Dealer pricing

[GARRY]

New to the ALR site and it is great. Wish I had found it earlier.
Here's a question I've never asked before but I'm sure there are some opinions out there.

What are dealers trying to say when they state "price on request"? Are they afraid that the astronomical price will scare you off?

[Fullstock longrifle]

I really never understood that one myself.  I guess it's their way of warning you that it's very expensive and don't bother them unless you have piles of money!   

FK

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Garry, welcome to the site - non finer!!

My take on it is that their hope is that only serious buyers will bother to ask for the price.  Sending pictures and price to a lot of dreamers and lookeeloo's is a waste of time for these guys.  

When I want to sell a rifle or pistol, I place a picture and a price at the same time.  By the time I have done so, I have decided on a firm price and that's what I want.  But I know others have a different approach.  I'm not much of a business man.

[coutios]

  Kind of like the old saying " If ya have to ask, Ya can't afford it"....

Regards
Dave

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

Another take....it creates wiggle room in addition to suggesting it is an extraordinary piece. The dealer can then change the price to fit the circumstances of the times, his business environment  or inquirer.

Also does not "chase off" the potential buyer...at least a contact will likely be made.
Hurricane

[GARRY]

Thanks guys.
Suspicions confirmed.

[okieboy]

 Hurricane, your comment about contact being made is right on the mark. High end dealers in antiquities know what specific clients are interested in and contact them when suitable goods are available. At the top end there are often long term relationships between dealers and "serious" or "advanced" collectors that both benefit from.