SW Ontario Gun shops - recommend

[7.62mm]

I will still stick with the little guy! Once you build a rep with a certain gun store, they will treat you right!

I Agree. Bass Pro Sucks Dead Donkey Nads. Lots of great "little" shops around, that when you poke your face into, you can have a conversation, and shoot the sh&t with, instead of dealing with a snot nosed kid, that could care less that you were there.

7.62mm

 

[ryanloco]

Eltorro,

I think the mark-up on rifles is HUGE !!! I know that places like BP benefit from increased purchasing power, but I believe even at BP sales prices they are still making a good profit. I know for a fact (as I am looking at last years sales flyer from that specific store right now) that a rifle they were selling for $619 on friday, and were unwilling to move to BP sales price of $578, was selling last year at the open house for $519 (and at that price I still think they are making money). I've seen pricing on their used equipment as well and I believe their prices are again way out to lunch!!

Would I ask a corner store to match the price of "Tide" to that of Walmart. No, but I would haggle with a local used car salesman on the price of a car, and I would/do haggle all the time with the two local Audio/Hi-fi places on speaker and components prices - as I think that is a better analogy based on the cost structure. We're not talking about commodity items here.

My main point is that - the majority of this stores profit % most likely comes from everything else they sell and not the rifles. And to pass up a chance to load me up with all the other goodies, after matching BP's sale price, is just poor business sense!!!! Jason - I think you would sell one thing at slightly less profit if you knew you'd make up for it and then some with all the accessories and ammunition.

As for the comment about sales advise... I think you'll equally find your fair share of know-it-alls and idiots whether it be on CGN, BassPro, or the small local store filled with all retired fellows. I wouldn't/don't buy anything on impulse based on anything someone tells me across a sales counter tells me unless I've done some of my own research.

 

[BIGREDD]

Wow...it is very clear that you know absolutely nothing about firearms retail and small business! I know most of the independent gunstores in Ontario and most treat their customers fairly and with respect.
After reading your posts I would not feel good about sending you into any of them.
Stick to Bass Pro or LeBarons.... in my opinion you deserve each other!

 

[ryanloco]

BR,

Please enlighten me with your experience and knowledge then, as I am always looking to expand my horizons....

Which point/s do you take issue with? Perhaps I can clarify?

 

[BIGREDD]

Well for starters you state that the markup on rifles is huge. Not true... the gross on new firearms averages far less than 100 bucks. The store has to carry the cost and interest... pay the retired guy behind the counter.. pay the rent... and try to compete with the big box stores who buy the same firearm in a hundred lot for less!
You seem to think that they make a ton of money selling other things... like what? Ammo... most hunters buy one box a year... so by your logic they should take a loss on a firearm of what... 50 bucks?... to make two bucks on a box of ammo? How about boots and clothing... I got news for ya... gunstores cannot compete with Wal-Mart and Canadian tire... ain't no money there Sherlock!
Accessories?... tree stands?... gadgets?... at 7% markup I can tell you first hand nobody is gonna stay in business just trying to make money at 7 points.
Another thing, you can't compare prices from one year to the next, even an idiot who failed economics knows that! Ammo cost has gone dramatically just in the last two months.
You seem to think that everybody that works in a Gunstore is either an idiot or a retired fellow... well in most cases that retired fellow is working there because he knows a lot about something you don't... and I'm not telling you what it is.

 

[JasonYuke]

Ryanloco; I understand what your point is, however the and I should not even get into this but the profit off a fire arms sale is alot less than you would expect. Do I have exact numbers no, but the profit off a used gun is between 100-150 dollars, and the profit off a new gun would be less than 25% by far I bet closer to 20%, in business thats low!
Concidering Staff, Rental, Insurance ect...... all over head. Sure there are Items that Gun Stores make 40 maybe 50% on but i accept that.

And further and formost its not rockett science to figure out the MSRP, go to the savage, Rem, Win, what ever web site, look the suggested retail price, figure it out, plus shipping plus stocking there not making no 50%.

I agree a deal is a deal if its on sale at BP or cabelas take advantage of it, but do not expect them to match the sale price, BP got Thousands in stock NA wide they want to dump it quick, so they can cash flow, for the last quarter!!!

This is how it is take it or leave it. But i do see where your coming from, This is only my point view.
We got to stick up for the little guy, I buy between 6-10 firearms a year, and I depend on the little guy to get me unique stuff, or odd ball stuff, Idepend on the little guy to understand the type of guy I am one that calls me at home or work to see if I am intrested in a purchase before he puts it on the shelf.

No ones coming down on anyone here, moneys hard to get hard to save, spend it where you want to, just dont expect the little guy to make you happy by lowering his price?

 

[Win/64]

Wow...it is very clear that you know absolutely nothing about firearms retail and small business! I know most of the independent gunstores in Ontario and most treat their customers fairly and with respect.
After reading your posts I would not feel good about sending you into any of them.
Stick to Bass Pro or LeBarons.... in my opinion you deserve each other!

