ADMIRATION, RESPECT, AND TRUST

During the past couple of months, I have responded to a number of fellow Luger collectors inquiries with regards to reputable, honest, and fair dealers in our field of collecting. I wish at this time to retract my statements with regard to their integrity, and further do not endorse any particular dealer over another in the above areas. Yes I too have been "taken in" by supposed reputation, and yes I guess it is my fault for putting some people on pedestals. They say the higher you put a person in esteem the more disappointed you are when they don't measure up to your ideals. Just a sincere warning to new Luger Collectors, not "sour grapes from spoiled wine" Be extremely carefull who you trust, especially when the risk of loosing both time and money is greater. Money sure does strange things to relationships you thought were solid.


Regards,


Tim

[Dok]

As a forum, we used to promote certain dealers as "endorsed", but like you, we came to the realization, that each buyer/seller relationship and transaction is unique, and even the most trusted relationship can go awry. So now we maintain a posture of "Caveat Emptor" and suggest that while it may have been that our experience that a certain vendor has been explemplary in his dealing, "do do" can and does occur.


It is incumbent on each of us to do our homework, ask the questions, check the details, because at the end of the day, it is still a one to one relationship, and it's YOUR money on the line. Your words of advice Tim, are timely and sage.


Dok (Webmaster)

[Marvin]

Tim & Dok,


Both of you have stated it very well as to buying pistols. I wish I could look at every one I buy before the actual purchase, but with the limited number in my area for sale, I have to rely on the dealers description. Yes, I have had disappointments from the "big" Luger dealers, but they did rectify the problem. My problem, is that I am disapointed and out the extra shipping charges that would have bought a lot of ammo for the pistol.


When I talk with a dealer/seller, I take the condition they describe and lower that by several percent points, evaluate the price from my lowered expectations and see if they match. I have had the best results buying this way and then I am not too disappoined when it arrives. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised and the pistol is as described or better.


This problem is difficult for new collectors and can sour them very quickly on this great hobby. Then again, I have made the mistake of looking at a pistol and then paying more for it than I should. This is when I bring my foot backwards to kick myself in the rear, HA, HA, HA.


Marvin

Great observation Marv,


This problem can come into play if you buy on Layaway.


sometimes when the gun arrives it isn't exactly as described, and most dealers have a no return policy on Layaways. most first time purchasers buy their gun either in person at a show or on Layaway. With prices for 95% condition vs. 99% condition varying several hundred or thousand dollars it's a big gamble.


Tim