GBExpat
Member
That is how I read it, also.
Lgs rant
- Thread starter Joespapa
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amd6547
Member
I had a similar experience at a LGS I had gone to for 20years. The shop workers stood behind the counter talking about me in the third person, never actually talking to me.
I left, and never went back.
They are out of business now.
I left, and never went back.
They are out of business now.
Swing
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A low-ball offer for a brick'n'mortar LGS is standard. And understandably so considering they have to move the merchandise and make a profit. If you want a higher price, sell it online via auction.
Rude, brainless, crass, bizarre, or outright hostile behavior is, in many decades of going to them in many different places, pretty much the norm for LGS. There is a reason why I buy almost all my guns online and have it transferred through a "kitchen table" FFL, if possible, these days. NFA goodies have to be bought at a Class III some distance away though.
Rude, brainless, crass, bizarre, or outright hostile behavior is, in many decades of going to them in many different places, pretty much the norm for LGS. There is a reason why I buy almost all my guns online and have it transferred through a "kitchen table" FFL, if possible, these days. NFA goodies have to be bought at a Class III some distance away though.
ApacheCoTodd
member
"Low ball"?
I don't see it as such at all.
250 against the OP's perceived 400 sounds decent enough for a trade-in.
You want them to take a chance on selling it, and; clean it, store/display it, take on the potential hassles of selling it, cope with paperwork coming and going....
Sell it yourself and take your firm 400 in to them in your hot little hands hand.
They treated you in a way which upset you? Go figure. They handed off what was probably another pie-in-the-sky, maybe deal to the knowledgeable guy to come up with a number.
Ever wonder how many people come in to them for back-door, free appraisals? I don't.
I've known for a very long time now, that I am a significant element in these interactions and not simply a hapless spectator or a future former customer looking to get his nickers in a twist.
Todd.
I don't see it as such at all.
250 against the OP's perceived 400 sounds decent enough for a trade-in.
You want them to take a chance on selling it, and; clean it, store/display it, take on the potential hassles of selling it, cope with paperwork coming and going....
Sell it yourself and take your firm 400 in to them in your hot little hands hand.
They treated you in a way which upset you? Go figure. They handed off what was probably another pie-in-the-sky, maybe deal to the knowledgeable guy to come up with a number.
Ever wonder how many people come in to them for back-door, free appraisals? I don't.
I've known for a very long time now, that I am a significant element in these interactions and not simply a hapless spectator or a future former customer looking to get his nickers in a twist.
Todd.
outlawjw
Member
I use my LGS on a regular basis , often just to visit & check out who's killing what & where . I do trade with him on occasion for a new gun using 1 I bought from someone needing money after enough time passes for them to buy it back if they want . He usually gives me about what I paid , & if he feels like he went a little low he'll knock some off of the new purchase . we are friends I know he makes his living out of his store & he knows I won't buy it if I feel its high . The only bad part is he knows if he offers me a deal I'll take it . yes they put on their store face to prevent long negotiations that take up time.,lots of times they have to
Speedo66
Member
I sold a small Colt pocket pistol, a Colt Jr. .25, to a LGS for what I thought was a reasonable price.
Went back there a number of times over several years and was surprised each time to see that same gun still sitting in the showcase. His asking price wasn't ridiculous, but he sat on that gun forever.
On the other hand, I was in another store and a woman came in to sell a gun after her husband passed away. They shamefully offered her almost nothing, which unfortunately she accepted. I had already paid for a gun and was in the middle of picking it up or I would have walked out.
I've found the best way to sell through a LGS is on consignment if they do so. You do better on the price, and they have no money into the deal to sit there.
Went back there a number of times over several years and was surprised each time to see that same gun still sitting in the showcase. His asking price wasn't ridiculous, but he sat on that gun forever.
On the other hand, I was in another store and a woman came in to sell a gun after her husband passed away. They shamefully offered her almost nothing, which unfortunately she accepted. I had already paid for a gun and was in the middle of picking it up or I would have walked out.
I've found the best way to sell through a LGS is on consignment if they do so. You do better on the price, and they have no money into the deal to sit there.
Jackal
Member
60% trade value is pretty common.
C5rider
Member
not sure which is worse...
There's a pawn shop near me that I dread going into, as the one guy behind the counter goes on and on about so much stuff. It's like he's selling cars or something! LOL!
I always want to tell him to "be quiet and let the firearm do the talking!"
Sometimes, silence IS golden, although a LOT of folks don't know how to get full value.
There's a pawn shop near me that I dread going into, as the one guy behind the counter goes on and on about so much stuff. It's like he's selling cars or something! LOL!
I always want to tell him to "be quiet and let the firearm do the talking!"
