Would charging more than double what anyone else does for basic supplies be enough to put a dealer on your "Do not patronize" list? The back story to my question: I usually buy 2x2s in bulk over the internet, and pay about $2.25-2.50/100 including shipping, but recently I needed just 200 of one size to complete a project, so I checked with both of the coin shops within 3 miles of my house. The first one wanted $6.00/100 (plus tax, of course), for a total of $12.85! I got what I needed at the other one for $5 + tax.
Some dealers are idiots. That said, I don't know if that by itself would place the guy on my sheet list. It really depends how else he could help me, I mean if everything in the store was sky high then by all means he would be at the top of my "do not patronize" list. :thumb:
I'm certain you will remember this the next time you re-stock your coin supplies. As far as using your recent experience with that local shop as an excuse for not re-visiting, I would suggest that is a little extreme and just perhaps a little unfair, to them and yourself.
Like you, I buy my supplies over the internet. I have found local dealers (both shops and flea market vendors) charge significantly higher prices for supplies than the web sites. At least in my area those prices are in line for a retail shop. Keep in mind that I would not buy supplies there unless I was really in a hurry (and fortunately, at the web site I deal with, stuff is here in just a couple days) but I would (unless it's otherwise indicated) continue to purchase coins from them.
Coins and supplies are two different things. If the price of the coins are good I would go back, but if I need supplies I would just order online. Also I've noticed too, I see a lot of coin stores don't sell supplies. Maybe he has no competition around him for supplies, thats why he charges more.
My guess is that the dealer is charging a price based on what he has to pay for the product. He may very well be making less profit than the guy that is selling it for less. The quantity and the quality that the dealer buys is a giant factor in what 2x2s sell for. I worry more about how the dealer handles the coin deal.
One of my lcs charges high prices for supplies and although I know I can get them for cheaper there is a reason that I pay the premium at this lcs. For one I get the supplies instantly and for two most of there prices on other items have a much fairer premium than I can find other places. Is it worth paying a few bucks more for some 2x2's or airtites every so often when every day of the week I can pick up things like ASEs for +2 over spot, etc. This is the reason I support this lcs after all they are a business and have overhead costs and need to make a profit to stay in business but they also take care of you if you take care of them. What happens when I may want to sell/trade some bullion and there's no lcs left in business anymore, would really make it a hassle. That being said if the price is always high on everything with no reason then avoid the place and let them adjust to meet competition or go out of business.
The guy charges a lot (in your opinion) for supplies, so what? Circle K charges more for milk than Piggy Wiggly yet people still go there. How about the quality of this gentleman's supplies? Not all 2x2's are made the same. I pay a premium for superior flips and am happy to do it. You can't please everyone and I assume he is a coin dealer, not a coin supplies dealer. Condeming the guy for such a thing is highly questionable judgement. Look at his inventory, see how he treats you, and judge him on this only.
Yeah, when you go to brick and mortar you usually should expect to pay a bit more, and while that is more than 2x the price its still a pretty low price item. I agree with others that if I liked his services overall I wouldnt have a problem with this. Its nice to go and have a place to look at things, especially things like coins where appearance is very important.
Also have to point out, just because its cheaper doesn't mean its better. When I first started out I bought 100 of each size 2x2s and of course I chose the cheaper ones. When they came I felt like trashing them because they were so flimsy.
