- Location
- Beaverlodge, Alberta
That's the nature of WTB unfortunately. That's a sellers market. I've found that if you are good to ppl on here word gets around fast.
Why I hate WTB ads in the EE...
- Thread starter Claven2
- Start date
I got one rather reasonable deal on a magazine for a .22 Stoeger Luger. That's it.
Got Juice?
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Peoples Republik of Kanukkistan
I hav been batting + 90% for my WTB adds. But if you seriously want to buy something, negotiation is NOT your friend 
But I digress.
But I digress.
I sometime post a WTB ad, and sometimes come up with something good.
I have another view - I stopped responding to WTB ads years ago. Inevitably, I have exactly what they want, but they want to pay a ridiculously low price and/or they nit-pick me to death on condition etc. It quickly became apparent that many people posting a WTB ad are simply looking to underpay for something and flip it, i.e. exploit someone - they really don't "need it for their collection".
Now I ignore WTB, post my rifle for all to see, and let the common CGN market determine price. High maintenance buyers are identified over the years and placed on a "list".
I have another view - I stopped responding to WTB ads years ago. Inevitably, I have exactly what they want, but they want to pay a ridiculously low price and/or they nit-pick me to death on condition etc. It quickly became apparent that many people posting a WTB ad are simply looking to underpay for something and flip it, i.e. exploit someone - they really don't "need it for their collection".
Now I ignore WTB, post my rifle for all to see, and let the common CGN market determine price. High maintenance buyers are identified over the years and placed on a "list".
Even tire kickers have to be somewhat reasonable. When someone offers me the gun at double or more the price at Collector's Source or Collectiblefirearms.com (I think we can agree these are probably the two most optimistic surplus dealers in the Western hemisphere), then I don't even attempt to negotiate. I send a polite note saying we are too far apart on asking price, but thank them for thinking of me. No need to get insulting or argumentative, but seriously - some people's expectations are lottery-winning big.
20% over market value is fair... maybe even more than fair, for something I want badly enough.
20% over market value is fair... maybe even more than fair, for something I want badly enough.
caperbound
Regular
- Location
- Nova Scotia
To date, I have pretty good luck with WTB in the reloading section, but only limited success in the firearms section. I did post an ad in the rimfire section a while back looking for a project .22 and scored a fairly complete Enfield No1MkIII for $75 that was neat and appreciated.
I do agree when you post a WTB ad a number of people think you are in great need and try you use supply/demand pricing.
I do agree when you post a WTB ad a number of people think you are in great need and try you use supply/demand pricing.
The newpaper used to be the best way to get military type firearms, parts and assys. The net is good for parts and sporting guns. Done the best with sporting, condition has been better than expected. My best contact was Allen Lever, but he retired!!
Ive had reasonable success finding things I thought no-one would have, but alot of my wtb ads get bumped all to hell then deleted when I give up. Sometimes you get a good deal: when I was looking for a GC stainless barrel for my 10/22 I had 1 guy offer a used one with no sights for $100 plus shipping while someone else sold me a brand new take-off in immaculate shape with sights for $50 shipped. Keep posting wtb ads and include what you think is a fair price as sort of a preliminary offer - this keeps captain pricegouge at bay when he realizes you arent willing to pay some rediculous fee for his stuff and gives a starting point to get you and prospective sellers closer to a deal right off the bat.
I have had decent success with buying smith and wesson revolver parts, colt .45 parts and BHP parts. limited success with remington rifle parts, winchester rifle stocks. Depends a lot on how common the stuff you are looking for is.
I've had good luck with WTB ads. sure you have to sort through some sh*t, but there are some real gems and some great CGners out there..
I always make sure my post is clear, concise and lists what I want and what I will pay.
The reason I use them is most of the time I'm not willing to pay $200 for that sh*tty ncstar scope you've slapped on there, that I'm just going to take off, put back on the EE and deal with lowballing until I get so fed up I keep it and use it on a .22, never to hit another gopher again.
I know what I want, most guys are unwilling to separate their "steal of a deal" package, so put that you don't want it.
If they can't read your ad, don't reply.
I always make sure my post is clear, concise and lists what I want and what I will pay.
The reason I use them is most of the time I'm not willing to pay $200 for that sh*tty ncstar scope you've slapped on there, that I'm just going to take off, put back on the EE and deal with lowballing until I get so fed up I keep it and use it on a .22, never to hit another gopher again.
I know what I want, most guys are unwilling to separate their "steal of a deal" package, so put that you don't want it.
If they can't read your ad, don't reply.
