The majority of Canadian distributors in the firearms industry use what is called Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP) for their products. In order for retailers to carry that line of goods, they must agree to retail those products no lower than the MAP. This includes all products in that line, whether new or old stock.
The same holds true with gasoline prices. When oil prices rise, so too do prices at the pump, regardless of whether the gasoline being sold was already in the ground tanks or not.
With regard to the fluctuation of prices when the Canadian Dollar is stronger, this is also reflected in the MAP pricing when available. Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, for example, weer $699.00, but were reduced to $650.00 when the Dollar rose to near-par with the US greenback. But as the Canadian Dollar falters, and as import costs, duties and taxes increase accordingly, distributors cannot be expected to absorb those fees, and must pass those costs on to the end consumer if they are to continue to carry those products for distribution. Unfortunately, this means that the end retail price must increase, which brings the vicious circle full-cycle back to the consumer's wallet.
Believe me when I tell you that we here at Epps are not pleased with any pricing increases we are forced to apply to our inventory. We, like yourselves, are gun owners and gun buyers, and we, too, loathe the days when we are forced to hand out more money for a product that was less expensive only 24 hours ago.
Please keep in mind, however, that Ellwood Epps does maintain a price-matching policy. If a competing retailer does carry the exact same model IN STOCK at a lower price, we will match that price upon confirmation with that retailer.
In the mean time, let's hope the Canadian Dollar regains some of its strength, and our distributors' prices begin to come down once more.