auburnseeker Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 This is something that came to mind when I replied to an ad in the for sale section. The ad said paying top dollar. Does anyone feel like they have ever really got top dollar (or even a top dollar offer if you didn't sell) when selling to someone posting an ad along those lines? I know I see it advertised locally with the scrap dealers, and guys buying your old gold for cash. I have never dealt with any, but I was just curious if any of the members on here when replying to ads to buy auto related stuff really felt like the buyer was giving them top dollar? I know Hemmings has it's fair share of buyers in the wanted sections that say paying top dollar.I have even inquired a few times on cars I owned that were exactly what the buyer was looking for (a 68 big block tripower corvette) to a buying 68-72 Corvettes any condition any where and my 1957 Thunderbird to an ad buying 55-57 Tbirds anywhere any condition and never heard back from either. One is a very big advertiser and they never got back to me. No asking price was given in my inquiry just a would you be interested in?In today's internet world It's pretty easy to see what top dollar is for all but the very rare. I imagine that is making it tough for buyers that don't really pay top dollar. I'm just curious. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) I don't see how a person could actually define "top dollar." A person could assemble some bids and the highest may be considered that, but there is always someone else out there. I suppose "top dollar" is only determined by the seller if an actual transaction takes place. I would like to ask the buyer how they determine that their offer is the best anywhere. My hunch is that the tactic is simply used to create inquiry volume, and they week out the sellers actually only settling for "top dollar." Edited September 1, 2015 by 39BuickEight (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) I'm sure "Paying Top Dollar" is just a sloganwhich dealers use--cars dealers, gold buyers,or anyone else. I think in most cases it hasabsolutely no meaning. I've often noticed those empty words myself.If a dealer really was paying top dollar, he wouldbe the consistent high bidder at every auction! Edited September 1, 2015 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I have sold cars and parts that the offers were much higher than book value.Some I would consider "over the top dollar".I will also sell parts on the cheap side or even give them to someone who can use them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 A dealer, by definition, can't give anyone "top dollar" for a car, because that means he can't get any more money for it than that "top dollar", thus he can't make a profit, thus he can't stay in business. I believe some collectors pay top dollar, when they're looking for a specific car to meet a specific need, or they find a collectable that is just so rare that it has to be bought at "top dollar" to be acquired. Of course, this doesn't take time into account. Today's top dollar may be next year's bargain price......as many of you know, in the 70's and 80's, it was said of Duesenbergs that one couldn't pay too much, but one could pay it too soon, as they were going up monthly in value... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lahti35 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I'm sure "Paying Top Dollar" is just a sloganwhich dealers use--cars dealers, gold buyers,or anyone else. I think in most cases it hasabsolutely no meaning. It means run away and find another buyer... If they have to exclaim they are offering "top dollar" it usually isn't! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pomeroy41144 Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I sold a beautiful 1971 Cadillac Sedan de Ville to a guy who really wanted it. His offer was more than I was going to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlCapone Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 I also sold a car for more than I was asking and I considered it top dollar. Three months later the estate sold it for 20% more than I sold it for. Go figure, eh ! Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auburnseeker Posted September 1, 2015 Author Share Posted September 1, 2015 Thanks for the responses. I know we have all probably sold something for what we thought was top dollar at some point. I do ebay so there is no doubt I got top dollar on some stuff I have sold. I've probably paid it more than once especially when buying a part to finish something off as well. I was really wondering whether you got top dollar when replying to an ad from a buyer with those words in the ad? I wonder how many serious collectors who really collect not just collect to sell (dealer) but actually buy the stuff just for their collection, actually put that in their ad? I don't think I ever have. I did more recently in a listing to buy NOS parts lots, put how do you know you are getting top dollar (another advertiser puts that in his listings) unless you call me to see what I will pay?It hasn't gotten me any calls but then again the phone rarely rings when I put that kind of ad out their. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted September 1, 2015 Share Posted September 1, 2015 (edited) I have. It's a value added thing.Here is a picture of me making a steak sizzle. My High School business teacher stood in front of the class and wrote "tangible/intangible goods" on the blackboard. A pivotal moment in my life, for sure. Bernie Edited September 1, 2015 by 60FlatTop (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Top dollar happens when you list things for auction rather than Buy it Now on That Auction Site. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 I have gotten full asking price a few times but always run of the mill cars or near clunkers that I priced very low to begin with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick8086 Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 If the car goes to a good home got top dollar will not matter.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Yes, I got top dollar on a very rare one off custom. It was not for sale.........at any price. After several years of the same guy asking, he insisted on a price. I gave him one, which he agreeded was way too much, asked for some consideration, which I gave and he handed me a check. I still miss the car, my favorite I have ever owned. As to top dollar, is twice its value top dollar? You tell me. The current owner and I are still good friends. Sometimes age and position in life are more important than money. I hope to buy the car back when it becomes available again. The money was nice at the time building a new home, I would never do it today. No regrets, but the car was very special to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 To seeker's point on those ads, I agree. They are really saying "when you're ready to sell quickly, give me a call and if I am interested I will make you a wholesale offer". Not that a dealers offer is a bad thing, but let's call it what it is. I am sure SOP for the dealer when the call comes in is to transition the buyer psychology into the mindset of this is the easiest way to get the car on down the road.Seeker, saw your exchange on the signage thread and agree OP thoughts on top dollar reflect the dealer approach. But he may score a sign or two here,who knows. .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Edinmass told me the long version of the sale of his custom a while back, and it was very interesting. Reflects a transaction between serious and passionate collectors and I believe price was secondary there. Very different from the net casting approach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Most replies are from folks not reading the post. They are replying after only reading the title of the thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 "Top dollar" and "wholesale" price are terms that became common after the country boys mixed with the city boys during WWII. You won't find similar terms common in agricultural societies, well, unless the Flim Flam Man comes around in his wagon. But he's an exception. Anyone remember the camera raffles on military paydays: 100 chances to win and no chance costs more than a dollar. I'll pay top buck for a clean Packard 250.Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Hey Bernie just remember the old saying, "be careful when trying to buy that old car from the farmer. He ain't as backwards as you may think, and the whole time he is likely looking to harvest your wallet!" :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 I know I have paid top dollar but I'm not sure I have every sold anything for top dollar. Dave's comment on a dealer being unable to pay top dollar is very true but it seems to be forgotten quite a bit. You sell to a dealer for your convenience with the idea that he needs to make a profit for his inconvenience. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted September 2, 2015 Share Posted September 2, 2015 Yes, with foreign currencies declining,the U. S. dollar is on top again. Most replies are from folks not reading the post. They are replying after only reading the title of the thread. Oooops, that's off topic!(Sorry, 39Buick, I couldn't resist!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 Yep, I like consignment as a nice compromise. You don't take quite the same hit but let someone deal with tire kickers etc. But its a service that comes with a cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now