The unsolicited offer

RYK · September 17, 2008 1:32AM

Occasionally, I get an unsolicited offer for a coin in my collection by another collector, including two instances in the past few weeks. This always surprises me. No, not because I collect shield nickels (I don't)

, not because the economy is in the crapper (it isn't so bad that people are not buying nice coins), but I find it startling that someone would have the audacity to try to get me to give up one of the coins in my collection. It also causes me to reevaluate the coin, where it fits in my collection, would someone else enjoy it more than me, could I use the money for another more fitting coin purchase, etc., etc., and that is way too much pondering for me to concern myself with.

I also have made an unsolicited offer on the coin belonging to a fellow collector (and excessively prominent forum member) and am generally unfamiliar with the protocol. In this case in which I made the move on the other collector, I knew it was a duplicate, asked him if he was willing to sell it, and at what price. Despite my approach, it is my belief that the suitor should make the offer, and if I had to do it over again, I would probably have made the offer. In both cases in which the collector approached me, I asked them to make an offer, and I would consider it.

How do you handle the unsolicited offer, both in receiving it and extending it?

Mesquite · September 17, 2008 1:36AM

I thank you for your interest in the coin(s). I'm not interested in selling right now but if I do get to the point where I want to sell I'll let you know. Have a great day!

Longacre · September 17, 2008 1:39AM

Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally.

NHSBaseball · September 17, 2008 1:40AM

I suppose that I don't worry about it too much. It seems that no one wants any of my coins enough to contact me to sell them.

If I am interested in a coin someone else has, I don't hesitate to tell them something along the lines of- "If you ever decide to sell the coin, I would be interested" and take it from there.

Three of the better coins in my collection have come from other members PM'ing me asking if I am interested in a coin they are selling. I have been fortunate in getting these, and do not mind when people ask if I am interested in a coin in the series I collect. Likewise, if I ever decide to sell my collection, there are some people I would contact in order to give the first shot at any coins they were interested in.

This is all just personal opinion, of course- others may differ.

BlindedByEgo · September 17, 2008 1:41AM

Universally, good manners are the best lubricant for social intercourse.

SilverEagles92 · September 17, 2008 1:46AM

I don't mind unsolicited offers, exactly for the reasons mentioned in the OP. They make me think about the coin, study the coin, and reevaluate my collection. I enjoy that. But, if I decide to keep the coin(s), I politely decline their offer.

Shamika · September 17, 2008 1:49AM

As far as I'm concerned EVERY coin in my collection is for sale if the price is right. Thus if someone's interested, I'll quote him a price. I did this once for a very nice 1913-P T1 Buffalo nickel graded NGC MS65. I offered a price to the interested party that was more than twice my buy price and the other collector accepted. We were both happy. I've also purchased a number of coins in this same manner. Again, we both ended up satisfied.

Shamika · September 17, 2008 1:51AM

<< Universally, good manners are the best lubricant for social intercourse. >>

Now go wash your mouth out with soap!!!

rgCoinGuy · September 17, 2008 1:56AM

<< Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally. >>

PM Sent for an offer for the coin in your icon.

MikeInFL · September 17, 2008 2:33AM

<< How do you handle the unsolicited offer, both in receiving it and extending it? >>

I have received a few unsoliced offers on coins. Generally, I respond that I'm not interested in sellng the coin, but if I do, I'll keep that person in mind.

Similarly, I've approached a few fellow collectors over the years and expressed an interest in purchasing a coin from their collection if and when it comes time to sell.

However, I will not make a specific offer on a coin that's not being offered for sale -- to me it is in bad taste...Mike

19Lyds · September 17, 2008 2:41AM

<< Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally. >>

I certainly hope you are joking.....................

baddogss · September 17, 2008 2:44AM

Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit,

I guess you've missed some of the other threads on this forum ?

stman · September 17, 2008 2:53AM

Well, it wasn't me...... this time

. Of course I never made you an offer, but probably would have paid your price if you would have been interested in parting with it.

Stman giving up, and wiping tear from eye.

pheh · September 17, 2008 2:56AM

If firearms aren't involved I really don't see the problem.

rhedden · September 17, 2008 2:56AM

If it's posted on this forum, the assumption is that it's not for sale. However, I have gotten numerous buy offers over the years for things I was just showing off here, and I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. All that is required is a polite PM stating "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it."

Amigo · September 17, 2008 3:05AM

I love unsolicited offers. Geez, give me a break. If you don't want to accept, just say so. Buying and Selling it what keeps the hobby alive.

