What makes a dealer a good dealer?

Many people knock coin dealers lately and I suspect that this trend is a little based on encounters over the internet, TV type sales, ebay, etc. In those instances they really don't meet the dealers but acquire a bad taste based on poor experiences. A good example is those Obama coins seen on TV where when people get them they find out they are only stickers added to a coin. In many instances people make bad comments about the attitude of a dealer at a coin shop but always fail to mention thier own attitude in those situations. There are even a few on this and other coin forums of just people with bad attitudes themselves and expect a dealer to be a saint to them.
From some of the conversations I've heard at times in a coin show from a customer I thought if I was the dealer there would have been a broken nose involved. Like any buisness, or divorse, if you only hear one side of the story, you don't really know what is what.

 

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This is a very good list. However, honesty always has to be at the top of the list. If a dealer is dishonest, all of the time spent with customers, politeness, and knowledge actually works against the customer since it makes it easier for the dealer to overcharge or underpay the customers.

 

Backing every sale and giving a full refund.

 

Some great comments guys. Take Hobo's list, toss in Ruben's comment and finally give a good read to what Bhp3rd has to say and we have a good mix. Oh yes, as Cloudsweeper99 pointed out honesty is pretty darn important too!

I have people ask me about dealers and how it works at times and believe me I give all of this advice. They buyer's ettiqute plays a big role as well.
Show respect for the dealer and if he's a good one it can go a long way.

My boss can be VERY rude at times especially if he has a lot on his mind or is trying to close a bigger deal. That's where I act as a buffer and frankly sometimes it's uncomfortable for both myself and the customer.
It generally works out. My boss appreciates that I take the time because he KNOWS he gets rude. I get a regular customer and eventually the boss gets to know them as well.

Ruben nailed it with the power of "BS" and I don't mean that in a bad way. A dealer that will take the time to really talk to you when they have time is a great thing. SO much knowledge they can, and will, share. That in itself it worth money.

Finally what Bhp3rd had to say. So very true and people need to realize it. A dealer still has to make money and buying smart is a way. We generally buy proof sets at 30% back of bid unless we actually need them. As it turns out we usually don't.
Recently we bought a bunch from another dealer at 10% back. Why? For starters all were in original boxes that were shipped to the original owner. Nice sets with flawless boxes and paperwork.
Why else did we buy them? We have a buyer that pays bid and buys in bulk. He has his own site and an ebay store. We're his main supplier. Bottom line is we'll move these fairly quickly.

Now if he'd stop buying darn near anything that walked in the door but he likes to buy. I'll give him this much though. If he's going to lowball someone he tells them up front "I'm gonna insult you with my offer". Can't say he's not honest and they usually sell.

So, as I said, there have been some great comments here. I hope some that are really down on coin dealers as a lot get a better perspective because of this.
They ain't all bad.

 

A good dealer treats me the way they themselves want to be treated.

They cooperate with my interest in learning.

They know what I like and keep an eye out for me on their travels.

They offer excellent customer support.

I am very happy with the folks I work with. Great guys. I've been happy when I sell (to them or others), so I must have done well on the buy side.

Great thread ! Thanks, c.

 

A good dealer will take extra time with a young collector, help inform them, and deal with them without being condescending.

A good dealer will get to know what a person likes and try to have that in stock.

 

hobo was right on, really nothing to add to that

 

I had this discussion a long time ago with my dealer-friend, Guido. He explained to me how his grandfather taught him the secret to success in business. The most important thing, his grandfather said, is to not be greedy. Treat all your customers fairly and honestly, and be content with only a reasonable profit over your cost...say, 10%. As a result, he told me, he’s been very successful in business. And all he’s been doing is taking a coin that cost him $10, say, adding 10%, and selling it for $20.

PS: That's a joke, folks! Just didn't know what else to say, the comments are that well-reasoned and complete.