Gander Generosity

I didn't see the ad. But it would appear to me that they were offering a 10% gift card in addition to whatever price they and the seller agreed to for the firearm.

Yes, I'd say that's a misinterpretation.

It's been several years now, but I sold a gun to Gander for 75% of what I paid them when it was new. That was the best offer I'd ever gotten from any store (all other sales have been person to person).

idek said:

Yes, I'd say that's a misinterpretation.

It's been several years now, but I sold a gun to Gander for 75% of what I paid them when it was new. That was the best offer I'd ever gotten from any store (all other sales have been person to person).

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I guess you are not talking trade in? So Gander actually just buys used guns? And for anyone trading in something, quoted figures really do not mean much. How much is the markup on the retail gun etc. No different than buying or trading in a car or just about anything.
I do not understand the business logic in Gander buying a used gun for so much. You buy wholesale Price, sell retail. Sounds like I am missing something. Could you give more detail.

Jeb Stuart said:

I guess you are not talking trade in? So Gander actually just buys used guns? And for anyone trading in something, quoted figures really do not mean much. How much is the markup on the retail gun etc. No different than buying or trading in a car or just about anything.
I do not understand the business logic in Gander buying a used gun for so much. You buy wholesale Price, sell retail. Sounds like I am missing something. Could you give more detail.

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Several things could be going on.
The gun he was selling was a hot seller. Kind of like the Glock 19X. It wouldn't last a day so they bought it high knowing it will sell and they will make money fast

The other is that the guy buying the gun had no idea what they were doing(maybe just started) Either they buy it too high or sell it way too low. I run into that sometimes.

I've never dealt with Gander. But did talk to Cabelas once about selling a rifle to them. The guy in the gun library was very polite and professional. The particular model I had was long discontinued and never made in great quantity. He advised me that he would need 20-30 minutes to research my rifle and was straight up. They would give me 65% of what they thought it would sell for in their store. I already knew what the rifle was worth and the quote I got was right on the money. I calculated the gun was worth $700, and they offered me $450 which is 65% of 700. Based on their policies that was as fair an offer as he could make, but I just couldn't let it go for $450. Most places that buy used guns have similar policies, the percentage just changes. Most pawn shops offer 50%.

But if they had offered $450 along with a gift card for $45-$70 I would have sold it to them. I ended up getting $550, but had to go through the hassle and expense of boxing up the gun and paying shipping to sell it to someone else. Offering a 10% gift card in addition to whatever they offer for the gun is a good business practice. It assures that money stays in the store. And with the markup they have on most stuff the store will only be out $25 or less on a $50 gift card.

The only time a gun sells for 10% of it's value is on the street by your local gang banger selling stolen guns. I can't believe any store would be so brazen to offer that. It would run off an awful lot of customers.

I'm thinkin' there's more to it than Gander openly advertising only giving you 10% of the value of your used gun, when they claim to want used guns. I'm also thinkin' jmr40 got it right with his first reply......."But it would appear to me that they were offering a 10% gift card in addition to whatever price they and the seller agreed to for the firearm."

I have recent experience with GanderOutdoors , bringing in a gun and walking out with cash.

DISCLAIMER /ADMISSION- I have done more than my share of Gander/Lemonis bashing here ; said I would not do business there , did anyway.

I recently sold several firearms for an acquaintance who needed cash. One item did not move. I heard Gander would buy. They showed me the blue book value , that being the same price they would put on it if it were for sale in their store. Gander offers 80% of that value in cash - not a store credit , not some sort of check - cash. 20 minutes , in and out , cash in hand - I took it. Fast , clean , legal.

So , I violated my boycott , but I am admitting that here in the interest of fair play an sharing of information.

Huge flag , attractive cash for gun policy ... think maybe Lemonis is trying to lure back a few of those he alienated?

PapaG said:

Today's paper had a Gander Outdoor ad where they wanted trade-ins and wood give a gift card worth 10% of value on firearms or bows. Wow! Ten whole per cent. I can remember the day when the gouger shops would give fifty. We appraise and offer eighty percent of what we will price it at.
Dang. Buy backs are better.
Hope no one is dumb enough to take this.
Might set up in the lot across the street and offer "double ganders offer." Unbelievable.

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Maybe you should put up a copy of the ad, I think you failed to read it correctly.

^^ Yep, that sounds like you "trade in your used firearm or bow" for something right then and there (kinda the definition of "trading in"), and get the gift card on top of that "for use on future purchases."