It looks like the end of deals (below dealer price) for silver/gold coins on ebay.
Over a year ago, you could stack the discounts:
8% - Bing (ended July 30, 2010) (was up to 35% in late 2009)
3% - Mr Rebates (suspended as of June 16, 2011) side note: ebay created its "Bullion Center" on the 15th.
2% - ebay bucks (paid quarterly)
1.5% - American Express (paid annually)
---
14.5%
If mr rebates and/or the other affiliate programs do not resume in 3 months (decided by ebay), then you only have 3.5% off from ebay bucks and amex.
Today with silver near $36….
Gainesville coins sells a roll of silver eagles for $807 + 18 shipping = $825 – 1.5% from amex = $813
The cheapest price on ebay is for a roll is $849 shipped. 849 – 2% ebay bucks – 1.5% amex = $820
So, for the first time that I can recall in the past 1.5 years, the dealer is cheaper than ebay!
Why? Look at the ebay fees calculator. The person who is selling the roll of eagles for $849 is only getting back $769.64 after the ebay and paypal fees!
I did not find any other non-dealer sites for deals. This should drive sales to dealers like Gainesville coins as what is the point in buying on ebay unless you want to play a premium for specific years coin.
Bottom line. I think this is the end of an era for deals on silver/gold coins on ebay as the seller fees are increasing while the buyer discounts are decreasing. It was great while it lasted in that I was getting "paid (in USD)" to exchange my USD for silver/gold.
