I have missed on many a good deal because I wasn't there at the right time.
The old adage holds true, the early bird gets the worm.
I don't think that it makes a difference who got them.
As far as business goes, this hobby is no different than any other. it IS A BUSINESS with a few collectors thrown in for good measure.

Think, how often do you see chips sold here without some form of a profit in mind.

If someone beat me to a deal, it wouldn't make any difference who got them if I didn't.

Most chips that are resold are done so for profit. It's a bit unfair to single out one person because they happen to run a business.