Online vs. B&M

[Liquid]

In the process of researching a diamond purchase online, a friend of mine who lives in NYC has repeatedly stressed that his dealer in NYC will sell at wholesale plus a small percentage. He seems to think that this will save me a lot of money over buying from WF or GOG. I''m concerned that I will pay less, but get less of a diamond. Does anyone have any insight into how much I am likely to save (or not) by buying from a dealer at a wholesale price vs. online? Are my concerns about being slightly taken advantage of legitimate? Or will the experience save me money buy making me realize that the superideal is not worth the premium? So many questions, thanks in advance for your input...

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome

If you read this thread https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/use-of-the-term-wholesale.30058/ =

you will see what many opinions are as to the definition of the term wholesale. Generally speaking, anyone who sells to the public is a retailer. As to what you might save with this vendor, you would be wise to compare exactly what he is offering you to comparable diamonds online to see which would be the best way to go.

 

[belle]

Date: 10/27/2006 12:02:33 PM
Author: Lorelei
Welcome

If you read this thread https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/use-of-the-term-wholesale.30058/ =

you will see what many opinions are as to the definition of the term wholesale. Generally speaking, anyone who sells to the public is a retailer. As to what you might save with this vendor, you would be wise to compare exactly what he is offering you to comparable diamonds online to see which would be the best way to go.

well said lorelei.

i will highlight the most important part again:

Date: 10/27/2006 12:02:33 PM
Author: Lorelei

compare exactly what he is offering you to comparable diamonds online to see which would be the best way to go.

 

[ScheinerDiamonds]

Hi,
These days the difference in prices between wholesale and internet retail are very slim.
I would not worry about saving a few dollars here or there but more about the overall diamond and most important - the ring design itself. You wear a ring more than a diamond in the end.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Date: 10/27/2006 11:56:43 AM
Author:Liquid
I''m concerned that I will pay less, but get less of a diamond. Does anyone have any insight into how much I am likely to save (or not) by buying from a dealer at a wholesale price vs. online? Are my concerns about being slightly taken advantage of legitimate? Or will the experience save me money buy making me realize that the superideal is not worth the premium? So many questions, thanks in advance for your input...

You must insist on GIA stones so that you can compare apples to apples. Otherwise you probably will get what you pay for.

Also consider the vendor''s return period and if they will take it back "for any reason" like WF and GOG.