Frustrated by Local Gun Shop Prices

[Niel4]

Went to my local gun shop, which has only been open about 3 months, to look for a CZ 97 45. They didn’t have one….but all of their gun prices were a bit high. I know they would discount 5% but even then they are still too high vs what i have paid for my guns in other shops (not internet).

BUT …..

The ammo prices were just ridiculous. Example…..Federal American Eagle 9mm fmj was priced at $18.99 per 50! Their 45 ammo prices were as bad. I never bothered to look at any other ammo they had…they lost me right away. They had a decent supply and that normally would be worth something but you have to at least be in the ballpark on price.

There is a Wal-Mart across the street and I bought 50 rd boxes of regular Federal 9mm for $9.57 and 100 rd boxes of WWB for $21.97 just a few weeks ago. I know a gun shop buys ammo at higher prices and needs to make more than a Wal-Mart, but these prices are crazy. Even Cabela’s isn’t this high…. they sell the same American eagle brand 9mm for $13.99 /50.

I am a small business owner myself….but I would never buy anything from them. All they have to do is look at the competition and they would see they are priced too high.

I see this all too often in some of the gun shops I go to.

Just frustrated that some the local guys just can’t seem to put together a decent product/price assortment that makes sense.

No wonder people are moving to the internet. And in a way thats too bad.

 

[ChronoCube]

I feel the same way... I wonder how these people manage to stay in business...

 

[CoRoMo]

I use the local shops to handle the next gun that I plan to buy online.

 

[btg3]

The local shops around here have provided mixed experiences...

1. A hole-in-wall shop used to sell any new gun at $50 above cost (when I bought one), but seems to have gone up the past 2 years.
2. A new shop has boutique pricing that is ridiculous, but they are fresh, clean, well-lit and have no problem moving guns.
3. Another shop is know for being jerks, but they still do a brisk business. They will negotiate on used pricing (I own an example), but are firm on new prices which are average or a bit higher.

 

[Enachos]

Yeah, I agree with CoRoMo on that one.

Almost all my gun purchases are made online. I pretty much only buy ammo from walmart or bass pro because all the local gun shops around here are pretty damn expensive. I can get a box of .40 Federal FMJ for around $15 at walmart but some local gunshops will have the same ammo for about an additional $5-$7.

 

[c919]

Yeah, it's frustrating really. It is my nature to support small businesses as much as possible, but it's also my nature not to pay more than I need to for a given product or service. These ideas don't seem to coincide in the gun world very often. I hate to stray from the guys who have treated me good over the years, but I'm not going to buy something from them when I know that I can get it elsewhere for 25% (or more) less. I'd like to add that most of the shops around my area have great prices, but often still can't compete with the almighty interweb.

For instance, I just recently bought a new AR. I wanted a S&W M&P15 and I did some hunting locally for it. I wasn't entirely set on the M&P15, but I was pretty sure that the MP15X was the one for me. I did find a few around town and all of them were in the $1300 range. Online I could get one as low as $799. So obviously there comes a time when you just have to say "Screw it. I'm going with the faceless online distributor." I mean, for me it was like M&P15X with minimal accessories locally, or M&P15X with an Eotech 511, TangoDown battle grip, Tac light and mount and a few extra mags online. Sorry local store, but that's a no brainer.

 

[docsleepy]

good old capitalism!
nobody forced the proprietor to choose THAT line of work!
You are under no obligation (unless you have a strong socialist streak) to support every business in town.

However, you may also find that the dealer offers service that you appreciate. A dealer may take a gun back (at a profit) that I decided I didn't like/want. Can't get Walmart to do that for me, several months down the line.

I bought my recent purchase online, but arranged in advance for a hefty fee to a local dealer. In my mind, the online person was providing wholesale services to my friendly dealer, who provided different services: he had a range of pistols for me to consider, feel, discuss. More expert than I, he could evaluate the new pistol BEFORE delivery to me and determine whether it had significant flaws. I was more than willing to pay a larger-than-normal transfer fee for that service.

When I was a newbie, I paid exhorbitant sums for our first firearms from another local dealer, who provided service in terms of advice and education that warranted the higher price. With more experience, I took a different route on more recent purchases!

