I agree with you on the thought of be "be kind,.... friendly.make a fair offer". I am lucky from the buying side I have not had a bad experience yet..Knock on wood. My only problem comes with asking prices which are beyond high. It is like a dealer is fishing for an offer. I may be interested but, I won't even make an offer. I am not good at barganing. I learned this in the orient many years ago. I don't think I am alone when I find high asking prices an insult to an average persons intelligence. Then again there are enough honorable dealers around to keep my safe full, so it is not all bad.
Best,
Ron