savoyspecial!

ricko

The philosophy in the OP is very good and a path I normally pursue. I have never disparaged a coin, even if I see issues with it. Once, when a dealer asked me why I passed, I simply said it did not fit my collection - in actuality, it was poorly cleaned. No need to cause discomfort. Cheers, RickO

oih82w8

Must be a good article since it is BLOCKED at work.

Tact seems to be one of my weaknesses (so I have been told).

As a buyer, if it is an in person visit, I will tell the dealer that I will have to "kick it around a bit", which means that I am still looking and may come back after I consider my options. If it is "on line", I will usually say that "I am going to have to pass". Sometimes that brings a further reply.

As a seller, if the price cannot be met amicably, I will simply say "No, thank you". This happens a lot on eBay where the seller is not even close. If they are close I will send them my best price and go from there.

joebb21

Having a listed price and then being asked if you would lower your price is like shooting yourself in the foot ultimately.

asheland

Good article!
I agree with those points.

PerryHall

<< <i>The philosophy in the OP is very good and a path I normally pursue. I have never disparaged a coin, even if I see issues with it. Once, when a dealer asked me why I passed, I simply said it did not fit my collection - in actuality, it was poorly cleaned. No need to cause discomfort. Cheers, RickO >>



If a dealer asks me why I pass on a coin I will give him a fair and honest response. They usually appreciate the feedback. In those rare instances where the dealer wants to argue my reason for passing, I thanks him for his time and move along.

savoyspecial

Glad you liked it....many thanks for noticing

asheland

I noticed copper was mentioned in that article.