Same diamond - 4 vendors and 4 prices

[zz00ter]

Here is a diamond - probably virtual inventory somewhere

$600 spread in price.
If they are all doing the same thing - shipping from whoever holds inventory
then why spend money at the more expensive places?

US Certed - $5,207

Solomon Brothers - $5,217

Engagement Rings Direct - $5,456

Whiteflash - $5,802

Whiteflash probably has to spend a lot more on a marketing budget

 

[distracts]

Often the more expensive places will provide you with more services.

 

[04diamond<3]

But the most expensive one didn't provide any information just all the others. I'm a FIRM believer of not over paying for something, so I'd go with the least expensive option.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Here is a diamond - probably virtual inventory somewhere

$600 spread in price.
If they are all doing the same thing - shipping from whoever holds inventory
then why spend money at the more expensive places?

US Certed - $5,207

Solomon Brothers - $5,217

Engagement Rings Direct - $5,456

Whiteflash - $5,802

Whiteflash probably has to spend a lot more on a marketing budget

There can be a lot of variables in services, information made available, call in services, expertise etc.
Trade up's trade backs, warranties etc etc.
A can of coke can also cost more in different places.

 

[Gypsy]

Places that provide images, IS and other evaluation tools, have gemologists on staff to inspect the gems and talk to you, and have upgrade and buy back policies will charge more. It also depends on the business type. Drop shippers have very little overhead per stone and can undercut others.
ERD has a physical store. I would be surprised if they didn't negotiate with you. Personally if it were me, I'd call them, mention the two lower prices and ask if they would call the stone in, get you an IS and still be willing to sell it to you for 5,350 (which is a discount off their price, but higher than the price of the drop shippers).
Also he would likely be more willing to negotiate pricing with you if you buy the setting from him as well. So I would mention that too.

ERD also will upgrade and buy back, so ask about that.

 

[cm366]

Ever priced the same car at two different dealerships? One will charge more for their service package, have better availability or more customer service reps available, maybe offer test drives or free floor mats. They're a little more polished, a little more sales focused, and a little more expensive. No question, you can get any stone from Whiteflash's Virtual Selection cheaper by going to someone who's willing to shave an extra percentage point or two off their margin, but you don't get the services they offer in exchange.

(Incidentally, the wire price for Whiteflash is $5628, and I think they still do a "PS price" where they'd take another $200 or so off the top.)

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would ask erd to price match.

 

[VRBeauty]

Make yourself a spreadsheet (or just a simple table). On the vertical access, put any variable that are important to you. These might include - ASETs, inspection period, buy-back policy, trade-up policy, PS discount, in-house visual examination by a certified gemnologist. If you're planning to have the stone set in something other than a custom setting, include setting selection, since in most cases it will be simpler and less expensive to have it set where you purchase it. Chances are, your table will explain some of the price difference. It will also help you see easily how the dealers stack up in terms of the services that you want and need.