Sometimes, silence IS golden, although a LOT of folks don't know how to get full value.
entropy
Member
Joespapa;
The only thing I see the LGS did wrong was not communicate with you while doing the research on your gun.(And maybe taking a little too long to do it.) The offer was about what you should expect, as has been pointed out. That is your cue to talk the gun up and counteroffer. It doesn't always work, but it certainly won't if you don't try. You'll always get more selling it privately, that's just simple economics. I've been on both sides of the gun counter, everyone that comes in expects wholesale or better, some expect retail or more. What kind of businessman would buy a used gun at the price they can get a new one for from (inserts wholesaler's name here)? Not good business, and remember they are a business first and foremost.
The only thing I see the LGS did wrong was not communicate with you while doing the research on your gun.(And maybe taking a little too long to do it.) The offer was about what you should expect, as has been pointed out. That is your cue to talk the gun up and counteroffer. It doesn't always work, but it certainly won't if you don't try. You'll always get more selling it privately, that's just simple economics. I've been on both sides of the gun counter, everyone that comes in expects wholesale or better, some expect retail or more. What kind of businessman would buy a used gun at the price they can get a new one for from (inserts wholesaler's name here)? Not good business, and remember they are a business first and foremost.
pockets
Member
A fair offer was made using minimal social skills.
Doesn't seem to be a big deal.
Maybe the guy just wasn't up to being bubbly that day...we all have such days.
Doesn't seem to be a big deal.
Maybe the guy just wasn't up to being bubbly that day...we all have such days.
Shanghai McCoy
Member
It does sound like they were being less than polite about the whole deal. With the decline in the number of brick and mortar shops these days you would think they would be more personal service oriented.
bannockburn
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There's really only three things that would keep me from going back to a gun shop: 1) ridiculously high prices, 2) little or no inventory, and 3) rude and unprofessional sales people.
Local Gun Store Experience
Maybe I am all wet. However, I ignored the money part of his experience with
these "merchants."
Attitude IS everything. Their not even offering a greeting or even trying to
establish a rapport with their customer is very poor business. In many cultures
the parties spend quite a long time chatting about nothing. Then they will
discuss the business at hand. Our posters experience was doomed at the start
because these things were not done. Call me crazy but before you do re-read
his post. These "businessmen" have a hard row to hoe if they continue their
thankless attitudes. This man is a customer-the reason they opened the door
this morning. He would have been treated better by a rock than these folks.
I can't help to wonder if the owner of the business would have been so blunt.
Maybe I am all wet. However, I ignored the money part of his experience with
these "merchants."
Attitude IS everything. Their not even offering a greeting or even trying to
establish a rapport with their customer is very poor business. In many cultures
the parties spend quite a long time chatting about nothing. Then they will
discuss the business at hand. Our posters experience was doomed at the start
because these things were not done. Call me crazy but before you do re-read
his post. These "businessmen" have a hard row to hoe if they continue their
thankless attitudes. This man is a customer-the reason they opened the door
this morning. He would have been treated better by a rock than these folks.
I can't help to wonder if the owner of the business would have been so blunt.
If I sell a used gun to a dealer, I usually imagine the lowest they could possibly offer and that is usually close to the number. This is for stores or gun shows. I just don't expect dealers to offer good prices simply because they have to mark it up a good bit to make their money and pay their rent/employees. These days it is easier to sell online if you can find a regional site to sell on.
The closest I have gotten to a "deal" was when trading in a gun to buy another one right then. The dealer discounted the new gun a bit to make the trade more attractive. It wasn't much, but it was appreciated.
It is all about expectations. I don't expect gun stores to be all friendly or knowledgeable and I don't expect good used prices (trade or buying). If you find a good shop close by, give them as much business as you can to keep them there.
The closest I have gotten to a "deal" was when trading in a gun to buy another one right then. The dealer discounted the new gun a bit to make the trade more attractive. It wasn't much, but it was appreciated.
It is all about expectations. I don't expect gun stores to be all friendly or knowledgeable and I don't expect good used prices (trade or buying). If you find a good shop close by, give them as much business as you can to keep them there.
savetheclaypigeons
Member
Precisely this, let's look at it from the other side of the counter.
The first guy created a rapport with you and handed off your pistol to get a price check.
The second man looked it over and probably went on Gunbroker to check comparable sold prices. Factoring in his time, risk (broken or stolen?), marketability, and given he has to feed himself and keep the lights on, $150 isn't out of this world but we're going off of your perceived value at the moment. Dare I ask what the gun was?
After all, it's a numbers game as I bet he gives 5+ estimates for 1 sale. I wouldn't be offended if he didn't wine and dine you.
Went to one LGS to sell something. Guy postured around, took his time, talked to others and lowballed (I did research it). I said that was too low and he said so everyone could hear - Well, it's a used gun.
That's true but I didn't need the show. Went to the gun show and got $100 more from a dealer. I sell to FFLs as I don't need the grief from a private sale gone bad.
