How much should I pay…… Dealer vs. Public?

Should there be a difference in the buy price between buying from a dealer or buying from the public ? In my way of thinking, an item bought at the price I am willing to pay is basically the “right price” regardless of where it comes from……..right ?

Example:
A dealer comes into my office and offers to sell me a diamond. This is the weight, color, clarity and make I can always use. GIA certified. I end up buying this stone for $ 4000

The next day on a recommendation, a friend of a friend (the public) comes in to sell me the EXACT, EXACT, EXACT same type of stone as I bought the day before for $ 4000.

What is the most I should pay for THIS stone ?

For the sake of our discussion, let’s assume the following:
I am a consistent buyer of this particular type of stone and can never have too many in stock.
The stone is not stolen.
The “hold” period of between 10 to 30 days is not a problem.
My running out of money is not an issue.

Many dealers I know are of the opinion that they will not pay the public as much as they would pay a dealer for the same item. Their view is that when buying from the public, they must either “steal it” or get a great, great deal or they just won’t buy it.

Shouldn’t the item and its price stand alone no matter where it comes from? Because at the end of the day, when the dealer or the private leaves your office, you are ultimately left with the item at a price. Nothing more, nothing less.

Please let me know your thoughts on this. Click on the comments button. I would be very interested to hear what others think.

Stan