Handling Buy Customers on the Phone

People calling in to sell us something should be routed to an Estate Buyer when possible. If no Estate Buyer is available to take the call, see the policy entitled, “Buying, People Calling in to Sell.”

If you are trying to get their contact information (per that policy) and they start asking questions, be aware that buy customers with something to sell in most cases want a price over the phone so they can shop around. We cannot give this because we need to see the item. Many will insist or covertly (in a hidden way) still try to get this info from you. We must be kind but firmly insist that they must bring it in. Below are some examples of potential questions that can come up in these conversations and how you should respond.

1. Question – “How much do you pay for gold”

   Answer – It depends on the piece, some pieces have more value than just the gold. Since condition is also a factor our buyer needs to see the piece so you’ll need to bring it in. We try to pay the highest price in town.

2. Question – “How much do you pay per ounce of gold”?

   Answer – It depends on the piece, some pieces have more value than just the gold. Since condition is also a factor our buyer needs to see the piece so you’ll need to bring it in. We try to pay the highest price in town.

3. Question – “What if it is in good condition”

   Answer – It depends on the piece, some pieces have more value than just the gold. Since condition is also a factor our buyer needs to see the piece so you’ll need to bring it in. We try to pay the highest price in town.

4. Question – “Can you give me a ballpark”?

   Answer – I would love too but – It depends on the piece, some pieces have more value than just the gold. Since condition is also a factor our buyer needs to see the piece so you’ll need to bring it in. We try to pay the highest price in town.

5. Question – “Do you buy Silver”?

   Answer – We buy sterling silver and pure silver and silver coins. We try to pay the highest price in town.

   Question – “How much do you pay”?

   Answer – It depends on the pieces, some pieces have more value than just the silver. Since condition is also a factor our buyer needs to see the pieces so you’ll need to bring them in. We try to pay the highest price in town.

6. Question – “Do you buy gemstones”?

   Answer – It depends on the quality of the gemstones. Since condition is also a factor our buyer needs to see the pieces so you’ll need to bring them in. We try to pay the highest price in town.

7. Question – “How much do you pay for diamonds”?

   Answer – It depends on the quality of the diamond. Since condition is also a factor our buyer needs to see the pieces so you’ll need to bring them in. We try to pay the highest price in town.

8. Question – “Do you buy watches (pocket watches)”?

   Answer – We buy quality Swiss and some vintage American watches and pocket watches.

9. Question – “How much do you pay?” or “How much do you pay on a ______?”

   Answer – It depends on the piece, some pieces have more value than others do. Since condition is also a factor our buyer needs to see the piece so you’ll need to bring it in. We try to pay the highest price in town.

10. Question – “But it is a SS Rolex Sub (or other model) and it’s in mint condition, can’t you just give me a ballpark amount?”

    Answer – I wish I could but the buyer must see the piece. Since we sell more Rolex’s than anyone else in town, other buyers in town sell to us. You can shop around and come see us last or cut out the middleman and come here directly and we will pay more, you’ll see. Bring it in and we will pay you a fair price.

11. Question – “Well what is it worth?”

    Answer – Like anything that you sell, it is worth whatever someone will pay you. If you bring it in we will pay you a fair price, but you must bring it in, in order to determine this price.

12. Question – “I live a long way away so I want to have an idea of how much before I drive all the way there.”

    Answer – I wish I could tell you but unfortunately, you’ll need to bring it in. You are asking me to tell you the most for a piece I cannot see and I just can’t do that. The only thing I can tell you is we always try to pay the most. You certainly can shop it around in the area near you. If you are not happy with the prices you find, then take the drive down here and bring it in and we will try to pay you more than you found in your area but you must bring it in. (If they are really far away or out of state they can ship it to us – see the separate policy about shipping in items for buying).

13. Question – “If you cant give me at least a ballpark I’ll just go sell it somewhere else”

    Answer – I’m sorry but if you sell it somewhere else we won’t be able to pay you more. (Pause) Sir/Ma’am I would really like to help you get the best price for your item(s) but I can’t do this if you don’t bring it/them in. It is like trying to get a haircut through the mail, it just doesn’t work! If you change your mind bring it in and then you can see for yourself. Thanks for calling.

Get the idea? The truth is, what we can pay depends on the piece; some pieces have more value than others do. Since condition is also a factor our buyer needs to see the piece so they’ll need to bring it in. We try to pay the highest price in town.