Is Price Haggling Gone from Gun Buying

Keep in mind too that just because someone is cheeper does not mean that anyone higher is a rip off artist. Case in point, last year there was a supplier who was dumping some TC rifles for $450.00 each. We were able to get in on the promotion and had these rifles retailing for $599.95 with free shipping. Several dealers had purchased these rifles earlier in the year at a price of $570-$620. These dealers were retailing the rifles for between $699-$749.

I cannot count the calls we got from people who were angry because they got "ripped off" by these other dealers. The truth is they were not ripped off, and these other dealers were making less of a profit then we were. It just happened that a huge price drop came later on in the year. While there are crooks in every field people need to remember that not everyone is out to get them.
 
Frontier Firearms said:
Keep in mind too that just because someone is cheeper does not mean that anyone higher is a rip off artist. Case in point, last year there was a supplier who was dumping some TC rifles for $450.00 each. We were able to get in on the promotion and had these rifles retailing for $599.95 with free shipping. Several dealers had purchased these rifles earlier in the year at a price of $570-$620. These dealers were retailing the rifles for between $699-$749.

I cannot count the calls we got from people who were angry because they got "ripped off" by these other dealers. The truth is they were not ripped off, and these other dealers were making less of a profit then we were. It just happened that a huge price drop came later on in the year. While there are crooks in every field people need to remember that not everyone is out to get them.
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I guess this is how you explain your selling price on the Bond Arms Snake Slayer?

Regardless of what you pay for the product the market value comes down when others are offering the same product for far less. You might have got a bad deal on your pricing and in turn pass in those costs to the customer.

I understand it is not your intention to rip people off and you dont want to lose money selling the product for less than cost.

It is at first glance however a huge ripoff to your customers.
 
3macs1 said:
Good suggestion but I am not sure on the 10% for used trade ins. I watched one of my $550.00 trade in's relist for 850 two days later and sell the same day. Talk about kick my ass for trading so cheep.
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Perhaps you should have stuck it in the EE for 950$?:D
 
I find that the bigger stores have a no haggle policy usually, but with a smaller shop that would have less than 10 employees they will usually be flexible.

The way I usually haggle is, I find the gun shop that lists the cheapest price for that particular gun, then I will go to my local gun shop and ask them if they will match their price. I like to buy local to give them my business, but also because it usually saves me a drive. However, if I have to drive 1-2 hours to save myself $200 then its worth it.

My last Brand new rifle I bought was a Tikka T3 Stainless, that Ellwood Epps was selling on sale, and the price of the gun was over $200 cheaper then my local shop that is only 10 minutes away. My local shop could only lower their price a bit, and still was almost a $200 difference.

I ended up driving 2 hours away to Epps to get my new Tikka rifle for the best price I could find anywere. Its worth the drive also because its kind of a cool store. Heck, once I got to Epps, they even sweetened the deal even more by throwing in a nice base and rings.

About 2 months ago, I ended up buying a nice used Ruger 10/22 from my local gun shop because they ended up budging on their asking price by $75 because they knew that I don't bluff and if I did'nt get it for what I wanted then I would go elsewhere.

I guess most shops do try to get the most money that they can, but if they know that they are going to lose business, then they will budge.

Its nice to make $200-$300 profit per gun, but $100 profit is better than no profit, and then the word gets out that they have the best price and before they know it, they are making more profit because of the volume of sales that they are generating because of their lower prices.
 
Steyr101 said:
^^^ What he said.

Having sold guns for many years, I can honestly say that I had no desire to give a "new" customer a deal on a firearms simply because he started spouting off about better prices at dealer X and store Y half way across the country. But, when loyal customers returned, who had bought many things before (and who also came in the store just to say hi on occasion) I would make sick deals that were the lowest prices in the country. Sometimes we would barely be making $20, but it was our way to say thank you for staying loyal and supporting the local store.

.
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That's the difference between businesses 40 years ago and today. In the past the business earned your support, now it's the other way around. No wonder people shop around for the best price.
 
