The subject of Koi & prices is such an interesting one, and one that can be debated over and tossed around for many pages.
Dick's comment of "Know a good Koi when you see one" is critical here, but also a phrase that can float around like the ether. The irony here is that MANY, MANY, Koi keepers use price as THE indicator of how "good" a Koi is. If it is expensive,... it must be a "good one". I'm reminded of a phone call I got,... it was a lady trying to sell her Koi - she said she had an all white Koi in an aquarium that she wanted to sell,... she also said "I hear Koi are quite valuable", and wanted to know how valuable her 12" all white Koi was, and if I would be interested in buying it from her. We who've been around the hobby for a few weeks or more know the sad comedy of this, but it pushes home the importance of "Know a good Koi when you see one" - if you know a good Koi when you see one, you will also know a good "deal" when you see one. Rely on your trained eye and understanding of Koi, and you will know what is reasonable, and what is inflated, and what is a real bargain. The challenge though is calibrating your "Koi Eye",... the learning curve is like the arch of a rainbow.
Best Wishes,
Brady Brandwood
