Pricing on used shotguns?

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s2photo

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So lately I've been trying to purchase some guns on the EE. I'm finding that what I'm comfortable paying for a used gun isn't what people want for their used guns.

I'm not complaining about the pricing, but I'd assume that people ask a little high expecting people to offer a little less.

Now, I don't think that I'm lowballing people, but generally my offers are rejected. I try to do as much research on the guns, and then make an offer based on the information I have.
Unfortunately, other than this site everything I can find is American. I get that they are different markets, but with the dollar at parity and new firearms being very similarly priced north and south of the border should the pricing on used be much different either?

A Citori 725 Sporting here is only 6% more expensive than its american counterpart (I'm assuming thats from import costs). However from what I can tell used prices (asking) are about 30% higher on CGN than on say on guns america, or guns international.


What are your thoughts on the Values of citori's found here (its from Gun Digest's Book of Modern Firearm Values)

Are these reasonable values/estimations of worth? Or are they only good in America? I get that theres more supply in the states, but theres also more demand.
Just questions, interested in your responses.
 
Book values are only guidelines. In reality, a gun is worth whatever someone is willing to pay. If a seller can hold out for his asking price, and sooner or later someone comes along and pays it, then the market value has been set. On the same token, a lot of over priced guns don't sell. Speaking on double guns of decent quality, usually the used prices are higher in the US. You mentioned that your offers are most often rejected. What percentage below the seller's asking prices have you been offering? One can see this hapening once in awhile but if you are repeatedly rejected, then perhaps you had better look at your pricing method. As mentioned in another recent thread that is running now, one member bought a Citori for $750.00 shipped and another for $550.00. I bought a mint 20 gauge Citori for under $1000.00. All 3 of these came off the EE. What would you have offered?
 
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I have just got access to EE yesterday. Spent about 4 hours looking at pics and drooling, from what I saw most look like they havent been used much or at all. Perhaps that is why they are priced high. Hope you find a fair price
 
Keep an eye on the candy that makes the saliva flow for you.
Ten bumps to the top (btt) pretty much means that it could very well be over priced.
Sold or Pls Remove in short order consistenly means that is the going price.
Good luck and study long and hard Grasshopper.
Eventually it will make sen$e.
 
Anyone look at the link to see what you would think of the Book values? Are they on par with Cdn prices?

Oh I know theres definitely some overpriced stuff on there. Theres a Super Black Eagle that has like 30 bumps, and is listed for more than I can go down to WSS and buy it for new (incl tax) and a Citori 625 Sporting that is priced at the cost of a new 725 at WSS. So ya, some stuff is waaay high.

I guess I'll see.

If it was easier to buy stuff out of the states I'd just do that. But alas, I'll wait and see if anyone wants to sell here.
 
Book values are only guidelines. In reality, a gun is worth whatever someone is willing to pay. If a seller can hold out for his asking price, and sooner or later someone comes along and pays it, then the market value has been set. On the same token, a lot of over priced guns don't sell. Speaking on double guns of decent quality, usually the used prices are higher in the US. You mentioned that your offers are most often rejected. What percentage below the seller's asking prices have you been offering? One can see this hapening once in awhile but if you are repeatedly rejected, then perhaps you had better look at your pricing method. As mentioned in another recent thread that is running now, one member bought a Citori for $750.00 shipped and another for $550.00. I bought a mint 20 gauge Citori for under $1000.00. All 3 of these came off the EE. What would you have offered?
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All the doubles that I've made offers on I've based my offers off of Sold prices on sites like gun broker, guns america etc... That and book value - usually offering to pay for perfect condition (which by NRA standards is pretty much taken out of the box, shot once, then properly stored from then on.)

That being said, on one I offered 80% of the sellers list and another 87% of list. Both of which were very much inline with book values and sold values found elsewhere online.

I'll wait and see what happens.

As far as what I would have offered, I'd need to know details. Exact model and age. Frequency of use, and some photos to attempt to make a judgement on condition.
 
Gunsamerica is barely a guideline for us Kanuckbukzs.
What they pay down there for old 94's and such is incredible.
And I do think the prices are going to inflate here pretty quick too.
Try and find a 10-22.
Seems like anything in 20 gauge is a rare commodity as well.
 
kamlooky said:
Gunsamerica is barely a guideline for us Kanuckbukzs.
What they pay down there for old 94's and such is incredible.
And I do think the prices are going to inflate here pretty quick too.
Try and find a 10-22.
Seems like anything in 20 gauge is a rare commodity as well.
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So are you saying they pay more? Or we do?
And as far as Kanuckbukzs go... Haven't we been at pairty or above now for years?
The prices I was talking about for the 725 in my original post is for a new 725. They're only 200 more north of the border... So I'd say we're pretty even with them at the moment. I chalk the price difference up to import costs and Canadian red tape on firearms.
 
s2photo said:
So are you saying they pay more? Or we do?
And as far as Kanuckbukzs go... Haven't we been at pairty or above now for years?
The prices I was talking about for the 725 in my original post is for a new 725. They're only 200 more north of the border... So I'd say we're pretty even with them at the moment. I chalk the price difference up to import costs and Canadian red tape on firearms.
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Just forget about US and book prices and start watching what the models you are looking for sell in canada. Also don't assume you can buy it in the US cheaper.Add at least 250 to the price by the time you have someone take it in for you takes etc.
Also you have to remember prices vary quite a bit from province to province here. You can by a gun out west new for a hell of a lot cheaper than we can just the tax saving alone. Take your time the EE has lots of deals if you watch on a regular basis.
Also if there is one you want grab it since the deals sell here very quickly most times. Wanted a mint 725 sell there about a month ago for 1700 shipped
 
I would watch for what thing sell for here, but you generally never know what the sold price is. Generally the sold price is SPF. I've only ever seen 2 posts where the seller actually listed the sold price.

