Some questions on The Gem Trader

[Shijitake]

Have you ever contacted them?
Is there wiggle room on their prices?
Is there another way to contact them?

I saw something in their site and asked if they're flexible on their prices and still haven't gotten an answer yet. It's been a few days. I filled out their inquiry page and emailed them. There's no phone number. I'm itching to get this item. Should I go ahead and buy or wait to see if he'll give a little on the price?

Has anyone gotten a discount from them before? (Also, how do you ask for a discount?)

 

[lovedogs]

I have purchased from him before, but have never asked for a discount. Sometimes he takes a few days to reply back, other times he writes back immediately. I think it depends on how busy he is. I would recommend writing him again if it's been a few days.

 

[ChanterelleJ]

I sometimes ask vendors for a discount but usually not in the first email relating to a potential first purchase apart from that I second waiting a few days and writing again

 

[Shijitake]

Good idea. I should've waited to ask after an initial reply.

 

[digdeep]

FWIW, It seems you want a 'deal' on every stone you look at, without considering if the price is appropriate to begin with. Brad is another reputable vendor and trying to 'get a better deal' without considering whether his price is appropriate........doesn't sit well with me. Coming on here and asking for support about doing this or how to choreograph a lower price? How about buying from some vendors and developing a relationship in which they can trust you as a patron. It is a two way street............

 

[Shijitake]

Not to sound snippy but that's a bit quick on the accusation, digdeep. The only vendor I recall asking about discounts is NSC (and they are overpriced, as you know). I kept the pad and necklace so my budget is low and the item I want is well above it. I was just wondering if he does small discounts, and how others ask for one, not really asking for your support. I realize the gem may be the right price, but my philosophy is you never know until you try. If he said no I would have been ok with that.

I was ready to pay the 8k on the Finewater or GF pad, if I had the $. I think you're confusing my looking for a cheap blue sapphire with asking for discounts.

 

[digdeep]

I call it as I see it............

 

[chatoyancy]

I honestly think, based on your posts, that you would learn so much at a gem show. Vendors negotiate without you even having to ask and there are so many gems. You could see how different stones look against your skin. I love geeking out with vendors. I learn so much! Gem shows are so much fun! You also get instant gratification.

 

[Rare gem lover]

It’s a buyers prerogative to ask for a discount. There are inflated prices everywhere. Most sellers don’t put their best prices on their site with the exception of a few.

 

[Shijitake]

digdeep, you mean perceive

I would go to a gem show, problem is there isn't any! The closest one is a bead show next weekend which I plan to go to, but 95% of the vendors are, well, beads. The last two times I went only one or two vendors were actual gems (mostly low grade), and one was jade (which I also would really love a good quality one). Another one is in NYC, I don't remember when. Not sure if I can go to that one. The next one I know of is in April :/