Gunshop etiquette (haggling)

[WonderNine]

Damn AZHusker, do I have to do all that homework before I look at and demo VCR's from my local electronics store "Team Electronics" and "Egger's Audio" too, or are gun shops special in that way? Should they have the special priviledge of looking crosseyed at anyone who hasn't bought a couple of $1,000 guns from them before? While any other store should treat you as a customer?

Rule #1: Do your homework, know what you want, and what you are willing to pay before you walk in the store.
Rule #2: Even if you've done #1, do not go to the shop, play touchy-feely, and talk prices UNLESS you've got cash in hand, a good credit card, or a check if acceptable.

Apparently shoppers are not welcome in gun stores. Only buyers. But you can't be a buyer unless you are a shopper first? Hahaha, the vicious cycle continues of gun store owners whining about time wasters vs. prospective buyers who are weary of gunshops. Is it any wonder alot of people feel intimidated when they walk in? Is it any wonder why 5 hole in the wall gunshops go under every day? (I found that statistic on VPC's website, so it must be true.)

 

[AZ Husker]

Nah, it's ok to shop. Walk around, look, point, fantasize, ask a few questions, maybe hold one (or two if you bring coffee and donuts), but don't start bickering till you're ready to buy!

 

[243_shooter]

Not big on dickering myself.. Fortunately they are starting to get to know me, and my cash only paid in full on the spot policy.. Usually the "cash price" is fair to both of us (hey, they gotta make money to...!!). Maybe they are giving me a volume discount.. LOL..

I may be the exception but I don't mind paying 10% extra to buy from a friendly mom + pop store where they know you bye name and are always glad to see you, even if your just in there daydreaming..

I even buy my accessories there. I fully realize they can't compete with a mega-inventory mail order place, and I don't expect them to. The ability to actually look at what I'm buying ahead of time more than makes up for the often marginal savings when all things are considered.

My last purchase I swayed from my usual shop (extenuating circumstances, found a 4" 686 that was exactly what I was looking for, with the serial number of XXX2004 the same year my baby girl is due to arrive on the scene).. The service SUCKED, the price was cheaper than my regular shop, but had it not been for the serial number, they wouldn't have gotten a penny from me. Needless to say I won't be back.

Leo

 

[LiquidTension]

I do my price shopping on the internet before I go to any stores. I know how much I can get it for after shipping and transfer and the guys at the store know it. "I can get this gun for $XXX, but I'm willing to pay a little more to get it from you. I'm paying with cash - what can you do?" If they quote me a price that's too high, I walk and there are no hard feelings. They understand being able to get it somewhere else cheaper and I understand them needing to make money. I still go back to the stores and buy accessories and stuff anyway, so they don't hate me.

Haggling is part of buying a gun, even a NEW gun. For me, it's just part of the process and lets me practice my superb negotiating skills They make most of their money on accessories anyway, just like computer sales.

 

[Griff]

Flip the tag over. On the back might could be a funky-looking number, like 002. Try reading it backwards. That very well could be the bottom-basement price the salesman's allowed to go to. At least, that's how we did it with guitars.
Just don't forget that if the shop don't make money, they won't be around long, and you'll have to go to Super-Mart. IMO, some things are worth paying for, regardless.

 

[Bacchus]

Well put, Wondernine.

I never thought of it that way.

 

[wunderkind]

Thanks for the insight, Capt. Happypants

I didn't realize dealer margins were so low on new guns. Thanks for the info.

 

[MyRoad]

There are a couple of gun stores in my area, two I frequent most often. One has an owner who is by nature plain rude, and so I don't like to give him my business. Recentlly, he had a really good price on a gun I was looking for, so I went to the guy I like better and told him that I'd rather give him my money, but could he match the price. He couldn't, and I felt really bad. I was being sincere, but I think he thought I was playing hard ball. Oh well.

I usually tell them outright, that like themselves, I will try to get the best deal I can, and then ask them if they are interested in competative bidding. The answer is usually "it depends on the gun", but I NEVER get this ball rolling unless I'm ready and able to buy. I expect to have a long-term relationship with these shop owners.

 

[tatters]

I buy a lot of my guns from a volume type dealer. He sell a bunch, and I mean a bunch of guns. He gets great prices on what he buys. He won't give prices on the phone, and he prefers that you have a general idea of what you want before you hit his door. This keeps his transaction time to a minimum. He also asks that you call before coming out to his place, so he knows how many people to expect at any given time. Also helps a bit with his security.

The good thing about him, is he's a shooter himself and has dealt with the local shops. He didn't like what he saw, so he started his own shop. I'm not a rich man, so buying from him supports a local shop, and also pretty much assures a good price compared to other shops in town.