I'm not sure how I missed seeing that 725... I check the EE about 5 times daily.
 
s2photo said:
Anyone look at the link to see what you would think of the Book values? Are they on par with Cdn prices?
.
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Regarding your opening post, I agree with your observations completely. I am new to CGN and have found that, while used prices are still good, they aren't nearly as aggressive as south of the border. I looked at your link, and in my case, I just bought a Citori XT in exc condition, and I paid 50% more than what was stated in the guide you linked to. Trying to find an excellent condition sporting gun for trap, adjustable comb, chokes etc, I feel I did pretty well on my price, not a bargain, but fair, but as I said, it was WAY higher than the guide suggests. If I had offered the seller the price based on the guide, he probably would have told me to F-off or not responded at all.
 
Used shot guns ..not all, but most are more than new. A brand new Maverick 88 security is $239.00 at Prarie Gun Traders...I have seen used similar for $325. Dont sellers relize that the Buyers are aware "NEW" prices are better,..."the Sponsors Adds are right above us for pete"s sake.....Wanstalls, Frontier, SFRC, and a ton more. Cant see why a 20 year old pump is $225 and new is $239...guess what sellers..I'm gonna spend the extra $14 and get a New one with a warranty and a shiny bore thats not 1/2 worn out LOL.
 
Americans pay less because there a more guns for sale in their market, not because of the dollar value. Importing is an option. I have done it, but it only makes sense for expensive guns or guns that are just not available here.

Keep at it. The EE is a great source for good guns. Don't forget a big part of the savings you will see is in no taxes. I rarely buy new...there are just so many good used ones out there. Keep looking, keep offering, a deal will pop up.

As for buying new "thrift models". I know some guys aren't flush with money, but I still think you are better off buying a good used proven gun than a crappily made $300 gun made offshore.
 
lone ranger said:
Used shot guns ..not all, but most are more than new. A brand new Maverick 88 security is $239.00 at Prarie Gun Traders...I have seen used similar for $325. Dont sellers relize that the Buyers are aware "NEW" prices are better,..."the Sponsors Adds are right above us for pete"s sake.....Wanstalls, Frontier, SFRC, and a ton more. Cant see why a 20 year old pump is $225 and new is $239...guess what sellers..I'm gonna spend the extra $14 and get a New one with a warranty and a shiny bore thats not 1/2 worn out LOL.
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This idea doens't work so well with the Marlin 336's or the Winchester pre 94's.
Some of the old irons is far greater in quality than new.
Even the old Wingmasters with the memories enstilled on them are a better
quality than the new offerings now.
 
kamlooky said:
This idea doens't work so well with the Marlin 336's or the Winchester pre 94's.
Some of the old irons is far greater in quality than new.
Even the old Wingmasters with the memories enstilled on them are a better
quality than the new offerings now.
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Yes I agree with you on these types of guns. I do find although, alot of the guns are priced high. After 10 bumps, the seller should clue in lol.
 
I would hardly call Norinco "THRIFT GUNS" they are made with Better Steel than most high priced guns.Just because its made" off Shore" doesnt mean its junk.Mossberg sells a darn fine product, and has it made" Off shore" to pass the Savings on to YOU and ME.
 
lone ranger said:
I would hardly call Norinco "THRIFT GUNS" they are made with Better Steel than most high priced guns.Just because its made" off Shore" doesnt mean its junk.Mossberg sells a darn fine product, and has it made" Off shore" to pass the Savings on to YOU and ME.
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No argument from me. We all have different opinions and needs. Guns that are low priced to begin with usually sell used with less of a markdown. The savings are more profound on guns that were expensive when new. One can pick up a used Beretta Extrema for $1100 for example. That's a lot less than the $1600 I paid new (and I got a deal when LeBaron waved the tax).
 
Sometimes it's just luck. I bought plenty off the exchange for pretty good prices. Then again you can look for a month and not find a shotgun at the price your willing to pay.
Sometimes there way overpriced and sometimes members are just trying to get rid of them.
Be patience and look for the better deal.
 
s2photo said:
I would watch for what thing sell for here, but you generally never know what the sold price is. Generally the sold price is SPF. I've only ever seen 2 posts where the seller actually listed the sold price.

I'm not sure how I missed seeing that 725... I check the EE about 5 times daily.
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The real good deals are gone usually in minutes and yes the luck being at the right place at the right time plays a role here. The last gun I sold on the EE for example was gone in 4 minutes a record for me with 6 more wanting it over 30 minutes. It was not easy to find which made it move quick and priced in my mind exactly where it should be and the buyer agreed. That being said I knew exactly what a dealer here would sell it for if I traded it in.
Some guys don't like the want to buy adds but I use them here all the time and have found what I was looking for 80% of the time.
Some think they can raise the price on a wtb add which is fine but I am just very honest. Look I am in no rush, have the cash but you are 200 over the going rate. Usually we haggle and find a happy medium if not I thank them and move on.
The best place to get a feel for the selling prices in canada is visit the site sponsors sites like epps, prophet river etc and see what they sell them for believe me they know what they can and cannot get out them.
In the two years I have been here especially in the shotgun section I can pretty much tell if I have 10 minutes to make my mind up or 10 days:)
I seen another 725 also in the past month fairly price just have to remember where it was an online dealer in Ontario remember that. Good luck
 
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