Having sold guns for many years, I can honestly say that I had no desire to give a "new" customer a deal on a firearms simply because he started spouting off about better prices at dealer X and store Y half way across the country. But, when loyal customers returned, who had bought many things before (and who also came in the store just to say hi on occasion) I would make sick deals that were the lowest prices in the country. Sometimes we would barely be making $20, but it was our way to say thank you for staying loyal and supporting the local store.

Also, I can't remember how many times someone complained about our prices that were (on occasion) $40-$50 higher than elsewhere... and then come in with their new gun and scope (purchased online) and expect us to help them mount and sight it it. No thanks... call your online dealer and get him to help you with that from 2000kms away.
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Charging different amounts for the same gun to different people is not a way to gain new customers! Also turning away the easiest money you can make (mounting a scope) is bad bussiness and doing it out of spite is only hurting you. If your mark up on guns is only 60 bucks and you can get 60 to mount/bore sight a scope it is a no brainer to be in the scope mounting bussiness! Let buddy save the 40 bucks and then take it from him in 10 m ins with no need to invest beyond a vice, arbour and tourque wrench. In my limited gun shop experience scope mounting and accessory installation is where the easy cash is.
IMHO dealers are much more emotional about thier prices then are the customers.
 
I don't haggle for anything. I let them know in advance that I don't. I ask for the best price they will sell for, and if it's what I'm willing to pay, I do. If not I walk, no second chances. If they come back with a second offer I still walk as I asked for the BEST they could do the first time! I'm honest in my approach, and expect them to be the same.
First off I research everywhere within a range that I would be willing to travel, or get it shipped from. This tells me how much I should spend at the most.
 
I tried to haggle a little recently - very mild haggling - by asking if they are offering a discount or sale price a particular rifle. "We had our sale already 3 weeks ago" (which I knew because I was in during the sale) was the answer. OK, so you would have sold me the same rifle - along with any of a bunch of other ones - for a "sale" price 3 weeks ago, but not today? And I doubt it was a factory rebate as most brands were on sale.


Speaking of new vs used prices, I have seen some new prices at almost unbelievable discounts lately. I don't know how the dealer is making even a dime on, for example: Winchester FWT $495; Vanguard ROTY $395; Browning Micro $599; Ruger Alaskan $750; CZ Scout 22LR $379 etc

Some of them must be old stock, but still, the merchant has to make some $ to pay the bills and feed his family.
 
wolfen1960 said:
I don't haggle for anything. I let them know in advance that I don't. I ask for the best price they will sell for, and if it's what I'm willing to pay, I do. If not I walk, no second chances. If they come back with a second offer I still walk as I asked for the BEST they could do the first time! I'm honest in my approach, and expect them to be the same.
First off I research everywhere within a range that I would be willing to travel, or get it shipped from. This tells me how much I should spend at the most.
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Pay 15% tax like we have to on everthing you buy and I can assure you within 6 months you will be a professional haggler.
My grandparents owned an antique shop where I worked many hours in the 60's and 70's so I got to see some of the best of the best in action. But agree it is not for everyone to me it is a given
Yes and on the new gun discounts you can add stevens 200 for $249 in the jan access paper.That is the lowest I have seen those go.
 
I guess this is how you explain your selling price on the Bond Arms Snake Slayer?
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Im not sure what you are getting at. We buy from those who have the stock, put a margin on it and sell it. They turn over every month and we order more. PM me when you start importing these so you can offer me a lower price.
 
3mac...I don't think so. I pay what I have found to be fair market value. I research first, and find what the "normal" selling price is. When I find one at or below this price I will buy it.
I just did the same with my last house. Checked within a 30 mile radius (the most I will travel for work) and got a very good idea of what is selling for what. Looked at one, made an offer, letting the agent know that this is as good as it gets, and booked a show of two more for the following day in case the sellers wouldn't take my price. My offer was 18% below the asking price, and was just under the selling price of similar homes for the past 6 months.
My offer was accepted and we moved 3 weeks later. It helps of course when it's a cash offer with no provided clauses.
As far as I'm concerned it's a buyers market, and has been for a few years. Set your purchase price, and walk if it's not met.
Note: keep the wife out of the deal, they buy with their hearts, for any price (mine used to, now she lets me do the buys).
 
