What is the best way to negotiate a price on a dealer website?

bosco5041 · September 6, 2012 5:39AM

If I see a coin on a dealer website I usually just bought it but I got to thinking that maybe I should at least ask them for thier best price. I usually buy coins in the $200 to about $1000 range so I am not a big fish. Some of the websites I visit are higher end and a $500 or $600 coin would be small potatoes. Would I be an pesty coustomer to try to get a better price.

TomB · September 6, 2012 5:40AM

There is nothing wrong with attempting to get a coin at a lower price, but I do not know of any universal strategy other than to be polite and honest.

LindeDad · September 6, 2012 5:42AM

Not if it is done with respect, bargaining has been part of the game for longer than there have been web sites.

stman · September 6, 2012 6:01AM

Dealers that I have a long business relationship with I rarely ask. Usually they will just discount the invoice when I get the coin on approval.
Someone I haven't bought from before which is very rare I do..... I might ask if they have any room in the coin if I think it's a little tall on price. I never ask for a discount just for sport. I just don't like playing games.

MidLifeCrisis · September 6, 2012 6:03AM

I wouldn't do it very often with the same dealer on lower priced coins. If you are willing to pay the asking price for most of your purchases, the dealer will probably be more inclined to work with you when you do ask for a "best price" discount.

RYK · September 6, 2012 6:20AM

I am going to assume that there is no relationship in place.

A simple email, introducing yourself and asking for the "best price" or making a reasonable offer* is appropriate. Remember, $500 is $500. While that may only pay for someone's round trip flight to a coin show or Wei's daily average Express Mail bill

, I know very few dealers who would walk away from $500! In fact, none come to mind.

* Do your research and make sure you know what is appropriate. If your estimate, say $500, is far from the list price, say $1000, it is unlikely you will strike a deal, and it may be worth sitting that one out.

Edit: If it is already a good price, just buy it. No one likes a sport chiseler.

UtahCoin · September 6, 2012 6:25AM

Be polite...

"I'm interested in your xxxx, what would be your best price?
Thanks, hope to hear from you soon."

djcnonlinear · September 6, 2012 6:46AM

<< If it is already a good price, just buy it. No one likes a sport chiseler. >>

This.

But, for a reasonable offer, just polite and respectful as already stated by others.

yellowkid · September 6, 2012 6:54AM

Don't expect much below 10% at best, an offer in that range will usually get some movement on the price. Just don't say "I'll give you $XXXX," for it, ask if they would consider $XXXX. I usually just ask what their best price is.

PerryHall · September 6, 2012 6:55AM

<< I am going to assume that there is no relationship in place.

A simple email, introducing yourself and asking for the "best price" or making a reasonable offer* is appropriate. Remember, $500 is $500. While that may only pay for someone's round trip flight to a coin show or Wei's daily average Express Mail bill

, I know very few dealers who would walk away from $500! In fact, none come to mind.

* Do your research and make sure you know what is appropriate. If your estimate, say $500, is far from the list price, say $1000, it is unlikely you will strike a deal, and it may be worth sitting that one out.

Edit: If it is already a good price, just buy it. No one likes a sport chiseler. >>

Agree but I would call the dealer to discuss the coin and perhaps get a more detailed in-depth description of the coin and his appraisal of the coin's quality. Let him know that you have a serious interest in the coin by discussing with the dealer what he feels are the coin's merrits. Then, if still interested in the coin, ask him if there is any room for negotiation and ask for his best price. Then, either play or pass but, in any event, be sure to thank him for his time.

Ahrensdad · September 6, 2012 6:57AM

<< Be polite...

"I'm interested in your xxxx, what would be your best price?
Thanks, hope to hear from you soon." >>

This works for me.

lordmarcovan · September 6, 2012 6:59AM

<< What is the best way to negotiate a price on a dealer website? >>

"Hey, that coin you have there is cleaned, and might be a fake. I'll give you $xxx for it, though, since I am building a reference collection of such items."

Seriously, tho', I guess it largely depends on the dealer.

I usually try to be polite to the point of near-obsequiousness, to avoid being offensive.

bosco5041 · September 6, 2012 7:10AM

Thanks for all the responses, they are some great ideas. I am always polite to dealers ( and everyone else for that matter) and never put down anyone elses product. I don't expect to get coins for 40% off but $25 or $50 off of a $500 or$600 coin is worth asking.

pennyannie · September 6, 2012 7:11AM

<< 

<< If it is already a good price, just buy it. No one likes a sport chiseler. >>

This.

But, for a reasonable offer, just polite and respectful as already stated by others.

>>

LOL

I wish i could find all the people that will not haggle when i have something for sale.

mrpotatoheadd · September 6, 2012 7:15AM

If you're bargaining on a website price and the website takes credit cards, be sure to clarify how you intend to pay. If it's by check/money order, your chances of a discount are better.

SeattleSlammer · September 6, 2012 7:19AM

<< There is nothing wrong with attempting to get a coin at a lower price, but I do not know of any universal strategy other than to be polite and honest. >>

Yup.

Bochiman · September 6, 2012 7:27AM

Be clear, either when you ask, or when a reply comes, how that "best price" will be paid.

For instance, the website may take credit cards, and you may be intending to use one (or paypal), but when they come back, they may mean the best price to be that of paying by check/cash/money order.
So either be up front on how you plan to, or can, pay, or make sure to clarify when they come back with their best price.

To not do so may cause confusion or bad feelings that didn't need to be there.

TwoSides2aCoin · September 6, 2012 7:40AM

Make an offer. The worst case scenario is failure to negotiate effectively. That's not so bad.

What is the best way to negotiate a price on a dealer website?

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