RYK · September 17, 2008 3:13AM

<< Well, it wasn't me...... this time

. Of course I never made you an offer, but probably would have paid your price if you would have been interested in parting with it.

Stman giving up, and wiping tear from eye. >>

Actually, I forgot about that one. I think i gave you the "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it" blow-off line.

drwstr123 · September 17, 2008 3:18AM

I don't find a problem with it. I can say, "Yes" or "No".

jsf · September 17, 2008 3:26AM

it can be a form of flattery, can't it?

Someone inquiring in a less than tactful matter is one thing. Politely asking is another. A polite "No" is simple enough, isn't it?

You wouldn't happen to have a dupe', would you?

Type A personalities should take a hike, however.

SmallEagle · September 17, 2008 3:30AM

I have occasionally PM'ed a collector with a "Is there a price for which you would sell your...."

Longacre · September 17, 2008 3:31AM

<< I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. >>

I think I am going to PM RYK a BIG offer on one of his colonial coins. I just hope he doesn't accept it.

RYK · September 17, 2008 3:32AM

<< 

<< I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. >>

I think I am going to PM RYK a BIG offer on one of his colonial coins. I just hope he doesn't accept it.

>>

I have blocked your PMs.

Hyperion · September 17, 2008 3:36AM

I recently had an unsolicited offer, but I had to tell the young lady, sorry, Im married

BAJJERFAN · September 17, 2008 6:07AM

Like most other things in life if ya don't ask ya don't get. I guess I'd feel more flattered than insulted, but a polite not for sale at the moment is all thats needed.

stman · September 17, 2008 6:15AM

<< 

<< Well, it wasn't me...... this time

. Of course I never made you an offer, but probably would have paid your price if you would have been interested in parting with it.

Stman giving up, and wiping tear from eye. >>

Actually, I forgot about that one. I think i gave you the "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it" blow-off line.

>>

Yeah, the ol' "blow-off line. I guess the tear didn't mean anything. Hahaha

Unknown · September 17, 2008 6:19AM

This content has been removed.

GrumpyEd · September 17, 2008 6:22AM

It seems better than if people only sell or buy from auctions, if someone you know makes a good offer you can take it or leave it. It seems like a win win deal?

YaHa · September 17, 2008 6:48AM

Tell them plain and simple you don't run no Bunny coin Ranch you run a respectful coin hole.

Sunshine Rare Coins · September 17, 2008 7:06AM

<< 

<< 

<< I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. >>

I think I am going to PM RYK a BIG offer on one of his colonial coins. I just hope he doesn't accept it.

>>

I have blocked your PMs.

>>

i will offer you 500 dollars for your 1861 D five dollar

Barndog · September 17, 2008 7:08AM

<< If it's posted on this forum, the assumption is that it's not for sale. However, I have gotten numerous buy offers over the years for things I was just showing off here, and I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. All that is required is a polite PM stating "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it." >>

good answer (I say that because that is the way I handle it too).

RYK · September 17, 2008 7:48AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< I consider it a form of numismatic flattery. >>

I think I am going to PM RYK a BIG offer on one of his colonial coins. I just hope he doesn't accept it.

>>

I have blocked your PMs.

>>

i will offer you 500 dollars for your 1861 D five dollar

>>

You're blocked now, too.

IGWT · September 17, 2008 7:52AM

Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally.

This place must be full of gentlemen. How else to explain the lack of unsolicited offers for my coins?

Baley · September 17, 2008 2:44PM

Actually, I forgot about that one. I think i gave you the "it's not for sale right now, but I'll let you know if I ever decide to sell it" blow-off line.

ahh, that classic line. right up there with "it's not you, it's me"

TwoSides2aCoin · September 17, 2008 3:13PM

The unsolicited offers. At the office when someone comes in and wants to sell steaks or trinketts I go ballistic. It drives me nuts on my phones, as well.

With coins, it's all good. If I don't want it, I'll say so. I've had a few unsolicited offers to sell , and I've had a few offering to sell me coins. Neither bother me. As a matter of public record and respect, I won't name names

We are free to roam about the cabin. If you're botherin' me, I'll tell ya to smarten up (in private, of course) No problemo.

