Hey all,
what do you think of a category “Trusted/Featured Sellers”?
This would really help the amateurs here to find sellers that have good stuff and fair prices, sorted by country.
Yes, there are thousands in the US, but not so in Europe.
And likes as well as comments will reveal black sheep quickly.
I can feature the first one as soon as I have posted my new stones and received some positive feedback from you.
WDYAT?
Nice idea, but: IMHO, good stuff at high prices in the good ole USA is more likely.
Like most of us, from time to time you get lucky. However, knowledgeable people will research and typically price their items at or near the higher current asking price range. No one ever prices at where similar items sold for.
Price is secondary for me. Sharing where to buy with trust is my focus. EBay and Amazon are so full of counterfeits, and so is Instagram.
And yes I know some will never share their favorite places but others will.
Since you asked, I’m not convinced that a category of “Trusted/Featured Sellers” is prudent. For starters, “… good stuff and fair prices” are discretionary. A “trusted seller” label is likely based on a buyer’s personal judgment and experiences with any given seller. And, this can vary greatly from customer-to-customer. In addition, sellers come & go. I’m also of the opinion that beginning and advanced collectors typically like to do their own homework: they put in the time, effort, research, and study to build their confidence within their specific area(s) of collecting.
At least something like seller A is selling real turquoise in real sterling silver while seller B mostly sells false silver with fake turquoise?
Sounds like a liability issue for the forum to me.
I agree about caution promoting sellers other than admitting to personal experience. That said, the ATADA (Authentic Tribal Art Dealers Association) website and its vendor directory offer a serious starting place. It isn’t exhaustive, because it’s a membership society and won’t have all the independent shops. But they’re distinctive in publicly posting their code of ethics and commercial by-laws, and many members have long reputations in the field.
Oh, amazing … I wish we had this for Europe and Asia as well. In the end everything seems to be well organized within the US, but only there … can non-US vendors become members, too?
I love the idea but might be hard to keep up with current trusted sellers. I am always relying on more experienced collectors to advise me. a directory is a great idea for the brave souls willing to keep it up.
This is a slippery slope and I am not in favor.
As slick as cow on a flat rock.