As far as treating their customers with respect. You don't get out much do you.

 

[MauserMike]

Santarossa Shooting Sports in Rodney is a small shop I have come to like. Pricing is pretty decent too on the used gear, and Bill was willing to deal with me on a nice trap gun. Not a huge selection mind you, but he can get any new stuff in that you want.

BTW, used gear is where you can do the most haggling at any gun shop. Stuff they buy and trade, they probably pay less than half the asking price. Stuff on consignment often sits around for a long time and can be snatched up with a lowball offer.

I visited Bass Pro in Toronto for the first time last year. Personally, I thought everything was overpriced, the counter service stunk, and I have not been back. Its a far cry from Cabela's in Dundee MI.

 

[sunray]

"...I think the mark-up on rifles is HUGE..." Nope. 10 to 20% over cost at most. Gun shops have to pay for everything they sell. There's no paying the distributor until whatever is sold. New shops pay COD. Shops with a credit history might get 30 to 90 days, but pay they must.
No small shop can compete with the likes of Bass Pro, LeBarons or any other chain. Neither Bass Pro nor LeBarons have a good reputation for service or having stock. No smithy available either. A small shop can usually have whatever you're looking for within a week or less, if their distributor has it.
Cabelas isn't exactly cheap. The store is kind of awe inspiring though. Certainly worth the drive. I missed Gander Mountain on my last road trip. Up the highway from Detroit.

 

[eltorro]

Been to Eurica rd (Gander Mtn), Dundee and BP on I 75.... But where did I get most of the information of? The local gun store.
Is it ok to go there and bug the guy behind the counter for half an hour at a time and then mail-order it from BP because you end up 30$ cheaper? The death of small business starts with you and I.

We don't like the selection of firearms they have on the rack?
We wish they had sniper gear and high precision rifles? Some really expensive shotguns that nobody has?

Sure we do. And what happens if a small shop brings somehing like that in?
Nothing. They sit there..... and sit.... and sit some more. Are they expensive? Well, after being there for two years, the guy is losing money no matter what, nevermind the customer that wants to dicker on a price because he feels obligated to. They never bargain in BP or Cabelas, but somehow they feel like they missed something out if they pay the asking price in a small shop.

I recommend you to drive to Leamington and see exactly what I'm talking about. See that sniper rifle and ask me how long it's been there..... and then go to BP and ask for a Mauser 98....see what they tell you.

At the end of the day you pays your money and makes your choices, like the rest of us. I'm not accusing you of anything, more less of the fact that you don't know that many shops make 50$ on a rifle they spend three hours just to sell it to you.... I'm just trying to encourage you to support your local business. Maybe someday you'll be old and don't feel like driving to Toronto (and pay 50$ on gas) just to buy a 4$ sping that could have cost you 6$ at -now closed - local shop.

 

[John Marshall]

What exact model did you intend to purchase and at what price?

 

[undertaker]

Gun shops in SW ontario------

Wortner Gun Works-Chatham
GK Archery- wallaceburg
Leamington Gunsmithing- Leamington
Santarossa Shooting Sports- Rodney
General Gun- Windsor
Gobles- London

 

[MauserMike]

I recommend you to drive to Leamington and see exactly what I'm talking about. See that sniper rifle and ask me how long it's been there..... and then go to BP and ask for a Mauser 98....see what they tell you.

I was out there the other day. The fact that every item I was interested in seems to be about 50% over market price may have a lot to do with it.

 

[DarrylDB]

Do all of your own research, and stick to bass pro shops... sounds like the local shops can do without your business.

I'll stick to going to stores with the likes of Accuracy plus, and Williams arms and Epps and such. The places I can get a rifle for 800.00 less than bassproshop sells new on occasion. (an occasion that doesnt happen at basspro)
And dont have some snotnose kid, or greaseball behind the counter Imposing their opinion, (or lack therof) on me. Go have the guy in the ammosales area tell you there is no such thing as a remington Ultramag, and hand you a box of SAUM ammo for your rifle. Or, have the guy behind the counter tell you that the rifle you own doesnt come in the caliber you own, and furthermore, tell you that the 260 rem doesnt exist... try ordering a set of rings that basspro is out of stock on... see how much they value your business with a "too bad, check with us nextyear" When your local shop will usually have it to you in a few days.
Or, This IMR4350 is the same as the H4350 your looking for...
Or, you can shoot hevishot out of that undertaker turkey choke. (I had to correct that one... .655 is good for hevishot right?)
I can go on and on.
If you think you get better pricing at bass pro, by all means, have at it. In most cases, its no better, and the selection stinks.
Or, do a bit of research, develop a relationship at your local store. (I have about a half dozen that know me by name when I walk in the door)
And the price on the rack wont necessarily be the price you pay.
Earn what you ask for... Respect. Give it, and it comes back... that is the beauty of small business, and networking.
If I have someone walk through the door dickering on every price, and "match this, or match that, so and so has it at this price" I couldnt get them out of my store fast enough, and the headache dealing with you wouldnt be worth the lousy 50 bucks they make of a complete package.