Barndog · September 17, 2008 3:39PM

<< Coin collecting is a gentleman's pursuit, and in a polite society, one does not make unsolicited inquiries for another's cabinet. I would be appalled if a dealer did this to a collector, and excessively disturbed if a collector did it to a fellow collector. Perhaps if the collector was very friendly with another collector, that would be different, but I don't think unsolicited offers should be made generally.

This place must be full of gentlemen. How else to explain the lack of unsolicited offers for my coins? >>

(because they are shield nickels and only three people collect them: you, howards, and some other guy...even fewer than the six people that collect half dimes/dismes/deems/dismays)

richardshipp · September 17, 2008 9:59PM

I think I've only had 3 unsolicited offers and 2 of them were for the same coin. In all cases, my first impression was... Wow, someone else likes my coin !
I didn't feel that it was in bad taste, quite the contrary it made me feel better about my purchase. My replies as stated by others was Thanks but it's not for sale now, if I ever do decide to sell it I'll shoot you a PM.

The truth is I've had more unsolicited offers on these two coins than I've had solicited offers on some of my stuff I had listed on the BST

BRdude · September 18, 2008 12:25AM

<< Universally, good manners are the best lubricant for social intercourse. >>

I personally don't see what the problem is. Intercourse is always good

JustaRookie · September 18, 2008 1:34AM

<< I recently had an unsolicited offer, but I had to tell the young lady, sorry, Im married

>>

Russ · September 18, 2008 4:40AM

Over the past few years I've had several unsolicited offers for one particular coin I own. I don't mind at all. It's nice to know there is some interest.

Russ, NCNE

BECOKA · September 18, 2008 5:28AM

If it is a coin I don't want to part with but it is replaceable with a little work I will usually quote a price that is well beyond it's worth but not out of reach for the person that wants it.

There is one case I doubled my money.

leothelyon · September 18, 2008 1:39PM

I usually laugh ha ha ha lol

especially after an offer.

Leo

coinlieutenant · September 18, 2008 2:02PM

Unsolicited offers make the world go round. Coins are different than houses and spouses. Unsolicited offers for those are uncalled for.

Now...about that quarter.

pendragon1998 · September 18, 2008 2:34PM

I don't see how anyone could possibly be offended by a polite offer (or request for a quote) for one's coin. I would either tell the inquirer what I wanted for the coin or just say I'm not interested in selling it. If I got all upset and offended just because someone offered to buy a coin from me, I should probably just sell the coin and use the cash to pay a shrink or something.

lasvegasteddy · September 18, 2008 2:53PM

gosh i love it...i almost cried over the last one offered...just no cash till feb

coinpictures · September 18, 2008 11:16PM

<< I have occasionally PM'ed a collector with a "Is there a price for which you would sell your...." >>

Call me a carmudgeon, but requests framed like this rub me the wrong way. Rather than putting the pressure on solicitee to set the price, since presumably we're talking about coins that were NOT offered for sale anywhere, I think the onus is on the solicitor to make an offer. Obviously the potential buyer is enamored with the coin, or otherwise they wouldn't be inquiring.

There's one particular coin in my collection that a number of people have asked about, and if someone isn't forthright enough to offer a dollar figure and forces me to set the price point, I usually quote a price that is 20-50x current "catalog value" and would be considered to be "stupid money", as (1) I'm really not interested in selling, (2) you didn't bother offering, and (3) I'm not in the mood for entertaining bargain hunters (at least not on the coin in question).

I guess I'm of the mindset that if a coin is actively for sale, the SELLER should always quote an asking price, but if the coin is not on the market, the BUYER should the one making an offer, in other words the party initiating the prospective transaction should bear the responsibility of tendering a price.

pendragon1998 · September 18, 2008 11:34PM

I'm not sure I agree. The buyer (asking the seller if he wants to sell) has no idea what the seller has in the coin. Maybe the seller put in somewhat more than fair market value, in which case a market value offer would likely be turned down (and a counter offer possibly made). Maybe the buyer would be willing to go above FMV, but they don't want to start out with a crazy money offer, but they get turned down flat because the seller won't go too low.

I think it makes far more sense to say, "Hey, I like that coin of yours. Are you interested in selling it, and if so, how much?" The seller then tells the buyer what he needs for the coin if he wants to sell, and the buyer says 'yes', 'no', or counteroffers - although if I ask what a seller needs for the coin, I generally assume that's his best price and I wouldn't normally counter it. No wasted back and forth with that approach.

I see no need to play games.

goose3 · September 18, 2008 11:40PM

EVERYTHING is for sale

for the right price.

The unsolicited offer

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