Just got this email, about one of my coins listed. I wonder if it works. Would you consider selling the coin after auction IF it doesn't sell. I am a 69 yr old widower who does this for a hobby for my Christian friends. If you are not interested, then please don't feel obligated to reply. I can't afford to pay retail and break even since I don't do this as a dealer trying to make a living. I ask a lot because some people inherit and buy coins where they can sell at a good price. Thanks ahead of time. Sincerely, Charles
When I was selling on Ebay, I would get similar requests, but they wanted me to end the Ebay sale and sell the item to them.
I'm not actually sure what he's asking, but whatever it is, it doesn't seem very "Christian" that he's only willing to do this for his "Christian friends".
Seriously?? Your inventory is very fairly-priced compared to a lot of retail I've seen. If he can't afford any of it, maybe he shouldn't be collecting.
I do not even legitimize hokum like this with a response. If you want a coin I have for sale, bid on it. If not, move on.
Im surprised so many folks said they ignore these types of requests. I have been fairly successful at negotiating deals within ebay to purchase items at lower prices and sometimes off of ebays platform entirely. I dont see the harm in asking for a lower price, i dont know the person personally so i dont worry when they say no or ignore me. Worst case scenario they ignore me and i buy the coin anyway or move on to someone willing to negotiate. I also like to do the 'bundle' method and ask to remove 2-4 coins and buy them all if we can get around ebay. Theres still clever ways to work around ebay and their aggravation. I often times find myself looking up usernames in their respective towns on google to get the actual B&M store for a lower price. We all know if its on ebay they can usually knock about 10% off to do business offsite, and really its not that big of a deal if the seller operates a normal website or store front where they sell coins. How do they know my feedbacks if im buying off of ABCcoins.com? DLRC is an immediate example that comes to mind. Why would you pay their ebay prices when you can get it from their site almost automatically cheaper and lots of time even better than that by submitting an offer? I guess i just try to do my due diligence and seek out the best deals possible.
You must also realize that more than just a few ebay sellers ACTIVELY leave their emails and phone numbers in their descriptions just for the express purpose of you contacting them directly. Thats one of the ways still available to get around ebay is by the seller leaving their info somewhere on the page. In fact I just worked out a deal last week for an 1853 Quarter. I actually sent an ebay message and the seller DIRECTED me to his store page with his real email. Simple as that my coin was on its way!
I got the impression that he wasn't "collecting" as much as he was shopping for his "christian" friends. The key words here were "I can't afford to pay retail and break even......."
Anyone who brings god into business dealings is typically trying to scam you. Anytime I have ever been scammed in my life it always ended with "god bless". I would tell him god would much rather have those funds thrown into the collection plate. It might be the store name that is attracting the crazies btw lol
I believe some sellers use eBay as a form of advertising... they list coins with outrageously high opening bids or BINs at a high percentage over retail, and wait for the inquiries. Since listings are free, it costs the seller absolutely nothing to advertise on one of the worlds largest marketplaces. It makes good business sense to do this.... if a coin sells through eBay, they make enough to cover all fees; if it's sold (for retail or slightly less) through outside contact, they make their normal profit. A win-win for the seller.
If it was a true auction and the coin didn't sell I don't think there's any problem messaging the seller to see if he'll sell it outside ebay for less money. It didn't sell and ebay isn't out any fees. If the seller agrees to sell it at a 5% discount it's a win-win for both seller and buyer.
