SW Ontario Gun shops - recommend

[In the pipe]

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

First of all I never said that the rifles were marked up 40% I said they were marked up more than 5%. If you honestly believe what you wrote up there then I have some great swampland in Florida to offer you; but dont worry the markup is only 2%.

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...

And yes Darryl because I am in purchasing I do recognize that different products have different levels of markup. A gas station is a good example. Gas has a small markup at the pump but they make their money on the thousands of litres they sell a day; however the low volume items in the kiosks have huge mark ups. I expect that the same situation exists in this case where the ammo a gun store has the lowest markup since they are likely to move higher volumes of it. Where as the rifles/shotguns that can sit on the shelf for prolonged periods of time will have a much higher markup to support their long inventory life.

 

[ryanloco]

The rifle in question was a Rem 7600 synthetic. Last year (ten months to be more precise) the sales discount was 39%. I understand the concept of time value of money but a) I am not comparing 10 year old prices and b) the 7600 hasn’t really undergone any major changes to warrant any significant movement in price, nor are we shipping 7600’s off to Iraq so there shouldn’t be any issues with supply. So understanding that we could do a NPV calculation, why not just use the 39% as a GENERAL guideline considering I was only asking them to move 7% . I was NOT impolite, and I am always respectful, but considering some of the other deals in the store during the sale I was a little shocked not to see this rifle on sale, so I was looking to see if there was any room to move on the reg. price. I mean, looking at their sales flyer – the other Remmy equipment had an avg. discount of 20% and the 750 carbine (closest to the 7600) was discounted 26% - or $168.

I have no problems with the “little guy”, nor do I have any significant issues with the Cabela’s/Ganders/BP’s of the world. Each fill their own niche to survive and compete. I think the strength of this specific store I visited is ammunition supply. They have a fantastic selection and availability. I honestly do think that a significant % of their profit comes from ammunition and like sales. BR – not everyone is a 1 box/year hunter such as yourself. You failed to include all the trap/skeet guys, the rimfire/milsurp plinkers, the bench rest guys, the blackpowder guys, the practicing hunters getting ready for the fall, the people sighting in a new scope, the people that visit regularly for reloading equipment etc… I bet anyone who visits the Crumlin range makes a stop there prior to heading out.

BR - Also, I never said that everyone that works at a gunstore is either an idiot or retired. I did say (with respect to comparing sales advise/opinions) that you have as good a chance of finding an idiot and/or a know-it all whether it be a local gun store, Bass Pro, Canadian Tire, or CGN – makes no difference…. and I don’t need to tell you which one of those you fit in there, do I......

 

[MauserMike]

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.

hmmm, I got a kind of take it or leave it attitude on the price. Yes, he was chain smoking while I was in there

 

[jjohnwm]

I always go out of my way to check out Manfred's shop when I'm in Windsor. Yes, his prices are high, but the selection is unbelievable, and he will casually pull things out of the backroom that you will rarely, or never, see anywhere else. If I'm looking for some esoteric, low-production discontinued widget for one of my oddball projects, he is more likely to have it in stock than anyone else that I know.

He's also quite a character to deal with. Ask to see one of his limited-edition special business cards.

John

 

[MauserMike]

I always go out of my way to check out Manfred's shop when I'm in Windsor. Yes, his prices are high, but the selection is unbelievable, and he will casually pull things out of the backroom that you will rarely, or never, see anywhere else. If I'm looking for some esoteric, low-production discontinued widget for one of my oddball projects, he is more likely to have it in stock than anyone else that I know.

He's also quite a character to deal with. Ask to see one of his limited-edition special business cards.

John

x2 - Manfred did have some VERY cool stuff in there. I'll be back but I don't get the feeling that he moves a lot of the inventory just seeing the sheer amount of it in there!

 

[eltorro]

I don't think he's into making money kind of business, but rather keep a life's passion going. Like John said, he has some stuff that I've never even heard off, some unique rifles and gadgets that are a treat to a man just to see once in life, never mind touching.
If he has higher prices, so be it. I'll pay 10-15% more to get something all other stores say they can order for you, but would never stock. Business is business and at the end of the day they got to make some money, but everyone knows that if you don't move rifle in 6 months you lose money on it. So stuff that is rare sells at a higher price and rarely one makes money on it.... but it's worth having guys coming in just to pay you a visit and buy at least some ammo, as not to leave empty handed.

Manfred's special club.... he doesn't seem interested in whatever you say, but if he feels the collector's passion in you, he'll show you things..... I'll better let you discover them yourself.

 

[eltorro]

.....Also, I never said that everyone that works at a gunstore is either an idiot or retired. I did say (with respect to comparing sales advise/opinions) that you have as good a chance of finding an idiot and/or a know-it all whether it be a local gun store, Bass Pro, Canadian Tire, or CGN – makes no difference…. and I don’t need to tell you which one of those you fit in there, do I......

