I try to support my local shops because they won't be here if I don't. I do not buy from CT or WalleyMart. I look to my local shops first, and if they can come within a reasonable price of what I can get online, I prefer to buy from them. If the price is outrageous or the item is not available, I pick it up online.
Pros and cons of buying local vs online
- Thread starter Jonny Quest
- Start date
It's one thing to buy parts or ammo online, but I wouldn't buy firearms online unless there was no way I could get it locally, or the price difference was astronomical.
But say on something like a shotgun that is selling for $750 locally, and online has it for $650+$50 s/h. So sure, you're maybe saving $50, but then what? What happens if something is wrong with it and now you have to ship it back? Compare that to easily bringing it in again.
Also, it's hard to beat holding something in your hand and comparing it to other things in the category so you can see what you like. Having that option costs the store money, which in turn costs you money, but it's money worth spending.
IMO, the worst jack-@$$ thing you can do is go into a local store to try everything out to see what you like, and then go buy that model online from some place that doesn't have a store with employees and a showroom. Good job, now you've just taken advantage of your local store for your personal gain, and with any luck that store will close because of people who do that, and now nobody can go to that store anymore to hold things in person.
I've bought two guns from Bass Pro, and even Canadian Tire near me because I wanted to support them selling firearms again. When I recover financially from my Daniel Defense AR I just bought at Epps, I'll likely buy my first shotgun (Benelli Supernova) at Cabela's to show my appreciation to them for coming to Barrie.
But say on something like a shotgun that is selling for $750 locally, and online has it for $650+$50 s/h. So sure, you're maybe saving $50, but then what? What happens if something is wrong with it and now you have to ship it back? Compare that to easily bringing it in again.
Also, it's hard to beat holding something in your hand and comparing it to other things in the category so you can see what you like. Having that option costs the store money, which in turn costs you money, but it's money worth spending.
IMO, the worst jack-@$$ thing you can do is go into a local store to try everything out to see what you like, and then go buy that model online from some place that doesn't have a store with employees and a showroom. Good job, now you've just taken advantage of your local store for your personal gain, and with any luck that store will close because of people who do that, and now nobody can go to that store anymore to hold things in person.
I've bought two guns from Bass Pro, and even Canadian Tire near me because I wanted to support them selling firearms again. When I recover financially from my Daniel Defense AR I just bought at Epps, I'll likely buy my first shotgun (Benelli Supernova) at Cabela's to show my appreciation to them for coming to Barrie.
that argument works well if you in a large centre that has those kinds of selection IN STOCK. when you live somewhere that only has Canadian tire, Wall mart, Wholesale sports, and one local shop that is so over priced it hurts, its hard to not order online. of my 6 rifles I own 3 I bought locally and 3 I bought online. I wasnt going to wait 6 months to get my latest purchase locally when wanstalls had it in stock 
This is the exact reason brick and mortar stores are closing. Best Buy, Futureshop, Sears, all closing stores in Canada (and US) because people come and look at the product then buy online.
that argument works well if you in a large centre that has those kinds of selection IN STOCK. when you live somewhere that only has Canadian tire, Wall mart, Wholesale sports, and one local shop that is so over priced it hurts, its hard to not order online. of my 6 rifles I own 3 I bought locally and 3 I bought online. I wasnt going to wait 6 months to get my latest purchase locally when wanstalls had it in stock
Wanstalls is local to me and I am waiting months for them to get a gun in stock that another online dealer does have in stock (Wolverine). Sometimes it's worth the wait to support your local business community. Ironically, almost none of our CT stores in the Lower Mainland sell rifles - just limited ammo
whiteoutjeeper
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
Rifle came from IRG since no one in town seemed to have one or knew when it would be in. Rails for it are coming from my LGS and Dlask, scope from WSS and ammo/case from CT.
Handgun is coming from my LGS, which is also the range I'm a member at. Ammo for that is coming from AmmoSupply when the LGS doesn't have stock.
Handgun is coming from my LGS, which is also the range I'm a member at. Ammo for that is coming from AmmoSupply when the LGS doesn't have stock.
yep. it seems to be the norm for most people to do a mix of local and online. Look how much online is taking over local already. look at how canada post is dropping local carriers for parcel service. I see a future where brick and mortar are simply outlets for online retail. its a sad reality of the day and age we live in. retailers have to embrace it or become dust. its a very sad thing and its a loss for local dollars staying local but that is the world we live in. I call the next generation after mine (im 33) the fast food generation. everything has to be instant and anytime and they are the driving force for the change we are already seeing.
Went to a couple gun stores here, between the two there was 1 used gun, it was about $30 less than the same brand new gun next to it... it was a gun with sticker price over $1000 (can find for $800 online new).... why buy used to save 30 bux? Why buy new? Online retailers can take care of you the only PITA is shipping which if I break the gun 4 times its a break-even situation in that price range
Another example from the same store, shotgun with $2400 price tag, ask if theres any wiggle room, NONE he says, take it or leave it. Same gun can be had from irunguns for 1600 so even with shipping / conversion you are still winning.
Funny thing is I'm sure those are the 2 worst stores, and I haven't gone to visit one of the forum sponsors in person yet which might change if they start selling bulk ammo, but atleast their website shows alot of consignment items so I might check them out one day if I'm feeling an itch, but in the end the store has to make a profit, but if those guys selling their rifles on consignment just posted on EE it would be a savings to the buyer of course so it's a double edged sword... but I think the store is great if you need something NOW and on impulse lol.
For ammo whatever online retailer has the cheapest price on what I can't get at a brick and mortar store at the time (shamelss plug, wolverine).
Another example from the same store, shotgun with $2400 price tag, ask if theres any wiggle room, NONE he says, take it or leave it. Same gun can be had from irunguns for 1600 so even with shipping / conversion you are still winning.
Funny thing is I'm sure those are the 2 worst stores, and I haven't gone to visit one of the forum sponsors in person yet which might change if they start selling bulk ammo, but atleast their website shows alot of consignment items so I might check them out one day if I'm feeling an itch, but in the end the store has to make a profit, but if those guys selling their rifles on consignment just posted on EE it would be a savings to the buyer of course so it's a double edged sword... but I think the store is great if you need something NOW and on impulse lol.
For ammo whatever online retailer has the cheapest price on what I can't get at a brick and mortar store at the time (shamelss plug, wolverine).
I try to support my local mom and pops shops first too, Sometimes Ill pay a lil extra too knowing im supporting my community, Also you get a personal level of service and care the big box stores just cant offer, Local Owners actually care