We all have to remember the Walmart effect that can occur. Just like other retailing if the local shop cannot make a living then they will all vanish and only the big boys are left. Then only one or two big boys are left and after that look out. You are at their mercy in regards to prices. ( Just look at gas prices in Canada as an example of this )


An effort must be made to support out local gun shops in any way we can. Granted there are those who try to gouge and I like saving money as much as the next fellow but if the difference is only a few bucks then buy local.

However, if that new rifle is $200 cheaper the local guy has to rethink his pricing. As was clearly stated above the buying public is far more informed than they were in years past. Probably the best thing a small shop can do is to get online. In my home town we have two shops. One is online ( here on CGN) and another is doing things the same old way with the same old pricing.

Hmmmm I wonder which shop is doing better:confused: BTW we sure could use a good archery pro shop with competitive prices here in PA. ( Wink Wink nudge nudge)
 
Most dealers sell the guns for the same price.. the place its comeing form charge the same amount.. going lower means you lose money or undercut someone else unless its something they want to get ride of good luck because some people come in ask for a 1,200 gun say O I saw it at such and such place for 800 and it turns out to be something completly diffrent and the cost on that 1000 gun was around 900... You dont make money on guns you make money on everything that needs to go with them..
 
wolfen1960 said:
3mac...I don't think so. I pay what I have found to be fair market value. I research first, and find what the "normal" selling price is. When I find one at or below this price I will buy it.
I just did the same with my last house. Checked within a 30 mile radius (the most I will travel for work) and got a very good idea of what is selling for what. Looked at one, made an offer, letting the agent know that this is as good as it gets, and booked a show of two more for the following day in case the sellers wouldn't take my price. My offer was 18% below the asking price, and was just under the selling price of similar homes for the past 6 months.
My offer was accepted and we moved 3 weeks later. It helps of course when it's a cash offer with no provided clauses.
As far as I'm concerned it's a buyers market, and has been for a few years. Set your purchase price, and walk if it's not met.
Note: keep the wife out of the deal, they buy with their hearts, for any price (mine used to, now she lets me do the buys).
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Not my intention to upset you. Hey if it works for you great. I just like to haggle but know when to walk also. That being said having worked and lived in both alberta and nova scotia other than the cost of your homes being higher than ours we get raped on the cost of everything else then add 15% to the rape.
 
Frontier Firearms said:
Im not sure what you are getting at. We buy from those who have the stock, put a margin on it and sell it. They turn over every month and we order more. PM me when you start importing these so you can offer me a lower price.
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Didn't want to have to do this but if you want to make smart ass remarks than here you go.

I can already offer you a better price than what you are paying, or at least I hope so, or you would indeed be gouging your customers.

Kodiak Outpost - $589

Arms East - $629

Frontier Firearms - $769

Even if you bought them retail from Kodiak Outpost your price is a $180 markup!

That is what I'm getting at!
 
Side-line..

More and, more car dealerships slap the 'ol "No dicker sticker" on! N'er bought a "new car" n'er bought a "new rifle". That said, I do need and, have a car. Single dad in ways out of a small town!

Just listed 2 .22's in the EE and, stated quite clearly, "Negotialble". Also on a bump suggested "open to offers". They are now SPF. The was wriggle room and, if it was broke down as a percentage, it was a big f'n wiggle. I ws asked what "the lowest" I could go was. I told the guy (very nice to deal with by the way) what the lowest was..extra push tried and, denied. I had gone as low as I could. It seems to have worked out. Listed some ammo for a neighbour and, listed his prices...they sold VERY quick...shoulda jacked the price up.

Seen both sides...if you know what you wanna pay, and they know what they want for it...no prob. I would have been happier getting the asking price but, "old school" private transactions should have a bit of back n' forth. I respect someone more for trying to go lower and, (I hope) am respected for dropping down.

There does seem to be a lot of "it's worth more now than over the counter 'cause I owned it" but, no one HAS to buy...
 
You guys that "haggle", do you do it in Marks Work Warehouse, TSE, Walmart, Sports Check etc?

You realize that on clothes and shoes in these places they are making 100% - 400% mark up, compared to firearms etc. which would be lucky to get over 25% gross markup.
 
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