Buying from a drop shipper, is that wise?

[abefroman]

Buying from a drop shipper that gets their inventory from an array of local dealers, is that wise? (Provided the numbers, angles, and certificate look good).

Or am I likely to get a diamond that the local dealer is likely trying to pawn off because he is having trouble selling it in his store.

TIA

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/7/2009 11:01:24 AM
Author:abefroman
Buying from a drop shipper that gets their inventory from an array of local dealers, is that wise? (Provided the numbers, angles, and certificate look good).

Or am I likely to get a diamond that the local dealer is likely trying to pawn off because he is having trouble selling it in his store.

TIA

It depends, personally I prefer not to, but if you know what you are looking for and the diamond in question has very '' safe'' proportions then you can consider it. However very often the trouble with drop shippers is they don''t provide images. What might be best is if there is a particular diamond you like, many of the vendors with in house diamonds can call any virtual stone in and evaluate it for you.

 

[denverappraiser]

Dropshipping is an efficient distribution method and that tends to lead to attractive prices. There’s nothing wrong with it but you need to go into it understanding that there are certain risks that go up this way. Get it appraised by your own chosen expert while you’re still within the return period. Don’t buy from a dropshipper who won’t take returns or who will put restrictions on what constitutes an acceptable complaint for a return beyond some reasonable amount of time to make your decision. For that matter, I don’t recommend buying ANY dealer who won’t agree to this, including local stores.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Todd Gray]

Date: 7/7/2009 11:01:24 AM
Author:abefroman
Buying from a drop shipper that gets their inventory from an array of local dealers, is that wise?

If the drop shipper "gets their inventory from an array of local dealers" then what is preventing them from providing you with a detailed analysis of the diamond?