How to handle a longtime dealer who keeps raising his prices?

RonBurgundy · November 14, 2008 1:15AM

There's a guy I've bought raw stuff from for a long time, and have done fairly well over the years. In the past 6 months or so, he's started to jack up prices on his nicer raw stuff to ridonkulous levels - some approaching SMR for 8 prices. Last time I saw him he had '63 commons priced at $12 each, most of which were NM-MT but most of which would struggle to sell for that in an 8 holder. I mean, this guy's prices would make Kyle Boetel's stuff look like a bargain.

I bought a few things from him but not what I've bought in the past. I kind of want to send a message that his prices are out of control and it will drive me away as a customer.

Therefore, do I:

a) Just keep buying less and less (if at all) and not say anything
b) Casually ask him why he's raised his prices?
c) Go Texas on him and say he's gotten ridonkulous.

As a side note, do I mention that some of these cards would not sell for his prices on Ebay in an 8 holder?

Thanks,

Ron

MeteoriteGuy · November 14, 2008 1:17AM

Send him a fish.

lawnmowerman · November 14, 2008 1:18AM

Go with option b

I would ask him nicely and see where it leads. I'm sure once you get him talking, you can let him know how you feel about his price increase

As a backup plan, you can always kick him in the balls if he freaks out.

Just a thought.

DavidPuddy · November 14, 2008 1:19AM

I say D, "All of the Above"

stevek · November 14, 2008 1:35AM

Threaten to buy a CD-Rom with pics of the cards, and you'll just print out inkjet copies of the cards and collect those instead of the originals.

justmichael · November 14, 2008 1:48AM

Did you ever think maybe he is into these items for more money than similar stuff he has sold you in past?
Mike

AkbarClone · November 14, 2008 1:51AM

I'd say option "A".

If you drop down to buying almost nothing, and he values your business, he should be the one to inquire about why you are not buying as much as the past. Then you can tell him your thoughts about his prices and see if he can work with you.

Stay classy.

Griffins · November 14, 2008 1:54AM

I agree, option A. He's got the right to set the prices, and you've got the right not to buy. If stuff doesn't sell he'll drop the prices.

sivotco1 · November 14, 2008 2:10AM

personally, this would be VERY easy for me...the 1st time it was so noticeable that it bothered you..cut contact immediately..unless u are under contract to buy from him(TIC)
does'nt take people long to figure things out, when $ are concerned..i personally would have taken it as a slap in the face..sounds like he's taking advantage of you--there's bunches of those kind of folks out there

PoppaJ · November 14, 2008 2:24AM

Hi Ron,

There are times when a seller is doing so well that he might decide to up his prices thinking that business will continue as usual.

Sometimes he's right; other times he may realize it wasn't the right decision and then revert back.

This particular seller seems like he might fall into this category.

It sounds to me like you'd really like to continue doing business with the guy.

If so, I'd suggest that you email him and be candid and honest in letting him know how you feel.

Trying to speculate why he raised his prices can lead to all kinds of negative feelings about the guy, when in fact, he may have a few very legit reasons for doing so. (ie ... lost job, family crisis, etc.)

As far as mentioning that some of his cards wouldn't sell for the prices he has on them ... I wouldn't. Being candid and honest here certainly would be a negative in my opinion.

Griffins summed it up pretty well ..... "If stuff doesn't sell he'll drop the prices."

Good luck,

PoppaJ

ahkmedbinladen · November 14, 2008 2:42AM

Tell Paul Starxx that his prices are ridiculous and he should just grade them himself. LOL

RonBurgundy · November 14, 2008 2:59AM

"Tell Paul Starxx that his prices are ridiculous and he should just grade them himself. LOL"

LOLOLOL!

RB

Morgoth · November 14, 2008 3:13AM

I wouldn't sweat it too much Ron if you can find it cheaper on ebay than this guy that seems a better route. I would definately let him know if he asks why you haven't bought as much. Sometimes people think they are pricing something right and not know maybe the market is really down right now.

I have had similar experience with guys who won't grade but have had their collection cherry picked and graded by others, so in retaliation they sell everything at SMR 7-8 pricing, even their EX stuff.

In this climate raw guys with NM or less stuff should be glad someone is still buying their raw at decent pricing and gouging is not a good tactic right now.

KbKards · November 14, 2008 3:18AM

Based on your submission-selling posts in the past it doesn't appear that you're buying these cards as a collector. You want to buy high grade cards cheap, get them graded, and then resell them at a profit. If a fellow dealer's pricing doesn't allow you to make a steady income with your purchases I don't see how that's his problem. Some people just wise up, and see that the cards they're selling for $2 wind up in plastic holders selling for $10-$20, or more. He wants to make money just like you do so why begrudge him in trying to make more money from cards that he works very hard to locate. Sure, maybe he should submit them himself if he wants "those prices" but either way it' would kill the golden goose for you. What he might not be up to speed with yet is the low pop high value cards. You may still be able to take advantage of him by concentrating on cherrypicking the low pop cards, and cards that have a good shot at a 9. You'll still be able to make money from him but it'll take a little more work.

leadoff4 · November 14, 2008 3:21AM

"Hit me with your best shot, fire away"

WinPitcher · November 15, 2008 12:47AM

Did his buy price also increase?

Steve

SoFLPhillyFan · November 15, 2008 12:53AM

Engage him in an imbroglio, then quit the hobby.

bcwcardz · November 15, 2008 4:11AM

Just stop buying if you think its too high.Times are tough and different people use different business approaches such as raising or lowering prices.this guy thinks raising his prices will increase revenue.Maybe after he starts to lose more money he will try lowering the price.Myself I like to stay loyal to 1 or 2 people regardless of price since i am only a collector and do not re sell the cards.

WinPitcher · November 15, 2008 4:13AM

Should not matter what Ron does with the cards.

Or anyone for that matter.

If the guys price is too high the cards will sit.

Steve

RonBurgundy · November 15, 2008 6:51AM

Thanks guys for the feedback. I'll just buy less and maybe he'll figure it out. A lot of stuff I buy from him I actually keep for my own collection, so most of it is not for resale. My goal is to have as low a basis as possible in the stuff I keep for my own collection, so it looks like I'll just need to be patient and if he ever asks I'll tell him nicely that I'm buying less because he's charging more.

Thanks,

Ron

SDavid · November 15, 2008 9:10AM

If it's really starx cards, you could casually ask him why his commons are priced lower on his website.

How to handle a longtime dealer who keeps raising his prices?

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