Another LGS will do a decent job on consignment, I came out almost for what I paid for the gun originally.
The first LGS advertised itself on the radio and in the papers as the gun store in town, with expertise, blah, blah.
Well, the store is now Maytag appliance store. OOPS!
That's true but I didn't need the show. Went to the gun show and got $100 more from a dealer. I sell to FFLs as I don't need the grief from a private sale gone bad.
Another LGS will do a decent job on consignment, I came out almost for what I paid for the gun originally.
The first LGS advertised itself on the radio and in the papers as the gun store in town, with expertise, blah, blah.
Well, the store is now Maytag appliance store. OOPS!
stchman
Member
To the OP:
I gather you are one of those guys that is easily offended. I can agree with you that LGS clerks a lot of times act as though they are doing you a favor by selling you a gun, but you do realize that they need to make a profit? Did you want them to give you $400 for what you think is a $400 gun? I have met MANY a person that thinks their guns are worth so much more than they really are. It might of actually been a $250 gun. Had you given us more details on the gun, we could have given you an opinion.
Best place to sell your gun is on Armslist, do that first.
I gather you are one of those guys that is easily offended. I can agree with you that LGS clerks a lot of times act as though they are doing you a favor by selling you a gun, but you do realize that they need to make a profit? Did you want them to give you $400 for what you think is a $400 gun? I have met MANY a person that thinks their guns are worth so much more than they really are. It might of actually been a $250 gun. Had you given us more details on the gun, we could have given you an opinion.
Best place to sell your gun is on Armslist, do that first.
There are two issues:
1. The realistic economic transaction
2. Attitude.
If one would explain why they offer such and such in a polite manner, that could go far. However, many times the dealer (and this goes for other products) tries an arrogant tone to intimidate the client. Such a tone and I walk away.
Seen it from doctors, coin stores, cheese stores, car dealers, etc. Interesting to see market research as to what brings in most money for a business.
1. The realistic economic transaction
2. Attitude.
If one would explain why they offer such and such in a polite manner, that could go far. However, many times the dealer (and this goes for other products) tries an arrogant tone to intimidate the client. Such a tone and I walk away.
Seen it from doctors, coin stores, cheese stores, car dealers, etc. Interesting to see market research as to what brings in most money for a business.
buck460XVR
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- Feb 6, 2007
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- 10,079
I'm thinking for the most part, if the OP would have been offered $50 more than what he thought the gun was worth, he wouldn't have given a rat's behind of how stand-offish and rude the LGS owners were. I suspect the reason the owner was low-keyed and business like is probably because he knew what the OP's reaction was going to be when he got the price. It very well could have been the 10th gun that day he had to give a fair price on, only to be accused of insulting the gun's owner........and that is exactly what happened. It could also have been a more polite way to tell the OP that they really did not want to take his gun in trade as opposed to telling him outright, even if it did seem rude at the time. Back when I was running my own construction business, the hardest thing to deal with for me, was the reaction from folks when you gave them a bid or the bill on a time and materials job. Very seldom did folks think I was giving them the deal they thought they deserved, especially when they considered themselves my "friends". A common statement from folks I barely knew was "
.....and this is with the friend's discount?" Everyone is your friend when they want something from you, but business is business and even when done fairly, honestly and considerately, some folks get upset when it comes down to money.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
Risk is definitely a factor. The company I work for takes in used machinery for trades and we "lowball" it because the equipment we take in may need lots of work to make it ready for sale.
Even then, if the machine breaks down in the first few days or weeks after the sale, we have to fix it on our dime. When we sell something with a slim profit margin, we risk losing all profit from the sale in that situation. The cost of the labor and parts to get the machine going can be high enough on our end that we should have spent our time making money another way.
morcey2
Member
This. ^^^^
Whether your expectation was realistic or not, there's no reason for them to not at least attempt to be friendly. It's amazing how a smile or a friendly greeting can change the whole tenor of an conversation.
As LoneGoose said, cultivate relationships. I've got several pawn shops that I frequent where I can effectively name what I'll pay for guns and they take it most of the time. The know me and know that I'll always offer a fair price for both of us. If you find a LGS or pawn shop that has good customer service, refer your friends and family there.
If you want to sell a gun, there is no good reason to do it at a pawn shop and very rarely is it worthwhile to do it at a gun store. The exception is when the LGS is willing to sell it on consignment. Most of them around here will take anywhere between 15 and 25%, but it's still more than you'll get on a trade-in exchange.
Matt
blarby
Member
This ! So much this.
Find a good business, a local one, and put your money there so it stays there.
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Scooter22
Member
I don't think their offer was off base. From what I've seen in 40 years of gun collecting, gun shops buy very low and most owners/sellers think their gun is worth more than the actual value. Researcher all the online used gun auction sites on the selling price to get a true value of a firearm.
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