dealers and layaways

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Posted By: scott

whats your experience with dealers putting aside a card which you pay on over 2 or 3 months?(if your a regular customer).i credit card is not an option-all card purchases are with cash on hand in case that would be a suggested option.

scott

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Posted By: John

When I was in college and grad school, I would do this all the time. I had two dealers from which I routinely purchased items and they were more that happy to set things aside with a small downpayment. Obviously, this must be evaluated on a dealer by dealer basis...the dealer stands to lose nothing, he/she still has the card and some of your money. The guys that I purchased from had invoice sheets that showed clearly what you had paid, when, and what you owed.

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Posted By: J Levine

Over the years I have had a few experiences with this as I tend not to have a large chunk of money sitting around. A few well known dealers (I prefer not to mention their names because I suspect that they do not want to run a lay-a-way business) have let me pay over time.
Heck, one local dealer who deals in off-grade stuff practically threw two cards (N-172 Daley and a E-93 Ames) at me a couple of weekends ago and said I could pay the balance (I was $40 short) next time I see him in September...let me take the cards and pay when I can...he has done this a few times with me mostly because I have bought thousands of cards from him over the years, introduced him to many other off-condition buyers, sat at his table at shows to help out, etc.

Overall, if the dealer knows you and you have a history, many are accomodating. It never hurts to ask, the worst they can say is "no."

Joshua

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Posted By: Richard Simon

Speaking as an autograph dealer, I almost extend the layaway courtesy to a customer. I have never gotten burnt. I very clearly outline the terms beforehand and tell the customer not to make me chase them for payment.
I think it is pretty normal in this business for a dealer to extend that courtesy.

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Posted By: Julie

and one nationally known dealer who regularly does layaway--only checks (or cash, I suppose, if we lived closer together). Take as much time as you need to pay.l I think this is a regular part of his business, and not a special favor he extended to me. I'm almost sure enough of this to write his name, but not quite.

Many dealers I've met at shows, if I'm hesitating about buying a card will say, put something down on it, and I'll hold it for you as long as you like.

I really don't think it's that rare...

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Posted By: dave's vintage baseball cards

As a dealer of vintage cards, depending on the customer the card and the price, I am normally open to a lay-a-way for up to several months.

I would imagine depending on stock, many dealers would be as well.

Hope that helps

Dave

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Posted By: zach

has keep onto my t209 color until I am able to pay for it...I guess it kinda relates to this thread. The thing with layaway is it's all the dealers choice so in most cases I would think that you would have to know the dealer for a decent amount of time...to help build up trust etc. and kudos to all the dealers who do do layaway....it gives the lesser guys a bigger chance lol.