Each business that provides REAL service/product will stay in business. The ones that do not fill any important niche will be nudged to move into a different line of work. All part of the wonderful flexibility of a good capitalist market....if it is allowed to function like one.

 

[sheepdog]

...looking at it practically, though...if we don't support our local gunshops, we won't have any...and then we'll be at the mercy of the big boys...what they carry...what they charge, and IF they carry what we need/want anymore...I think our local gunshops are worth the few extra bucks to keep the doors open...

 

[84B20]

I know where you guys are coming from on this one. I only have two real gun shops in the town where I live (there is a third but it's a pawn shop) and I'll only patronize one of them because of the attitude of the owner of the other. I recently purchased two 1911's from them because I was unfamiliar with 1911's in general and needed their advice. It was worth it to me to pay a premium for their service. Also I was able to put the CCW firearm I was replacing the 1911’s with on consignment which was another benefit buying there.

 

[bababooey32]

...looking at it practically, though...if we don't support our local gunshops, we won't have any...and then we'll be at the mercy of the big boys...what they carry...what they charge, and IF they carry what we need/want anymore...I think our local gunshops are worth the few extra bucks to keep the doors open...

This line of reasoning makes no sense at all. If you are a consumer of firearms products, why do you care what the nature of the business is that you are buying from? If the "big boys" have better prices and selection, and good service then that is an advantage to you, the consumer. If the local shop has better prices and selection and good service, then that is an advantage to you the consumer. Why would you pay extra JUST because it is a small shop? Why would you suffer a smaller selection just to keep a small shop in business?

In order for either to stay in business it must provide value to the customer: price, selection ,service. As consumers, we should go to the shop that accomplishes all three the best (or to the one that fills our particular need the best).

Not liking Wal-Mart just for the sake of it is insane.

As to the ammo prices, the shop will adjust if no one is buying. But if people are buying, they are filling someone's need at a price agreeable to both parties.

 

[oneounceload]

Just frustrated that some the local guys just can’t seem to put together a decent product/price assortment that makes sense.

Maybe yes, maybe no - do you know what all of their overheads are? Replacement costs of product? I seriously doubt they get the same wholesale pricing as Cabela's. What services do they also provide that they internet stores do not? You say you are a small business owner - then you should know something about those. In certain parts of the country your "outrageous" American Eagle 9mm isn't available at ANY price. Have you bothered to explain your concerns to the owners? Maybe they don't know how their prices compare

I have seen way too many folks who still expect prices from just a few years ago - prices that were lower than 20 years ago - but folks do need to make a profit to stay in business.

How high has your local doctor or dentist raised rates lately? Your grocery store?

If it is SO easy to get by on low prices, then why isn't everyone opening gun stores?????

 

[docsleepy]

bababooey -- spoken like an astute economist. Occasionally I'll pay the extra to buy ammo at my friendly dealer who got the transfer fee, but very infrequently. I just found a HUGE gun dealer I didn't even know about who is even closer, but has no better prices, but much larger selection of cleaning tools...

I always check walmart for 9mm but they infrequently even have it. So they don't get my $$. I know I can always get it at dealer #3 for reasonable, dealer #2 or #1 for exorbitant, but thats the beauty of PRICES. The higher price puts a practical damper on hoarding. I'm not willing to pay TWICE to hoard, but I might be willing to pay 60% over if I'm really out and need to go shooting with a friend.

The Russian PM once asked the British Iron Lady how did she ever feed all the British. Astonished at the question, the conservative answered that Prices fed them. The Russians once were so desparate to learn the true cost of production that they sent spies to study the prices of things in a true free market economy. As we dissassemble ours, we will get to the same place the russkies did---empty shelves EVERYWHERE.

 

[Kingofthehill]

if we don't support our local gunshops we won't have any...

gotta be realistic though.. Im not going to walk in and bend over to keep their shop open when they obviously don't care about me. Why should I care about them?

I buy stuff locally as much as possible because for the most part i want it NOW! lol... but come on!...

Case in point. Shop i won't name in San Antonio is selling Winchester white box 100rd "Value" pack for $57!!!!!!.... Bass Pro and Academy are the same price at $42 and Walmart is $31.