It is hard to adjust from a guy who knows nothing about rifles and wants his first to be a 300 Rem UM ... and the guy behind the counter tries to talk him out of it, to the guy that knows them all and offers free advice to other guys in store, contradicting the salesman with stupid blatant lies, and YOU who expect a different service, tailored to your needs, and can't wait for the gun-guy to say something that would come against the latest magazine you've consulted.... so you can consider him an idiot, a know-all or just a plain ol' guy who doesn't understand the needs of a modern hunter.

Are you sure you know more about firearms than the guy behind the counter? Or just feel superior that you KNOW how many rounds one particular rifle holds.... and he doesn't?

 

[BIGREDD]

The rifle in question was a Rem 7600 synthetic. Last year (ten months to be more precise) the sales discount was 39%. I understand the concept of time value of money but a) I am not comparing 10 year old prices and b) the 7600 hasn’t really undergone any major changes to warrant any significant movement in price, nor are we shipping 7600’s off to Iraq so there shouldn’t be any issues with supply. So understanding that we could do a NPV calculation, why not just use the 39% as a GENERAL guideline considering I was only asking them to move 7% . I was NOT impolite, and I am always respectful, but considering some of the other deals in the store during the sale I was a little shocked not to see this rifle on sale, so I was looking to see if there was any room to move on the reg. price. I mean, looking at their sales flyer – the other Remmy equipment had an avg. discount of 20% and the 750 carbine (closest to the 7600) was discounted 26% - or $168.

I have no problems with the “little guy”, nor do I have any significant issues with the Cabela’s/Ganders/BP’s of the world. Each fill their own niche to survive and compete. I think the strength of this specific store I visited is ammunition supply. They have a fantastic selection and availability. I honestly do think that a significant % of their profit comes from ammunition and like sales. BR – not everyone is a 1 box/year hunter such as yourself. You failed to include all the trap/skeet guys, the rimfire/milsurp plinkers, the bench rest guys, the blackpowder guys, the practicing hunters getting ready for the fall, the people sighting in a new scope, the people that visit regularly for reloading equipment etc… I bet anyone who visits the Crumlin range makes a stop there prior to heading out.

BR - Also, I never said that everyone that works at a gunstore is either an idiot or retired. I did say (with respect to comparing sales advise/opinions) that you have as good a chance of finding an idiot and/or a know-it all whether it be a local gun store, Bass Pro, Canadian Tire, or CGN – makes no difference…. and I don’t need to tell you which one of those you fit in there, do I......

I am not gonna get into a pissing match with you, it is obvious to me that you have an attitude that belies your knowledge of the firearms business.
You should open your own store... I do consulting for firearms retail and I would be glad to help. P.M. me for more info if you think I'm not serious.

 

[Alymer Al]

What is reality

From my experience CK gun room is no better than the other down the road. I was excited when they first opened up, to at last see someone taking a serious run at the monopoly down the road. Sad to say that's not going to happen. Their pricing is as bad as gobles and their selection of everything else is poor. They just don't get it... If someone could come into London and offer as wide a variety of ammunition as gobles, and price their new rifles more in line with reality .... they would easily run the 2 locals out of business.

What do you think a proper mark ups sould be for Gobles. if they pay $300. for a gun and charge $450. is that fair or if they pay $1000 and charge $1300what percent do you think a business should charge, do you know what the price of lead is now for 25lb bag $49.00 cost last year it was $18.00 cost. Reality is you don't know what the ..... your talking about and know clue on current market prices. Please reply

 

[ryanloco]

AA,
I am not sure what your post has to do with my quote???

The issue here is all about being competitive in the market. Whether you like the big box stores or not; you won't be around for very long if you can't compete.

Do BOTH shops London have higher prices than other shops around the area? From what I've seen yes, but I can only speak from my experience hence the thread. Also, this is NOT a recent event either, it's been that way for as long as I've been in this city.

I think the thread on the Glock prices that you've contributed to - demonstrates some of what I have been suggesting.....

Do market conditions change, yes. Is the price of ammunition rising due to the underlying costs of raw materials... Will EVERYONE selling ammunition be impacted... yes.. What's your point???

Again, the issue is like it or not, the little guys need to be competitive with the market, and the market (like it or not) is made up of the folks like Wholesale, SIR, and Bass Pro. Do the little guys offer niche services (as per suggested on this post) that some people value - thus offsetting some of their premium? I think the consensus is YES from many people who have added to this discussion.

I guess, in the end if you think you're receiving value for the $$ you've chosen to spend - then great !!!

I think we've beaten this horse to death !!!!