I have walked away form more deals over that type of BS... the best part is, there is allways someone waiting in the wing to do the deal with, with no headache. If I've sold you a bunch of things, and you've actually spent money in my store vs slandering it online before you spent a cent, you might get better service/prices. That one or two Items above what you would pay at BP, would definately save you a bunch in the long run.

Bass pro's supposed purchase power doesnt do you anygood in Canada.
Support your local retailers, and you'll see purchase power.
I can get nearly anything you can get a Bass pro on sale cheaper from retailers in southern ont...
Why? PAY them the respect they deserve, and they do the same to you...

 

[blargon]

I went to BP when it opened, and I won't go back. My local shop had the same guns for $100 less. And when I asked where their target shotshells were the guy says "We're an outdoors store, not a shooting store." And I said, "See 'ya"

 

[tracker]

I like to save money same as the next guy, but sometimes dealing with a smaller higher priced shop will save you a lot in the long run. I bought a new shotgun at a small shop for a little more than at a BP. When I required warranty work they offered me a loaner for my trip north. They replaced the first gun with a new gun after warranty work did not correct the problem and even worked out a full refund towards a higher priced new gun. I made about 8 trips back and forth until it was corrected, talk about spending gas money if I had the problem with BP gun. As for staff you will find that type of service in most retail shops.

 

[eltorro]

I was out there the other day. The fact that every item I was interested in seems to be about 50% over market price may have a lot to do with it.

Not quite everything....
I had some good deals from Manfred and even though I couldn't buy the expensive stuff he had in, I got some very, very good prices on others.

The only thing I didn't like is that it takes about 2-3 months for the walnut to go back to the original scent (you know what I mean) But as far as selection goes.... nobody used to stock a larger variety.

 

[In the pipe]

I work in purchasing so Ive seen the catalog price vs the price my company pays as a large consumer for retail items. It's borderline shocking (no it's shocking) the markup that goes into retail. I would say a minimum of 50% on the clothing because its bascally the same price as what crappy tire and the rest of the gang are selling it for. There is no way these guys are making 5-7% on their sales they'd go out of business. The only companies that can make those profits are the ones that mass produce stuff and you make the big dollars through volume. These guys dont have volume. There should be some room to negotiate. This is a luxury item same as a car or a hi-fi stereo; maybe there isnt as much room but there is some. Maybe it's not 50% on the rifles/shotguns but theres no way its 5% either.

My 2 cents.

 

[BIGREDD]

I work in purchasing so Ive seen the catalog price vs the price my company pays as a large consumer for retail items. It's borderline shocking (no it's shocking) the markup that goes into retail. I would say a minimum of 50% on the clothing because its bascally the same price as what crappy tire and the rest of the gang are selling it for. There is no way these guys are making 5-7% on their sales they'd go out of business. The only companies that can make those profits are the ones that mass produce stuff and you make the big dollars through volume. These guys dont have volume. There should be some room to negotiate. This is a luxury item same as a car or a hi-fi stereo; maybe there isnt as much room but there is some. Maybe it's not 50% on the rifles/shotguns but theres no way its 5% either.

My 2 cents.

What a Crock... gunstores are not used car lots... and they don't mark anything up 40%.

I suggest to you that trying to haggle prices like your buying a used car in a reputable gunstore will get you the bums rush!

Deducting the mark-up your 2cents is worth about 1.78 cents... maybe less....

 

[DarrylDB]

I work in purchasing so Ive seen the catalog price vs the price my company pays as a large consumer for retail items. It's borderline shocking (no it's shocking) the markup that goes into retail. I would say a minimum of 50% on the clothing because its bascally the same price as what crappy tire and the rest of the gang are selling it for. There is no way these guys are making 5-7% on their sales they'd go out of business. The only companies that can make those profits are the ones that mass produce stuff and you make the big dollars through volume. These guys dont have volume. There should be some room to negotiate. This is a luxury item same as a car or a hi-fi stereo; maybe there isnt as much room but there is some. Maybe it's not 50% on the rifles/shotguns but theres no way its 5% either.

My 2 cents.

Being that you are in purchasing, you should know that different products, business lines, and units have different markups based on product volume, market penatration, area demographic etc. Even crappy tire's prices change from market to market.
Being that you are in purchasing, how much money does your store make on Milk? Eggs? Butter? three Items that most grocery stores take a hit on just to get people into their stores.
Different products have different margins... and if you were ACTUALLY in purchasing, you'd likely have known that upfront...

Speaking of crappy tire, do you think the margin on a Dewalt 18 V drill is the same as a 190 pc mastercraft tool kit? Whats funny, is they are both $219.99 but the drill never goes on sale for $69.99 like the tools do (maybe $189.99)
I wonder why if all profit margins are the same on all products in the store