I buy from Academy and Bass pro weekly... and walmart when/if i can find it... but DOUBLE the price? are you kidding me? they were fully stocked though. LOL

JOe

 

[bababooey32]

DOUBLE the price? are you kidding me? they were fully stocked though. LOL

That's the key! If you want it now, you can have it...but for a price. If you are willing to be patient, you can be more selective on what price you pay. But immediacy commands a premium!

 

[CoRoMo]

I think our local gunshops are worth the few extra bucks to keep the doors open.

A few bucks is one thing, but that's not the case. I wouldn't bother buying a gun from Bud's just to save a "few" bucks. However, saving nearly $150 on a XD45 made me place an order without hesitation.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // I found a new "local gun shop" today.

Small one room place about 12 miles from the house.
Ammo target: 50 rounds of 357 blazers $25.00, 50 rounds of .40s&w $25.00, not too good.
Firearms: Marlin 30-30 $499.00 wow// heritage arms 22lr/22magnum revolver $329.00 wow wow,S&W sigma .40s&w $499.00
We decided to leave and only return in case of a last resort ammo run.

I really hope the guy makes out, but it will be without my money.

 

[mustang_steve]

18.99 is 3 dollars cheaper than it is here. It should be about $12 a box in my opinion....so yeah, everywhere is high.

I've found the gunshop I'll use from now on....their ammo prices are better than wal-mart's, their firearms prices are the best I've seen outside of the one online shop I know of that lets me pick it up, since they're local.

So really, it's one shop, one e-tailer.

 

[bob kk]

One shop near here ask $10 for a box of Wolf Match Extra.
$30 for blazer 380. Another one has Win 333 for $15.xx
a box when WM sells it for $9.95. Or Win Dyna Points
$30 for a box of 500. Know one pawn shop that Fed
bulk was only $50. Think they try to make it all on
one sale.

 

[Mikil]

I always try to use local gun shops for my gun purchases. If there is a problem I have some where to walk in and get it taken care of,that alone is worth a little extra. I've also been able to get better deals on guns right after a gun show. Ammo from Walmart when available or order on line.

 

[makarovnik]

I feel compelled to let them know that their prices are too high and that I can get the same thing across the street for half the price.

You don't have to be rude but let them know.

If you want to be a poop you can put a small sign on the outside near the door that says check Walmart before buying ammo here.

We all need to make a living but we need to put an end to this continual price gouging. You are only helping them by letting them know why they are loosing business.

 

[oneounceload]

It should be about $12 a box in my opinion

Based on WHAT criteria? Because at some point, sometime before, you paid that much, and YOU think it's fair? Really, now.....

If it is SO easy to make SO much money selling guns and ammo, why aren't there more gun shops than convenience stores?

 

[mgkdrgn]

If you are a consumer of firearms products, why do you care what the nature of the business is that you are buying from? If the "big boys" have better prices and selection, and good service then that is an advantage to you, the consumer

Ever try and get any "gun advice" at WalMart? (or any knowledgeable advice on any product for that matter)

WalMart is likely (well, actually I know they are) selling ammo for LESS than your local shop can BUY if for. There is no way the local shop can compete with that ... but lets see somebody at Walmart help you zero in a scope ...

 

[D!rty H@rry]

your lucky mate. LGS's wants 25 bux/50 9mm FMJ.

 

[David E]

There is a fine line.

Let's say the shop has a good attitude and is staffed with smart, insightlful, knowledgeable people.

Let's say their prices are a little higher than Academy, etc, as they are a small shop with higher overhead.

If you take up the clerks time to handle your "next gun purchase," learning many things you did not know in the process and then go buy it online to save $10-$30 (don't forget to add shipping and FFL transfer fees) then you're a putz.

I hope you don't bring it into that shop expecting them to reassemble it for you for free after you foolishly take it apart.

 

[CosmicGrooves]

As for ammo, all the gun shops around me are that way. I only buy ammo at Academy and Walmart. If I have a coupon, I'll go to Dicks Sporting Goods.

I need to drive over to Cheaper Than Dirt and go shopping. It's pretty close to where I live.